Athletes - Willie Pastrano

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	Athletes - Willie Pastrano

Willie Pastrano (November 27, 1935—December 6, 1997) was a lightheavyweight boxer who held the world crown from 1963 until 1965. Pastrano began his career at the age of 16. He fought many heavyweights and outpointed heavyweight contenders Rex Layne, Brian London and Tom McNeeley.

The talented Pastrano won the lightheavyweight championship when he outpointed the great Harold Johnson on a close 15 round decision. He successfully defended his crown by stopping Gregorio Peralta of Argentina on a TKO, and by coming back from a certain defeat on points to KO English challenger Terry Downes in 11 rounds in Manchester, England. Pastrano lost his crown when he was TKOed by Jose Torres in 10 rounds. In the Torres fight, Pastrano was knocked down for the only time in his career by a powerful left hook to the kidney. Pastrano retired after that match and never fought again.

Managed by the legendary Angelo Dundee, Pastrano was a smooth, quick boxer with a great left hand. He was a stablemate of Cassius Clay and often sparred with the future champion early in Clay's career. His talent was dissipated by his aversion to training and a fondness for partying and carousing. Nevertheless, he defeated most of the lightheavyweight challengers of his generation. He also outpointed former lightheavyweight champion Joey Maxim, and boxed a draw with the legendary Archie Moore. He retired with a record of 63 wins (14 by KO), 13 losses and 8 draws.

His life after boxing was marred by drug addiction.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Willie Pastrano ]

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