you hit the nail squarely on the head LR...that's my veiw too...and nobody outside of maybe Ali and Pep could move as fast as Pastrano..move and jab all night long...the classic way to beat Tiger..but with a caveat..you had to have a chin.
Have to agree that Pastrano would take a decision over Dick Tiger...but would add one comment. Recently watched the first Tiger/Torres fight, and what stood out was that Tiger really mixed up his attack well, and fought a majority of the bout with movement and boxing at range. Something that seemed out of character, but he fought that way and did it well...Tiger was a very versatile fighter. He also demonstrated decent speed and a high workrate at light heavy. Tiger possess the strength to give Pastrano trouble on the inside in spite of being smaller, and would give Pastrano some trouble with pace. I would pick Pastrano...but he would not win going away. Closer than you think IMO.
I'm not sure I'd say Pastrano was a tougher version of Giardello, since Giardello, for all his flaws was about tough as they came. But I cosign the statement and the opinion that Pastrano easily outpoints Tiger.
By"tougher", I think Red is alluding to the fact that Willie was never decked until his last fight with Torres., who accomplished the feat with a body punch. Willie was never decked by a head shot. This could be partly credited to Pastrano's elusiveness,but since he lost his fair share as well, so that has to indicate ruggedness.
Willie, ala the Johnson fight, would look great vs Tiger. it would have been a clear decision victory for him. When Pastrano didn't want to be hit, you couldn't hit him with a handful of rice...and that jab would have been like magic.
Got to agree with you all that Pastrano would probably win a decision,About 4inches taller,longer reach,naturally bigger but quicker afoot.Beat a lot of heavies also.Past it when he lost to Torres.Granite chin.The only way he loses is if its an off night,which I think he had occasionally.
true but johnson was able to get some great work done inside and timed willie in the second half. just don't see tiger doing the same
Pastrano-Johnson was as close as a razor..brilliant and underrated fight IMO. Great exhibition of class and skill from both of them. I'm with you regarding tiger..as great as he was, he wouldn't have made the fight close. I guess it was a matter of styles here.
