Golden Gloves 2005, North Island
Famous Fighter Visits Auckland — Smokin' Joe Frazier
"Smokin" Joe Frazier, one of the great World Heavyweight Champions, came to New Zealand on a short visit in July. He was here as a guest commentator and celebrity for the "Fight For Life" show, and he also belted out a song. Colonel Bob Sheridan made his yearly appearance at Dean Lonergan's spectacular show. People […]
Joe Frazier Here in July
Great news for boxing fans is that Joe Frazier, on the the great World Heavyweight Champions, is headed 'down under'. Joe will be a guest commentator at this years "Fight For Life" in July 2005. The colonial, Bob Sheridan, is also expected to be here to commentate. Joe did come here in 1975 after fighting […]
King Curtis — New Zealand Pro Wrestling History
During the 1970s, "King" Curtis Iaukea, the giant Hawaiian, really set the turnstiles clicking in New Zealand. He fell in love with this country, sent for his family, and built a house in Auckland. He saw New Zealand as a good base for his wrestling jaunts to Australia, Japan, Singapore and his homeland, Hawaii. He […]
Max Schmeling Passed Away at 99 Years
Sad to lose Max Schmeling from Germany, who didn't quite make the century. I never met Max, but felt I knew him personally after correspondence for around 40 years. Max would always sign any autographs and always forwarded photos back, duly signed. The only risk I took a few years back, when Max was getting […]
We Lose Outstanding Wrestling and Body Building Photographer Tony Lanza
Tony Lanza, the world's greatest wrestling and body building photographer recently passed away in Canada aged 84. Tony Lanza Tony Lanza During the 1950's I regularly sent to Tony for his great photos, and most wrestlers of note were photographed in his house by the Canadian photographer. "Photo by Lanza" appeared on many photos, and […]
New Zealand Wrestling History — Abe Jacobs
Abe Jacobs, the one time New Zealand Amateur Wrestling Champion, was born and raised on the lonely, ocean-washed Chatham Islands. He was given his big break in 1958 when the New Zealand Wrestling Union gave him a start as a professional in his own country. His first bout was at Hastings, as a substitute for […]
Those Crazy Kiwis — The Fabulous Bushwhackers
Older New Zealand fans will remember them as "The Crazy Kiwis" or "The Kiwi Sheepherders" or just "Brute and Sweet". Bob Miller and Ted Williams have long been top Wrestling Stars, but reached Superstar status when they join the W.W.F. in 1988. The W.W.F. goes into more than 30 Countires around the globe, so our […]
Willem Hall
I just found out one of the greats who came to New Zealand in 1969 passed away recently in South Africa. Willem Hall was a real talented wrestler, didn't stand any nonsense and was one of the South African greats. He had great matches here with John DaSilva and also they had great matches all […]