PRO. WRESTLING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 9

PRO. WRESTLING

BLOMFIELD—TONTI SATURDAY'S CONTEST The Gisborne Wrestling Association has secured a first-class attraction with which to open the 1938 season, the return meting of "Lofty" Blomfield, the New Zealand champion, who has returned from America with honours thick upon him, and Joe Tonti, the Italo-American of phenomenal strength who gave a splendid performance against Blomfield in Christchurch. The bout will lake place next Saturday night, and there is certain to be a capacity crowd to welcome their idol and see how he shapes against the formidable visitor. It is safe to say that the activities of no other New Zealand athlete have attracted as much attention in the pas' few years as has been given to Blomfield" particularly during the tour of the 'United States and Canada from which he has just returned. Immediately after success in winning the New Zealand championship tournament last year and holding Earl McCready to r draw in an Empire title bout, he wen! to America to have his promised chance against the world champion. Bronko Nagurski. While awaiting that bout he was kept busy against the strongest opposition available and acquitted himself so well that he was recognised as the best visitor from overseas that the Americans had seen for a long time.

Tonti, who is a particularly stalwart specimen built on the lines of Jim Londos, is sft. lo£in. tall, weighs well over 15st., and is noted for his speed, strength, and versatility. He has powerful arms and shoulders, a factor which is not only extremely useful in his wrestling but which also enables him to perform remarkable feats of strength, such as pulling heavy loads while, walking on his hands.