WRESTLING TITLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 5

WRESTLING TITLE

CHALLENGE BY BLOMFI ELD MATCH WITH JOHN KATAN The successful defence of the British Empire heavy-weight wrestling titlo by John Katan against Earl McC'ready at Wellington this week means that, when Katan meets Ser-geant-Major Lofty Blomfiold at the Auckland Town Hall next Monday night, tho New Zealand champion will have another chance to becomo the Empire champion. Although tho fact that Katan was able to take the titlo trom McCready would npt in itself make Blomfield's way easier, there is always the chance in athletic rivalry of such a position being brought about. Katan's two wins over Blomfield havo been taken greatly to heart by the latter, who is determined to have his revenge if he can possibly do so. .He was keenly disappointed by his failure in Auckland recently, but, at the samo time, the experience showed him that victory over Katan is by no means an impossibility. A largo section of tho crowd, as well as Blomfield, was by no means satisfied with the fall awarded to Katan, nnd Blomfield also went close to'obtaining falls in its concluding stages, Even if Blomfield cannot master tho Canadian in orthodox wrestling, ho will still have his jolts and similar measures to reduce his opponent to a stage 111 whicn tho octopus clamp or some similar manoeuvre can bo introduced with good prospects of success. There has seldom been keener rivalry between any two wrestlers than there is between thoso two, and a thrilling strugglo is anticipated. DRAWN BOUT AT HAMILTON A professional wrestling contest, held before a fair attendance at the theatre Royal, Hamilton, last evening, between John Katan, lOst 10lb, and Dan O Connor, lilst 101b. resulted in a draw, each securing ono fall. Tho bout was of a poor standard, botJi wrestlers making excessive use of showmanship. Katan secured a fall in tho fifth round with a press following a series of elbow jolts nnd a forward toe-hold, while 0 Connor evened in the eighth round with a press after wakening his opponent with .flying tackles and dropkicks.