FEATURES - The Wrestling Archive
Transcription
FEATURES - The Wrestling Archive
THE SEPTEMBER 1961 SPECIAL FEATURES AMERICA'S NEW WORLD CHAMPION GWYNN DAVIES ROUND THE AMATEUR WORLD BILLY TWO RIVERS OFFICIAL MONTHLY OF THE EUROPEAN WRESTLING ALLIANCE AMATEUR WRESTLING IS PEOPLED BY WONDERFUL THEIR LIVES TO THE TEACHING OF THE SPORT They are dedicated to wrestling, and we who believe in our great sporting prestige are proud of these men who give up every leisure moment to teach Young England the world's oldest competitive sport. These instructors should get a medal for their efforts. MEN WHO GIVE lasses practising Judo, but poor .old wrestling rarely reaches the columns of the National Press. Fleet Street's sports editors should send their reporters along sometime to the many amateur wrestling clubs and record just how many young Englishmen are busy training. Professional promoters, in their search for new stars, annually comb the amateur ranks for top-class talent. But not all amateurs want to become professionals. For various reasons many of them stick to their amateur status. Since the end of World War II, many a youngster has learnt the "ropes" of simon-pure wrestling, and, upon achieving success, has immediately traded his amateur status for professionalism. Some-like John da Silva, the Maori competitor of the 1958 Commonwealth Games, as well as deaf and dumb Harry Kendall, who carried England's colours at the same time-have attained top billing in English professional wrestling. More recently, handsome young Alan Buttshis home is in Birmingham-turne d to the monied ranks. In the last Olympic Games, boyish Alan was a member of the England team which competed in Rome. Yet, once again, Fleet Street treats them as badly as it treats professional wrestling. My evening newspaper often contains pictures depicting some "THE WRESTLER,, SCOOPS THE FIELD The sporting success of their "star" pupils must give a certain amount of satisfaction to those dedicated men of amateur wrestling to whom England and the professional wrestling sport owe so much. THE EDITOR. Our October issue will include: THEY CHALLENGE CHAMPION DEMPSEY "THE WRESTLER" - first with the news as usual-was the first wrestling publication in Europe to give the result of the Buddy Rogers v. Pat O'Connor clash for the world heavyweight crown which Rogers won. A TOPIC oF CONTROVERSY "GORGEOUS" TERRY GARVIN- A Profile MEAN, MOODY AND MAGNIFICENT THE AMERICAN MAT SCENE COMMONWEALTH CHALLENGERS TIBOR SZAKACS- Wrestler Of the Month Proudly We Lead - Others Follow! DESIGNED, PRINTED and PUBLISHED BY " THE WRESTLER ", LTD . DAVIGDOR HOUSE , HOVE, SUSSEX . Trade Agents-HORACE MA RSHALL & SON LTD., Temple House, Tallis Street, London, E.C.4. Whilst every care has been ta k en in the preparation of t his publication the P ublishers do not ho ld themselves responsi ble for any errors or inaccuracies t hat may occur . OFFICIAL MONTHLY OF EUROPEAN THE WRESTLIN G ALLIANCE Editor: CHARLES MASCA LL A ssociate Editor: BOB ANDREWS Page Editorial Comment 2 Open Letter from Ernie Baldwin 4 America 's New World Champion 5 * Louis Holbeck reports from Paris 6 A dvertisement Manager: Wrestle r of the Month- Gordon Nelson 7 REG. M. CHANDLER 8 and 9 Profile of Ge r ry de Jager Ringside Gossip 10 Bob Andrews talks to Billy Two Rivers . 11 Truth is stranger than Fiction! 12 Ian Campbell the Scottish heavyweight 13 (Rate Card and details supplied on application). * Regular Contributors: 14 and 15 The Mighty Ame r ican Team Now is the time for International Rules . 17 ANDREW RYAN The background story of Gwynn Davies 18 LOUIS HOLBECK Round the Amateur World 19 BARRY CHRISTOPHER They st and by for the Invasion! Champion of the Future! 23 World Championship Ratings 24 Where t o see W r estling R. A . PLUMMER 20 and 21 PETE W . WARREN BOB ANDREWS CONRAD DUFFY 25 and 27 Front Cover: Our cameraman catches Alan Dennison, Yorkshire's physical culturist from Denholme, as he sails through the air. He is gripping the ankle of Alan Colbeck (Wakefield), holder of the European welterweight title EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS will be received for consideration, providing such items (articles or photographs) are accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope. No responsibility will be accepted for the return of contributors' manuscripts or photographs if this condition is not observed. The Editor cannot accept responsibility for loss or injury during transit. SEPTEMBE R, 1961 VOLUME 1. No. 4 An open all My daily paper reads, "Hottest day of the year in Leeds," and yet, while I have little to do, I feel I am not making the most of it. Whilst I really believe in making the most of all of the time and look round to find jobs to do, I cannot move so very far owing to the fact that my left leg is in plaster of Paris bandage. You see, I broke my leg below the knee whilst wrestling at Newcastle. After leading a very active life one finds it hard to pass the time, and when you feel you are getting a bit stronger you are tempted to move yourself.To all you fans who have sent good wishes and get well messages I say many thanks and assure you I am doing my best under doctor's orders. To those who ask "Is this the end?" I can only say I hope not, and when I am able to move fully to see how the leg responds then I will be able to give you a better answer. To those who ask "Do you have regrets?" I can only say "Certainly not!" After all wrestling is a hard sport, but I have always enjoyed it since first starting to wrestle as a boy of 13 years. "How and where did you start?" is a very common question. "What made you take up wrestling?" "How tall were you?" "What did you weigh?" Yes, dozens of questions! "Have you been abroad?" "Who did you wrestle abroad?" Well, here goes .. . Yes, I was 13 years old when I became interested in the sport. In our small community at Morley- Tingley, actually-we had amongst us a famous personalitr, Mr. Henry Inman. He was a former Olympic wrestler and therefore a great inspiration to the lads of our village. A great tutor, he would spend hours teaching, showing, perfecting holds, counters and cross counters. Page 4 FROM FORMER BRITISH HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ERNIE BALDWIN l Wrest Plenty of keen yet friendly competition, weights, exercise, wrestling, interchanging of opponents in the gym, this enabled us to make good progress. After a spell as an amateur. I was given an opportunity to turn professional which, after careful consideration, I decided to take. By and large, wrestling and keeping fit is not always nose to grindstone; you do have some amusing incidents. For instance, years ago many of you ardent fans will remember that very well-known or I might say famous, athlete Douglas Clark. Northern sportsmen idolised him - runner, rugby player, wrestler. Do you remember Clark being challenged for the British Heavyweight Championship he then held, by George Gregory, of Bolton'! Clark was training for the event at Leeds and tried to keep this secret but we received information of this spot and decided to offer our services to him in the form of sparring partners, advisors, or any other form of help. When we arrived at the gym (by the way we were total strangers to him) he thought we were spies from Gregory's camp in Lancashire and told us so in no uncertain manner! After a long discussion we persuaded Douglas who we were and invited him to pay a visit to our gym as he passed on his way to Leeds. So impressed was he after his first visit, Douglas came regularly to our training quarters, whereupon all the Yorkshire boys ralhed round to give Clark full support. Valuable experience was gained here which has proved itself in later years. In 1945 an open tournament was run at Blackburn to establish a heavyweight champion of Great Britain. I was runner up to Bert Assirati. Later I won this title held under the Lord Mountevans' rules-the year 1952. Whilst one thinks after gaining championship honours, "Well, at last I have done it!" there is no real reason for complacency, believe me. Having achieved top rank one must really be more on his toes to accept any worthy opponent. (Cont i nued on Page 26) AMERICA'S NEW WORLD CHAMPION According to the Americans, Buddy Rogers, the blond dynamo of the mat world, became the king of the world's heavyweights by defeating New Zealand's Pat O'Connor. Those who know him sum him up as being the roughest, toughest Champion of Wrestling since the days of Ed "Strangler" Lewis, the greatest mat monarch America ever produced. * * * * * * ONE OF THE biggest attendances in modern wrestling history was on hand in Chicago recently to watch the non-stop blond-haired Buddy Rogers reach the pinnacle of a 14-yearold career by defeating Pat O'Connor, New Zealand's scientific ring general. Reports say that between 40,000 and 45,000 people packed to near capacity the massive Comiskey Park in Chicago to watch the former Camden, New Jersey, life-guard and body builder win the most coveted honour in world wrestling. Nothing about Buddy Rogers is orthodox! In appearance he is a typical modern-day American professional wrestler. When seen in California a few years ago at the start of his colourful mat career, his ring gowns were reported to have cost him in the neighbourhood of 900 dollars, and instead of a second he had his famous slave girl. Buddy Rogers has come up the wrestling ladder the hard way-fighting all the time. Formerly a policeman, a life-guard, a man with a most impressive muscular physique, he has wrestled every known heavyweight throughout the United States and Canada. Although Buddy Rogers started his life in humble circumstances, to-day he lives on a farm in Ohio which he has established out of his ring earnings. And in deftnse of his mat crown he flies back and forth across the American continent. One of the first contests after his victory over O'Connor was in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he faced the Chinese wrestler P. Y. Chong in one of the most sensational contests that the American kingpin has ever taken part. A few months ago, Promoter Arthur Green, of Leeds, on a tour of the United States looking for top talent, asked Rogers if he would like to wrestle in England. Rogers said he certainly would. Now that Buddy Rogers has been crowned the world champion, will he come here? There is no doubt that defenses of his world title in America will keep him very busy for months to come. But it is known that Rogers wants to spend some time in Europe and he may well fly in for a few weeks. Page 5 Louis Holbeck reports from Paris Wrestling reports from the capitals of Europe have been reaching this desk during the past month. FRANCE Holidaying in this country has been the French light-heavyweight Jean Morandi, who comes from St. Liseux. In past years Morandi has been an entrant in tournaments ranging from Belgium to Corsica. Formerly a paratrooper under General de Gaulle, Jean, I understand, is very popular in England, where nowadays he does most of his wrestling. GERMANY Throughout Germany, Gustl Kaiser, once a great wrestler himself, has turned his mat experience towards promoting some very successful tournaments this summer, as English visitors to Germany will report. Canadian Gordon Nelson, who likes to do a spot of globe-trotting, has been among the competitors. AUSTRIA In Vienna, where the 1961 All-Nations' Tournament has been in progress, the names of a number of well-known wrestlers are listed in the entries. Among the entrants, as we go to Press, are Ivar Paul Martinsen, of Denmark, former heavyweight champion of Europe and a one-time conqueror of Bert Assirati; Eric Koltschak, the blond star from Berlin; Ricki Waldo, rugged American negro heavyweight; Franz Orlik, popular Austrian heavyweight; Liano di Santo, the Roman gladiator; gigantic Felix Miquet, of France, another former E uropean champion; Elie Azzie David, of T unisia; George Nutthall, of England; and mighty shaven-headed Kurt Stein, of Berlin. Other news from Vienna says that Erich Koltschak and Liano di Santo, of Italy, will be going to England during the next few weeks. Ricki Waldo, the American negro, tells me he is looking Page 6 forward to his first visit to England sometime in October. Having seen this American coloured star in action, English heavyweights seem destined for a rough ring passage! Waldo is a typical tough American wrestler possessing all the little ring "dodges" so common in the United States. GREECE News from Athens tells of capacity audiences watching the professional tournaments. Andreas Lambrakis, the bearded Greek heavyweight who came back from Australia with a number of new ring tactics, is ready to wrestle any foreign star who cares to visit the ancient home of Graeco-Roman wrestling. Promoter Alex Goldstein, the enterprising French impresario, flew back from a conference in London to plan his winter season at the Palais des Sports and the Cirque d'Hiver, Paris. He told me that whilst in London he had arranged for appearances i n France this winter of such stars as Baron Ladislaus von Heczey and Tibor Szakacs, of Hungary; Spencer Churchill, the English physical culturist; Tony Charles, of Wales; and the Polish heavyweight Johnny Czeslaw. Add to these the American heavyweights already contracted and French fans seem assured of seeing some great contests under the Goldstein banner. SPAIN Two South American stars, who have been big "names" in Spanish rings during the summer months are a colourful-looking personality named Gomez Maximillano, of Peru, and Mexican Tomas Riando. Both are currently on a tour of Europe and will then be going over to England, so I have been told. Along with the giant Mongolian Ghengkis Khan, they should provide plenty of colour for the English ringside patrons. THE WRESTLER CHOOSES THE WRESTLER OF THE MONTH OF CANADA NELSON has been GORDON Canadian described on posters as the "Powerhouse", and a look at him will certainly confirm this. Behind him is one of the most brilliant amateur wrestling careers in all of Canada's He ended his simon-pure ring history. career in 1956 with the winning of the Canadian amateur heavyweight title. NATIVE SON of St. Boniface, Manitoba, burly, thickset Nelson is a born wrestling technician. Comparatively young as heavyweight wrestlers go Nelson, with less than five years of pro barnstorming behind him, can rightly claim that he has opposed the top heavyweights in Europe whilst he has been here. Fans have watched him face Ski Hi Lee, the mammoth Texan; Georges Gordienko, Canada's world title challenger; Primo Camera, of Italy; and the coloured giant Ray Apollon, of Trinidad, in some famous exhibitions of wrestling skill, ably opposing the gigantic strength of his more famous adversaries. Like his fellow Canadian Gordienko, Nelson backs up his technical knowledge with plenty of strength and bodily muscular power. Some fans will no doubt remember his now historic contest with Gordienko in which a mighty elbow slam closed the Nelson eye, making him look like the famous sea-dog. Gordon would have gone on fighting, but the referee nimbly stepped in and stopped the contest. Medical advice sent the protesting Nelson to hospital. Nelson, who has used his amateur grappling skill to great advantage in the professional ring, has a fondness for leg holds of every description. His favourite finishing hold submission is an inside leg grapevine and body stretch which our American cousins have nicknamed the "Cobra Hold." But the late "Farmer" Burns, the American professor of grappling, would have loved Nelson for the manner in which he applies the "Burns' Toe Hold" and his masterful wizardry with other leg holds. Many technically-minded wrestlers are often simply that. They prefer to win by sheer brilliant skill. But not Gordon Nelson. As he says, he goes into the ring to winnever mind how. To him victories, as they were when he was an amateur, are most important to his record. Pag e 7 A PROF ILE OF OF SOUT H AFRIC A South Africans must be sorry to lose him every time he goes off on one of his world tours, but Gerhardt de Jager must have feet that have been dusted with "wander-powder" because he never stays long in any one place. Gerry- as he is known to all who watch the sport of wrestling here-is renowned as one of the most proficient "drop-kick" specialists of modem times. It seems Gerry spends most of the contest hurling himself through the air, feet first, at his opponent. How he manages to execute such a move so beautifully must remain one of Gerry's wrestling secrets. It must be all of 25 years ago-as the calendar years fly by-since the flying "drop-kick" was first discovered. To Giuseppi Savoldi, a former University of Notre Dame graduate and an American grid-iron star of some repute, goes the distinction and honour for bringing this hold into the international textbooks of wrestling. Savoldi-later to become known as "Jumping Joe"-was an American with an Italian background. Although he is listed as the inventor of this weapon of attack he had nothing on the modern-day Marco Polo from Johannesburg, South Africa- a city Gerry de Jager gives as his home base. Springbok de Jager tells me he has not by any means finished his travelling. He wants to spend awhile here and then go on to the United States and Canada. In fact he wants to spend the next 10 years journeying aboµt the world in the pursuance of his professional wrestling career. The grappling achievements this young South African has already piled up include contests against Ski Hi Lee, the mammoth Texan, and the "top echelon" of the countries he has visited like Spain, Germany, France and Belgium. With such a promising record against his name it should prove an "open sesame" to appear on wrestling programmes anywhere in the universe. R arely does even the most skilful interviewer learn much about Gerhardt de Jager. Quiet and modest in his ways-mild for the competent ring craftsman that he has become- he rarely talks about himself. His likes and dislikes about music and horses are generally known, but what of the man himself? Gerry de Jager, in his late 20s, is a virile and agile young athlete as well as an accomplished linguist. In his youthful background is the story of a life spent in the open-air on his father's farm in F icksburg in the Orange Free State. He gives praise to the wrestling ability of his brother, an erstwhile amateur champion of South Africa, and of Johan "Bull" Refer, the far-seeing South African promoter who started him off on his mat career. When he first travelled this way in 1951, Gerry was not a full-blown heavyweight, but the wise men who watched this "atomic drop-kick king" in action forecast a great future for the young Springbok. Now they are seeing their ideas bear fruit. Modest de Jager lays no claim to the South African heavyweight title. He is loud in his praise for Willie Liebenberg, kingpin of the Springbok heavyweights, whom Gerry says is one of the greatest heavyweights we have yet to see in England. When he goes to the United States, Gerry hopes to get a shot at Buddy Rogers' world championship, even though he does not expect to win it. Unusual you may think for a wrestler of de Jager's calibre, but he is not the bragging type. Methinks that Rogers may well get a surprise when the world travelling Springbok comes out from the opposite corner. Take my word for it. In a few years time not even a world champion will be able to dodge the "drop-kick" attack in which Gerry de Jager has become a perfectionist. "Jumping" Joe Savoldi- then an unknown- upset Jimmy Londos in a championship contest. Who knows, maybe one day Gerry de Jager will upset the reigning world champion? THE EDITOR. Page 9 By BOB ANDREWS "I BELIEVE that young Billy Robinson will be a future British Heavyweight Champion and that Billy Howes and "Farmer" Johnny Allen are the most likely future contenders for the British Midheavyweight Championship." These words, which are certain to cause argument among fans everywhere, were spoken recently by Middlesbrough's popular allaction star, champion Norman Walsh. Norman, when he is not wrestling, runs a farm in Thirsk with his brother William, and loves to talk about his favourite sport. He has two main ambitions in life: to make his farm a complete success and to retire from wrestling while still at the top and at his best. As Norman obviously has many years of top-grade wrestling ahead, his admirers need not worry unduly about the latter ambition. There are several occasions and people in Norman's career that he will not easily forget. For example, the time when he was using the ropes to bounce off and one of Les Kellett in a series of seven "needle" matches. Norman will never forget these particular bouts where honours apparently ended even. Norman often has to travel upwards of a thousand miles a week to fulfil his wrestling engagements. He has wrestled on the Continent and also made a tour of South Africa. Does anything annoy Norman? Yes; when people say that wrestlers never get hurt during their contests. They may appear none the worse for wear after many of their tussles, but the following morning is when they feel the real after-effects. During the course of his career Norman has had his nose broken four times and suffered a poisoned knee following a bad cut. When asked who were his toughest ring opponents, Norman replied without hesitation or thought . . . Bert Assirati, one of the old-time "greats"; and that modern Hercules, world heavyweight title contender, Georges Gordienko, of Canada. he takes it off he looks even more impressive. On the mat he is a bundle of dynamic energy with plenty of tenacious toughness to back up any move he makes. He is a former boxer and should be a "spotlight" star this coming season. ************ "English people are the best people in the world!" The speaker -giant Australian star Bill Verna. He went on, "Your climate is lousy but your people are nice." ************ Into London last month came two notable South African wrestling personalities. One of them was former Olympic Games competitor and nowadays a promoter in Durban, Natal - Maurice Letchford. The other was the powerful South African heavyweight wrestler, Willem Hall, also from Durban. Hall, former rugby player and the leading Springbok heavyweight, has shown top form in his early contests. Letchford is the man who, in the '30s, introduced the "Indian Deathlock" into English wrestling. them snapped! Norman hurtled out of the ring into the crowdsmashing the time-keeper's table on the way! Some two years after he had started wrestling, Norman fought Page 10 ************ Hans Streiger, the tough AngloGerman heavyweight, creates an impressive sight as he stands in the ring in his leopard skin jacket. Once This friendly character, like Norman Walsh, would have no time for those critics who say that wrestlers never suffer injuries. Bill has had nine bones broken during his grappling life but still rates wrestling as his Number One love. One of Bill's most memorable contests was when he fought Dara Singh in Singapore. Bill was thrown out of the ring at the end of the sixth round and broke his right arm and wrist. Bill is certainly as tough as they come! Out of the ring Bill is very keen on high-powered cars, but will, as he puts it, "Probably stick to a small lower-powered model." Wise man! Bob Andrews talks to Billy Two Rivers I WAS INTRODUCED to Billy Two Rivers a few minutes after he had won yet another contest by knocking out his opponent with his famous "tomahawk chop." When he found out I was from "The Wrestler" he said, "I have read both issues of your magazine and they are really great. I have read every page of them. I wish it the very best of luck." It can truthfully be said that Billy Two Rivers is one of the most popular wrestlers ever to appear in this country- the packed halls wherever he appears bear witness to this fact. Yet fame has not gone to 26-year-old Billy's head. He is one of the most friendly and unassuming people I have yet met in wrestling. We were chatting a day or two before Billy was due to return to his native Canada. l asked Billy if he had enjoyed his trip to this country and, more important, whether or not he would be coming back. "I have had a wonderful trip in this lovely country of yours," replied Billy. "I am sorry to be leaving, but I have got many engagements to fulfil back in the States and in Canada. Am I coming back? I should say so. I intend coming back to see all my friends in this land of yours early next yearand I am already looking forward to it." I next asked Billy if he found any features of his English tour of special interest. He smiled at that question. "When I first came here I imagined the average Englishman to be a very shy, reserved and formal person. That was the picture I had got of you folks back where I come from. But I was pleased to find you as friendly as peoples in other parts of the world, and the followers of wrestling here are also just as keen as those in the other parts of the globe where T have wrestled." Billy thought that many of our wrestling venues were excellent and that Belle Vue, Manchester, Liverpool Stadium, St. James' Hall, Newcastle, Leeds Town Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall in London were some that could compare favourably with any in the U.S.A. and Canada. "What are your hobbies?" was my next question to this tall, muscular, good -looking Mohawk Red Indian. "I am very keen on golf, fishing and canoeing," replied Billy, " but quite honestly when I have not been in the ring I have spent most of this trip sightseeing, so I have had very little time for my hobbies." Not unnaturally, wrestling was our next topic of conversation. I questioned Billy about the two features of his grappling for which he is most renowned- his war-dance and tomahawk chop. "The war-dance is a genuine one," said Billy, who learnt most of his grappling from ex-wrestling world champion Don Eagle, also a Mohawk. "It provides an outlet for me to work myself up when I get annoyed. As for the chop- that is something I improvised for myself and then perfected it to my liking." Billy then told me about his famous head-dress that makes the fans _gasp. Its colours are red, white, orange and yellow. It is a Mohawk war dress and is worn in battle as part of a chief's traditional dress. Billy wears this when entering the ring because, as he put it, "In a way, every time I climb into the ring I am going into battle, so it is an appropriate thing to wear." Finally, just before I wished Billy, on behalf of all readers, a safe journey home, I asked if he had a farewell message for his many admirers. His brown eyes sparkled as he thought for a moment or two. Then he said, "I want to thank everybody for making my stay such a pleasant one. I am looking forward, not only to my next visit here, but to many many more to follow. Lastly, best wishes to all followers of wrestling- the finest sport of all!" Page 11 TRIITII IS STRANGER THAN FICTION! Charles Mascall recalls some of wrestling's strangest stories through the ages IT has been said that in everyone's life there are many strange and unique stories. In professional wrestling there is a multitude of them. The late Karl Pojello, Lithuanian champion of Europe for many years and a former world title holder, was a most able raconteur. In our many years of close friendship he told me about gladiators whose names are now, alas, dim in the pages of history. Pojello, who escaped from Russia via Siberia during the Russian Revolution, told of how he used his wrestling skill to ward off the grim hand of death as roving bands of Mongolian guerrillas attacked him. Fiction? No, truth, which is often stranger than any tale composed in a man's mind. Not many people knew it - he hid the fact cleverly from all of his opponents-but Pojello had difficulty in turning his fore-arm because of a bullet wound he had received in World War I in the service of the Czar. Yet, in spite of this handicap only a handful of top wrestlers were able to beat Pojello. Professional wrestlers have been called upon to wrestle many strange and unusual opponents in public. You have heard of competent ring men opposing bears, but one of the most unusual contests took place out in Seattle a few years ago when Yukon Jake, a truly colourful character of the mat, slipped into a tank of water to wrestle an octopus. In Florida, wrestlers have often opposed fierce crocodiles as the public watched. * To my Newsagent * To ''The Wrestler'' Alex Aberg, the famous Russian wrestler at the turn of this century, featured in another strange but true story. On the mat, one of his most bitter enemies was the clever Estonian George Lurich. The two fought many gruelling battles, yet they lie together in a common grave far from their native land, for both died in an Argentine typhus epidemic. Still on the subject of Russian wrestlers, Ivan Vakturoff, a crackajack heavyweight of the 1930s often recounted the story of his early days in Russia when the reward for winning a wrestling contest was a payment in bread and fish! On one occasion, Stanislaus Zbyszko, the Galician heavyweight who reigned for a time as world champion, was wrestling the Russian Giant Alex Aberg when the crowd became unruly and demanded his blood. To quell the crowd, which had become so difficult that he feared for his life, Zbyszko the mighty threw the entire purse money into the crowd and escaped! They say that nothing can stop a man who sets his heart on becoming a first-class wrestler. Leroy McQuirk, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, a light-heavyweight champion of the world in his era, suffered from complete blindness in one eye, yet he beat some of the world's best wrestlers. Of course, blindness is not unusual in wrestling. There are many blind wrestlers, and deaf and dumb wrestlers, but surely one of the most unusual of all amateurs was Ralph Hammond, of Texas, who had the courage to wrestle anyone. Hammond had the greatest of all handicaps- only one leg. Please supply me with "The Wrestler" every month until further notice commencing with .. .... .... .............. issue Please send me "The Wrestler" every month for twelve months commencing with ............................ Issue DAVIGDOR HOUSE, HOVE, SUSSEX I enclose cheque / postal order value 28 / · Name ···············-----·---·--·-···-··--··························-·············· ··············· Address ..... .................................................... ····· ······················································ ························-············ * Page 12 DELETE WHERE INAPPLICABLE BLOCK CAPITALS IAN CAMPBELL The Mammoth Scottish Heavyweigh t King By R. A. PLUMMER. It was onJy 18 months ago that the bearded Scottish giant Ian Campbell burst upon the British wrestling scene. Now he is one of the most talked-about heavyweights in the country. A personality as hard and rugged as the granite of his native Dunfermline, Ian Campbell arrived here determined to put Scotland back upon the wrestling map- and he is certainly succeeding. The stimulating sound of the pipes as Ian leads his all-conquering Scottish team into battle is enough to fire the hearts of his countrymen everywhere. No wonder wrestling fans roll up in their hundreds at every hall where the team accepts a new challenge. They are sure of seeing wrestling packed with action and excitement. Twenty-eight-year-old Campbell, weighing 18st. and standing well over 6ft., is one of Europe's most formidable heavyweights, and quite rightly is rated a top contender for Billy Joyce's British title. With wrestling in his blood Campbell heard much about the sport on the other side of the Atlantic and decided to try his luck in the United States and Canada. Once he became accustomed to the style of wrestling Ian was soon making a name for himself. He travelled thousands of miles and clashed with such notables as Buddy Rogers and former world champions Lou Thesz and Dick Hutton. Intent on restoring the name of Scotland to its former prominence in the wrestling world, Campbell then decided that the time was right to return to Britain. For the first time fans all over the kingdom saw the name of Ian Campbell heading their local programme. "Who is he?" they asked, as the traditionallyclad giant strode into the ring. Few of them needed to be told a second time, for once Campbell's controversial wrestling was seen it was not easily forgotten. Although he tends to throw caution to the winds and often incurs the wrath of referees as well as that of the crowd, Campbell is a man with many followers. Thanks to television, fans all over the country have been able to see the Scottish team in action although, in actual fact, their matches have been mainly confined to northern halls. Let us hope they venture south in the not-toodistant future and give the crowds in those parts a chance of seeing in the flesh contests such as the recent one between Chick Purvey and middleweight champion Rene Ben Chemoul, of France. Campbell has figured in some memorable matches individually, both before and since the advent of the Scottish team, but none of them more exciting than his sensational battles against "Golden Boy" Mike Marino at London's Royal Albert Hall last year. Regardless of his tactics in the ring few people will disagree that it was a fair wind that brought him back to these shores. Ian Campbell, student of Scottish history, an enthusiastic reader of Burns, brings a breath of the Highlands into wrestling and truly deserves to be known as "Scotland's Ian." IAN CAMPBELL, gigantic monarch of the Scottish mat world, stands majestically in front of a map of Scotland-a king of a11 he surveys. In years gone by a number of "globe-tr otting" American heavyweights have been seen in England, As we watched them from our ringsi de seats we realized that, star-studded though their names may have been, they were obviou sly making their last bid for fame and glory in European rings. Some were worthy ring generals, wise in every trick of the mat, but they failed against our first-class heavyweights. Thanks to the recent liaison betw.een English and American promoters, a number of the " younger set" of grappling stars from the New World are coming here soon. Now CONRAD DUFFY, reporting from New York, tells the British fans about .. . THf MIGHTY ANYONE WHO has watched his favourites at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada, knows that the top Ontario promoter Frank Tunney-like his counterpart Eddie Quinn in Montreal- believes that provisional wrestling is kept alive by a steady stream of young, fast-moving heavyweight stars of all shapes and sizes-ranging from giants of 6ft. 9ins. and weighing around your 20st. mark right down to six-footers who hit the "Toledos" at 220lbs. Those who are good, or in the parlance of the ring "make the grade," are seen more often in Montreal and Toronto than some of the biggest "crowd pleasers" in American grappledom. Some of these husky giants who have become such firm favourites with the fans in those cities, as well as Buffalo and New York, are now busy packing their bags, arranging passports and tidying up their affairs before they cross the Atlantic to wrestle in the British Isles. Let me tell you something of the background of three such names soon to be seen in England. Luther Lindsay is a beautifully-muscled coloured gentleman of the mat. He is the coloured heavyweight champion of the world. His ability ranks him among the world's best heavyweights. You may not have heard a lot about him as Luther rarely goes running to the magazines with "publicity blabs." He has one of the most amazing physiques in the world. He is not a weight-lifter but can do some weight-lifting feats which would leave the "iron men" with their mouths open. When he is not wrestling he lives on a farm paid for by his mat earnings. Outside of wrestling his favourite sport is running. And how he can run! Sandy McKay Scott is a clean-cut young heavyweight in his late 20s. He claims Hamilton, Ontano, as his present home, but most of the fans in Canada and the United States have seen and appreciated the scientific style of this husky young six-footer. Scott, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, went to Canada as a boy. He grew up in Hamilton. Talked into becoming a professional wrestler by his elder brother George-also a pro grappler-Sandy did his amateur training on the mats of Hamilton's Y.M.C.A. Many famous Canadian wrestlers who toured Europe before World War II did their early training at the same gymnasium. In his professonal debut in 1953 Sandy found himself billed against Nicky Bockwinkle, another young heavyweight from Los Angeles. Nicky (son of a famous old-time wrestler) is also in his 20s and is known in American wrestling as one of the "Golden Boys." Of course, the contest was an electrifying thriller from start to finish as it always seems to be when youngsters come to grips. This dynamic match put both the kids on the road to grapple glory. In no time at all, Sandy Scott found himself opposing topnotchers like Gene Kiniski, hailed everywhere as a future Canadian heavyweight champion; the Russians Ivan and Karol Kalmikoff; Mike and Ben Sharpe, of California and Ontario; the giant Tiny Mills, of Alberta; and the rough and rowdy Dusek Clan. A look at these names tells anyone that Scott has been moving among some pretty important mat people. Page 14 Speed is the absolute essence of his wrest] nothing better than a slam-bang type of battle tackles and drop kicks. Using the latter weapo to rank among the best of the young Canadian . Once called "Canada's most promising young McKay Scott likes to stick to the scientific sty!, when action flies about in the ring this proud is right there, ever ready for a non-stop, tougl Speaking to me the other day he said, "One I am going to England is that I have heard wrestling country. You know I like to wre: wrestlers. Of course, I shall be visiting Edint get there." Dino Bravo is not exactly a stranger wrestlmg. He made a fleet1 last year. He is a mighty young man whc towering 6ft. 6ins. and weighs over 250lbs. From his birthplace in Italy, near where Camera was born, he went to Canada some yea ago and is now a Canadian citizen. At Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens he has a big following of fans of both sexes. Promoter Tunneywho likes the tough matmanship shown by this young Italian- has Dino Bravo on his mat contests every time the young giant is in town. And if you look at the Maple Leaf Gardens programmes you will see that Dino Bravo has mixed it with some pretty impressive grappling names. Last year he flew to Europe to pay a visit to his people in Italy. During this summer season he has been wrestling around Toronto and Buffalo. In September, he tells me, he will open his second tour of England, and now understands a little bit more about our rules. He also intends to change his style slightly. If anyone has any ideas about the grappling technical knowledge of this young ItalianCanadian then they should watch him training in the gymnasium, as I have. [A full-page portrait of Dino and his brother Domenic, appears on Page 16] . ************* One thing is absolutely certain about these stars. They are not washed-up American heavyweights on a " tourist trip", but a trio of very active and agile heavyweights who can stand their ground against the best in England and never hang their heads in disgrace. American TEAM ing technique. He likes packed with flying n of attack he is said !, wrestler," Sandy of wrestling, but Scottish-Canadian 1 type of melee. of the reasons d it is a great stle the best ,urgh when I : to English ing visit there looms a Primo .rs SANDY McKAY SCOTT BRAVO BROTHERS An article on Dino Bravo (pictured left above with brother Domenic) appears on Page 14 NOW IS THE TIME FOR INTERNATIONAL RULES! The world-wide sport of professional wrestling has no set of international rules. Foreign wrestlers often find our rules difficult to understand when they arrive. Is it not high time that the controlling bodies of America and Europe met and agreed an acceptable code to govern world wrestling like the amateurs have in the Olympics? For the betterment of the sport J?;enerally why not use the Lord Mountevans' Rules? NEVER IN the professional sport, to my knowledge, has there been formulated a set of international wrestling rules clear enough to govern strictly the sport everywhere in the universe. fed up with the rowdy "gimmick" type of wrestler. They want to see a better set of rules for American wrestling, and with it they believe will return the "Golden Days" of our sport in the U.S.A. Because of this fact, the American wrestler rarely seems to shine in his early contests. He seems to hold himself in, no doubt confused about what can be done and what cannot be permitted. Consequently many overseas wrestlers, making their debut in an English ring, find themselves bewildered by the Lord Mountevans' Rules-the strictest in our own history. No matter how widely travelled the wrestler may be, each country he visits has its own mat laws which govern his conduct in the ring. I know that when the popular Russian heavyweight Ivan Josef Zaranoff recently appeared in Toronto, Canada, the opinion of promoter and public alike was "For goodness sake, let us see more athletes of this type, boys who enjoy wrestling for wrestling's sake." Last time Ski Hi Lee, the Texan, was here he said to me, "I cannot understand your rules. I have 'rassled every place and in every place the rules and the referees are different. I always 'rassle the same way as I do. I do not like being sent back to the changing rooms 'cause I 'rassled Texas style." The top promoters in the New and Old Worlds are now working closely together. Surely the next Convention of the National Wrestling Alliance and Association of America (when, we hope, a representative of the EUROPEAN WRESTLING ALLIANCE will be present) will be the time to put forward a plan to adopt the Lord Mountevans' Rules or a similar code for universal wrestling? It is general knowledge that many of my American promoter friends, as well as the public, are becoming It is pointless to say the foreign wrestler should be given a strict briefing about the Lord Mountevans' Rules upon his arrival in England. This is not always possible- the referee rarely sees the wrestler before the battle commences. The Lord Mountevans' Rules cannot be explained in the few moments when two men stand face to face prior to combat. The referee can only give a preliminary resume and usually the wrestlers, eager for the match to get under way, overlook certain salient points. Ski Hi Lee is an experienced professional. But if a code of international rules were adopted by promoters in all four corners of the globe, then every one of the American "globe-trotters" would be fully familiar with the rules. And with such a complete unification of the laws, wrestling throughout the universe would attain a similar standard and prestige as that now held by the sport in this country. THE EDITOR. Page 17 THE BACKGROUND STORY OF A DYNAMIC YOUNG GIANT as told by Ken Osborn Talent is a vastly overworked word these days, but it does apply particularly to any youngster who shows athletic ability. From the time he gravitates from the grip of his schoolmaster - and sometimes before - those quiet men of the touchlines (the "scouts") size up and watch schoolboy matches. At the first opportunity many lads are being asked to sign on the dotted line for a professional career in soccer or, in the north, in the rugby league code. At present heading for great things in the wrestling ring, despite lavish attentions from some of the top football clubs, is a young giant who chose to turn down lucrative offers from both codes in order to stick to the mat game. He is 6ft. Sins. fresh-faced Gwynn Davies, the Welsh-born son of a famous wrestling fatherbearded Ken Davies-now domiciled in Cewsbury, Yorkshire. At 17, Gwynn stood 6ft. 3ins. in height and tipped the scale at 13.5st., and with these physical attributes he was bound to be noticed. He was soon on the "wanted" lists of Wakefield Trinity, Leeds and Wigan rugby league clubs. Leeds United, in the Major Buckley era, tried to sign him, and efforts were made- at first successfully- to retain Gwynn as a Chester Rugby Union forward. But despite all these tempting offers Gwynn refused to put pen to paper and tried his luck in the ring. Fans seeing Gwynn to-day - and seeing that extra "bite" and determination he is putting into his bouts-are glad he held out for wrestling. Still only 24 years old and now weighing over l 7st., rugby league clubs would still be queueing at his door if he as much as mentioned the oval ball game. Page 18 Although Gwynn lays claim to Welsh nationality he actually left his birthplace, not many miles from Maesteg in South Wales, as a boy. The reason was Ken's signing from the Welsh Rugby Union ranks by the then functioning London Rugby League side, Streatham. Off went the family to London and after a short spell Ken moved north to Dewsbury Rugby League club, and the family roots were pulled up and re-settled in Yorkshire. Filling out into a sizeable schoolboy, Gwynn made the county rugby league team as a loose forward, and also played in goal for the Leeds United Stormcocks' side in the company of such young talent as Mel. Charles. His height and agility "between the sticks" prompted manager Major Buckley to try for his signature as a goalkeeper-but all in vain. Rugby league club scouts heard about this and renewed their efforts to make Gwynn think in terms of a professional career in the handling code, but despite the attention of Leeds, Trinity and Wiganwho actually took him on a trip to see the town with a view to signing him -- the tall Welsh lad realised he had plenty of time to decide. (Continued on Page 26) Gwynn Davies clamps a head scissors hold on his opponent WORLD with BOB ANDREWS AFTER READING my comments last month that amateur wrestling receives no financial support from any source, a number of fans have written to me. Several said they themselves would be pleased to make a donation to help this fine sport. Some suggested that perhaps I appeal to all readers to help the amateurs. Those who support amateur wrestling will obviously be happy to do all they can. Followers of the professional boys know what a great debt they owe to the amateurs because many of to-day's stars graduated from the unpaid ranks. I will keep you informed in this column as to how much is raised by our appeal. ********** This month brings the beginning of a new season. Some of the more important events about which I hope to be reporting on in due course will be the London Championships. They will be held in December. The County Championships, and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Championships will be held early next year. other readers of "The Wrestler" would like to do the same. I am pleased to take up this wonderful idea. Would you like to help the amateurs financially? Every amount, however small, will be gratefully acknowledged and put to good use. Please forward your donation to Mr. A. Wishart, Hon. Secretary, B.A.W.A., 60, Calabria Road, London, N.5. A note for enthusiasts in the Midlands: If you live between Manchester and London, a Midlands club may be near you. If you live in Bristol, Birmingham, Barking, Basildon, Slough, Swansea, Cardiff or Nottingham, there is a Midlands registered club on your doorstep. Mr. R. Morland, Hon. Secretary of the Midlands Amateur Wrestling Association, tells me that he will be very pleased to hear from readers of "The Wrestler" who live in the Midlands and who would like to take an interest in the amateurs either actively or as a patron. If you are keen, why not drop him a line at 24, Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, I 5? The British Olympic team: W. Pilling (bantam), A. Butts (middleweight) Ken Richmond (heavyweight), Ken Stephenson (lightweight), P. Amey (welterweight), A. Aspen (featherweight), A. Wishart (Team Manager) Page 19 With our winter season just around the corner and the prospect of a full force of American and overseas gladiators likely to be arrayed against our top heavyweights, THE EDITOR reviews the chances of Britain's heavyweight class - the men who will be called upon to oppose the foreign invasion. GEORGES GORDIENKO in a pose that reveals all the power and might of the Canadian world title challenger. THEY STAND BY FOR THE THUMBING THROUGH some of the Press release stories and photographs in a promoter's office the other day, it appeared that this coming winter season of 1961-62 is going to be the biggest ever for foreign stars. Yes, the overseas invasion is definitely on! Many experts-men wise in the popularity rise and fall barometer of globular wrestling-maintain that all eyes are looking towards Europe and the British Isles and the greatest season in its history. They also say that it will be marked by the invasion of many top Americans who, in this day and age, will find it more profitable here than in their own country. Then also, the mat stars of Australia and the Far East are casting hungry eyes towards the rich grappling "gold fields" of English wrestling. Many are watching just how Baron von Heczey, the ringwise Hungarian nobleman, fares against the top British heavyweights and under the strictest code of rules anywhere in the world-the Lord Mountevans' Rules. And the current top of the bill success of many foreign stars, including von Heczey, may well start off a stream of challengers from the Far Eastern spots like Malaya, Ceylon, Ja pan, India and Australia. No doubt the recent return to our mat wars of the Indian Arjit Singh, the official Light-Heavyweight Champion of South-East Asia, is an indication of this fact. All who come will certainly be made most welcome. In the ring they will have to be as good in craftsmenship as our top stars, otherwise they can pack their bags and go home! Leading the defenders of our sport's prestige will be Wiganborn Billy Joyce, currently reigning as the Lord Mountevans' British heavyweight champion. Too many people-but certainly not those who are wrestlingwise-dismiss his chances with an airy wave of the hand. Those who do so are silly. Alas, some even write and favour a muchpublicized heavyweight, who, technically could not hope to master the present ring wizardry of the loose-limbed "professor" Billy Joyce from the "pits" of Wigan. Money talks in any kind of company. And if there is anyone amongst us who can persuade the much-publicized heavyweights from any part of England or the world to step on the mat against Joyce in Billy Riley's Wigan gymnasium, I am absolutely sure that any money they care to put up will not only quickly be covered by the good people of Wigan but by anyone else who knows "an atom of truth" about wrestling. As far as Billy Joyce is concerned, now is the time for those certain people whose publicity trumpets are always blaring to either put up or shut up! Actually, Billy Joyce is the John Pesek of English wrestling. Know who John Pesek is? "Old Jawn" Pesek in his heyday on the mat was probably the greatest of American heavyweights of that era. Only a handful of men beat him. but "Old Jawn" beat them in return contests. Like Pesek, Billy Joyce is a ring strategist who thinks well ahead of his opponents in any type of ring situation Invasion! I Ringsiders are wondering, perhaps, just who the promoters will match with the "invaders" and who will stand any chance of beating the top-ranking Americans-some of whom have "Top Ten" ratings in American magazines. Take a look at the wrestling stars-the best in view-who will oppose any from America or overseas . tremendous line-up of the world, in my own heavyweight challenger . . RAY APOLLON (Trinidad) - The powerful coloured heavyweight whose famous reversed waist hold, body lift and drop has smashed many of the most notable grappling names. Apollon's record of matches, most of which he has won this past year, includes the names of Kurt Stein, of Germany; Primo Camera, of Italy; and the fantastic Ski Hi Lee, of America. Just before Billy Two Rivers, the Mohawk Red Indian, left for America, Apollon held the highly-publidzed star to a draw. BILLY ROBINSON (Manchester) - Lancashire's brilliant "wonder boy", 21 years old and sweeping aside all opposition in his quest for the British title. Winner of this year's Royal Albert Hall Trophy. Less than four years a full-blown professional. Behind him an amateur championship of Great Britain and the Irish open title. Most experts list him as a future British champion, but handsome, dark-haired, fun-loving Billy R obinson-a boy with a promised future- has nothing but respect for the man who reigns as present British Champion. Last year, at Belle Vue Stadium, Manchester, he held Billy Joyce to a drawn verdict. He cannot see himself beating Billy Joyce- but frankly, in time, I can. GEOFF PORTZ (Shipley)- One of the mightiest men in British wrestling. A weight-trained Yorkshireman who is never far behind any championship leader in British wrestling. Has a reputation to the disposal of more overseas heavyweights than most wrestlers. Powerfully-built, a man of tremendous muscular power, Portz learnt how to handle himself in the ring against the greatest of European stars during a long stay in Austria and Germany. GEORGES GORDIENKO (Canada)- T he thick-set strongman from Winnipeg. Canada, who looks the "spit image" of the great George Hackenschmidt in his prime. A mild-mannered type of a chap whose life is centred around the various studies of art. On the wrestling mat, he is a powerful "non-stoppable" man. His record includes a victory over ranking American Ray Gunkle, a draw with Lou Thesz, and a win list that look like the "Who's Who?" of American wrestling. JOE CORNELIUS (Bermondsey) - A colourful ring personality pictured above, Joe is a handsome good-natured heavyweight who has been dogged by bad luck. Recently went out of action for a knee operation. Has a popularity in and out of the ring worthy of a Hollywood film idol. London born and bred, a glamorous star with a flare for colour, but underneath it all a tough wrestler with a courageous heart capable of handling himself in the best of ring company. They might call Joe the Max Baer of wrestling, but we all remember the tough fighting heart of Maxie Baer. TIBOR SZAKACS (Hungary)-One of the world's most brilliant Graeco-Roman wrestlers who, this past year, has won something like 80 per cent. of his contests. Now very much a part of the English wrestling world. Not a gigantic pachydermic type of a wrestler, streamlined Szakacs is a skilled exponent of all the tricky falls and throws common amongst the Graeco-Roman wrestlers. Three times winner of the R oyal Albert Hall Trophy, Szakacs has the ability to fool the most clever of the invading heavyweights just as he has done this past season. IAN CAMPBELL (Scotland) - The bewhiskered giant from Dunfermline. A rough ring fighter and a glutton for dishing out toughness. Has had plenty of experience with the Americans, most of whom he dislikes immensely. Strong as an ox and the biggest man out of Scotland since the days of George Clarke. Maybe not a brilliant technical wrestler but a huge man on a par with some of the Americans who are coming. Add a few more names and you have the greatest ever fighting team ready to repel the invasion of any Americans from these shores! Page 21 THE WRESTLING QUIZ GAME Conducted by " The Ringsider" • 1 Which South American middleweight wrestler from Lima, Peru, has made several trips here? 2 Name two prominent figures who helped formulate the Lord Mountevans' Rules. 3 Complete the following names: (a) ..... ... . Chemoul. (b) . . . . . . . . . Blemenshultz. (c) Mathieu .... .. .. . 4 Who is known as the Keighley strong boy? 5 Name the American heavyweight champion who was shot and killed as a security guard. 6 Where halls? (a) (b) (c) are these famous wrestling Belle Vue Stadium. Happy World Stadium. St. James' Hall. 7 Who is the Italian promoter member of the European Wrestling Alliance? 8 Who is the official European Welterweight Champion? 9 How many contests did George Hackenschmidt lose in his whole ring career? 10 In 1929, who was the official Heavyweight American Champion of the World ? Answers lo Quiz on Page 26 Page 22 FANPHOTOS! You'll want portraits of all your favourite Wrestlers ! 1 RAY APOLLON. 2 JOE CORNELIUS. 3 GWYNN DAVIES. 4 KWANGO. 5 MIKE MARINO. 6 DENNIS MITCHELL. 7 "Mr. T.V." PALLO. 8 JOHNNY CZESLAW. 9 BILLY ROBINSON. 10 TIBOR SZAKACS. Price 2s. each or three for 5/- (Post Free). To: " THE WRESTLER, " LTD. DAVIGDOR HOUSE HOVE, SUSSEX Please send me FAN PHOTOS, Nos. I enclose P.O. value BLOCK CAPITALS . . Name Address TO AVOID SPOILING YOUR MAGAZINE, YOU MAY ORDER BY LETTER CHAMPION OF THE FlJTlJRE SOMETHING LIKE 23 years ago, a handsomelooking, fair-haired athlete, named on the programmes as Vic Hesselle, climbed into the ring at the Belle Vue Stadium, Manchester, to wrestle for the official Light-Heavyweight Championship of Europe. It was an epic battle, one of many that the same Vic Hesselle was to take part in, as thousands of Mancunians who still pack the famous Stadium on a Saturday night, will always confirm. Elsewhere in the north, Vic Hesselle was known by his proper name-Lew Faulkner. Remembered by all are his classic contests with such legendary great names as Bert Assirati, the British Heavyweight Champion; Benny Sherman, American Light-Heavyweight Champion of the World and one of the greatest light-heavyweights of all time; Pat Curry, the Irish-American. In fact, the record of Faulkner's thrilling contests are endless. He was the dynamic powerhouse of his era, and to-day he occasionally takes the ring to show some rising youngster that Lew Faulkner has forgotten more about ring craft than some of the cocky present-day young stars will ever know. To his two zestful sons, Herbert and Vic, he must have passed on some of his amazing energy and clever grappling "know how", for to-day Herbert is Bert Royal, following briskly in the famous footsteps of his proud dad. Youngest of the Faulkner wrestling brood is baby-faced Vic Faulkner, the 17-year-old welterweight who is zooming to the fore in his weight class. And to the "old timers" young Vic's grappling ability reminds them of some of his father's famous contests at Belle Vue long before he was born. Blond-haired, blue-eyed- a typical boy-Vic Faulkner was born in Bolton, Lancashire, on June 14th, 1944. Like his noted father and brother before him, Vic received his basic background amongst Lancashire's toughest amateurs. He made his ' • The sporting spotlight is ever turning its glare on the Youth of the Wrestling World, Ringwise veterans may provide the bulwark against all-comers, but in future years Britain, the last bastion of the great wrestlers, will be defended by the youthful ring stars of to-day. By BARRY CHRISTOPHER. professional debut just about a year ago and has steadily been climbing the ladder, hand over hand, since he bowed his way into professional grappling. For a youngster of such tender years his grip on that ladder to fame is a firm one. No doubt, as his dad watches the ascent to wrestling fame of his "youngest", he is more than proud of young Vic, the last of a great breed of Lancashire wrestling men. Talking to young Vic recently, as he sat ready to do battle with a ringwise welterweight-a fact that did not seem to worry him in the least bit- he was asked to name the wrestler who had given him the hardest battle in his first year as a pro. Quickly came back the answer: "Jim Breaks." In case you do not know the name, Jim Breaks is another brilliant young star from Yorkshire with a fine wrestling background. Asked about his hobbies, Vic Faulkner, like his elder brother Bert, collects records. The latter might like Johnny Ray, but Vic's favourite is Frank Sinatra. Of his favourite sports he lists track and field events in which he took part when he was still at school a couple of years back. As he says, he is now trying so hard at wrestling he has not much time for anything else. Five-foot-six and still growing, Vic Faulkner stood on the dressing room scales and the needle quivered around the 12-stone mark. Who can tell in wrestling? Maybe one day he, too, will stand in the Belle Vue Stadium ring and hear the crowd's encouraging roar as he fights for the light-heavyweight championship of Europe, just like dad did. What a great day for the fighting Faulkners of Bolton that will be! Page 23 THE OFFICIAL BRITISH CHAMPIONS (Under the Lord Mountevans ' Rules) * Editor Charles Mascall, Chairman of a panel of world experts, ranks the heavyweights Heavyweight (no limit) BILLY JOYCE, of Lancashire. WORLD'S HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION BUDDY ROGERS Mid-Heavyweight (under 14st. 13lbs.) of Ohio NORMAN WALSH, of Yorkshire. Light-Heavyweight (under 14st. 2lbs.) ERNIE RILEY, of Lancashire. TOP CONTENDERS:- Heavy-Middleweight (under 13st. 5lbs.) ERIC TAYLOR , of Yorkshire. PAT O'CONNOR (New Zealand) WLADEK K OWALSKI (Canada) Middleweight (under 12st. 8lbs.) GEORGES GORDIENKO TOMMY MANN, of Lancashire. (Canada) Welterweight (under 11st. l llbs.) DICK HUTTON (U.S.A.) JACK DEMPSEY, of Lancashire. LUTHER LINDSAY (U.S.A.) Coloured Champion of the World Lightweight (under 1lst.) MELWYN RISS, of Lancashire. • • • • • • •• •• ••••• •• • • • • FORBACKISSUES • • OFTHEWRESTLER • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••••• • • • • • • JUST DROP A LINE TO THE WRESTLER LTD. All previous issues of the Magazine can be obtained (2/- each, Post free) by sending the necessary Postal Order to the Publishing Dept., Davigdor House, Hove, Sussex. Page 24 • • • • • • • • • • • WRESTLING BEDFORDSHIRE BEDFORD Corn Exchange DUNSTABLE California Ball room LUTON Drill Hall 2nd & 4th Mon. 7.45 p.m . 2nd & 4th Thursday 2nd & 4th Sat. 7.45 p.m. BERKSHIRE NEWBURY READING Corn Exchange Town Hall 1st Tuesday 1st & 18th Sept. 7.45 p.m. s p.m. Last Monday 2nd Monday 7.45 p.m . 7.45 p .m . 2nd Thursday 2nd Monday 7.45 p.m . 7.45 p.m. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AYLESBURY Grosvenor Ballroom HIGH WYCOMBE Town Hall LONDON AREA CAMBRIDGESHIRE CAMBRIDGE WISBECH Corn Exchange Corn Exchange DEVON EXETER TORQUAY Civi c Centre Town Hall 3rd Wednesday 1st Thursday DORSET 1st & 3rd Friday 2nd Friday 2nd & 4th Mon. 3rd Friday 1st Thursday 1st & 5th Wed. Every Monday Sp.m. 8 p.m . 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 1st & 3rd Thurs. 1st & 3rd Mon. 8 p.m . 8 p.m . NORFOLK WEYMOUTH Pier Bandstand 1st Tuesday 7.45 p.m . 1st & 3rd Tues. 1st Wednesday 7.45 p.m. ESSEX CHELMSFORD Corn Exchange CLACTON Butlin ' s Camp COLCHESTER Corn Exch., Winter Gdns. DAGENHAM Round House SOUTHEND-ON -SEA Coronation Dome 1st & 3rd Tues. 7.45 p .m . 1st & 3rd Thurs . 8 p .m . 1st & 2nd Wed. 7.45 p.m . GLOUCESTERSHIRE BRISTOL CHELTENHAM GLOUCESTER Colston Hall Town Hall Public Baths 2nd & 4th Thurs. 7.45 p.m . 3rd Monday 7.45 p.m. 2nd & 4th Thurs. 7.45 pm. GREAT YARMOUTH " Mar ina" Open-Air Theatre KING ' S LYNN The Corn Exchange NORWICH Theatre Royal NORWICH The Corn Hall 1st Wednesday 7.45 p.m. 1st Saturday 1st Friday Every Saturday 7.30 p.m. 7.45 p.m. 7.30 p .m . 1st & 3rd Mon. 3rd & Last Fri. 7.45 p.m. 8 p.m. 1st & 3rd Thurs. 7.45 p.m. 1st Wednesday 2nd Wednesday 7.45 p.m. 8 p.m. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE KETTERING The Drill Hall NORTHAMPTON Drill Hall PETERBOROUGH The Corn Exchange OXFORDSHIRE BANBURY OXFORD The Winter Gdns. The Town Hall SOMERSET HAMPSHIRE PORTSMOUTH Royal Arena SOUTHAMPTON Royal Pier Pavil i on WINCHESTER Lido Ballroom BOURNEMOUTH W i nter Gardens Every Saturday 2nd & 4t h Thurs. 7.30 p .m. 7.45 pm, 1st Wednesday 7.45 p .m. 2nd Tuesday 7.45 p.m. HERTFORDSHIRE WATFORD Assembly Hall BARKING BURNT OAK Essoldo The Town Hall CATFORD Caledonian Road ESSOLDO HAYES Savoy Cinema Essoldo PADDINGTON Town Hall SHORED ITCH WALTHAMSTOW Assembly Hall The Town Hall WEMBLEY T own Hall 8 p.m . BURY ST. EDMUNDS The Corn Exchange FELIXSTOWE The Pavilion Last Wednesday 8 p .m. SURREY Last Friday 8 p.m . 1st Sunday 7.15 p.m. 1st & 3rd Sat. 7.30 p.m. Every Friday Every Friday 7.30 p.m. 7.45 p .m. E very Monday 7.30 p.m . Every Tuesday 8 p.m . Last Wednesday 7.45 p.m. 3rd Friday 7.45 p.m. Last Friday 7.45 p.m . 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tues. 7.45 p.m. Last Thursday 7.45 p.m. SUFFOLK 2nd & 4th Wed. KENT ASHFORD Corn Exchange BARNEHURST Residents ' Assn. Club FOLKESTONE Pleasure Gdns. Theatre MAIDSTONE Agricultural Hall RAMSGATE Coronation Ballroom ROCHESTER The Casino TUNBRIDGE WELLS Assembly Hall WELLING Embassy Ballroom s BATH The Spa Pavilion BRIDGWATER Blake Hall TAUNTON The Drill Hall WESTON-SUPER-MARE The Winter Gardens YEOVIL Assembly Hall DORKING PURLEY Dorking Halls Orchid Ballroom Last Thursday 1st & 2nd Wed. 7.45 p.m. 8 p.m. 3rd Wednesday Every Tuesday 8 p.m. 8 p.m . SUSSEX BOGNOR Butlin's Camp BRIGHTON The Palladium EASTBOURNE Winter Gdns. HOVE The Town Hall WORTHING Assembly Hall Every Thursday Every Sunday 2nd & 4th Sat. 3rd Thursday 2nd Thursday 8 p.m. 7.45 p.m. 8 p.m. 7.45 p.m . WILTSHIRE SWINDON The Locarno Ballroom Every Tuesday 8 p.m . The above venues and dates are correct at time of going to Press. Unless otherwise stated the Tournaments listed are for September, 1961. SEE LOCAL PRESS and POSTERS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION P ,a ge 25 Gwynn Davies (Continued f r om P age 18) He then started training at the Bradford Hill Top Club, which has produced many fine young wrestlers, and after a short time took the plunge witl1 Dad as a tag-team in the paid ranks. Lanty rather than solid, Gwynn's big need was more weight and one often saw him hamstrung in his earlier bouts. The Army claimed him for National Service and did a lot to fill him out. He took to a trade for which he was admirably fitted-a Sergeant in the An Army rugby Military Police! union se.l ection also came his way as a centre, but a broken left wrist put paid to his sporting activities for a while . While still playing for Chester Rugby Union Club his Service days expired and a job as a brewery representative was obtained for him in the town so that he could remain with the club. But again wrestling called him, and it was not long before he returned home to Dewsbury with the earnest intention of reaching the heavyweight ratings. Finding the ·welshman a handful one evening an Opponent exploited the tall man's weak spot and, with a knee-drop that made the whole hall gasp in its application, crushed two spinal discs and put Gwynn out of action for almost a year. Starting up again last November, he has now developed that "mean streak" without which no wrestler can hope for a title. His dedication to pre- An Open Letter to all Wrestling Fans paration and his forceful no-quarter met hod of applying his holds and executing his throws have made him a respected member of the heavyweight brigade. To obtain his first grip on title status, Gwynn wants Sa ndy Orford ' s Welsh Heavyweight title, and there is no saying how far he can go from there. A modest lad, Gwynn says he wants to see just how far up the wrestling tree he can climb. Golf has l1elped to put right his back trouble, and careful watching of his diet has given him a body which, allied with a height of 6ft. 5ins., is more than just impressive. On the evening he k.o'd the tough Canadian, Gordon Nelso n, Leeds M.C. Ben Green had previously introduced him as- "One of Europe's top heavyweights." He was paying deserving tribute to a young grappler whose devotion to his profession has given him a fighting chance of becoming one of wrestling's " greats" . ~************************* ANSWERS TO QUI Z GAME 2-Comm ander Campbell and 1-Inca P eruano. Martin Lewis, M.P ., assisted Lord Mountevans. 3- (a ) Rene Ben (b). Georges, (c) R osges. 5-Freddie Bee]. 4-Brian Trevors , 6-(a) Ma nchester. (b) Singapore. (c) Newcastle7-Georgi Demine. 8- Alan Colbeck, on T yne. of Wakefield . 9-Two, both to F rank Gotch , of the U nited States, 10-Gus Son nenberg d efeated E d " Strangler" L ewis in Boston. YOU THIS TROPHY WOULDN'T YOU like to be able to " pick out" the kind of body you want - trade in skin and bones or flab and fat for powerful MUSCLE SOLID exactly where you need it? I have given thousands of fellows the kind of bodie s they always dreamed of - HE-MAN bodies that men respect and women admire! Now, see what I can do for YOU in the coupon below. You can CHOOSE a muscular, broader chest . . . more powerful shoulders . . . slimmer waistline and hips ... new triphammer power for your arms and legs . . . more solid weight in the RIGHT PLACES. You name it, I'll show you how . you can get it FAST- or you pay nothing! body of kind the coupon the Just tell me in and I' II show you how easily you want CHARLES ATLAS you can get it. CHARLES ATLAS, Dept . 10-V, Chitty Street, London W .I. P age 26 ! Bodies for Trade CAN WIN (Continu ed from Page 4) Yes, under recognised rules, British Championships mean something these days. My weight when I took up wrestling competitively as a welterweight was 11st. 2lbs. On turning professional I weighed 13st. 6lbs. and gradually increased body weight to the peak of 16st. 4lbs. , although I find my best is 15st. 71b. My height has increased ve,r y little since the age of 14 years when I had aspirations to become a policeman. Knowledge of wrestling was an asset in certain town forces. When wrestling abroad one finds a very varied form of opponent, since on the Continent you find- as in t his Americans, Australians , country Canadians, plus French , Belgians, Germans , Italians and Austrians. One of th e best opponents I wrestled was l v or M a rtin son , who was European ChampiOI) .a nd whom I held to a on hour drawn decision at Bordeaux. I rate Frank Sex ton as being one of the most formidab le wrestlers I have met-6ft. 3ins., 17.5st. of h um an dynamite , world champion for a number of years. I will close now, and hope the next article you may read is one about Ernie Baldwin being fit again. Yours sincerely, ON TV Wro BIG ARM MUSC L ES Yo u'll see and feel your a rm m uscles BULGE o ut wit h Super Power energy. Tension D ynamic gives you big handsome muscles- develo ps your chest without excercises. t MORE WEIGHT You'll put o n pou nds in the right places. Tension D ynamic rebuilds you inside and out. h ;..d D MORE M USCLE BIGGER CH EST M USCLES D M ORE WEIGHT MAGNETIC PERSONALITY D ynami c-T e n s ion drives out tiredness, shyness ... m akes you the hit of any a live party, .. a MAN . (HARLES ATLAS Dept. 10-V Chitty Street, London , W .I Send me absolutely FREE, details of yo ur amazing 7-day TRIAL OFFER and yo ur famous book Too, Ca n Be A N ew M an", crammed wit h ph otogra phs and va luable ad vice. I understand this book is mine a nd does not o bligate me in any way. N AME .... . ....... . ........ ... ... AG E (Block letters Please) ADDRESS .......... . .. , . ... . .. .... . ... ... . . 0MAGNETIC PE R SO NALITY WRESTLING CHESHIRE BIRKENHEAD Ritz CREWE Town Hall ELLESMERE PORT Civic Hall 7,30 p .m. 7.45 p.m. 2nd & 4th Thurs. 1st & 3rd Thurs. 3rd & 5th Friday Market Hall 1st, 3rd & 5th Mon. 7.30 p.m. DERBYSHIRE ALFRETON Drill Hall CHESTERFIELD Ashgate Road, Drill Hall Drill Hall Dumfries Place Gwynn Hall NEATH SWANSEA Empress Ballroom 3rd & 5th Friday 7.30 p.m. Ulster Hall Derby Castle Drill Hall Gaiety Market Hall , Slncil Street Butlin' s Camp SKEGNESS Pa viii on SCUNTHORPE 2nd & 4th Thurs. 7,30 p.m. 7.30 p .m . Every Friday 1st & 2nd Friday 7.30 p.m. 2nd & 4th Thursday 8 p .m. 7.30 p.m. Every Friday 7 p.m. Every Sunday 1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Sat. 7 p .m. Every Thursday 7.30 p.m. 1st Mon. & 2nd Wed. 7.30 p .m . 4th Saturday 4th Wednesday 7.30 p.m. 3rd Wednesday 1st Tuesday 2nd & 4th Wed. 7.30 p.m 1st Monday 2nd Friday 7.30 p .m. Every Saturday 6.45 p.m. 1st Wednesday 2nd & 4th Tues. 7.30 p.m. 7.45 p.m. NORTH WALES PWLLHELI BANGOR Butlin's Camp County l'heatre NORTHUMBERLAND NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE New St. James' Hall NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NOTTINGHAM Cavendish Theatre Festival Hall TROWELL Hippodrome Public Hall 7.30 p.m. Every Tuesday 7.30 p.m . 4th Monday Every Saturday 7.45 p.m Every Sunday 4th. M·onday BRADFORD DONCASTER Corn Exchange Butlin' s Camp FILEY Tower Cinema GOOLE Victoria Hall HALIFAX Floral Hall HORNSEA Lang ham Cinema HULL Town Hall LEEDS MIDDLESBROUGH Stadium, Farrar Street SCARBOROUGH Olympia Ballroom SHEFFIELD Somme Barracks WAKEFIELD Rol!erhome Skating Rink S.S. Empire YORK 7.30 p.m. Every Monday 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tues. 7.30 p.m. 7.30 p.m. Every Saturday 1st Tuesday 3rd Thursday 7.30 p.m. 3rd Monday 7.30 p.m. 1st Thursday 3rd & 4th Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Every Monday Butlin's Camp AYR Music Hall ABERDEEN Town Hall FALKIRK GLASGOW Kelvin Sports Arena Town Hall KIRKCALDY Albert Hall STIRLI NG Town Hall HAMILTON 1st Monday 7.30 p.m. 2nd & 4th Tues. 3rd & 5th Saturday 7.30 p .m . Every Friday 3rd Thursday 2nd & 4th Saturday 7.45 p.m. 2nd & 4th Mon . 7 p .m . Every Saturday 1st & 2nd Thurs. 7.30 p.m. Every Wed. 3rd Tuesday 2nd & 4th Mon. 7.45 p. m . 7.30 p .m . 7.30 p .m. An opportunity to join " The Wrestler" Staff! SPACE REPRESENTATIVES REQUIRED Apply at once to SCOTLAND 7.30 p.m. YORKSHIRE 7.45 p .m. LINCOLNSHIRE GRANTHAM GRIMSBY LINCOLN BIRMINGHAM Aston H i pp, WARWICK Warwick Theatre Drill Hall COVENTRY St. George's Hall Spa Royal BRIDLINGTON LANCASHIRE Public Hall BARROW Wryton Stadium BOLTON Marine Hall FLEETWOOD Co-op. Hall LEIGH Stadium LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL Pavilion Theatre MANCHESTER King's Hall Belle Vue Winter Gdns. MORECAMBE Public Hall PRESTON 2nd & 4th Tues. WARWICKSHIRE DUDLEY WORCESTER 2nd, 4th & 5th Fri. 7.30 p.m. 1st Mon. & Wed. 3rd & 5th Friday 7.45 p.m. 7.30 p.m. Every Saturday WORCESTERSHIRE 2nd & 4th Monday ISLE OF MAN DOUGLAS BURTON Jubilee Hall HANLEY Victoria Hall WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall 7.30 p.m. Every Wed 3rd Monday IRELAND BELFAST 2nd & 3rd Friday 7.30 p.m. Sp.m. 3rd Monday GLAMORGAN CARDIFF WELLINGTON Sankey Steel Works STAFFORDSHIRE CUMBERLAND CARLISLE SHROPSHIRE The Advertisement Manager , " THE WRESTLER," LTD., DAVIGDOR HOUSE, HOVE, SUSSEX. Telephone , HOVE 7 135 7 (4 lines) JOINT PROMOTIONS Ltd. MEMBERS: - - - - - - - - - - - - - NORMAN MORRELL WRYTON PROMOTIONS LTD. BILLY BEST REL WYSKOW and GREEN PROMOTIONS, LTD. TED BERESFORD DALE MARTIN PROMOTIONS. LTD. TELEVISED WRESTLING resume s on REMEMBER - ONLY PROGRAMMES ARE Septem ber 2nd JOINT PROMOTIONS TELEVISED I.T.V. ON From October 2nd Joint Promotions will present by arrangement with the leading American promoters: RICKI WALDO NINO BRAVO THE GREAT TOJO OF JAPAN CHIEF MERAYANO SANDY SCOTT TERRY GARVIN LUTHER LINDSAY (World's coloured Heavyweight Champion) Watch out for a special I. T. V. Wrestling Trophy Competition ,