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 I have hundreds in my own personal collection.

Lou Thesz – Great World Champ. Photo by Tony Lanza.

Gigantic Jonathan. Photo by Tony Lanza.

Tony also put out several books on the sport and books of his photos.

As a wrestler he had over 5000 bouts and in his early days he often belted out a song before he saw action in the ring, (much like another Lanza – the great Mario Lanza).

I recall Tony wrestling in South Africa in the early 1950's but he never came out to this part of the world.

When he retired from wrestling he concentrated on photographing leading wrestlers and body builders. He will be sadly missed around the globe.

Tiger Jeet Singh – Great Wrestler. Photo by Tony Lanza.

Bill Darnell. Photo by Tony Lanza.