WRESTLING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 143, 18 June 1936, Page 4

WRESTLING

SATURDAY NIGHT’S CONTEST KRUSE v. RUSSELL THRILLS AND FIREWORKS ANTICIPATED. After having been sought for years Bob Kruse, of Portland, has at last arrived to wrestle in New Zealand, and he will appear in Wanganui on Saturday (race night) when he will meet Cowboy “Rebel” Russell at the Opera House. In the course of a professional career lasting ten years, Kruse has been beaten by only two holders of the world title—Jim Browning and “Strangler” Lewis, while he has had considerable difficulty in getting the champions, whether past or present, to enter the ring against him. In 1924 he won the United States light-heavyweight and heavyweight titles and since he turned professional he has beaten men like John Freeberg, John Evko, Dan Koloff, Steve Savage, Len Hall and “Thunderbolt” Jack Patterson. He learnt his wrestling from Ted Thye, of Portland, and is a specialist in wrist locks, hammer locks, and body Scissors. In addition he wrestles on highly aggressive lines and provides plenty of thrills for the spectators. There are bound to be fireworks when Russell steps into action as he has a reputation, even in America, of being something of a wrestlihg “outlaw.” He has great strength, which he developed on the cattle ranges, and knows the wrestling game inside out. Just before coining to New Zealand he was competing on the Pacific Coast with conspicuous success, having beaten Serge Kalmikoff, the bearded Siberian, and Abie Coleman (twice). Both men are fine physical specimens, Russell being sft. Wins, in height and about lost. 61bs. in weight, compared with Kruse’s sft. 11 in. and Jsst. 81b. This match should provide plenty of thrills, and the huge crowd which is expected to be present, will be kept on their toes for a good hour and a-half. The amateur bouts should be a draw-card in themselves for a team of Turakina lads are to try conclusions with the local talent. Plans will open at J. Goss and Son’s this morning.