“NONE BUT HEAVIES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 968, 10 May 1930, Page 13

“NONE BUT HEAVIES”

CRUISER-WEIGHT WRESTLERS NOT POPULAR NEW AUSTRALIAN INVASION John Pesek and half a dozen other heavy-weights, under the management of Stadiums Limited, did so well for themselves and the promoters of wrestling in Australia last year that none but the heavy men are to v be seen in the Melbourne and Sydney rings this season. More than 20 light heavyweights cluttered up the stage in 1928, but the lighter brigade have had their day. Engagements made in the United States by the general manager of Stadiums Limited (Mr. R. Lean) for the coming season comprise 12 of the finest heavy-weights that could be induced to make the trip, and though guarantees of unprecedented amounts had to be given in several instances, Mr. Lean is confident that Stadium patrons will fully appreciate the quality of the sport that is offered. All sorts of rumours have been current regarding the world’s heavyweight championship, and the first question 1 asked Mr. Lean, on his return was whether Gus Sonnenberg, the present holder of the title, was a genuine champion or not (writes Norman McCance in the “Australasian”). “Sonnenberg is genuine all right,” replied Mr. Lean. “He may not be such an accomplished wrestler as “Strangler” Lewis, Joe Stecher, or John Pesek, but he is three times conqueror of Lewis, and is always prepared to put up 5,000 dollars to prove his championship. He is the only wrestler that ; can handle Lewis effectively. Sonnenberg uses the ‘flying tackle’ of the Rugby footballer, shooting across the mat low down, hurling himself at his opponent’s knees, and crashing him out of the ring. It may not be wrestling, but it ‘brings the house down,’ and there are packed stadiums every time to see Sonnenberg smash his way to victory. If all goes well, he may be seen in Australia before the end of the year.” A REMARKABLE PERSONALTY From all accounts, Ed. (“Strangler”) Lewis, who will arrive here in a few days, is an amazing athlete, with a wonderful personality both in and out of the ring. He weighs about 17 stone, is 6ft lin in height, and has a normal—or, rather, most abnormal —chest expansion of 50in. Mrs. Lewis will accompany, and Mrs. Lean is even more enthusiastic about the wrestler’s wife than is Mr. Lean about the former world’s champion—which is saying a great deal. It is curious how often preconceived ideas concerning other folk fall completely short of fulfilment. I somehow imagined that Joe Stecher, who defeated Lewis for the heavy-weight title several years ago, was a hard-bitten, gnarled and angular old warrior, with a face like a walnut. Mr. Lean showed me Stecher‘s photograph, and I was incredulous until I read the inscription. Stecher is aged 26 years, has a figure like that of a Greek god, and a face like that of a matinee “idol.” He is regarded as the greatest leg-wrestler among the world’s best. John Pesek accompanied this time by Mrs. Pesek will arrive in about six weeks, and Ad Santel may make the trip to Australia again. If so, he and Pesek will be the “babies” of the team, each weighing about 14 stone, or at least a stone lighter than the lightest of the others, and nearly four stone lighter than the heaviest. George Kotsonaros, Greek champion; Harold Cantonwine, a Yale University graduate; Dr. Sarpolis. Charlie Hanson, a Swedish-Canadian: and Bob Kruse, who visited Australia in 1928, are in the team. Already here are Charlie Stack, who represented the United States at the Games of 1924 and 1928; and George McLeod, the “flying Scotsman.” I was particularly interested in Mr. Lean’s collection of photographs, taken by him on his American trip. There was a series of beautiful views of “Mike” Yokel’s ranch in Wyoming, and authentic proof that he has a family of at least 10 children Mrs Yokel is a Dutch woman who appears here and there throughout the series in “cowgirl” costume, looking as young as her youngest daughter. Mike himself looks like Tom Mix on a holiday Photographs of Al. Karasiek playing golf with Al. Jolson and Ted and Mrs. Thye in the grounds of their beautiful Los Angeles mansion are included in the souvenirs.