Freddie Blassie Wins World Wrestling Crown
Civil & Military Gazette (Lahore) - Friday 27 July 1962 LOS ANGELES, JULY 26- The world heavyweight wrestling crown last night was won by Fred Blassie of St Louis, Montana, in a hotly contested match that was called at 12-53 of the second fall because of head injuries suffered by his opponent Rikidozan of Japan. Rikidozan's injuries were not serious and he promptly challenged Blassie to a return match. The 24 year old Tokyo native was well on his way to winning the crown, having taken the first fall at the 7-29 mark before an overflow crowd at the Olympic Auditorium. But shortly afterwards, the 242-pound Japanese wrestler struck his head on a ring post during a flying leap at Blassie. From then on it was Blassie's match. With blood pouring from a cut on the forehead, Rikidozan, who holds the world-wide wrestling associates title, gamely attempted to continue but referee John Dougan halted the match. The 233-pound Blassie is recognised ...
