Harold Johnson vs Willie Pastrano Part 1

Light heavyweight champion Harold Johnson defends his title against the very capable challenger Willie Pastrano.
A closely contested bout between two boxing masters with contrasting styles, resulting in a controversial decision.
Rounds 1 & 2

[@lpslover320]

Wille is my grandpaw

[@53redcobra]

One of my favorite fights of all time...two great technical boxers..a shame that one of them had to lose the decision..but I think Willie did deserve it..just barely.

[@CoopyKat]

Willie Pastrano went in to acting, he was in "The Wild Rebels" (1967) - which would later appear on "Mystery Science Theatre 3000". He was pretty good in the role, he played the perfect tough crook!

[@frnesbit]

I don.t know who puts these fights on you tube but I thank you.I remember this fight.I had predicted Willie Pastrano to become the champion and he did.He was from New Orleans.I wonder where he is now???

[@cliftonwebb380]

young Ali use to study Willie and spar him in Miami

[@uncjim]

I saw this live..(yeah,. I'm that old). This was when we knew who the Champions were and title fights were a huge event.
The decision was the boxing controversy of the year. Being a big Willie fan, I was thrilled. Harold never got a rematch. FANTASTIC upload.

[@sgtwarden5020]

As a kid I had a soft spot in my heart for both of these terrific fighters. I didn't care who won. I liked them both.

[@MrBumboclart]

My man Sonny Liston

[@ronaldlevao8251]

Liston was supposed to fight Johnson at one point. There's an old Philadelphia gym photo of a poster advertising their bout. I forget why it was cancelled.

[@13ghappz]

@hearns00001 About Johnson stance, I was thinking the same thing, his legs are too close. Also before he moved forward, he would move his rear foot just behind his lead foot, then move his lead foot out. But he's a great fighter.

[@JasonPizzolato]

He passed away a few years ago......my Dad was a good friend of his.....R.I.P.

[@jesusapolicarpio-delacruz3851]

I WAS IN JR. HIGH~SCHOOL AT THE PRIZEFIGHTING PEAK of WILLIE PASTRANO, WHO HAPPENED TO BE A RELATIVE of OUR PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR;AS WELL As A RING REFEREE in the PHILIPPINES!!!

[@tonyaltano7992]

Pastrano is from New O., not Florida, Announcer, Sir.

[@Mowglieboy69]

Awesome upload.

[@sherrillraymond7595]

Look like Ali and Liston first fight

[@toledojack88]

lots of rabbit punching

[@MattWillEast]

Part 1 is super 😎. Just subscribed

[@DavidSilberg]

This was a terrible decision

[@yankee2666]

You obviously know nothing about scoring a boxing match.

[@53redcobra]

THANKS FOR THIS UPLOAD!!

[@วัชราผันนภานุกุล]

WBC.1962 -1963 .