FEATURE/The Remarkable Story of Willie Pastrano, Former New Orleans' Light-Heavyweight Champion of the World, is Told in Pete Billac's New Book, "Willie the Wisp"

Business Wire, August 24, 1998

--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--

In the 1950's and 60's when the "sweet science" of boxing was a savage, brutal, rough and tumble, sock 'em, mug 'em, knock-'em-out sport, along came a kid who was a magician with his hands and a ballet dancer with his feet; a master boxer, a gladiator with a polished defensive technique. His name was Willie Pastrano, known in boxing circles as "Willie the Wisp" because he would come in with a left jab - or two, or three - sting his adversary, and then seemingly vanish, ending up to either side or behind them. He was a boxer, not a slugger, and he simply wore down his opponents.

Tagged the "Errol Flynn" of boxing, Willie's charm was as profound as his boxing ability. He ran the gamut of hard times: born into poverty, stricken with asthma as a child, weighing over 200 pounds as a 12-year-old, taunted and laughed at by classmates, then thrown into the boxing arena at 14 years old to fight men.

It's a remarkable story. It's Willie's story, told mostly in Willie's words, and one you'll not soon forget. Yes, Willie the Wisp was one of a kind.

Best selling author Pete Billac researched this story form hundreds of newspaper clippings, numerous magazine articles, interviews with Willie's friends, and from taped and personal int "Willie the Wisp" was done as a tribute to theough Prestige Publications in New Orleans at 504/831-4030, or through Hervey's Booklink in Dallas at 214/221-2711 or through bookstores. ISBN No.1-888224-02-9. Paperback, $14.95 plus shipping and handling.

    CONTACT:  Prestige Publications
               Yvette Garsaud Harper, 504/831-4030