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Willie Pastrano (b. November 27, 1935, d.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
England|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.