BOESCH v. WOODS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 123, 26 May 1936, Page 4

BOESCH v. WOODS

World’s Most Spectacular Wrestler. OPERA HOUSE TO-MORROW NIGHT A real wrestling treat is in store for the Wanganui public. To-morrow night Paul Boesch, of New York, whom many authorities regard as the world’s most spectacular wrestler, will meet Joe “Kopach” Woods, an extremely capable and colourful performer. Boesch has a reputation for being without peer as a producer of thrills, and he uses a dropkick which has to to be appreciated. Formerly a lifeguardman at Long Island. New York, he was introduced to wrestling while exercising on the sands with matmen on holiday, and also having work-outs with them in the gymnasiums during the winter months. Eventually he became so good at the sport that he was offered a contract by Jack Curley to turn professional in 1931. His subsequent career compares very favourably with those of the best men who have come here. About two years ago he held lhe present world champion, Dick Shikat, to a draw and then, about two months later, defeated the German on points.. He has also wrestled two draws with Ray Steele, the first lasting an hour and a-half, and the second two hours, and secured a similar result against Gus Sonnenberg. Woods is a formidable matman because he w’orks with tireless energy throughout a contest, striving all the time to throw his opponent off his guard and then moving swiftly to take advantage of the resultant opportunity. Though he is not particularly big (he weighs about 15$ stone) he is very compactly built and is as tough as nails. He was toughened up for his wrestling career by boxing both as an amateur and as a professional. Pome very good amateur bouts have

been drawn up to precede the big professional contest, the star turn being a special match between “Red” Jones and “Bren” Sheppard.