WRESTLING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 167, 16 July 1936, Page 22

WRESTLING.

"COWBOY" RUSSELL RETURNS.

One of the most colourful of the season's wrestling importations will reappear at Auckland in the match which is to be staged at Auckland on Saturday night. This is "Cowboy" Russell, who is to meet "Lofty" Biomfield, tlie popular local professional. Russell's performances on the occasions he has competed in the local ring have been so good that enthusiasts have often asked themselves why his services have not been called upon to a greater extent. He is a vvrestlw who infuses plenty of fire into his mat work, and he invariably keeps a bout moving at a fast pace. This will particularly be the case when Biomfield is in the opposite corner, as the Aucklander likes the proceedings to be as aggressive as possible, and is seen at his best when he has an opponent who will meet liim at least half-way. Russell laid the foundations of his mat career while working on ranches in Wyoming, his open-air occupation making him strong and tough. He was taught by John Pesek, a past-master in the game, and achieved considerable prominence as an amateur before he switched over to the professional side, being a candidate for the American Olympic team in 1928 and 1932. He turned professional in the latter year, and has since built up a formidable record. In New Zealand he has been one of the successes of the season from every point view, and has a strong following wherever he competes.