WITH THE WRESTLERS

Chronicle (Levin), 2 July 1946, Page 6

WITH THE WRESTLERS

HANK KAEMPFER ARRIVES WORLD RATING WAS FIFTH (By "Spectator") Probably the most important event which occurred in New Zealand sporting circles last week was the arrival of another overseas mat-man, Hank Kaempfer, who was rated in 1938 as the fifth best wrestler .in the world. The programme ahead of him will keep him busy, his first bout being with Earl McCready on July 8. Kaempfer is highly respected in America as a clean and courteous wrestler, and it is reported from there that he should be popular with New Zealand fans. Exceptional interest in wrestling has been .shpwn this season, and wherever grapplers meet crowds have to be turned away from packed halls. The sport has now been successfully re-established and with the addition of men like Kaempfer, and the ex-New Zealander. Fred Adkins, who is due to arrive soon, fans should get their fair share of thrills. ■ Good Bout at Christchurch One of the best bouts ever seen in Christchurch was that between the two Americans, Lou Newman and Jack Claybourne. Although Ciaybourne -won by a penalty fall ' in the final round, Newman may nave succeeded in winning on points had.he not defied the rules. The bout was exciting, both men . oemg evenly matched. Newman, who is a powerfully built grappler, can more than hold his own on the mat, but when it comes to agility Claybourne has the ■ better of him. Both men were at top speed all the time, and the ! referee found control somewhat diflicult at times. Blomfield Fights Well Lofty Blomfield fought weil in his bout against John Katan on Saturday last at Auckland. These men: were going all out, but Blomfield won on points, to *" Katan 's dissatisfaction. In the fifth round Katan forced . Blomfield to -submit to his special nold, which he calls the "Commando" hold. Blomfield evened up in the sixth round with an octopus clamp, to which Katan submitted promptly. Blomfield won the final ;ound on points, and was declared che winner. Who Holds the Title? Some doubt exists as to who is ohe present holder of the British ; Ernpire wrestling tirle. 1 would not attempt tO'express a'nyviews;1 as the whole situation is so confusing. About a fortnight ago, Katan, who . claimed the title, drew witn Mci Cready. This still mahe Katan the holder, although there have been many disputes over the matter. Last week McCready beat Biom- ; field, but -this was not a title bout , at the time, but now Blomfield has a claim on the crown after his victory over ' Katan last Saturday. Actually Blomfield may be caiied the title holder, but where does McCready stand? Does his defeat of Blomfield last week make him the champion, Ring Programme The following is this week'-s wrestling programme-: — Tuesday. July 2: Lofty Blomfield v. Lou Newman, at Gisborne; Friday, July 5: Earl McCready v. Jack Claybourne. at Wellington; Saturday, July 6: John Katan v. Lou Newman, at Palmerston North. Hank Kaempfer is to have his first bout on July 8, ■his opponent being Earl McCready. Any questions with rexerence to boxing or wrestling should be addressed to "Sports Editor," C/"Chronicle" Levin, and the answers will appear in this coiumn.