59 years ago

Date: 30th March 1965

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Title: WBC & WBA World Light-heavyweight Titles

Promoter: Bonny Geigerman

Willie Pastrano
( 62 - 12 - 8 )
Weight: 174½ lbs

Jose Torres
( 34 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 171¼ lbs

On the night of 30th March 1965, the hallowed grounds of Madison Square Garden in New York bore witness to the contest for the WBC & WBA World Light-heavyweight Titles, with the confident Willie Pastrano making his third defense against the fiery challenger, José Torres.

Willie Pastrano, hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, entered the ring with an impressive record of 62 wins, 12 losses, and 8 draws. Weighing in at 174½ lbs, the seasoned fighter was no stranger to the pressures of defending a title. Across the canvas stood José Torres, the prodigious talent from Ponce, Puerto Rico, boasting a record of 34 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, and tipping the scales at 171¼ lbs.

The Garden, known for hosting numerous iconic bouts over the years, was packed to the rafters. An astounding crowd of 18,112 attendees, setting a then-record gate of $239,556, surpassed the previous mark established by the Joe Louis vs. Jersey Joe Walcott bout in 1947.

The action in the ring was intense from the opening bell. Pastrano, with his slick style and nimble footwork, tried to keep Torres at bay. However, the Puerto Rican sensation was relentless in his pursuit. The bout saw a turning point in the sixth round when Torres, with a well-timed punch, sent Pastrano crashing to the canvas. The fall was indicative of Torres' growing dominance in the bout.

Yet, Pastrano was no pushover. The champion showcased his heart and resilience, battling on despite the knockdown. But as the rounds progressed, Torres' power and precision became increasingly evident. Referee Johnny LoBianco, recognizing Pastrano's deteriorating state and Torres' dominance, made a decisive call. Between the 9th and 10th rounds, he halted the bout, declaring Torres the new WBC & WBA World Light-heavyweight Champion.

Behind the scenes, the financial stakes of the bout were massive. Pastrano, the defending champion, pocketed a guaranteed $100,000, with an additional 30 percent of the gate and theater television earnings. In contrast, Torres, the night's star, took home a flat fee of $10,000. A sum that, considering his stellar performance, seemed rather modest.

The bout had repercussions that extended beyond the night. For Pastrano, this clash against Torres would be his last dance in the ring. Despite his commendable record and the heart he showcased, the loss signalled the end of an era for the fighter from New Orleans.

For Torres, the victory was more than just a title win. It was a statement, a declaration of his arrival on the world stage. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Torres' win was a beacon of hope and pride for his compatriots and further cemented his place as one of the boxing greats.