We can all learn something from a boxer. Preparation, perseverance. And in the end, they create dramas, greater than any on paper. Another classic doc. Bravo Rich!

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, John. I agree on what you're saying about learning from fighters.

Thank you for this. I used to talk to Willie every day when he called for a cab from his favorite watering hole on Jefferson Highway. He was a genuine old school New Orleans character, and a great fighter.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, David. He definitely had charisma.

Pastrano was one of the great underrated fighters of his time. Got to admire the way he fought and lived. Gone too soon.

That was another really good one Rich, your still teaching and I’m still learning, and for that I thank you once again. Still the BEST boxing history channel by far. 💯 Take care man . 🙏 ✊🙏

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, TechnoMick

Willie was one of my favorite fighters..loved his Will O the Wisp style. I became aware of him through his trilogy with Wayne Thornton and his fights with Gregorio Peralta..all on free TV, including his title win over Harold Johnson. I wanted Willie to win, but in my heart felt he lost. I had no idea of his life after boxing, only that he died relatively young. What a sad, too often told story. Thanks for this Rich.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Always a pleasure, uncjim.

@bookiebrown7012e

3 ай бұрын

Classic fights

Wow, he shifts and switches like Willie Pep. Great video.

@leadbyexampleboxingandfitn2800

2 ай бұрын

Was thinking the same great observation

You capture the souls of these warriors. Thanks, Rich!

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, Jim.

Willie would always tell me, "Don't let 'em hit you. Ya see this?", holding up his left fist, "This is all you need." And then he'd raise his cupped right hand and say, "The only thing this is good for is blocking punches and waving at the broads." Rest in peace, champion.

Love it rich, the best part is seeing a much younger chuck Hull as the announcer. Great fight footage as always. Keep it up. 😊

@paulzappulla9770

3 ай бұрын

Chuck hull the greatest ring announcer of all time for me, they can keep that corny michael buffer.

@jessearias2863

3 ай бұрын

@@paulzappulla9770 that has always been my opinion as well.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Jesse.

You've got a good voice for these documentaries. Good production. Thank you for sharing.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Highlight.

At last a Pastrano doc. Great fighter highly regarded by Dundee himself. Thanks

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Sure thing, Dpimpernell.

Willie was the first of my favorite fighters as a kid. This post is much appreciated.Harold Johnson had traded wins with the likes of Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles. Harold was one of the undersung great fighters in the division. Willie had the style to spoil Harold's punching game.

This is who ali learned his footwork from in miami. I think if i remember correctly whitey esnault had a few fighters from new orleans who all fought like this. Ralph dupas was another one of them. When they came to miami to be managed by angelo dundee muhammad ali emulated their style.

Thanks for bringing this great fighter back to our attention. Too many are easily forgotten. Cheers Rich 👊

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, Mr T

Wow is that the famous Las Vegas ring announcer Chuck Hull?

Rich , these are FANTASTIC documentaries !! We definitely need 1 on The Fargo Express , Billy Petrolle

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, William. I'll add in Petrolle.

@williamdavis1636

3 ай бұрын

@@RichtheFightHistorian i am DEFINITELY looking foward to it , Rich !! Awesome, awesome research, by you

Another Ace! I always learn something I didn't know, watching your docs. I had no idea Willie was a last-minute replacement against Johnson....and...that he started out as a pudgy kid trying to lose weight. He was so slick and light on his feet; very graceful in the ring and fluid. Hat that he had the troubles he did; but glad you told that part too. As always, I really appreciate your channel. Best boxing channel on KZread.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, Wolfman Joe.

Rest in peace Willie, New Orleans will never forget you.

Great video rich! My father told me that schools in Wales used to show the pupils films of pastrano and joe erskine. It was for educational purposes.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Patrick. Interesting that they showed his films.

Great opening quote, followed by an avalanche of great detail and narrative

Another great job Rich. Its too bad Willie did not enjoy his retirement and have the pride and sense of accomplishment he deserved. After all once a champ always a champ.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Phillip. Agreed on Pastrano.

Pastrano vs. Torres. Dundee vs. D'Amato.

Rich ! Your workin like an automaton !! Thnx for all the great looks at alotta “ not so famous” fighters. Great work champ

@RichtheFightHistorian

Ай бұрын

Hey thanks, John.

*Boxing taught me so much about life and the challenges I would encounter later. I had 46 amateur fights between 14-28 years old. I went thru two marriages and fought to see my children in court (winning). My ex-wife had told me, "You will never amount to anything". So, I returned to school. While working 32 hours per week to support my 3 kids. I did this for 10 years, and earned Bachelors in Nursing at California State University. All the while..thinking about how I prevailed boxing challenges. Which assisted myself with academic challenges, financial sacrifice, and ultimate heartache-lonliness. Never the less, I made it. Straight to the top. Where the air is fresh n' clean. I'm Charge Nurse in ER now. I almost fell a couple of times. My boxing brought me up from the canvas for comeback KO. Guess I had the last laugh over heartache*

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I used to work in an ER, most of the nurses I worked with were the salt of the earth.

@smmlf676

3 ай бұрын

That’s whatsup Champ💪🏼

@RN_BSN_PHN

3 ай бұрын

@@smmlf676 Thank you Bro

So far one of my favorite videos , thank you Dr.Rich 👍

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Sure thing, Rafael.

Once again Great Video

Great content thanks boxing historian for keeping me updated

Great documentary on Willie Pastrano who box like the other Willie in Willie Pep the former World Featherweight Champion and indeed Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker. Pastrano could jab very fast when he box in the ring along with his speedy footwork. Great job and keep it up Rich.

@RichtheFightHistorian

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Scorpio. Pastrano was very similar to Pep in particular, yes.

@2383Scorpio

2 ай бұрын

@@RichtheFightHistorian You're welcome Rich my man and Pastrano was the bigger Willie than Pep.

I have never talked to anyone who ever thought Pastrano beat the talented Harold Johnson.

@onlyrog5

3 ай бұрын

Never will 😂

@bookiebrown7012e

3 ай бұрын

I think he did I'm from new Orleans wht u expect

@yankee2666

3 ай бұрын

You've never spoken to me. What you're saying is you've never spoken to anyone who knows how to score a fight. Johnson never had command of the fight...a huge part of the scoring.

Thanks for the video Rich

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, John.

Another great one rich,thank you.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, Stoner.

Thank you for all your work. It is important.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, drummersagainstitk.

Rich your videos are truly in a class of their own. Best content on KZread, eternally grateful.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, GR

Rich (my name-sake) I absolutely love your channel and share your vids with my childhood friend, a retired Philly Golden Gloves feather-weight champ. Great content.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

I appreciate that Rich, thank you.

"I like breakfast in bed" 😅 I love it.

@johnnybiggunz1141

Ай бұрын

Don't we all😂😂

Willie pep with power he was impressive and dedicated

Ali’s favorite fighter. It’s a fact.

Thanks again, Rich. Another excellent video. I always felt that Pastrano's style influenced Ali. his jab and footwork were beautiful. He seemed to have doubts about his own ability, but he was a very sound fighter. Sad ending for someone who had so much ability.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Sly. Yeah, Pastrano was technically sound but he didn't like boxing very much.

His footwork and style remind me of Willie Pep.

@grbbbc

3 ай бұрын

Brilliant observation.

The Wild Rebels is so bad it's good especially the MST3K treatment

@nunestunes

3 ай бұрын

Finding a MST3K comment on boxing video made my day

@johnnybiggunz1141

Ай бұрын

Damn, I'm a big MST3k fan and boxing fan. I have to look for that episode.👍👍

Im born an raised in new Orleans LA hes one our greats

When I was a kid in the sixties Willie Pastrano was my favorite fighter...l was really sad when he got stopped by Jose Torres 😢😮

Whitey was one of the top trainers of his day, and the majority of his fighters were known for their great footwork.

I'm not even 2 minutes into this video but I gotta say your vids are the best none of these boxing vids come close

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks very much, David.

Good story ! Sad

Thank You, Rich !!!

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, Joe.

Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure, abudujana.

That's right glad to learn about this warrior .he had some great opponent.dont forget these brave men out it all on the line

Thank you, Rich.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Sure thing, Nada.

You can really see the influence from Dundee that would later be passed down to Muhammad Ali.

@frankbommarito6142

3 ай бұрын

He fought like that before Dundee. Ali learned from Pep.

WOW 😮 GREAT STORY 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🔥🔥🔥🔥👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🍾🍾🍾🏆🏆💥💥💯💯💯🏅🏅🥉🥉💪🏾💪🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✌️✌️✌️✌️🤌🤌🤌🤌ALL THESE BOXERS LIFE STORIES DEFINITELY COULD BE A MOVIE 💥💯✌️🔥🍿 ESPECIALLY JOHNNY TAPIA DOCUMENTARY 👍🏾✌🏾👌🏾😮 CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE. KEEP EM COMING NARRATOR 🏆🍾🥈🥉🏅🔥👌

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, egopower, will do.

He changes direction angles and throws a lot like willie pep

compulsive viewing Rich thank you buddy

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Always a pleasure, Kim.

Great documentary. Can you do one on Sam Langford next please? Keep up the great work.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thank you. Not sure when I'll get to Langford but he's on the docket.

Another great video Rich, I've enjoyed all of them that I've seen. Keep up the good work. One little problem, on the thumbnail it says the story of Willie the wisp ? There was only one Will o the wisp, Willie Pep. must admit though, the two fighters sure had very similar styles, so I guess it's alright... LOL

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, Frank. Correct, Pep was 'Will o' the Wisp' but one of Pastrano's nicknames was "Willie The Wisp" which was the title of his biography.

@franksantucci3038

3 ай бұрын

​@RichtheFightHistorian No Rich, thank you. I never knew that, I learned something new today, thanks. I guess it's only fitting, as Willie duplicated Willie almost to a T. Can understand why they came up with the play on monikers... I also didn't realize how good Pastrano really was...

Willie was beat in non title match by Wayne Thornton, who was managed by my cousin Pat Defuria.

@timcobos8954

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the likes guys. My cousin Pat also managed heavyweight contender Mac Foster. Not to be confused with the light heavy Bob Foster.

Brilliant video Rich, this was one of your best. When I was growing up Willie was the first boxer that, regardless of how little I knew of his story or how infrequently I had heard him speak, he never failed to come across as a monumental a#%hole (I know you were thinking I would say something nice). He seemed to wear his arrogance, unprofessionalism and immaturity like a badge of honor in every interview and I could never like him no matter that I liked his ring style. On his night though he could box...his "win" over Harold Johnson was no joke as that man was a proper man and a straight up warrior and if you weren't real good you didn't even come close to beating him.

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Interesting. I'll saw an interview with him when he was older and thought he had a sharp wit.

Please make video on gersey goe Walcott

Another sweet science exclusive!! I also like the smooth tune in the beginning what’s the name of that artist or song title 🥊

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

That's "Baker Street" by Duffmusiq

@M.P.R.76-ch8rn

3 ай бұрын

@@RichtheFightHistorian appreciate it 🥊

Watching Willie, and knowing he was trained by Dunde… I can see some things that Ali did ?

Sad story.

How does he land that check hook, the 2nd punch he throws in the Al Andrews clip??? It looks impossible, is there some missing frames or something?

Uncredited for Ali’s footwork and style..

Can u pls do len wickwar documentary 🙏

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

I can't, no. Unfortunately, his footage is owned by British Pathe. They will file a strike, had to take down my Tony Galento documentary because of them.

You should've played New Orleans jazz for the intro. And, it was "Sweet PETE."

The first Minute... Same with Grappling, Wrestling and MMA but with the cauliflower ears. They are a badge of honor. Like the flat noses of the old Boxers he mentions. Things you don’t acquire from watching from the sidelines.

Great fight against Johnson. Both great boxers throwing bombs. But was the decision right ?

Probably Brian London’s best win was stopping Willie Pastrano on cuts in the 7th round.

11:32 Is that legendary announcer Chuck Hull?

@RichtheFightHistorian

3 ай бұрын

Yes, good catch.

@cedricliggins7528

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Rich. Your boxing documentaries just get better and better.

Very sad!

@yankee2666

3 ай бұрын

Go away.

"Hey champ ! Get me some chips." Willie should have given him a chip on every one of his big mouth teeth.

Where Muhhamad Ali Got his style from

@RichtheFightHistorian

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, Cash.

0:17 🤔 🧐

“The very popular, Salvador San-chez!” - Chuck Hull.

I

@bookah8787

3 ай бұрын

I don't think I've ever seen footage of this guy until now, nice one Richie mate 👊

@bookah8787

3 ай бұрын

Doing the wibble wobble but not going down tough as old boots .

@bookah8787

3 ай бұрын

Sad ending that happened to another of my brother's this morning liver kidney failure just shut down 56 , only 3 of us left on our fardas side r.i.p

He had the skill of a champion but lacked the heart of one.

@onlyrog5

3 ай бұрын

Not nearly enough power imo

@yankee2666

3 ай бұрын

Stupid comment.

He may have been the greatest boxer of all time, but he punched like a little girl.

Would like to see you do one on Ricardo Finito Lopez someday.