WRESTLING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 852, 29 June 1888, Page 13

WRESTLING.

LEWIS V. WANNOP.

An honest wrestling match is a rare occurrence in these days of hippodroming, but there is no doubt that the match for the world’s championship at Battery D’s Armory, Chicago, 111., May 7,' between Evan Lewis, of Wisconsin, and Jack Wannop, the English champion, was decided on its merits. Lewis weghed 170 lb and Wannop 1901 b, Though Wannopis the heavier mau of the two and credited with greater strength, it was evident from the first that he was outclassed, and that ho was no matoh for the 1 Strangler,’ who did with his. opponent about as he pleased. Lewis was. also in much better condition than the Englishman, and from the first was on the aggressive, forcing his opponent to ‘ assume the defensive. John McPherson, was referee and Lewis won three straight falls as follows : ■

First Bout—After figuring for a grip both men wont down, Lewis under, but the American managed to regain his feet again. Time, 20 seconds. Lewis broke the hold, and they began tripping each other, Wannop being evidently afraid of his man. This was the order offthe bout until Lewis got a grapevine lock with his right leg, hoisted the Englishman on his shoulder and landed him squarely on his, back on the carpet, with both shoulders down. Time, 6 min. 20 secs. Wannop seemed dazed when he got up. Second Bout —This bout opened with a succession of headlocks, and Lewis forced Waunop under the ropes, but the' Englishman managed tq.regain his feet. Then Lewis got his grapevine lock ou Wannop, which the latter turned into a hip lock amd immense cheering. Wannop was then forced down on all fours, but still kept up his defensive tactics, while Lewis was aggressive. Finally Lewis won the bout by a hammer lock and half Nclsod, putting both of Wannop’s shoulders upon the carpet. Time, 6 min.

Third bout—This was one of the shortest on record, lasting barely a minute. Wannop’s ear and knee were bleeding, and it was evident that he was in distress, while Lewis was apparently as fresh as when the match began. After reaching for holds Lewis, by a grapevine and shoulder lock lifted Wannop from the floor and threw bodly to the carpet. This ended tha matoh, and the spectators, breaking through the ropes, hoisted Lewis upon their shoulders and carried him around the hall amid the wildest applause! Titrie'i 58 sec.—Turf Field and Farm.