WRESTLING ITEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23088, 13 July 1938, Page 20

WRESTLING ITEMS

DEAN DETTON EETURNS FORMER WORLD'S CHAMPION MATCH ON SATURDAY NIGHT MEEHAN AS HIS OPPONENT Auckland wrestling enthusiasts are eagerly looking forward to renewing the acquaintanceship of Dean Detton, former champion of the world, who j makes his reappearance at the Town ! Hall on Saturday evening against Pat i Meehan. When he visited New Zealand ! previously Detton proved himself to be I one of the most popular overseas mat--1 men ever to tour this country. ! His speedy methods won him praise on all sides. He was responsible for the introduction of the spectacular drop-kick. Besides retaining this j method of attack, as well as Hying ; tackles and other well-known holds, Detton now relies principally upon Frank Gotch's famous stopover toehold to bring him success. Detton won the world's championship two years ago after an elimination series at Los Angeles. He defeated all his opponents, including Dave Levin, who then held the title. Detton defended his championship against all coiners for over twelve months before losing to Nagurski. Oil that occasion Detton was thrown over the ropes and landed on a chair, his back being injured to sueh an extent that he had to spend three months in hospital. With the expected visit of Nagurski to New Zealand and Australia before Christmas, Detton hopes to defeat all opponents he meets in either country and so pave the way for a challenge match with Nagurski upon the. latter's arrival. This would bo held either in New Zealand or Australia. The Auckland public is indeed fortunate in being afforded the opportunity of seeing Detton once more ? as he is unquestionably in the first flight of wrestlers, in no matter what part of the world. He is reported to be as fast and clever as formerly. He won his first, match in the Dominion against .Tack Kennedy at Wellington last Monday night with two straight falls. The Auckland Association has chosen as an opponent for Detton the rugged Pat Meehan. The latter possesses a good knowledge of holds and is able to absorb plenty of punishment, so that he is expected to put up an excellent showing against his redoubtable adversary. The contest appears likely to draw a full house. Pat Fraley goes on his winning way and looks like finishing the season with a splendid record. He is undoubtedly a wrestler of much ability and it will be interesting to see how he performs against Detton liOfty Blomfield lias been having a spell. He had a ringside seat at Town Hall on Monday night and wap accorded nn ovation by the crowd