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| April 20, 1932
Reprinted from the Atlanta Constitution Title: Break Of The Day Author: Ralph McGill Atlanta – There was a poster on the promoter's wall advertising the fact that Jim Londos was the world's champion wrestler. A big fellow walked over and tore it from the wall. "that makes me ill," he said. "I'll beat Jim Londos and I'll beat him sleeping if by no other way." The big fellow was Ed (Strangler) Lewis and he was giving his first interview on the proposed match. And he gave it tersely and confidently. "Jim Londos can't relax. Once the match is made he won't rest. He'll lose weight. He won't be able to sleep for a week before the match. And I will. I can relax. "I've held the title four times. He thinks he has it now. He is afraid of what it will mean to lose it. I know I'll go on. He's afraid. And I tell you Jim Londos will be easy for me. I'll beat him sleeping. "Relaxation is the secret of any athlete's success. When the muscles are tight the heart has extra work forcing the blood through the arteries. That tires a man out.&127; "I have defeated Londos 14 times. They say he has improved. I say that he may have. I doubt it. A man may improve mentally after he is 35 but not physically," he said, pounding a big knee. "Londos is the one I'm interested in. And he knows it. That's why he wants so much money for the match that no promoter will take it. "No one else in the game has been able to give me trouble since my eyes got well. Before that I lost to Sonnenberg. But I wrestled him to a draw when I could hardly see my hand before my eyes. And he and George and DeGlane dodge me now. "I've studied Londos. He's the nervous type. He can't relax. Try it yourself. Stand in the floor and try to keep your muscles tense for three or four minutes. You're all in. "They say Londos will keep away from me until I am tired. Well, I hold the world's record for durability. I once wrestled five hours. And I can do it again. "I hope they make the match. And when they do, I'll win it." Lewis' manager revealed that while California is seeking the match, St. Louis and Chicago are not out of the running. The match is pretty sure to be held this summer. And Londos will likely enter as a favorite. Despite Lewis' confidence, the proponents of the great Greek believe that he will outspeed Lewis and will be able to get him on the mat and apply a leg hold from which not even Lewis' genius will permit an escape. Londos will weigh about 30 pounds less than Lewis and this will make a great difference. And if the Strangler ever gets Londos in a body grip with those terrible arms the Greek will have difficulty escaping. |