WRESTLING.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20269, 11 August 1937, Page 10

WRESTLING.

MATCH IN WELLINGTON. McCREADY v. LEWIS. Until Ed. “Strangler” Lewis’s recent arrival the superiority of the British Empire champion, Earl as the greatest wrestler ever to vi-sit New Zealand, was never in serious dispute. The issue between the two men, both right at the top of the wrestling tree, will be settled in the Winter Show Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday, the evening of the first Rugby Test. Lewis, five times holder of the world championship, is popularly acknowledged the greatest catch-as-catch-can wrestler of all time, but McCready’s present international ranking Is above that of Lewis. The Empire champion is placed third on the list, while Lewis occupies a slightly lower position. However, “The Strangler” has for several months been in strict training in preparation for his projected match with the almost legendary Hindu superman, Gama. He is now in his best form, and the way in which he has disposed of his opponents in New Zealand proves that lie retains all his strength and skill. Though rated close to the top, McCready is still fighting his way up the wrestling ladder, being ambitious lo capture the world title for the British Empire. On a recent tour of the United States he won 17 of the 18 matches in which he took part, defeating the, best America could place before him. Ultimately lie met the then world champion. Dean Detfon, only to lose on disqualification when an excited second Jumped Into the ring after McCready had had all the better of the match. Greatest Money-earner. The greatest money-earner any sport has known, Lewis has drawn through the gates over 5,000,000 dollars more than his nearest rival, Jack Dempsey. In over GOOO contests, beginning when only a boy in ills ’teens, he has lost fewer than 30. Lewis, now In his 45th year, is wrestling’s wealthiest man, but declares that he has still two ambitions—to beat Gama and to capture the world title for the sixth time. To accomplish the second ambition involves’ a third —to defeat McCready. These two men are the leading championship contenders, and the.tr match has its significance as a litle elimination. In some 130 contests in New Zealand McCready has been beaten only once, that, by the twice world champion, Ed. Don George. McCready was unfortunate in that match, held In the open air. for his head struck an electric light standard when he fell out of the. ring. Subsequently*, however, li° defeated George. Another splendid wrestler over whom McCready holds a decision here is the giant Mohammedan. “Tiger” Duala, who has defeated most of the world’s best. The Empire champion must, therefore, be given a great chance against Lewis. Indeed, if there is anyone today capable of beating “The Strangler” il is McCready. And New Zealanders, who have come to regard tlm Empire champion as one of themselves, will await, the seasons outstanding match and its outcome with special iutcrest.