WRESTLING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 291, 7 November 1929, Page 2

WRESTLING.

ALLEY-JOHANSSON CONTEST. Wrestling enthusiasts are looking forward to the big contest on Monday next, when Tom Alley meets Walter Johansson in the Opera House. Alley is due to arrive in Palmerston North at an early date, while Johansson is finishing off his preparation nere. Both men will be a 3 fit as they have ever been in their lives, and will make a big bid for the winner’s end of the purse. Alley is one of the most formidable professional wrestlers at present in the game. Known as the “Mormon Mat Man,” he was for a period sparring and wrestling partner to Jack Dempsey. Alley has known Dempsey for 15 years. When quite a youngster as far as wrestling is concerned, Alley was engaged in wrestling bouts with Dempsey, who included a great deal of wrestling in his training for big fights. Alley also helped to train the Amorican champion before his historic meeting with the Frenchman, Georges Carpentier. When in Australia last season, Alley developed a new hold, the latest in the wrestling game. This is named the “crucifix,” and he has £IOO for any wrestler who can break it, once it is properly applied. The nearest description that can be written of this hold is that it is a double-nelson applied to the legs with a wrist-look clapped on at the same time. It is Alley’s favourite hold and he will put it into commission on Monday night if the chance offers. Walter Johansson was born and educated in Finland, and is two years on the near side of 30. Wrestling is a very popular sport among the Finns and it was only natural that Johansson should have tried his hand at the game as a youth. In Finland the most popular styles of wrestling are the Greek and Roman, and in both these Johansson achieved considerable success. Having a liking for the game, he decided to see if he could make a living on the mat in America. Migrating to the States, he turned professional in 1922. Jn the past six years Johansson has engaged in some 70 matches, and has been beaten only about a dozen times. Chiefly ho has appeared in cities along the Pacifio Coast and in the western States.

Johansson will be giving an exhibition at the Fire Brigade Station tonight, together with several amateur contests.

Alley will arrive in Palmerston North to-morrow morning.