Professional boxer 'Slick' Willy Wise of Westbury has signed to fight former World Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Oct. 2 in Las Vegas. Wise called the upcoming fight a "dream come true," as well as "a dream worth waiting a long time for."

Wise, who is "32 years young," has been fighting for close to 10 years. In those 10 years, he has experienced many setbacks, including losses by decisions, and a missed opportunity to fight former World Champion Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker in 1997. When Whitaker tested positive on a routine drug test and the main event was cancelled, Wise lost his shot at the World Championship. "Believe it or not," Wise said, "that night I slept with the contract in my hand. I thought my dreams would come true in '97, but they closed the door."

According to veteran boxing trainer Tommy Molloy of the Westbury Police Activity League (PAL), Whitaker never re-signed the fight because "he knew he had gotten himself into hot water in the first place." But Molloy, who has worked with Wise since 1993, is too busy looking ahead to dwell on past disappointments. He forsees a "big win" for Wise in Las Vegas. "Chavez definitely did not make the 'Wise' choice," Malloy said.

"I am confident that I will beat Chavez because of my great speed," Wise said. "I throw combinations that other fighters wouldn't even dream of."

The 5'9 and-a-half inch, 146 lb. fighter has a record of 23 wins, six losses and four draws. He has fought in twelve different countries, including England, Scandanavia and South Africa. The majority of his losses, according to Molloy, have been split decisions. A victory over Chavez would put Wise in line for a shot at the World Boxing Association (WBA) title against James Paige.

Wise did not always know he wanted to be a fighter, although he was introduced to boxing at a young age. "My uncle would put the gloves on me when I brought home a bad grade from school." In this way, Wise was taught to vent his frustrations in a positive manner.

Wise is preparing for the upcoming fight by training six days a week at the Westbury Village Recreation Department. His fitness regimen includes 2,500 crunches upon waking at 4 a.m., and another 2,500 crunches to kick off his afternoon workout. His only regret is that his grandfather, who died of leukemia a couple of years ago, won't get to see him fight. "He was my biggest fan," Wise said, "as well as my biggest critic. Chavez was one of his favorite fighters. This fight is dedicated to him"

Additionally, Wise said, "I want to tell all the young kids that some dreams might take a bit longer to come true, but they do. I knew I would have a big fight some day, and it took a long time, but it is finally going to happen."

The fight will air on Showtime (channel 73) Oct. 2, at 9 p.m.

Follow-up coverage of the event will be reported in the Oct. 7 Sports Section of The Westbury Times.

For further information call Tommy Molloy at 867-3577.