WRESTLING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22986, 15 September 1936, Page 11

WRESTLING

PENCHEFF v. BLOMFIELD George Pencheff, well known to wrestling enthusiasts, will make a reappearance in a New Zealand ring on Saturday night, when he will meet Lofty Blomfield in ’the. Town Hall. Pencheff was one of the 1931 team of wrestlers, some of the others being Stan Pinto and Scotty M’Dougall, who visited New Zealand, and, though he did not appear in a l&cal ring that year, he was considered to be the most speedy and spectacular member of that team. It was really because of the excellence, of the matches staged by that team that wrestling has continued to grow in popularity. Pencheff was a popular and successful wrestler, and doubtless many New Zealanders will be anxious to renew acquaintance with him. He has spent a lot of time in Australia, where he is regarded as a wrestling idol. During the past five seasons, he has had many decisions over Tom Lurich, and some enthusiasts will probably remember the outcry there was in the Leichhardt Stadium some five months ago, when the referee gave the decision to Lurich over Pencheff in an Australian title bout. Immediately after this bou* Pencheff left for America. During his stop in the States his record showed that he wrestled in 106 matches without once suffering defeat. While it; the States he was signed by Dan Kolorf, who is promoting in Europe, for a tour across the Atlantic, but, owing to a knee injury received when wrestling Dan O’Mahoney, ex-world champion, he decided to let the European trip stand over and to return to the south. Patrons should /witness a thrilling and spectacular match when these two exponents meet on Saturday night. The box plans will be opened at the D.I.C. to-morrow morning. SAVOLDI BEATS KRUSE (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Sept. 14. The former professional heavyweight wrestling champion of the world, “Jumping Joe" Savoldi (America). 15st 41b, made his first appearance in Auckland to-night when he* defeated Bob Kruse (America), 15st, by two falls to one. the contest ending in the sixth round. One of the finest proportioned wrestlers seen in Auckland, Savoldi at times showed remarkable agility. Savoldi took the first fall in the third round following two drop-kicks. Kruse evened in the fifth when he dumped his opponent. Kruse dazed himself in the sixth round, falling back on his head, r d Savoldi pinned him for the deeid ! n<? fall.