EX-FOOTBALLER

Evening Post, Issue 86, 11 April 1936, Page 24

EX-FOOTBALLER

BRITISH WRESTLING STAR

Many of the most successful American wrestlers, notably Gus Sonnenberg, have graduated from the national football game of their country, a game which has some vital differences in the laws relating to obstruction from the football game generally played in British countries. The British football codes do not provide a training school for wrestlers to any great extent, but there is at present competing in Australia with considerable success a man who first gained prominence as a British Rugby. League representative. This is Douglas Clark, claimant of the world's heavyweight championship under British rules, and holder of Lord Lonsdale's Grassmere Cup, which hewon five times in annual competitions and thereby won outright. As evidence of his right to claim the British rules world's championship,' Clark carries with him a gold belt valued at 100 guineas, and it is stated on his behalf that he is. willing to risk the belt in matches recognised as official challenges. Before entering Australia, where he has remained undefeated, Clark had engaged in 365 contests, of which he had won'all but two, which were drawn. Among .his victims are Laurent '. Gerstman,' official European champion, who had not been defeated in 601 contests until he met Clark last season, the German champion, and the champion of Canada in 1935. ; A FREE LANCE. Clark came out to Australia with Mr. Syd. Nicholls, a member of the well-know.n Petone Rugby family, when the latter was returning from the All Blacks'- tour. In a letter to a friend in Wellington, Mr. Nicholls 1 writes:, "Douglas Clark's record-is a remarkable one and is undoubtedly unique. He has come out to Australia:] as a free lance, and although he-has ] had several offers from wrestling organisations over here, he is not tied down to any particular one and has been booked for .several appearances in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. .

"This is his first visit to Australia and New Zealand as a wrestler, but his third altogether, the other two being as a member of British Rugby League teams. He has been a star player for years, his physique, geniality, and prowess making him a great attraction wherever he has played. Fortunately, he also brings these qualities with him when he enters the ring."

Continuing, Mr. Nicholls states that it is Clark's intention to wrestle wher-1 ever the British League team plays this season, timing his visits to the various towns to fit in. with'the team's itinerary. » .-■■■, ■