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 heavyweight champion by the North American Wrestling Alliance. 

 Several times during the match, Rikidozan, whose knowledge of English is slight, had trouble understanding the instructions of the referee and failed to take advantage of several opportunities when Blassie was near the ropes. 

 Rikidozan used a more scientific ring form, while Blassie favoured a wide open type of attack. 

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