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| September 6, 1962
Reprinted from the Savannah Morning News Title: Wrestling Returns Here Tonight Author: Neal Ellis Savannah – With world heavyweight champion Fred Blassie featured in a defense of his title, big-time professional wrestling makes a return to the city at 8 o' clock tonight in the Savannah Sports Center. Blassie's challenger for the diamond-sprinkled gold belt that is symbolic of the championship is Chief Crazy Hose, a 250-pound man-mountain from the Black Hills of South Dakota. Their long awaited main event match is a two falls of three affair with a one hour time limit. The mat feature for the world's crown will be preceded by a semifinal battle between Chief Little Eagle and Miguel Torres. The opener of the three-match program pits Pedro Godoy against Guy Taylor. From top to bottom, the card lists big name wrestlers. The sponsors, the Savannah Wrestling Advisory Committee, have spared no efforts in lining up a top-notch program with which to open the Thursday night series. "We were very fortunate to obtain so many outstanding wrestlers for the first card," Dr. Joseph Cassius, chairman of the committee, said last night. "Most of these athletes have considerable experience as main-eventers in other cities, and at least four of them have starred in many television matches. "The National Wrestling Alliance promised to help us acquire the best men in the business for our shows. They have lived up to their promise," Dr. Cassius confirmed. "We have high hopes of making this city the wrestling capital of the Southeast. The fans of Savannah certainly will be well entertained." Dr. Cassius said he expects a near-capacity turnout in the neighborhood of 4,000 fans. Blassie, the 238-pound blond, beautiful strong boy from St. Louis, is slated for red-carpet treatment upon his arrival at Travis Field at 2:47 p.m. today. He'll get an official city welcome from local officials, a key to the city from Miss Chatham County, Jeannine Morgan, and will head a motorcade through the downtown streets. Then, in the ring, he will get a serious challenge from Chief Crazy Horse, who won 400 matches in a row before tasting defeat. |