WRESTLER'S DEBUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21878, 14 August 1934, Page 12

WRESTLER'S DEBUT

KOtOFF SECURES WIN DEFEAT OF DEAN DETTON FALL IN SEVENTH ROUND BOSTON CRAB INEFFECTIVE There was a large attendance at the Town Hall last evening when Dan Koloff made his first appearance in a wrestling niatch in Auckland. His opponent was Dean Dctton, who was defeated by one fall to nil. Phis was gained in the seventh round with a body press following a slam. Koloff was a centre of much attraction. His huge frame, width of shoulders and depth of chest, combined with the fact that his head is set light down between his shoulders with a very short neck, made him a much ioo powerful opponent for Detton. It was not surprising, therefore, that the last-named had tho sympathy of the crowd.

Detton did very well indeed, the clever manner in which he swung his body under his adversary in order to make his headloeks more effectivo winning general admiration. The match was notable for the fact that this was the first time the Auckland public had Keen anyone resist the punishing Boston crab hold so easily as Koloff. It usually gains a submission fall, but it did not trouble Koloff to any great extent. Big Disadvantage Detton was at a big disadvantage regarding weight, as he scaled 14st. 51b., against Koloff's 15st. 101b. Koloff wrestled in bare feet. The bigger reception was accorded Detton. Mr. H. C. Sidfccrd was referee. The pair got quickly to work, Detton troubling his opponent with a short-arm scissors and then a series of headloeks. Detton started a bout of forearm smacking and had tho worse of the exchange. There was a roar from the crowd when Detton sent his opponent sprawling with a Hying tackle.

Koloff opened the second round with a strong headlock, followed by an armlock. Detton was applauded when he converted to a figure-four head scissors, but he could not apply a hammerlock. Koloff was in a headlock at the gong. Detton was sent hard to tho mat with a standing wristlock, countering nicely with a head scissWs. After Detton "had been sent through the ropes he was fastened in a head scissors. Detton was then unlucky in not securing a Boston crab, Koloff scrambling under the rope's, much to the disgust of the crowd. An arm, strangle and then a reverse toehold had Detton in difficulties.

Flying Tackles A series of flying tackles by Detton roused the crowd thoroughly, but Koloff was wary and partly escaped the full force of the impacts. Detton followed a headlock with a keylock, Koloff being hooted for pulling himself under' the ropes, but Detton dragged him back again. Detton tried unsuccessfully for a hamnierlock at the fifth gong, and ho then sustained a short-arm scissors for some minutes. .Detton had his man fastened in a Boston crab, but Koloff resisted until the gong sounded several seconds later. Koloff assumed the offensive in tho sixth round with a headlock, followed by a body scissors. Detton missed with a flying tackle and was nearly pinned with a body press. He then narrowly escaped being slammed shortly before the round ended. Koloff •won the first fall early in the seventh round by picking up his opponent and slamming him to the mat and pinning his shoulders. 1 Detton was assisted to his corner where he slowly revived. He* renewed his attack with flying tackles, but Koloff was on the alert. Detton secured another Boston crab, but Koloff scrambled out under the ropes. The crowd cheered Detton at tho finish, but there ■was a mixed reception for the winner. Amateur Preliminaries Welter-weight.—S. Aspinall, lOst. 121b., drew with J. Young, lOfct. 81b., neither securing a fall. Aspinall was the more aggressive and deserved a points decision. Light-weight.—S. Booth, 9st. 41b., beat G. Pirri, 9st. 41b., on points, _ no falls being registered. Booth exhibited cleverness in applying figure-four scissors/holds. Light-weight.—J. MoPike, 9st. 61b., beat C. Curtice, 9st. 71b., by one fall secured in the third round with a body press. It was a keen contest :in which the loser did most of the attacking. Light-weight.—H. Green. 9st. 61b., drew with R. Hobbs, 9st. Gib., no falls being recorded. This was a lively bout which pleased the crowd immensely. WIN FOR WALKER GOOD BOUT WITH MEYER [by telegraph—press association] WELLINGTON. Monday For' the first time in Wellington this season a fall was secured with a Boston crab in the Town Hall this evening by Dr. Fred Meyer, the American wrestler. Tho same thing was attempted in the following round, but Meyer, when about to sit on the back of his opponent, was kicked through the ropes, and was unable, to continue. The first fall, went to Walker in tho fourth round.. Walker submitted to the Boston crab in the sixth round, and the end came in the seventh. It was a good contest. Meyer revealed speed and skill, while Walker demonstrated unusual strength in breaking holds.