need - The Wrestling Archive
Transcription
need - The Wrestling Archive
need That's why the U.S.A. Olympic Team and the top sixteen National League U.S.A. Football Teams selected SUPER PLENAMINS the famous international multivitamin and mineral supplement to provide those EXTRA vitamins, so important in the diet of PEAK PERFORMANCE PEOPLE. Now you can obtain the same benefit as these famous sportsmen and women . ASK YOUR CHEMIST for SUPER PLENAMINS-1 0 VITAMINS, 9 MINERALS INCLUDING IRON all in ONE DAILY TABLET and START RIGHT NOW with 1 Months Course 9/ 9 2 Mo nths Course 17/9 SUPER PLENAMINS -10 VITAMINS, 9 MINERALS INCLUDING IRON . REXALL · LOUGHBOROUGH · ENGLAND OFFICIAL MONTHLY OF THE EUROPEAN WRESTLING ALLIANCE Regular Contributors Russell Plummer Bob Leonard John Rackham Ken Osborn Tony Flood Eddie Caldwell Dave Pirie John Gledhill B. R. Bale David Burwash DESIGNED, PRINTED and PUBLISHED By " THE WRESTLER " LTO., CAXTON HOUSE, SHOREHAM-BY-SEA, SUSSEX. Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this publication the publishers do not hold themsel ves responsible for any errors or inaccuracies that may occur. Georges Gordlenko New Heavyweight Champion to be Crowned Ringside Canada Wrestling Round-up Steve Clements Wins World Welterweight Crown Tony Charles The Battle for the Scottish Lightweight Title Action on the Mat The Barons Majld Ackra Wrestlers on Parade, No. 1-lan Campbell Tony St. Clair ... Ray Glendenning Round the Amateur World Sabu Fan Club Favourltes-Gordon Quirey Around the Fan Clubs .. Royal Albert Hall Report Wrestling in the South ... Best Bouts of the Month Wrestling in the North ... Page 4 and 5 6 and 7 8 and 9 10 and 11 12 and 13 14 and 15 16 and 17 18 and 19 20 and 21 22 23 24 25 26 and 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 © APRIL 1970 Trade AgentsSU RR IDGE DAWSON & CO. (Productions) Ltd . 136/ 142 New Kent Road London , S.E. 1 EDITORIA L CONTRIBUTIONS will be received with consideration providing such items (articles or photograph) 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. Mighty strength of Prince Kumali forces Tibor Szakacs to the canvas with this one handed arm Lever (Photo: H. G. Stevens) VOLUME IX No. 11 THE WINNIPEG WONDER BACK IN BRITAIN AGAIN Back in action again, and rarin' to test the weight Champion, with no one coming anywhere progress that the British Heavyweights have made near him for class or wrestling ability, and it was during his absence, comes the powerful figure of only during his absence from Canada for some Canada's years on his travels around the world that he was World Heavyweight Title claimant, Georges Gordienko. eventually deprived of it by default mainly due to his prolonged stay in England. There is no better respected wrestler in the sport of professional wrestling, than this quietly However, since those days, some few years ago, spoken powerhouse of a man from Winnipeg who we have seen very little of Gordienko in British once held the then reigning Heavyweight Champion rings, for his wanderlust has taken him on trips to of the World, Lou Thesz to a one hour draw in what South Africa, India, Beirut, and all over Europe is still regarded by many as one of the finest matches and the rest of the world, with just the odd few days ever seen in Heavyweight Wrestling. back in England between trips, never giving himself time to do anything in the way of a serious campaign He reigned supreme as the Canadian HeavyPage 4 in this country. Georges Gordienko In action during his Greek tour posts his opponent More recently Georges did the Far East Tour, taking in Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong, etc., etc. with wrestling. and after this he went back to Canada to wrestle and at the same time spend some time with his this country, he was inactive for some months as a result of a torn ligament in the leg, but that's all parents. During his stay in Canada he met the American World Champion, Dory Funk in two far behind him now, and looking fitter, bigger, and certainly more agile than we have ever seen him World Title matches, and he makes no bones of the fact that Funk is way up high on the list of the before, he is looking forward to meeting the b:!st opponents that British Promoters can find to p ut i:l hardest men he has ever had to face in the ring. the ring against him. A comparative youngster as wrestlers go, but with great ability and potential, Gordienko claims At one period of time during his absence from Certainly his presence will add much to British Wrestling during the next few months. that Funk will eventually emerge as one of th:! greatest wrestlers of all time, and Georges usually knows what he is talking about with anything to do BOB SCALA and LAUR!E STEPHEN Page 5 NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION vvill be crovvned this 111onth BILL ROBINSON STRIPPED OF THE BRITISH TITLE - ALBERT WALL AND STEVE VEIDOR NOMINATED TO MEET OVER 15 ROUNDS AT NOTTINGHAM TO ESTABLISH A This was the sensational and far reaching decision taken at the end of February by the controlling body of British wrestling and announced last month through the Joint Promotions organisation. Th~ British title and Lord Mountevans Gold Belt has now gone undefended for over two years while Manchester star Robinson has pursued his quest for world honours overseas. Obviously the powers that be feel two years is far too long for the major championship in British wrestling to remain in hibernation and there seems little doubt that the decision to create a new title holder will receive widespread approval from wrestling followers. Not for a minute is it suggested that Robinson has not been a worthy title holder and one cannot but admire the determination with which he is travelling the world in search of his ultimate goal. But the championship itself must be bigger than the holder and nothing but good can come from the emergence of a new British heavyweight kingpin, Page 6 NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION ! especially a man prepared to travel the country ready to defend his crown. Naturally Robinson will have first claim to an opportunity to try and regain his former title when he eventually returns to these shores, although firstly the new champion must be decided. Everything is set for this fascinating struggle at Nottingham Ice Rink on Monday, April 13th, the championship contest over fifteen five minute rounds heading a ·five bout bill in another of promoter Ted Beresford's famous Nottingham spectaculars. Specially appointed as third man in the ring for the title contest is that much respected Bradford referee Joe Hill. Undoubtedly Doncaster-born Wall will start as favourite to regain the championship he held previously for a fleeting 28-day spell early in 1966, but speedy, spectacular Veidor, easily the lighter man, will be in no mood to allow this opportunity of major honours to go by. AI Wall (Photo: Geo. Reid) Steve Veidor (Photo: Geo . Reid) Both men have remained faithful to home rings in the last couple of years, despite consistent pressure from promoters on the Continent and further afield to tempt them away. the north, Veidor's greatest achievements have come in the southern half of the country, notably a couple of triumphs in the Royal Albert Hall's annual international heavyweight tournament. Wall's brief period as champion came when he defeated Billy Joyce on January 20th, 1966 but lasted only until February 17th, when he returned to the same hall and took on Welshman Gwyn Davies. Earlier in the present season he made a short trip to France but always expresses a preference for action on the home front and has already started a special build-up for the big match with Wall. Luck deserted Wall and a bad fall brought a knee injury which ended the contest and left Davies with the title. Then before Wall could challenge again, back came Joyce to beat Davies and resume a run as champion that continued until Robinson took over. Just in case the prospect of an epic championship bout is insufficient to tempt fans from the area to Nottingham Ice Rink later this month, how's this for supporting bill: Even without having had a chance to press th:: champion into a contest, Wall's reputation and stature among Europe's heavyweights has been considerably enhanced in recent times and some fans feel that on current showings he might have th:: beating of Robinson in any case. A contest for the European middleweight title in which holder Vie Faulkner is challenged by Alan Dennison; Jackie Pallo in a return bout with George Kidd; tag action between Untouchables, Lean Arras and Bobby Graham against the new combination of Les Kellett and the Rev. Mike Brooks and finally an amazing challenge bout in which super confident Mick McManus throws down the gauntlet to British mid-heavyweight champion Mike Marino. While Wall is generally regarded as a giant of RUSSELL PLUMMER Page 7 THE MOST SAV AGE GRAPPLER IN NORTH AMERICA, AND THE LA TEST FOOTBALL TAG TEAM ALLIANCE, ARE ON HAND AS BOB LEONARD SITS AT DATELINE CALGARY: f erry and Bobby Christy, the California brother pairing who currently hold th;: International Tag Team Championship, aren't the kind of grapplers who scare easily. But they headed into their latest defense of the twin belts with more than just a little trepidation when they stacked ~heir drop-kicking, sleeper hold style up against two of the biggest and roughest matmen ever to form a tandem. Or in others words, Hamilton Tiger Cat football lineman Angelo Mosca and Montreal Alouette tackle Wayne Coleman had come to town! Bobby Ch ristie flies through the ai r when trapped In this arm stretch by An gelo Mosca Coleman, who also happens to hold the world wrist-wrestling championship, comes in at 6ft. 5ins. and 21st. Mosca scales 20st. even and towers 6ft. 4ins. into the ozone. And whi le they aren't ~he most experienced tag team around, it's obvious even to the most casual observer that you just have to respect that kind of sheer size and power when it's stacked up aga inst anybody! Mosca's searing body Page 8 blocks, combined with the awesome power locked away in Coleman's 22-inch biceps, are leth:ll! The Christys played it clever against the big men through the first fa ll , keeping them on the defensive with long-range tactics reminiscent of Cassius Clay's in-and-out offense. The Christys' speed told heavily in the early going, but the tremendous power of Mosca and Coleman wore it down, until Mosca finally tore a submission out of Bobby with a one-leg crab. Back in action at the second bell, the champions stepped up their attack, diving time and again for their pet sleeper hold only to be knocked away by an interfering partner. Desperate for the equalizer now, Jerry introduced a new strategy. Wobbling unsteadily in mid-ring, he almost invited the gridiron belters to lace him with their searing tackles; Coleman took the bait, rocked the elder Christy twice with his bull rushes after rebounding him from the taut ropes. The third time, though, Ohristy slammed across the ring fast, launched himself straight at the torso of the onrushing Coleman. J erry hit him squarely in the chest, slamming him over backwa rds for a fast pin to even the bout up! Battling fiat out now, all four men strained to end the bout, the Christys depending on speedy assaults and their deadly sleeper, Mosca and Coleman launching their tackles at every op;:ning. It was all to no avail . . . the hands of the clock hit the 45 minute time limit, and the Christys still wore the belts out of the ring. " We'll be back, and soon! " vowed the voluble Mosca to television commentator Ed Whalen, and that can only mean ~he kind of a bout that puts up the S.R.O . signs! The titanic gridiron pair haven't been the only thorn in the Christys' side this past thirty days, though. They battled through two sizzling defenses against the new pairing of brutal Wild Bill Dromo and snarling Gil Hayes, both times barely avoiding disaster to pull out a last-second victory. They're currently skedded for a final showdown battle against Dromo and Hayes, and when it comes those in the know predict ,t hat there just could be a change in the championship listings. Back in action on the Calgary scene are three thrill-producers t>hat haven't been seen for a while. Riotous Ray Osborne headed the contingent when he jumped back into the local wars following brother Bud's leg injury; then followed peppy Killer Jack Kris, the stocky Edmonton tussler who can inflame and challenger either. Splitting the first two fatis again, Ruhl and Dromo finished the bout in the ringside seats, slugging it out with each other while the count tolled off to force a double disqualification. And that leaves the matter right back where it started. Dromo didn't see the last of Ruhl in the title tangle, however. He and snarling Gil Hayes teamed up to defeat Dave and Bill Robinson in a sizzling bout, marked by Robinson's spectacular moves that pulled his team out of trouble time and again. The frantic encounter ended when Hayes and Dromo were brutally double-teaming Bill in their own corner, and kayoed him long enough for the count to pound out. But, the end is only momentary: Robinson and Ruhl have posted $1000 cash with the promoters, to go to their enemies if the retrurn bout ends in a draw or Hayes and Dromo can pull off a win. And with stakes like that, Robinson and Ruhl will be pulling out all rthe stops in this one! Talking about Gil Hayes, it's doubtful if any matman who ever appeared here is more thoroughly disliked by ringsiders. To prove it, a dozen of them Wild Bill Dromo's piledriver almost upended Dave Ruhl lor the count but repeated use of it earned Dromo a c!lsqualllicatlon a crowd against him just by walking into the ring. Big Buck ]ones, out of action for several months, slammed back onto the Stampede City scene too, to show that he hasn't lost any of his capacity for ring rowdiness. DATELINE REGINA: With the cove'ted Canadian Heavyweight Championship belt solidly buckled back around the waist of Iron Dave Ruhl, Wild Bill Dromo has renewed his cry for a title shot, and demanded that Jerry Christy be barred from refereeing the bout. "He'll rescue Ruhl whenever he gets in trouble!" screamed Dromo ... but all to no avail. The ruling stood: Jerry Christy would arbitrate the battle. Ruhl showed from the first hold onward that he didn't need anyone to rescue him. He lashed Dromo from pillar to post with some splendid wrestling spiced with jolting punches, grabbed the opening fall with his full nelson before Wild Bill got untracked enough to snare the middle frame with his piledrive. In fact, so fast was the action that referee Christy had little to do but count for the falls! In the deciding stanza, though, Jerry got himself more than just involved. Trying to break up a wild melee in mid-ring, he caught one of Dromo's mule-kick punches right on the jaw; deciding it was shot at him on purpose, Jerry blazed back with a stiff uppercut of his own, decking Dromo for the count, then declared Ruhl the victor. A rematch with a new referee didn't do any more to decide the red-hot issues between champion Abdullah the Butcher, reputedly the most savage wrestler In North America uses his elbow drop to the throat to nail an easy win jumped the strutting blond grappler as he left the ring after a bout, and didn't back away until Hayes lacerated his original attacker with a savage judoslashing assault that showed he meant business! The fans bruised the volatile Hayes more than just a little with kicks and punches, but the scrappy Canadian just didn't back down. Continued on Page 28 Page 9 WRESTLING ROUND-UP That glamorous tag duo made up of Adrian Street and Bobby Barnes and known as the Hell's Angels recently found themselves in real trouble. In fact, they landed themselves in prison overnight! It happened during a recent very successfulotherwise! - tour of France. The pair found they had a free evening in Paris, so they decided to wander around the famous Pigalle district, which is well-known for its Bohemian atmosphere. Later in the evening, tired of wandering the streets, Adrian and Bobby went into a night club. They hadn't been there long, when the police raided the place, apparently in search of illicit drugs. Adrian and Bobby can't speak Frenoh, so they were unable to protest their innocence to the suspicious gendarmes. As a result, they were handcuffed , bundled into a police van, and thrown into a cell with an assortment of hippies. It took the police half-a-day to get round to releasing them, by which time it was too late to proceed to Toulouse for a scheduled tag bout there. Jim Hussey pulls back on this lace bar on Les Kellett ( Photo: H. G. Stevens) But if the Hell's Angels missed one bout, they engaged themselves in twelve other tag bouts while in France- and won them all! Toughest opposition, they claim, was the French tag team made up of Guy Mercier and Gil Cesca. The Hell's Angels had two bouts with this talented French pair, beating them on both occasions without conceding a single fall themselves. own Billy Robinson to win a version of the World Heavyweight Title won by Billy in Japan a year-anda-half ago . It would be nice if Jim Hussey was given the chance to regain that title for Britain, should he decide to go to Hawaii . Another Manchester wrestler, tough 'Jumping' Jim Hussey, is toying with the idea of heading for Hawaii later this year. He has received a tempting offer from Lord Jan Blears, who was once Heavyweight Champion of the British Empire, but who later settled down to live in Hawaii, and now concentrates on promoting. Of course, Prince Curtis laukea, the Hawaiian Heavyweight Champion, is king of the mat in that part of the world . It will be remembered that Prince Curtis recently defeated our Every fan has a favourite wrestler, but I don't suppose any fan has gone as far as Martin Hallettknown as 'Banjo' to hi s friends- who at his own expense, has had a small book printed in praise of 'Big' Bruno Elrington, the giant, bearded matman from Portsmouth. Bruno might be an all-out baddie to some people, but to 'Banjo' he's the finest wrestler there is. It's not surprising to learn that this keen young wrestler fan hails from Portsmouth and journeys all over the south of England to watch Page 10 Bruno in action. When he goes on these trips he wears a special tee-shirt which has Bruno Elrington's name and face printed on the front! Talking of Bruno Elrington, I gather that Bruno would be very interested in learning the whereabouts of Sid Hardin, the rule-bending heavyweight from Brighton. Gwen Elrington, Bruno's wife, who promotes wrestling at Southsea, had Sid Hardin on her programmes several times. She would like to bill him again. But he seems to have disappeared into thin air. Both Bruno and Gwen are puzzled. Does anyone know where the elusive Sid is? DALE MARTIN PROMOTIONS LTO. and THE COTTAGE HOMES present WRESTLING THE SEYMOUR HALL, W.1 MONDAY, APRIL 6th Commencing at 8.00 p.m. LONG AWAITED CLASH! GEORGE PETER KIDD v. RANN World Lightweight Champion South England Middleweight Champion PLUS SUPER TAG-MATCH The Joyce Brothe'rs v. Hurst and Kwango Bruno Elrlngton and 'Banjo' Hallet Alan Sargeant is crazy about cars, and happily spends hours tinkering with their engines. He has just become the proud owner of a 2.4 Jaguar saloon, bronze-gold in colour. He will be using it to carry him to wrestling venues all over the country. Alan is currently tuning-up for another go at getting back the British Welterweight title which he lost late last year to Brian Maxine . Meanwhile, Maxine recently returned from a successful tour of Belgian rings. Hard on his heels to Belgium went fan Gilmour and Jeff Kaye, primarily for tag battles against Continental teams, but they should be back in Britain by the time you read this. A Heavyweight Match International Clash KUMALI MASAMBULA versus versus BRIDGES CZESLAW A Welterweight Bout Alan Sargeant v Peter Szakacs ADVANCE BOOKINGS: J. F. Broker & Son Ltd., 62 Church Street, Edgware Road, N.W.8 Benson's, 38 Crawford Street, Bryanston Square, London, W.1 Telephone: 01-723 7739 POSTAL BOOKINGS ONLY: Donald Cave, Esq., The Cottage Homes, Marshall Estate, Hammers Lane, N.W.7 Telephone: 01-959 7071 Prices: 42/-, 30/-, 21 /-, 1o;-, and 5/lt's a Cottage Homes Charity Spectacular! JOHN RACKHAM Page 11 STEVE CLEMENTS WINS WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CROWN ----· --- - - - The fall by which the world welterweight title changed hands-referee Eddle Palau counts as Steve Clements bridges to pin champion Karloll Lagarde Ringwise Lagarde, a professional for more than 19 years and holder, on and off of the world crown since 1957, first dropped a verdict to Clements just before Christmas in Mexico City. Steve Clements, the 22 year-old Huddersfield lad and Britain's un-official wrestling ambassador in Latin America, is the new welterweight champion of the world. After more than six months of persistent chasing, Yorkshire's blond haired young star finally earned his title chance against champion Karloff Lugarde- and came away with the hono urs after just 12 minutes under two hours of wrestling. Clements first set foot in Mexico in February of last year bbt really stwck gold when he decided to stay on to wrestle solo after his tour companion and tag partner Terry Jowett returned home. In no time at all Clements was getting rave reviews for his ring performances from the Mexican sporting press and soon it was main event billing all along the line. Sieve Clements and his parents Mr. & Mrs. Ted Beresford chatting with promoter Salvadore Luttorth outside the Arena Mexico in Mexico City The men in the lighter weights are truly kings of the canvas in Mexico and the importance of the welterweight championship is something equivalent to that of the heavyweight crown in other parts of the globe. The return matching with the title at stake took place just about in time to mark the start of Clements' second year in Mexico and drew a capacity crowd of more than seven thousand to Arena Puebla in the suburbs of the city of Puebla. Page 12 r --- TICKETS ON SALE Tickets are now on sale British IXth the for Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh 16-25 July 1970 Steve Clements on the beach at Vera Cruz with wrestlers Paul Reyes (left) and Ceasar Valentine WRESTLIN G The tournament began at nine in the evening and it was after midnight when referee Eddie Palau raised the arm of Clements to signify victory. Decided by the best two of three falls or submissions the contest was of unlimited duration in accordance with Mexican rules, Clements quickly using his greater speed to advantage to gain the opening fall . Lagarde came back to equalise around the hour mark and there was a further 48 minutes of wrestling before the third and deciding fall went to Clements, the Y orkshireman flinging himself backwards in a perfect bridge to add leverage to a folding body press. "Naturally we were delighted to hear about the contest and now it is likely Steve will stay on even longer in Mexico before returning to Europe," his father, promoter Ted Beresford told me. Ted and his wife were in Mexico just after Christmas and spent a few days with Steve just as he was starting to get into trim for the big contest. "How I wish we could have stayed long enough to see it take place," Ted added. RUSSELL PLUMMER Wednesday July 22nd Thursday July 23rd Friday July 24th OTHER EVENTS: Athletics, Fencing, Badminton, Swimming Bowls, and Boxing, Diving, Cycling, Weightlifting. Ticket and Accommodation Reservation Forms are available by post-Fill in coupon and send to: •••••• • • Ticket Office, British Commonwealth Games, 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BR. .NAME .ADDRESS • • ····· ·· ········ ··· ······ ······· ··· ········· ··· ·· · • ·· ····· ····· ·· ··· ···· ··· ··· ········· ·· ······· ·· ·· • •••••••••• Page 13 "Having wrestled in the welterweight, middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions, I have met most of the top grapplers around today. The experience I have gained has been most valuable. "I rate Bert Royal, Geofj Portz---one of the best heavyweights in Britain- and Mick McManus very highly. But there are so many good wrestlers about and some of them are even more experienced than me, though I have been in wrestling for a long time now. an exclusive interview in Charles' own words "I started amateur wrestling at the age of 16 in Bristol where I moved from Rhondda Valley, South Wales. I was mad on rugby at the time, having played for my school and represented Rhondda Valley Schools. "I had also represented Rhondda Valley Schools at gymnastics and athletics. But at Bristol I joined the local Youth Centre and turned to wrestling. " Within three weeks I had my first amateur Page 14 Tony Charles headlocks his opponent (Photo: H. G. Stevens) Tony Charles comes down with a knee to the inside of the thigh of Bob Klrkwood ( Photo: H. G. Stevens) wrestling contest, only to be pinned twice m 50 seconds! as a middleweight because several men bordering on the light-heavyweight section came up against me. "Two years later, however, I won the Eastern, Western and Midland Area Welterweight Championship. I went through to the final of the British Amateur Wrestling Championships four times, but the best placing I achieved was third. "As things turned out I built myself up to a light-heavyweight with weight lifting and exercises. This was mainly so that I could obtain more engagements on the Continent where they prefer to watch the heavy 'boys'. "In 1958 I was picked to represent Wales in the Empire Games, following which I turned professional the same year. "I have been a light-heavyweight for four years now although I could still make the middleweight limit. I am the Welsh light-heavyweight champion, having previously been welterweight and middleweight champion. "Early on in my career I met Jack Dempsey and Mick McManus in two of the hardest bouts I've ever had. Despite losing to these two, I made a fairly good start and eventually earned a crack at Jack Dempsey's British Welterweight Championship. I took him to a 15 round draw, but as I was putting on weight I did not have a re-match. "I went up to middleweight and here I found Bert Royal one of the most skiJf,ul opponents I had encountered up to then. I discovered it was harder "I would now like to take the British title. I am concentrating on single combat which I prefer to tag wrestling as you only h ave to rely on your own ability. "If I had to decide on a tag partner I would go for Clayton Thomson. Should I move on to the heavyweight class 1 would choose Geoff Portz". TONY FLOOD Page 15 THE BATTLE FOR THE SCOTTISH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE Jim McKenzie (Photo: Geo. Reid) At three minutes past ten on Tuesday 17th of February a jubilant Jim McKenzie (Glasgow) jumped down from the ring at the Eldorado Stadium, Edinburgh, and received a standing ovation from the capacity crowd after regaining the Scottish lightweight title from Bill Ross (Auchterarder). McKenzie had recently spoken of retiring from the ring, but his performance in this championship bout certainly puts a new perspective on the issue and it looks as if the cocky Glaswegian won't be hanging up his boots for a long time yet. Ross, who captured the title from McKenzie at the Edinburgh venue towards the end of last season, set the tone of the match in the early stages with some dubious wrestling, but compared to some rule-benders he was a minor offender and the crowd Page 16 seemed a bl.t hard in their a1most unanimous support of McKenzie. Ross opened the scoring in the second round with a Boston-crab submission after his opponent had weakened his back after an awkward fall. Indeed it looked as if the Stirlingshire joiner was set to retain his title, but McKenzie came back strongly to equalise in the fourth and chalk up the winning fall with a cleverly-executed folding bodypress in the next round. But this seenied as If it wouid be the high-water mark of his ring career. Since then the tide of success has been on the ebb. He was to lose his Scottish title to Bill Ross before the season ended, and this season McKenzie has lost to men whom he could easily beat a couple of years ago. However, the tide of fortune changed in February for McKenzie. His recapture of the Scottish championship from Ross shows that the Glaswegian has come back with a vengeance. The standing ovation he received from the Edinburgh crowd is a token Bill Ross in action as he headmares Dennis Savage (Photo: Geo. Reid) The mental picture of a Scottish wrestler in many people's imagination is of a well-built, bearded, kilted man who looks like a walking advert for heather, haggis and fresh air. Men like fan Campbell, Wild Angus and Jock Cameron help to sustain this notion. However, Scotland's real basis of wrestling strength is situated at the lightweight end of the scale. After all, the best lightweight in the world, George Kidd, comes from Dundee. McKenzie and Ross, too, seem to me to underline Scotland's strength among the sub-11 stone men. It won't be long I'm sure before the charge of the Scots light brigade will be felt south of the border! Twelve months ago ,McKenzie seemed to have a bright future ahead of him. He had beaten the European champion J im Breaks in several non-title bouts and had held the champion to a draw on two occasions with the belt at stake. He also made his television debut last year. of the respect they have for the man who intends to make a final bid for international honours. Six months ago I'd have said international honours were forbidden fruit for McKenzie. Now I'm not so sure. As far as Ross is concerned this season couldn't have been kinder to him. Last August he won the Scottish middleweight title for Cumberlandstyle wrestling at Balloch Highland Games. In the autumn he made his debut on television and commentator Kent W a/ton seemed quite impressed judging by the pile of superlatives he heaped on the budding Scottish lightweight. At the moment then, McKenzie has the belt securely fastened round his waist but Ross has sampled the sweet taste of being champion and I'm sure it won't be long before he tries to return for a second bite at the fruits of victory. GEORGE W. MITCHELL Page 17 Jackie Pallo reels from a forearm smash by Bert Royal (Photo: Geo. Reid) • Battle Royal-as Johnny Kwango leaps on top of Eric Cutler, Abe Glnsberg, Honey Boy Zimba and, at the bottom Max Ward (Photo: H. G. Stevens) Andy Robin applies his power lock on Eric Cutler (Photo: Geo. Reid) Mark Anthony with a powerful headlock on Roy St. Clair (Photo: H. G. Stevens) Len Hurst backhammers Bill Torontos right off the canvas ( Photo: H. G. Stevens) FUTURE OVERLO RDS OF THE TAG SCENE! With a name like The Barons it's not difficult for wrestling fans to appreciate the serious intentions of the new Yorkshire tag pair /an Gilmour and Jeff Kaye. It is quite clear that this middleweight two-some intend to fight their way to the top of the heap and exact tribute from the lesser men in the tag ranks. The North of England has always boasted a good number of tag teams- the R oyal Brothers, the Dennisons, the Black Diamonds, the White Eagles, the Untouchables and Yorkshire Terriers. However, in the past year or so there have been quite a number of new recruits to the four-man department of the sport. We've had The Masters, European welterweight champion Alan Colbeck and Peter Preston, the only man to beat Mick McManus on T.V.; the Jet Set, lightweight pair AI Miquet and Jon Cortez; a few months ago European lightweight champion Jim Breaks and Mick lames made their tag debut as The Breakaways. It is into this hot-bed of Northern activity that Gilmour and Kaye attempt to stake out a claim. With Page 20 so many of our wrestlers already participating in tag, the competition is certainly savage. The well-established teams will be anxious to repel any intruders who attempt to threaten their dominance. The promoters too, will naturally prefer to engage well-known teams who are tested box office draws. However, tag wrestling is far from being a closed-shop, for those with the drive and ability do succeed in this all-action concept of the sport. Time alone will decide if the Barons will make it in tag, but from their performances in solo combat there seems to be no reason why they shouldn't succeed in carving out a niche for themselves on the tag scene. Gilmour and Kaye have been around in the paid ranks for some time and therefore it is surprising that they have never ventured into tag before this. Still, better late than never. Gilmour did some tag wrestling as a member of the Edinburghbased Eldorado All Star team, and Kaye has had a few isolated tag matches but neither man has had a permanent partner. The Barons have made only a few tag outings so far, yet already they are producing the results fans lan Gilmour body slams the Red Scorpion (Photo: Geo. Reid) Jeff Kaye with a stomp on his opponent (Photo: Geo. Reid) expect from such class men. Their most notable win to date was against The Masters duo of Colbeck and Preston. appearance, and such a brief one at that, it is not possible to come to any firm conclusion about the long-term prospects of The Barons. However, what I saw, I liked. In the ring The Barons style is systematic and methodical yet this is only one side of the coin . I dropped into their dressing room minutes before they were due in the ring and here too they were equally meticulous. Kaye was combing his hair and Gilmour applying a quick dry aerosol gold spray to his boots as they discussed tactics in an intelligent and thorough manner. With gold boots and purple trunks and ponchos combining both colours, "The Kings" might seem a more appropriate name for a tag pair sporting such royal colours. I have seen The Barons in action on only one occasion so far, against fellow Yorkshiremen Alan Dennison and Ted Heath. Gilmour and Kaye used the same speed and skill which are the hallmarks of their style in solo combat but unfortunately the bout was brought to a premature halt when Kaye was forced to retire after an awkward fall from the ring and the verdict of "No Contest" was given. After watching only one Ian and Jeff have much in common concerning their wrestling careers- they share the same lively approach, belong to the same middleweight class and have been grappling for cash for eight years. But here the resemblance ends. Out of the ring their paths are unlikely to cross. Jeff likes to sail on the Humber in his uncle's dinghy while Ian prefers the more platonic pleasures of photography and poetryreading. Being born in Dumfries it's not surprising that Burns is his favourite poet. Although The Barons are eager to make an impact on the tag scene they are equally keen to continue their progress in single combat. Both Gilmour and Kaye have their eyes firmly focused on the middleweight championship belt. With a name like The Barons, sooner or later they'll just have to capture a title! GEORGE W. MITCHELL Page 21 now asking is: " Will Majid stay here?'' Majid doesn't know the answer to that himself, as yet. If there are sufficient opportunities to make a long stay worth while, he will stay. His beautiful wife ~araha is waiting in Majid's home city of Lahore with their two young children, wondering if the summons will come to pack her bags and head westwards to Britain. It is good to see that talented Pakistani wrestler Majid Ackra is proving during his recent ring appearances that he has lost none of the old magic which originally captured the imagination of mat sport fans . Majid, of course, has been away from these shores for some time. He left Britain in 1967 to wrestle in India and Pakistan- though he did stop off for a while for a few bouts in Syria and the Lebanon. While wrestling in India, he achieved the distinction of beating the Indian heavyweight champion, Dara Singh, though he lost to him on a second occasion. He also emerged as the winner of one of the major Indian National Tournaments, vanquishing Randowa Singh- Dara Singh's brother - in the final. Majid Ackra returned to Britain on 28th· January this year. The question British mat fans are' Page 22 Majid first came to Britain when he was 16-years-old, settling initially in Manchester. As a schoolboy, he had been very competent on the football field and the cricket pitch, but his first real sporting successes came after his schooldays were over. As a teenage amateur boxer, he fought through to take the Lancashire Amateur Middleweight title, then later won the A.B.A. Championship after a series of contests in which 27 counties parti ci pa ted. It was inevitable that Majid would eventually take wrestling up seriously, for his father- an Olympic Silver Medalist in his amateur days-later wrestled professionally as The Great Ackra (real name : Karam Rasul). Majid's uncle was also a professional wrestler who gained international honours. Wrestling instruction came first from Majid's father. Later, promoter Jack Atherton gave him advice and assistance, though his first professional bout was for promoter George de Relwyskow, his opponent then being Vie Hesselle. Wrestlers on Parade In 1962, Majid Ackra returned home to Pakistan for three months for a holiday, with no wrestling engagements there, but for six months during late 1964- early 1965, he returned to Pakistan again, this time to engage in a series of bouts. The highlight of this tour came when he defeated a powerful Punjabi wrestler by the name of Kakah to win the Light-Heavyweight Championship of the Punjab. His last- and longest- tour began when he left Britain again in 1967 for his home city of Lahore, in Pakistan. It lasted almost three years, and saw him meeting opponents throughout the length and breadth of India and Pakistan. During that time, he travelled many thousands of miles, from the hot, dry heat of the Deccan Plain, through the damp, sticky climate of Assam, and then into the cooler hill settlements near the North-West Frontier. Sometimes he wrestled in a team headed by Akram Pahelwan, Heavyweight Champion of Pakistan. Majid Ackra is gentle and quiet-spoken outside of the ring. He is very philosophical about life, believing very much in the brotherhood of Man. In the ring, he is stylish and a clever performer who always attempts to give of his best. He backs his ring action with a minimum of four hours hard training a day. He also swims a great deal to develop stamina. Let us hope that this fine wrestler elects to stay in Britain for a long, long time! JOHN RACKHAM Name: IAN CAMPBELL. Weight: 19st. lllbs. Height: 6ft. 3ins. Place of Residence: Leeds. Titles: Scottish Heavyweight Champion. European All-corners Heavyweight champion, won · in Vienna last summer. Most Difficult Opponent: Mr. Taxman! Most Memorable Contest: Against The Outlaw at Edinburgh three years ago when angry fans chased the masked American out of the stadium. Biggest Thrill: Winning the All-corners tournament for which he received two gold medals. Biggest Disappointment: The lack of interest in all amateur sport in this country. Best Country Visited: Germany. Car: Mercedes 250 SL. Favourite Food: All plain but wholesome fare, including haggis of course! Miscellaneous Likes: Reading. Miscellaneous Dislikes: Man's Inhumanity to man. Favourite Television Show: The last night of the prom concerts, which unfortunately comes round only once a year. Favourite Singer: Kenneth McKellar. Page 23 mNY ST. CLAIR in front of a crowd of 15,000. Tony and Johnny often share a tag rope in foreign rings although on the home front they partner Roy St. Clair and Terry Jowett as the Saints and White Eagles respectively. In fact it was through tagging together that St. Clair and Eagles found themselves in Nigeria in the first place. Last summer a Nigerian promoter watched these two men wrestle in the Madrid bull ring against the legendary Spanish Pizzarro Brothers and was so impressed by their speedy and scientific style that he decided he had to have them for West Africa. Like Eagles, Tony is an avid globe trotter and plans to wrestle in Turkey and Spain later this year. With a father like Francis St. Clair Gregory who was a great wrestler in his day and a brother already an established figure on the mat, it was all the more difficult for Tony to be taken for what he was, and not be seen merely as an imitation of other members of his family when he first stepped into the professional ring three years ago. Surprisingly enough, it was Johnny Eagles who faced him in the opposite corner when Tony made his professional debut at Nelson in March 1967. Tony St. Clair with a head chancery on Ken Joyce (Photo: H. G. Stevens) It's not everyone who can bake under an African sun three days before Christmas; and with a nod of the head summon waiters in white starched jackets with iced drinks, but then it's not everybody who can be a successful professional wrestler. Yet this was the James Bondish style of life Tony St. Clair took in his stride during his recent tour of Nigeria with Johnny Eagles. Tony wanted to be home for Christmas, but Johnny stayed on for another month before returning to this country. As it turned out Tony was fortunate in coming back to Britain when he did for he missed the end of the civil war with Biafra and what would have been a time of dislocation and tension for anybody, especially foreigners, in Lagos during that period. St. Clair thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is considering returning there later this year. He had six contests in and around Lagos, mostly tag matches with Eagles. On one occasion they wrestled Page 24 Coming from such an athletic family it always looked as if Tony would find a career in sport. But at first it seemed as if it would be the professional football pitch which would earn Tony's bread and butter. Born in Cornwall, but spending most of his life in the North, Tony played for the Manchester United Youth Team. However, injury ended all hope of a career in big-time soccer and after some encouragement from his family he opted for a life on the mat, learning the game at Manchester's Y.M.C.A. gym. Although a capable performer in single combat, it is in tag matches with brother Roy that Tony has had the greatest impact. It will be a long time before I forget the night the Saints trounced the heavier and more experienced Russian pair of Yuri Borienko and Josef Zaranoff in one of the most violent contests I have ever watched. Tony tells me his biggest break so far was when he topped the bill with Roy in a tag at the Royal Albert Hall in January against aggressive Londoners Mick McManus and Steve Logan. St. Clair has two ambitions; to be happily married and to capture the British heavyweight title. Engaged to a Manchester girl, Tony feels confident about achieving the first of these goals, but is not so sure about the second. GEORGE W. MITCHELL Ray Glendenning A new face in the mid-heavyweight division is that of Ray Glendenning, the sturdy grappler from Bury in Lancashire. A new face to Joint Promotions halls, but Ray is no newcomer to wrestling, either in this country or on the continent. His wrestling career started many years ago with the amateurs in Bury and Bolton, where he used to compete against amateur stars of the calibre of current National Coach Albert Aspen. Ray then graduated from the unpaid ranks to the professional ring, and for several years he worked for a number of small independent promoters in the North West. In fact, I remember ex-world middleweight champion, Tommy Mann, commenting at one stage that Glendenning was just about the best wrestler not on the books of Joint Promotions. Ray's big moment came when he was selected by a television company to be the star of a programme called 'So You Want to be a Wrestler'. Ray had the star part, because the programme turned out to be an account of how Ray became attracted to wrestling and how he eventually became a professional wrestler. At this time Tommy Mann was acting as Ray's wrestling coach and ad'viser, and Ray is the first to pay tribute to the immense benefit Tommy's advice was to him. The television programme naturally led to more bookings, wider afield. In fact, foreign promoters saw the film, and in no time at all, Ray was wrestling in Spain, where his lively, quicksilver style soon established him as one of Spain's best liked matmen. From Spain, Ray tried the famous German circuits, and despite being handicapped by a lighter bodyweight than that of most of the Tournament wrestlers, made such an impression that he was invited back again and again. It was while in Germany that Ray resumed an old friendship with Salford's Henri Pierlot, a mid-heavy of similar bulk to Glendenning. This winter, Ray decided to stay in Britain, and make a determined assault on the Joint Promotions circuit. One of his first bouts was against Stockport's !an Wilson at Derby. Glendenning won the bout in fine style, and Wilson told me some days afterwards that Glendenning come out like a wild bull and caught him with a hard forearm smash; after that he could not remember anything. This ruggedly classy fifteen stoner has given himself six months to hit the headlines, and to get a shot at Mike Marino's title. Win, lose, or draw, Marino will know he has been in a real title scrap, and Glendenning is just the type of wrestler Marino must now bow to sooner or later. EDDIE CALDWELL Page 25 The Southern Counties Senior Wrestling Championships were held at Bethnal Green Institute, London. 64 wrestlers passed the scales, 95 bouts were wrestled of these 50 bouts were won on falls, 42 bouts went tlhe full distance of nine minutes and were decided on points, and three bouts were drawn. In all, on two mats it took 10 hours to decide the Championships. The wrestling was first class and some very tough bouts were wrestled. The audience was the best for some years and by the comments passed was enjoyed by all. RESULTS Light Flyweight First- G. Singh, Viking A.W.C. Second- R. Farlow, Sparta A.W.C. Flyweight First- D. Palmer, Sparta A.W.C. Bantamweight First- T. Robinson, United A.W.C. Second- A. Debrozski, Sparta A.W.C. Third- T. Martin, Ashdown A.W.C. Featherweight First-K. Dawes, Sparta A.W.C. Second- T. Brett, Viking A.W.C. Joint Third- D. Graff, Ashdown A.W.C. and J. Harris, Lambeth, A.W.C. Lightweight First- J. Kelliher, Kings A.W.C. Second- C. Myers, United A.W.C. Third- L. Stein, Kings A.W.C. Welterweight First- P. Amey, United A.W.C. Second- R. Williams, Viking A.W.C. Third- H. Joseph, Sparta A.W.C. Middleweight First~R. Grinstead, Redbridge A.W.C. Second- R. Gilbert, Viking A.W.C. Third- 1. Harston, Met. Police A.C. Light Heavyweight First- P. Zimmerman, Ashdown A.W.C. Second- G. Pullen, United A.W.C. Third- P. Prince, Loughborough A.W.C. Mid Heavyweight First- G. Hill, United A.W.C. Second- C. Maguire, Foresters A.W.C. Third- G. Page, Viking A.W.C. Heavyweight First- D. McNamara, Met. Police A.C. -·-·-·-·-·-·- The Northern, Midland and Scottish Associations have yet to hold their championships. From Page 26 the Southern, Northern, Midland and Scottish Associations Championships are selected two from each of the ten weights from each area to wrestle in the British Senior Championships which are being held on April 25th at: York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, E.2. from 12 noon to 10 p.m. Tickets 5/-,7/6, 10/6 Tickets may be obtained from: B.A.W.A. 60 Calabria Road, London, N.5. At tJhis event the finest amateur wrestlers in Great Britain will be competing. An event well worth seeing. .................... The Southern Counties Junior Championships for lads between 12 and 15 years of age were held at the Crawley Boys Club in Crawley, Sussex. 40 young lads passed the scales, most of the bouts were decided on falls, only about seven bouts went the full distance of six minutes to be decided on points. The wrestling of these lads was great, one bout especially took my eye between R. Ellis of Southdown and A. Head of St. Marys, Ashford, they put up a magnificent bout R. Ellis managed to get a fall in the last few minutes of the bout. The lads came from as far as Weymoutlh, Ashford, Maidstone, London and Crawley. The winners and second placed will go forward to the British Junior Championships on May 2nd at Bethnal Green Institute, Falkirk Street, London, N.l. RESULTS Stone First- R. Ellis, Southdown A.W.C. Second- A. Head, St. Marys, Ashford. Third- A. Compton, Sparta A.W.C. St Stone First- B. Short, United A .W.C. Second- T. Berry, Weymouth A.W.C. Third- P. Falous, Weymouth A.W.C. 6 Stone First- A. Gilles, Southdown A.W.C. Second- A. Campey, Loughborough A.W.C. Third- A. Stiles, Loughborough A.W.C. 6! Stone First-0. Jones, Loughborough A.W.C. Second- M. McGarren, Lambeth A.W.C. Joint Third---oM. Warren, Weymouth A.W.C. and I. Gold, Redbridge A.W.C. 7 Stone First~. Staines, Loughborough A.W.C. Second-A. Degan, Southdown A.W.C. Third- P. Phaye, Saracen A.W.C., Maidstone. 5 7t Stone First- S. Baker, United A .W.C. Second- P. Chapman, Southdown A.W.C. 8 Stone First- P. Flaherty, Loughborough A.W.C. Second-N. Zammit, United A .W.C. Third- J. Bell, United A .W.C. 8i Stone First- C. Taylor, Lambeth A.W.C. Second- D. Hughes, United A.W.C. Third- A . Gold, Redbridge A.W.C. 9 Stone First- D. Blake, Lambeth A.W.C. 9i Stone First- F. Fanning, Weymouth A.W.C. Second- R. Bazyluk, Southdown A.W.C. Third- H. Paul, Southdown A.W.C. IOJ Stone First- D. Montague, Loughborough A.W.C. Second- M. Burridge, United A.W.C. 12 Stone First- T. Camp, Sparta A.W.C. Heavyweight First-G. Antonious, United A.W.C. Two Senior and four Intermediate open competitions were held at the Stevenage College of Further Education, Hertfordshire. Organised by L. Cotland of the Fairlands A.W.C. It was a very successful meeting and some fine wrestling was seen. RESULTS lOt Stone Open Senior Competition First- J. Kelliher, Kings A.W.C. Second- B. Hunt, Weymouth A.W.C. 12 Stone Open Senior Competition First--tR. Williams, Viking A.W.C. Second- A. Dawson, Basildon A.W.C. 8i Stone Intermediate Competition First--P. Moss, Sandy A.W.C. Second- F . Smith, Breaks A.W.C. 9! Stone Open Intermediate Competition First- E. Raymond, Basildon A.W.C. Second- J. Forbes, Sandy A.W.C. 10 Stone Open Intermediate Competition First- P. Cutts, Sandy A.W.C. Second- F. Smith, Breaks A.W.C. 1I Stone Open Intermediate Competition First- K. Bailey, Basildon A.W.C. Second~. Forbes, Sandy A.W.C. A special bout between R. Gilbert of Viking A.W.C. and R . Courtney of Fairlands A.W.C. was won by Gilbert on a fall in 6 minutes 20 seconds. -... A. WISHART ............... Know the Game Wrestling 4/- from: B.A.W.A. 60 Calabria Road, London, N.5. Any reader interested in joining an amateur club write to above address stamped addressed envelope please. East of Scotland Championships 57 Kilos First- G. Quested, Milton. Second- S. Gibson, Alloa. 62 Kilos First- W. Bell, Bruce. Second- J. Wilson, Carnegie. 68 Kilos First- D. Bell, Bruce. Second- C. Cambell, Carnegie. 74 Kilos First- P. Millar, Alloa . Second- S. Longmuir, Milton. 82 Kilos First- R . Mitchell, Alloa. Second- R. Syme, Bruce. 90 Kilos First- A. McNeil, Carnegie. Second- R. Carruthers, Perth. The finals of the "schoolboy's" tournament for the "MacRoberts Trophy'' ended in a unique threeways draw. This competition for teams of eight wrestlers was held in Kilsyth before a capacity audience including the Provost and Chief inspector of Police. The Kilsyth- Cumbernauld and Denny teams each finished with the same number of points, as a result the finals will be held over again. Biggest cheer of the night went to 12-year-old John Walsh of Kilsyth who when Buttocked landed in a perfect Bridge and spun out of danger. I970 Scottish National Championships Arctic weather in the Highlands, and the resulting snow blocked roads, meant that some highly favoured wrestlers were unable to compete. Never-the-less there was a field of 73 which provided some closely contested bouts. The featherweight class is still inconclusive. Tommy Burke won for the second time in succession but he and former champion John McCourtney drew in the finals for the fourth consecutive time this season. Biggest surprise was Davy Scott's win in the lightweight class. 18-year-old Scott beat former champion Tom Anderson on points. Tommy Hook now of London was the only "Anglo" to compete this year. Heavyweight champion Wallace Booth now of Liverpool was trapped by snow in the Borders. FULL RESULTS 48 Kilos First- J. Bell, Schiltron. (walk over). 52 Kilos First- N. McKay, Denny. Second- D. Urquart, Hub. 57 Kilos First- R. Grant, Glasgow University. Second- D. Simpson, L.M.S. Rovers. 62 Kilos First- T. Burke, Jordanhill College. Second- J . McCourtney, Milngavie. 68 Kilos First- D. Scott, Milngavie. Second- T. Anderson , Schiltron. Continued on Page 28 Page 27 ¥¥¥¥~¥~~¥~~¥¥~¥~¥¥~~¥~¥¥~¥¥~¥¥~¥¥~~¥¥¥ ** ** ~ ~ ~ ~ Danny Lynch, after defeating Dave Ruhl ~ ~ ~ in a return match, dropped the Canadian Open ~ *~ *~ Heavyweight Championship back to RUihl in ~ * ~ he caught Lynch in his full nelson during a -1e *~ *~ ~ a second return. Ruhl seized the victory when ~ ~ -le wild exchange of blows, but Danny vows he'll ~ return to Canada this year and retake the title ~ the first time he's matched against Ruhl! -le ~ ~ ** -le -le -le -le ** ************************************** ROUND tHE AM ATEUR WORLD Cominued from Page 27 74 Kilos First-F. Buchanan, Schiltron. Second- P. Millar, Alloa. 82 Kilos First- R. Mitchell, Alloa. Second- R. Syme, Bruce. 90 Kilos First- A. MacNeil, Dunfermline. Second- M. Roles, Cumbernauld. 100 Kilos First- A. Waterston, Milton. (walk over). --· ~ ·-·-·-·-· 41111 champion Bill Robinson, for referring to him as Alf As this is published a Turkish National Coach will arrive in Scotland for the second time this season to prepare the Scots training squad for the Commonwealth Games this summer. The Scottish Amateur Wrestling Association have spared no expense to improve their team. Last year top West German Coach Werner Klug was brought to Largs Sports Centre so that wrestlers and coaches could have an opportunity to compare Western and Eastern .European training methods. The knowledge gained will aid the spreading of the sport in Scotland and inevitably increase the proportion of Olympic places gained by Scots wrestlers. in the March issue. Alf is of course Billy's uncle. WILL/AM BAXTER CORRECTION Our apologies to Bill Robinson senior, father of Editor. RINGSIDE CANADA Continued from Page 9 ®hituary MR. WRIGHT MALLINSON Mr. Wright Mallinson, timekeeper for many years at the Belle Vue, Manchester venue, passed away a few days after officiating at ~he February 28th tournament. His passing was announced from the ring by M.C. Mark Green, who referred to Mr. Mallinson as "one of nature's gentlemen, and an old and personal friend." Though he had suffered ill-health for some time, he had insisted on doing the job he loved, in his usual, unobtrusive, reliable manner. Wrestling fans, and in particular those at Belle Vue, will miss Wright Mallinson, who was for so long, a well-loved, and respected part of the Belle Vue scene. Page 28 If ringsiders go after Hayes, though, the latest arrival on the Regina scene will make them think twice before they pull the same against him. He's 20st. Sudanese wildman Abdullah the Butcher, renowned throughout North America as the most savage man ever to enter the ring ranks, and he's just about proven the reputation in his first matches here. Regina product Gordon Ivey, fast-rising Canuck matman Dan Kroffat, rough Jose Quintero and battling Buck Jones have all gone down before the dark-skinned killer, all falling to his tJhroattearing elbow drop delivered from some six feet in the air. Eyes rolling wildly, strange high-pitched cries issuing from his throat, body moving in jerky movements, Abdullah has crushed them all in record time . . . and all with a vengeance. He has even taken the verdict over two opponents at once, Quintero and Ivey, and had to be dragged off Ivey by Dave Ruhl before he would stop tearing away at the injured grappler. Ruhl has come in for his share of abuse from the dangerous grappler too. Abdullah tossed sand in his eyes at ringside, then slammed him on the concrete floor, THEN slugged him with a steel chair before being dragged off by police to his dressing room. "Me beat! Me beat!" he screeched at the excited fans as he was led out ... and that cry may well prove the precursor of a new reign of terror in the Regina ring! 20 year-old Sabu, comes from the Punjab although he has lived in Coventry since he was 13. Slight of build, with his big brown eyes he doesn't look much older than that now until you see him in action in the ring and then he presents a very different picture indeed. Hard as teak, he precedes every match with a demonstration of chopping his way through a dozen roof tiles with his bare hand, and this is by no means the limit of what he can do and it all dates back to his boyhood days in India, when he was befriended by an old Fakir who passed on much of the wisdom and knowledge that he bad acquired over the years to his eager young disciple. It's almost incredible to watch some of the things this young lad gets up to during his toughening up workouts, like smashing bricks, breeze blocks, tiles, with chops and punches, elbows, bead, or with vicious Karate kicks up to the height of five feet. He started amateur wrestling at a well known Coventry Club, at the same time studying Chinese " Kung Fu" Karate, which includes such pleasantries as the ripping of flesh, the eyes, the nose and eyebrows, etc., etc. Four years later at the age of 18 he joined a Fairground Wrestling Booth, as he thought this would prove invaluable experience for him to meet all corners at all weights, as so it proved. Sabu's number one fan is his father, who is quietly confident that he will one day see his son rated as one of the top names in wrestling at his weight. Sabu himself has two immediate ambitions One is to find himself a tag team partner, as he would like to try himself out in this field, and the other is to appear on the bill at London's Historic Royal Albert Hall. This likeable lad, who looks more like a little Neapolitan urchin than a professional wrestler, realizes only too well that he still has a long way to go in hi s chosen profession, and so he devotes every spare moment of his time to developing his body into the fighting machine that he is confident will one day carry him through to top wrestling honours. Watch out for him if he comes down your way, you'll like this boy who already moves about the ring with the assurance of a seasoned campaigner. BOB SCALA and LA URIE STEPHEN Page 29 **********************************************************************************~ ** ~ *~ FAN CLUB FAVOURITES ~ ~ ~ * ~ ********************************************************************************** GORDON QUIREY An encouraging number of younger wrestlers have made their debut in Southern rings in recent times, mostly seeking honours among the lighter weights , but few have been quicker to find themselves supported by a Fan Club than tall East London welterweight Gordon Quirey. A determined effort to launch a club supporting Gordon has been made by Gloucestershire wrestling follower Miss Sue King and naturally every encouragement is being given to th~ venture by Gordon himself. Although now becoming increasingly wellknown among crowds at Dale Martin tournaments in the London area and throughout the south of England, Quirey was unlucky in that an accident virtually forced him to make hi s professional debut twice over. Deciding that for a start at least it would be advisable to have some out of the ring occupation on which to fall back, Quirey worked-up a window cleaning business only for this to put hi s wrestling future into jeopardy. Going into action for the first time at an Essex venue he lost on ly by the odd fall to Brixton's petulant Chris Bailey and quickly got a second match under hi s belt before an accident while window cleaning resulted in a tumble from a considerable height. The injuries sustained kept Quirey out of action for more th an six months, but he was still just as determined to return to wrestling and last year set about making his debut all over again. Coming from West H am, 27 year-old Gordon knew how to look after himself even before taking an interest in amateur wrestling but spent more than four years with Forest Gate's Durning Amateur Club. Motor Cycle racing was another Quirey interest for a time and he actually sported the long Page 30 Gordon 1Quirey with a stepover leglock on Jim Fitzmaurice (Photo : H. G. Stevens) hai r of the leather jacket brigade when his initial introduction to the ring took place. Returning he found a close cropped style a good deal more convenient and still trains enthusiastically with weights and is now in the upper region of the welterweight poundage. Apart from a series of lively and in so me cases controversial matches with other younger welterweights, Gordon usually being the oppressed rather than the oppressor in the latter by the way, he has given encouraging showings recently against experienced welterweights such as Wickford's Ray McGuire and former champion Alan Sargeant. Gordon was delighted to be approached by Sue King earlier thi s year when the formation of a Fan Club was suggested and hopes all his followers will contact Sue at Dunfield, Kempsford, near Fairford, Gloucestershire for detai ls! RUSSELL PLVMMER AROUND THE FAN CLUBS -. +++++++++++• +~ +++++++H+H- WITH RUSSELL PLUMMER • • • • • +++~ o +++• + ++++++++++++ Although we understand that the proposed Fan Club for Johnny Kincaid and Steve Grey will not now come into operation, one new club definitely off the ground is that being organised for Londoner Gordon Quirey. Miss Sue King recruited eight members in the first three weeks of the club's operation and has already produced an informative first newsletter containing some interesting introductory material on the tall West Ham middleweight. While no definite news has reached me, we understand that Steven Langston who launched the Kincaid/Grey Club earlier in the year now finds it impossible to continue and that fans making inquiries have had their money returned. Apparently the Four Stars' Club has a really ardent group of followers at Ipswich and the president tells me that he was regally entertained by Liz Torunski, Ray Denny and their friends. The success of the Four Stars' Club can be judged from the fact that now the organisation has more than 100 current members and new recruits continue to come along. To take the place of a couple of wrestlers who have recently been lost from the club's list due to their curtailment of wrestling activities for commitments outside the ring, the club has invited Johnny Saint to become one of their supported mat stars. Mrs. Dorothy Paget sends word that her club's honorary Peter Maivia is now tagging with one of the United States' best known world title claimants Ray Stevens, and is still highly successful in solo and team bouts on the West Coast of the U.S.A. Apart from world tag honours which Maivia and Stevens continue to hold, when Dorothy last heard from Peter he was building-up for a crack at the United States heavyweight championship, held at the time by Pat Patterson. Peter Maivia sends a message from Earl Maynard ·the popular former Mr. Universe title winner who has asked Peter and Dorothy to pass on his best wishes to wrestling followers in Britain. Incidentally, if any readers are interested in finding out a little more about Ray Stevens, the American has a Fan Club operated by Joe Pottig;eser Jr., 3463 Ravendale Court, San Jose, California 9511, U.S.A., which is strongly recommended. When Mrs. Margaret Noy of Ipswich attended a tournament at her local hall recently she little realised the memorable evening that was in store. Margaret, a member of the Four Stars' Fan Club was the lucky winner in the draw for the wrestling boots given to the club by one of its supported wrestlers, Bob Kirkwood. Club president Ray Message fitted in a visit to Ipswich to deliver the boots and although Bob Kirkwood was not on the bill, another Four Stars' favourite Mike Marino was in action and handed the boots over. Lucky Four Stars F.C. member Mrs. Margaret Noy of Ipswich receives the wrestling boots given to the club by Bob Kirkwood, from another of the Four Star favourites, Mike Marino "We have wanted to include a northern star for some time and are delighted to say that Johnny has agreed to the club supporting him," said secretary, Mrs. Ann Richardson. Page 31 ROYAL ALBERT HALL REPORT RUSSELL PLUMMER Gordienko Storms Back With Sensational Two Round Win! AT THE RINGSIDE Crowd Acclaims Skill of Verhulst and Saint Powerful Canadian Georges Gordienko surged back into the British wrestling spotlight after several years of globetrotting with a two round knockout victory over controversial Y orkshireman Danny Lynch, himself newly returned from a world tour. It is a long while since an Albert Hall bill featured such a sparkling opening contest as that between popular Lean Fortuna and northern star Johnny Saint, the later making his debut at Britain's most famo us wrestling venue. Well remembered for a previous quick victory over French heavyweight Michel Chaisne, Gordienko was on his way back to the dressing rooms within 15 minutes of the start of the Royal Albert Hall main event. Saint made it abundantly c~ear that tho£e impressive wins he has been notching up of late are no fluke, making all the running against the Friendly Islander. Yet in the end it was the welterweight from Tonga who cleverly used a body scissors as the prelude to the one fall needed. Aggressive as ever, Gordienko who now sports a beard, was soon forcing the pace but was stopped in his tracks when Lynch began trading elbow slams. From one clash Gordienko went out of the ring, just getting back with the count at nine. In the second round Lynch went a little too far and received a public warning, the incensed Gordienko moving straight away to finish the bout with a couple of solid knee slams off the ropes, the second of which floored the northern 'Danger Man' for the full count. One Continental mat man who never fails to impress, Belgian Charles V erhulst, frequently drew applause from the big crowd with his speedy, skilful moves facing the heavier British title contender John Lees. Not a single spectator had any complaints when the final round ended with honours still even, for after half an hour of entertaining hold and counter wrestling it would have been an injustice if there had been a loser. While Verhulst trapped his opponent to go ahead with a second round shoulder press, the former 'Mr. Universe' winner from Cheshire quickly countered in the third to gain an equaliser. Page 32 Although he comes to this country with claims to having wrestled such world rated campaigners as Killer Kowalski and Brute Bernard, 17 stone Aus oie Earl Black made little impression on the Albert Hall regulars and was soon being jeered for the regularity with which he retreated to the ropes whenever opponent Sean R egan moved forward . Black did dive into the fray soon after the start of round two, going over the top to catch the Irish champion with a folding press. Regan obviously decided he was having no more nonsense and waded into the Australian for a rousing third round knockout. Brisk Yorkshire middleweight Ted Heath tackled the wrestling Methodist minister, the Rev. Mike Brooks in a catchweight eight rounder which ended with Heath snatching the solitary fall required with a fourth round shoulder press. Completing the line-up was another catchweight contest, the end also coming in round four when Lindy Caulder trapped Queensbury's Sid Cooper. Referees for the evening were Joe D' Orazio and Tony Mancelli with Francis Blake officiating as usual as master of ceremonies. WRESTLING IN THE SOUTH BEDFORDSHIRE BEDFORD Corn Exchange 4th Monday Corn Exchange Town Hall 4th Tuesday 1st & 2nd Tuesday GOLDERS GREEN Odeon SEYMOUR HALL SHOREDITCH WAL THAMSTOW Assembly Hall WALTHAMSTOW Granada WEMBLEY The Town Hall 1st Saturday 2nd Monday 4th Friday GT. YARMOUTH Hippodrome KING'S LYNN Corn Exchange NORWICH Corn Exchange 4th Thursday CORBY Civic Centre Drill Hall NORTHAMPTON PETERBOROUGH Wlrrina Stadium BERKSHIRE NEWBURY READING Wllton Hall Town Hall Adelphl Corn Exchange DEVON EXETER PLYMOUTH Civic Hall Guildhall 1st & 5th Thursday 3rd Monday ESSEX 2nd & 4th Tuesday 4th Thursday 3rd Wednesday GLOUCESTERSHIRE CHELTENHAM Town Hall 2nd & 4th Monday 2nd Saturday 2nd & 4th Friday 1st & 3rd Friday OXFORDSHIRE BANBURY OXFORD COLCHESTER Corn Exchange GRAYS Civic Centre SOUTHEND Cliff Pavilion 1st & 4th Wednesday 1st & 3rd Saturday 2nd & 4th Saturday NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CAMBRIDGE 4th Thursday 2nd Thursday 2nd & 4th Monday NORFOLK BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BLETCHLEY HIGH WYCOMBE SLOUGH 3rd Saturday 1st Monday 2nd & 5th Wednesday Winter Gardens Town Hall 1st Wednesday 2nd & 4th Wednesday SOMERSET BATH Pavilion BRISTOL Colston Hall WELLINGTON Wellesley Theatre YATE New Ent. Centre 1st & 5th Wednesday 2nd & 4th Thursday 4th Monday 3rd Friday HAMPSHIRE BOURNEMOUTH Winter Gardens SOUTHAMPTON Pier Pavilion 1st Tuesday 1st, 3rd & 5th Thursday SUFFOLK BURY ST. EDMUNDS Market Hall IPSWICH The Baths 1st & 3rd Thursday 1st, 2nd & 3rd Friday HERTFORDSHIRE BISHOPS STORTFORD Rhodes Centre HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Pavilion City Hall ST. ALBANS STEVENAGE Locarno WATFORD The Town Hall 2nd Wednesday tst & 3rd Tuesday 4th Friday 3rd Thursday 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday KENT CHATHAM Central Hall FOLKESTONE Leas Cliff Hall GRAVESEND Woodvllle Halls MAIDSTONE Aarlcultural Hall MARGATE Winter Gardens TUNBRIDGE WELLS Assembly Hall WELLING Granada 1st Friday 3rd Monday 2nd Thursday 2nd & 4th Saturday 3rd Tuesday 1st & 3rd Monday 5th Wednesday LONDON AREA ALBERT HALL CATFORD Lewisham Concert 4th Wednesday 1st Monday & 4th Friday SURREY CROYDON GUILDFORD KINGSTON Falrfield Halls Civic Hall Granada Every Tuesday 1st Tuesday 2nd Friday SUSSEX EASTBOURNE Winter Gardens HASTINGS Whi ~ e Rock WORTHING The Pavilion 2nd Wednesday 3rd Tuesdav 1st & 3rd Monday WALES CARDIFF Sophia Gardens 3rd Friday WILTSHIRE SWINDON Locarno Ballroom 2nd & 4th Monday T.V. SHOW WATFORD The Town Hall 3rd Saturday Afternoon Page 33 Best Bouts of the Month T.V. WRESTLING by DAV/0 BURWASH TERRY JOWETT v MICK McMICHAEL STEVE LOGAN v MAL KIRK The television cameras joined the bout between bearded Terry Jowett and Mick McMic hael in round four when Jowett was leading with one pinfall . The television cameras joined this bout in the early stages of the second round when Mal Kirk was applying a grape vine to Steve Logan . He continued to keep the upper hand twice throwing the unfortunate Logan . Kirk then delivered several chops, but Logan countered with forearm smashes, a throw on to a corner post and a head butt. Near the end of the round Mal applied a bear hug only for Steve to escape by using a nerve hold on Kirk 's neck and following up with more forearm smashes. Logan trapped Kirk in round three in a back hammer, then dropped him on a corner post. However, Steve was eventually caught in a side head lock and found himself against the ropes , with Mal 's hand on his throat. The referee told him to break and when Kirk refused to let go, the referee gave him a public warning. Ki.rk undeterr·ed , used a s~raight arm lift and then threw his opponent on to the ropes where he repeatedly butted him. Steve, however, escaped and delivered forearm smashes to Mal 's jaw. In round four Kirk used a bear hug and dropped Logan on to the canvas. Steve staggered to his feet and immediately walked into another bear hug . He was then posted and yet again trapped in a bear hug . Seconds later he submitted to a reverse waist hold and lift by Kirk. Logan was st·i ll lying on the canvas at the start of round five and the referee deciding that Steve could not continue awarded the bout to Kirk. McMichael was almost trapped in another pinfall , but turned the tables with a body scissors. Mick was later thrown across the rin g three times, but on the fourth occasion he refused to go and instead de:ivered a head butt. In round five McMichael gained a full nelson which he held on for some considerable time, desp ite repeated attempts by Jowett to free himself. Terry finally managed to escape with the ·help of a butt to his opponent's stomach, but was soon in trouble again as McMichael produced a head butt. McMichael then followed up with severa.l throws and finally obtained the equalising fall wi th a folding body press and bridge. Jowett began round six on the attack with a wrist lever but his luck did not last and McMichael retaliated with throws off the ropes . However, when Mick went to follow up Terry rolled out of the way and gained the winning hold as McMichael submitted immediately to a rolling wrist twist. ALBERT WALL v CARLOS MOLL Albert Wall-the North 's favourite heavyweightstarted the first round in fine style, using an arm lock, then a side head lock and finally a full nelson . He later tried a folding body press, but gave up the attempt when he realised that :he could not hold his Spanish opponent down long enough for the referee to count to three. Carlos Moll then applied a grapevine and double handed face bar. Wall managed to escape by picking Moll up with one hand and executing a perfect knee drop . Wall 's knee drop had Moll in tremendous pain during the interval and the early part of the second round . Albert took advantage of this and used a back breaker, then attempted a pinfall , but the ropes intervened. A body check by Wall nearly had Carlos out of the ring and Albert later used a side lock. Moll escaped only to find himself trapped again-and the victim of a crushing knee drop. Wall used a ·one handed spin in the early stages of round three, but received one back almost immediately Carlos looked like taking control with a side head lock and an arm lock, but was thrown off and found himself in a side head lock. Right at the start of round four Moll gained the first fall in seventeen seconds when , after rebounding off the ropes , he caught Albert in a flying tackle and cross press. A single head lock produced by Carlos did not last long in the fifth round as Wall threw his almost out of the ring. Moll then tried a toe and ankle hold. Once again Wall easily escaped , and seconds later Moll 's double wrist lock lasted for only as long as it took Albert to think of a way out. In round six Carlos twice threw Albert on to the canvas, be.fore Wall returned to floor both himself and his opponent with a flying head butt. Wall was soon on his feet , but Moll was dazed and unable to continue , leaving Wall the winner by a K.O. Page 34 GEOFF PORTZ v MANUEL POLMAN In round one of this exciting contest the stylish Geoff Portz was trapped in a full nelson, before he countered with a wrist lever and then changed to a side head lock . Later Manuel Polman appl ied a back hammer, but soon afterwards Geoff would have gained a shoulder press pinfall had the ropes not intervened. Portz then applied a back hammer followed by an arm lever and finally a toe and ankle hold . Geoff was trapped in a side head lock, incorporating one arm, soon after the start of the second round. He forced his way out of it, however, and pushed Manuel on to the ropes . But Polman rebounded and gained the first fall when he trapped Portz in a shoulder press after a flying body tackle . A figure four head scissors had Polman in trouble early in round three. Portz then changed to a side head lock, but this was suddenly countered by the Spaniard with the same move. Later Manuel obtained a full nelson and then a side head lock. Geoff retaliated with a side head chancery and then a figure four leg scissors. In round four Portz was trapped in a side head chancery and a side head lock, but managed to push Polman off. Manuel rebounded on the ropes and Portz caught him in the most magnificent aeroplane spin I have ever seen . He followed this up with a shoulder press to gain the equalising fall. Polman was still a little dazed from the spin at the start of round five but managed to obtain an arm lever and then a side head c•hancerv. Several times in this round Portz found himself in a side head chancery and it wasn 't until nearly the end of the round that Geoff managed to get on top. Body checks and slams by Portz in the sixth round C·Onfused Polman , who found himself trapped in a pinfall following a flying cross buttock and press. This left Portz the winner with the round only twenty five seconds old. WRESTLING IN THE NORT H CHESHIRE ALTRINCHAM Stamford Hall 2nd Monday 7.30 p.m. CUMBERLAND CARLISLE Market Hall 1st & 3rd Friday 7.30 p.m. Drill Hall 1st & 3rd Friday 7.30 p.m. DERBYSHIRE CHESTERFIELD SHREWSBURY LANCASHIRE LEICESTER De Montfort Hall LOUGHBOROUGH Town Hall 2nd Thursday 2nd & 4th Mon. 3rd Monday 3rd Thursday 1st & 3rd Wed. 7.30 7.45 7.30 7.30 7.30 3rd Monday 7.30 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Baths Hall STAFFORDSHIRE 7.30 p.m. 1st Saturday 2nd & 4th Friday 7.30 p.m. 7.30 p.m. Every Friday 7.00 p.m. Every Saturday 2nd & 4th Thurs. 7.30 p.m. 2nd & 5th Thurs. 7.30 p.m. 1st Wednesday 5th Wednesday 7.30 p.m. 7.30 p.m. BRIERLEY HILL Public Hall Victoria Hall HANLEY STAFFORD WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall 1st Wed., 2nd Sun. 7.40 p.m. & 4th Thurs. 7.30 p.m. Every Saturday 4th Saturday 1st Friday, 1st & 2nd Tuesday 7.30 p.m. WARWICKSHIRE BIRMINGHAM Embassy Sportsdrome SOLIHULL Civic Hall 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 5th Thursday 7.30 p.m. 2nd & 4th Tues. 7.30 p.m. WORCESTERSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE Pier Pavilion Market Hall 1st & 3rd Sunday 7.00 p.m. 1st & 3rd Wed. 7.30 p.m. Winter Gardens MALVERN Skating Rink WORCESTER 7.30 p.m. Civic Hall BARNSLEY BRADFORD St. George's Hall NORTHERN IRELAND Ulster Hall NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE City Hall DONCASTER Corn Exchange 4th Friday 6.45 p.m. 7.30 p.m. 2nd Monday 2nd & 4th Tues. 7.45 p.m. SCOTLAND Music Hall ABERDEEN AIRDRIE Sir John Wllson Memorial Hall Drill Hall DUMFRIES HALIFAX HARROGATE NOTTINGHAMSHIR E Ice Rink Festival Hall 3rd Thursday 1st Tuesday 7.40 p.m. 7.40 p.m. YORKSHIRE 3rd Saturday NORTHUMBERLAND NOTTINGHAM TROWELL 7.30 p.m. 1st & 4th Thurs. 7.30 p.m. LEICESTERSHIRE BELFAST Every Tuesday SHROPSHIRE Public Hall BARROW BLACKBURN King George's Hall Wryton Stadium BOLTON The Stadium LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER Kings Hall, Belle Vue Imperial Ballroom NELSON Baths Hall WARRINGTON CLEETHORPES LINCOLN EDINBURGH Eldorado Stadium GLASGOW Kelvin Sports Arena Town Hall HAMILTON Grand Hall KILMARNOCK Town Hall PAISLEY City Hall PERTH 4th Tuesday 7.30 p.m. 3rd Friday 2nd & 4th Friday 7.40 p.m. VIctoria Hall Royal Hall Town Hall HUDDERSFIELD Town Hall LEEDS Town Hall OSSETT SCARBOROUGH The Futurist SCUNTHORPE The Baths Hall City Hall SHEFFIELD YORK S.S. Empire 7.30 3rd Friday 1st, 3rd & 7.30 4th Monday 1st Friday & 3rd Saturday 7.30 1st Monday & 7.30 4th Sunday 2nd Wednesday & 7.45 4th Monday 1st & 3rd Tues. 7.30 1st & 4th Monday 7.30 7.30 1st Saturday 3rd Wednesday 7.45 2nd & 4th Wed. 7.30 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesday 7.30 7.30 3rd Monday p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Page 35