WRESTLING EXPONENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 173, 23 June 1926, Page 10

WRESTLING EXPONENT.

VISIT OF MR I. ROBIN. SEEKING HIGHER HONOURS. An interesting personality of the wrestling world, Mr Ike Robin, paid a visit to Palmerston North to-day, the Australasian champion being en route, to Hawkes Bay following Ins meeting with the world’s champion, Zybszko, at Auckland. In conversation with a “Standard” reporter, Mr Robin stated that he had been highly satisfied with the outcome of his bout with the Russian Polo for, although he had been beaten on points, he had not suffered a fall during the six 6-minute rounds. The notice of his being required to oppose Zybszko had only been received live days prior to the champion calling at Auckland on liis way through to Australia and, as a result, ho had been unable to enter the squared area in the best condition. On the night of the match he had tipped tho beam at 1b.7, or one stone and ten pounds above Ins true match weight, and his condition had naturally told towards the close. Asked his opinion of the champion, Mr Robin stated that Zybszko was undoubtedly a worthy champion, being, despite nis poundage of 10.i1., quick on ins feet, with tremendous strength in his arms. The outcome ot the meeting had determined the Australasian tine holder to seek still higner honours and he had already forwarded a challenge to Zybszko tnrough the Sporting Uloue to meet him lor the world's championship. It was his intention to immediately enter upon strict training operations in the expectation that the match would be accepted and which he hoped would eventuate in a couple of months’ time. Although he was not certain upon the point, Mr Robin was ot tne opinion that the conditions governing matches tor the world’s title were that the bout was ot two hours’ duration, which necessitated the two competitors being in the best of condition.

It will not be slr Robin’s first visit to Australia should tfie challenge be accepted for, following his wrestling the championship from Ciarke at Napier on June 20, 1y25, he went to Australia and there met, at the Melbourne Stadium, Webber, the Australian champion, and whose challenge he had successiuily withstood. His commanding bulk and great strength promises to make the Australasian champion a worthy opponent to the world’s title holder and the meeting of the pair will be eagerly awaited by all enthusiasts of the game. LOCAL MAN GOES AFIELD. Accompanying the Australasian champion when in town was Ern Anderson, u member of the well-known AwaJjuni family, who, together with his brotner, is wen and favourably known in sporting circles throughout the Dominion for his prowess on the mat. Ern Anderson had figured with considerable success in matches within the Dominion, but it is now his intention to seek further honours alieid and he will leave from Wellington by the Marama oil Friday afternoon en route for Australia, where he hopes to engage in a series of matches. About three months back the local niun met Billy Miske at Auckland, the Australian having been on his way home following a trip to America, where lie had been extending his knowledge of the finer points of the game. The pair had on that occasion been matched for the cruiser-weight title of Australasia, the bout being of six 10-minute rounds. No fall had resulted, but the visitor had held the advantage on points. They had met in Cumberland stylo when Anderson had carried the day and,

in order to decide the issue, a further 10-minute round, catch-as-catch-can, t had been entered upon when in the closing moments the holder of the title had secured a fall. It is Anderson’s intention to seek a return match in Australia and hopes that it will bo his first encounter on the other side. During his stay Anderson will be under the direction of Alex Bain, the exScottish champion, who is now quartered in Melbourne, where he is conducting a stadium. Mr Bain is known throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion as an exponent of the years gone by, referee and match promoter. Asked as to how long he intended staying in Australia, Anderson replied that he expected to be away at least three months. His departure will be a severe loss to local Rugby circles for he was a prominent member of the Old Boys Club, while he will also be missed in representative ranks. He will carry with him the best wishes of all Palme'fston North and Dominion sportsmen in his mission.