THURSDAY’S WRESTLING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 2

THURSDAY’S WRESTLING.

TWO PROFESSIONAL BOUTS. All followers of the sport of .wrestling in New Zealand welcomed the news that Earl MeCrcady was to be back again this year, and Palmerfcton North is fortunate in being one of the first places to see the popular Empire champion in action. Next Thursday night McCready is to oppose Cowboy Dick Raines in the main event at the Opera. House, and the matching of these two favourites has made it certain thar the local association will get away to a flying start. Raines, of course, belongs to the rugged stamp of wrestler which has largely been responsible for the sport gaining the great popularity it lias enjoyed ill recent years, and his form this year is better than ever. Well over 6ft in height, and weighing about 17 stone, Raines has toughness in every line. Ho sets out from the start to reduce his opponent to a stage at which one of his specialty holds, the back-breaker or the tornado Twist, can be used successfully, and there is little doubt about the issue. With a ring personality all his own, Raines often gets plenty of boos during a bout but it is then that he seenis io be enjoying himself most and even at such times lie",remains a popular villain. He has had one of the most successful periods of his career while lie has been away from New Zealand, having proved, a prime favourite in Australia, repeated the success in Honolulu, whore lie beat Dean Detton in the final of the Hawaiian championship, and then beat a lot of prominent wrestlers in the Mid-Western ’ States. Among his victims were Joe Savoldi, whom he left with a broken arm, Bronko Nagurski, recent holder of the world title, Dr Sarpolis, and Hans Kampfer. Ho also- held Ray Steele to a draw. It will be interestino- lo see how McCreadv- reacts to Raines’s rugged tactics. There will also be an excellent professional preliminary bout.