Willie Pastrano Documentary - The Original Sweet Pea

[@AlamoCityCello]

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]

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

[@technomickdocumentalist2495]

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]

Thank you, TechnoMick

[@ExecutionerHopkins]

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.

[@gianca60]

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

[@martinburke11]

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.

[@petecamiolo4955]

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

[@jeffreyfreeman4843]

Ali’s favorite fighter. It’s a fact.

[@jimhattery4348]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Jim.

[@r-r8047]

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

[@leadbyexampleboxingandfitn2800]

Was thinking the same great observation

[@uncjim]

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]

Always a pleasure, uncjim.

[@bookiebrown7012e]

Classic fights

[@darnacb]

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]

Thanks, David. He definitely had charisma.

[@highlightoftheday7058]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Highlight.

[@Goawaykidyoubotherme]

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

[@nunestunes]

Finding a MST3K comment on boxing video made my day

[@johnnybiggunz1141]

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

[@jessearias2863]

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]

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

[@jessearias2863]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Jesse.

[@eazypeazy33]

Uncredited for Ali’s footwork and style..

[@dpimpernell4050]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Dpimpernell.

[@peelslowly28]

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

[@frankbommarito6142]

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

[@woflmanjoe642]

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 KZbin.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Wolfman Joe.

[@timcobos8954]

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

[@timcobos8954]

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

[@alvilla9659]

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

[@johnnybiggunz1141]

Don't we all😂😂

[@Fistoffury504]

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

[@MrMarco855]

His footwork and style remind me of Willie Pep.

[@grbbbc]

Brilliant observation.

[@MrT-ev4dq]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Mr T

[@brucekielty8180]

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

[@bakgammon]

Never will 😂

[@bookiebrown7012e]

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

[@yankee2666]

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.

[@acetofresh1]

It brought me real discomfort seeing a sports journalist refer to Harold Johnson as a “ lowly journeyman” in the biography of Floyd Patterson.

[@dklang]

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

[@patrickkirwan3353]

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]

Thanks, Patrick. Interesting that they showed his films.

[@1971lydia]

Boxing was a thing of beauty back then ,so skilled. Boxing these days are all about aggression, seek and destroy

[@RN_BSN_PHN]

*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]

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.

[@searching1029]

That’s whatsup Champ💪🏼

[@RN_BSN_PHN]

@@searching1029 Thank you Bro

[@ronaldlevao8251]

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

[@peterparsons7141]

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

[@philiplangerman7375]

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]

Thanks, Phillip. Agreed on Pastrano.

[@williamdavis1636]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

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

[@williamdavis1636]

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

[@leadbyexampleboxingandfitn2800]

He changes direction angles and throws a lot like willie pep

[@cashiusCon]

Once again Great Video

[@icewaterslim7260]

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.

[@SouthPawGuy1977]

Good story ! Sad

[@JMTrucking1417]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, John.

[@slybear525]

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]

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

[@cashiusCon]

Where Muhhamad Ali Got his style from

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Cash.

[@ezsmith3765]

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.

[@blackjaguarlord]

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

[@stefanmaslaczyk1259]

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

[@tomsmith522]

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 😢😮

[@Alderak1]

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?

[@cedricliggins7528]

11:32 Is that legendary announcer Chuck Hull?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, good catch.

[@cedricliggins7528]

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

[@Davidj-r8l]

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]

Thanks very much, David.

[@rafaelramirez1507]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Rafael.

[@tomquinn607]

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

[@MrGG1959]

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

[@giovannimarino7449]

Great content thanks boxing historian for keeping me updated

[@00tntprice]

Willie pep with power he was impressive and dedicated

[@yankee2666]

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

[@gilbertsanchez3277]

Sad story.

[@grbbbc]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, GR

[@bookiebrown7012e]

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

[@boxing888great5]

Can u pls do len wickwar documentary 🙏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

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.

[@mohamedabdelhalim8947]

Please make video on gersey goe Walcott

[@drummersagainstitk]

Thank you for all your work. It is important.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, drummersagainstitk.

[@americatalkliveLA]

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]

I appreciate that Rich, thank you.

[@willcardona7712]

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

[@bakgammon]

Not nearly enough power imo

[@yankee2666]

Stupid comment.

[@getsmart3701]

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]

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

[@hup358]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

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

[@diegoolguin4722]

0:17 🤔 🧐

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@2383Scorpio]

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]

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

[@2383Scorpio]

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

[@Davidj-r8l]

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

[@RobertMulhern-p7w]

Very sad!

[@yankee2666]

Go away.

[@joekulik999]

Thank You, Rich !!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Joe.

[@egopower2264]

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]

Thank you, egopower, will do.

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, abudujana.

[@towers950]

compulsive viewing Rich thank you buddy

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, Kim.

[@franksantucci3038]

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]

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]

​@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...

[@M.P.R.76-ch8rn]

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

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That's "Baker Street" by Duffmusiq

[@M.P.R.76-ch8rn]

@@RichtheFightHistorian appreciate it 🥊

[@Nada11488]

Thank you, Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Nada.

[@bookah8787]

I

[@bookah8787]

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

[@bookah8787]

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

[@bookah8787]

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

[@davidramirez4810]

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

[@Cunt982]

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