ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !

"i#th$ Fa%i&y an' Ne(oosa Robe#t He#%an )*&i*s F#ie'#ich$ who &ate# too( the +a%o*s a&ias o+ E' "St#an,&e#" Lewis$ was bo#n on )*ne -.$ !/0. in the Wisconsin town o+ Sheboy,an Fa&&s12!3 Lewis$ '*#in, his &i+eti%e$ a&ways c&ai% that he wei,ht !4 5o*n's at bi#th1 His 5a#ents we#e )acob F#ie'#ich 6b1 Dece%be# 4/$ !/7/8 an' Ma#y 6Mo&&y o# Mo&&a G*e&'en9o5+ o# 5e#ha5s A%e&ia G*e&'en9o5+8 F#ie'#ich 6b1 Ma#ch 44$ !/::81 )acob was bo#n in Deinhei% Hessen$ Ge#%any an' ca%e to the ;nite' State when he was 4yea#s o&' to %a(e cent#a& Wisconsin his ho%e1 He ha' wo#(e' as a +a#%e#$ woo'c*tte#$ an' b*tche# b*t$ by the ti%e o+ Robe#t<s bi#th$ was wo#(in, in the +inishin, #oo% o+ the Ne(oosa=E'wa#'s a5e# Co%5any1 >n Feb#*a#y !$ !0!4$ at a,e 7-$ )acob too( a ?ob on the Ne(oosa 5o&ice +o#ce an' staye' e%5&oye' +o# 4/ yea#s1 He wei,ht 4.. 5o*n's an' ha' a #e5*tation as a st#on, %an$ b*t it see%s that Robe#t #ese%b&e' his Mothe# Mo&&y %o#e than his 'a'1 Mo&&y wei,ht a&%ost as %*ch as )acob an' was we&& 5#o5o#tione'1 At ch*#ch 5icnics$ she wo*&' ente# an' win the yo*n, wo%an<s #aces1 She was a ha#' wo#(e# an' the bac(bone o+ the +a%i&y1243 The two ha' %a##ie' on Se5te%be# 4:$ !/// in the town o+ o#t E'wa#'s1 Robe#t$ who went by the na%e "ob$ was the thi#' o+ +ive chi&'#en@ F#e'#ich 6b >ct1 !//A8$ Minnie 6b )*&y !//08$ Hattie 6b )an1 !/0-8 an' Ma#yBE%i&y 6b >ct$ !00C81 See%s the +a%i&y &e+t Sheboy,an Fa&&s$ 5ossib&e to Ne(oosa$ Wisconsin$ b*t #et*#ne' in !/0C1 In !/07$ they #et*#ne' to Ne(oosa$ whe#e "ob s5ent %ost o+ his chi&'hoo'1 The act*a& ho%e %ay have been +o*# %i&es no#thBeast o+ Ne(oosa in the s%a&& town o+ o#t E'wa#'s1 Ne(oosa was a vi&&a,e o+ abo*t !$... 5eo5&e b*t it ha' a &a#,e 5a5e# %i&& whe#e the +athe# ha' +o*n' wo#(1 It was in Ne(oosa that "ob atten'e' 5*b&ic schoo&1 He ,#ew bi, an' active$ 'oin, a&& the thin,s yo*n, boys 'o1 As ti%e 5asse'$ he sta#te' co%in, ho%e with his c&othes to#n an' 'i#ty1 This was a 5#ob&e% beca*se it was costin, %oney that +a%i&y ha' ve#y &itt&e o+ to waste1 >ne 'ay$ )acob was wa&(in, by the schoo&ya#' an' +o*n' his son w#est&in, ?*st abo*t eve#y boy in the schoo&1 His 5atience was thin by that ti%e$ so he ,#abbe' "ob an' beat hi% in +#ont o+ a&& his c&ass%ates1 "ob was so e%ba##asse' he #e+*se' to #et*#n to the 5*b&ic schoo&$ so he was sent to a Ge#%an L*the#an schoo&1 He &ate# was con+i#%e' in that +aith1 "ob 5&aye' bas(etba&&$ t#ac( an' w#est&e'$ b*t his +avo#ite s5o#t was baseba&& an' '*#in, the s*%%e#s he 5&aye' on the town<s tea%1 >ne Sat*#'ay they 5&aye' a ,a%e in itts+ie&'$ Wisconsin1 They won the ,a%e b*t we#e sho#t on %oney +o# the t#i5 ho%e 6now that<s the sto#y$ b*t I thin( itts+ie&' is on&y !0 %i&es +#o% Ne(oosa an' it see%s &i(e a 5&an that nee'e' ti%e to eDec*te181 In the a#ea was a &oca& w#est&e# na%e' Geo#,e "#own$ who ha' t#aine' with the ,#eat F#e' "ee&&1 The baseba&& %ana,e# a##an,e' +o# yo*n, F#ie'#ich to w#est&e "#own at the &oca& o5e#a ho*se with a'%ission bein, 7. cents1 "ob c&ai%e' to (now on&y one ho&'$ the bea# h*,$ b*t "#own +ainte'$ ,ivin, F#ie'#ich his +i#st 5#o win1 The ,ate was E:. an' "ob<s c*t was E!71 A#o*n' that ti%e$ Lewis c&ai%e' that the &oca& ba#be#$ a Ca#son "*#(e$ ,ave hi% a boo( on h*%an 5hysio&o,y an' this st*'yin, the h*%an bo'y$ wo*&' &ate# ,ive hi% an a'vanta,e in the w#est&in, #in,1 6He was the Go#i&&a Monsoon o+ his ti%e18 "*#(e a&so ,ave "ob the S5a*&'in, ,*i'e to w#est&in,1 He *se' this (now&e',e to twist the bo'ies o+ eve#y boy in the nei,hbo#hoo'1 This b#o*,ht a &ine o+ co%5&ainin, 5a#ents to the 'oo# o+ the F#ie'#ich ho%e an' Robe#t was once a,ain in t#o*b&e1 At a#o*n' !! yea#s o&'$ "ob ,ot a ?ob as a wate# boy +o# a const#*ction ,an, wo#(in, on wi'enin, the #oa' +#o% the 5owe# 5&ant to the 5a5e# %i&&1 Nea# whe#e the %en #este' was a na##ow b#i',e o# &o, ,oin, ove# a &a#,e st#ea% o# #ive#1 The %en wo*&' ,et eDe#cise by th#owin, each othe# o++ the b#i',e into the wate#1 Thei# +*n was #*ine' when the wate# boy sta#te' th#owin, a&& the ,#own *5s in to the 5on'1 The boy<s #e5*tation ,#ew with the &oca&s an' %any ti%es +a#%e#s wo*&'

sto5 thei# wo#( to watch hi% th#ow &a#,e %en a#o*n'1 When he wasn<t w#est&in, the c#ew$ "ob 5&aye' watch'o,$ &oo(in, o*t +o# the boss$ as the c#ew na55e' the a+te#noons away *n'e# sha'e t#ees1 When not toi&in, +o# the const#*ction c#ew$ "ob wo#(e' in a sto#e +o# a M#s1 G*thei& %a(in, 'e&ive#ies an' &i+tin, heavy &oa's on to +a#% wa,ons1 Sto#ies we#e to&' o+ "ob 5ic(in, *5 4/. 5o*n' ba##e&s o+ sa&t an' ca##yin, th#ee ba, o+ +&owe# at a ti%e1 This M#s1 G*thei& ha' two o# th#ee othe# yo*n, ,i#&s wo#(in, in the sto#e$ so "ob too( to eDe#cisin, in the bac( ya#' nea# a win'ow in the ho5e o+ i%5#essin, the%1 D*#in, this 5e#io'$ sto#ies have "ob bein, t#aine' by his Ne(oosa nei,hbo#$ F#e' "ent91 I thin($ with no 5#oo+$ that he a&so ha' %a'e contact with +a%e' Wisconsin w#est&e# F#e' "ee&&1 Eve#y Sat*#'ay$ "ob wo*&' wo#( o*t with a 44. 5o*n' +a#%e# na%e' A&be#t Coon1 F#ie'#ich 5ine' Coon ove# an' ove#$ b*t the bi, ,*y neve# sto55e' co%in, bac( +o# %o#e1 Then ca%e a &*c(y 'ay when A&be#t ,ot a 5in ove# "ob1 A+te# that Coon sto55e' t#ainin, an' wo*&'n<t w#est&e his +#ien'1 A+te# Lewis beca%e a ,#eat sta#$ he wo*&' be, his 5a& +o# a #e%atch b*t Coon #e+*se'F1 ha55y with his one victo#y ove# a cha%5ion w#est&e#1 W#est&in, was the s5o#t o+ +a#%&an' A%e#ica1 Roa's we#e ha#' to #*n on$ ,y%s we#e #a#e an' baseba&& too( too %any 5eo5&e$ b*t Fa#%e#s co*&' a&ways +in' so%eone to w#est&e1 A who&e c*&t*#a& #it*a& s*##o*n'e' shoot "catch as catch can" w#est&in, in the %i'=west an' othe# a#eas o+ the co*nt#y1 S*n'ays we#e *s*a&&y 'ays o++ an' &oca& 5icnics we#e 5&aces +o# yo*n, %en to ,athe# an' 5#ove the%se&ves1 "ob was a&ways a sta# at these events1 A %a?o# cha&&en,e# to F#ie'#ich was an o&'e# an' &a#,e# boy na%e' A#t C#owns1 They we#e +#ien's$ b*t a ,#eat #iva&#y +o#%e' between the two1 A 5#o+esso# +o# a &oca& schoo& set *5 an o++icia& sty&e %atch between the two$ which "ob won a+te# a th#ow a&%ost ca*se A#t to bit o++ his ton,*e1 A +ew 'ays &ate#$ "ob ha' to +i,ht A#t<s b#othe#$ Geo#,e1 "ob won that enco*nte# too1 The two C#own boys ,#ew *5 to beco%e atto#neys in Wisconsin1 "esi'es w#est&in,$ "ob<s neDt inte#est was yo*n, ,i#&s an' he 'ate' a Sio*D wo%an na%e' Ma*'e "#oo(s +o# a 5e#io' o+ ti%e1 It see%s she a&so ta*,ht "ob a +ew ho&'s1 "ob was ,oo' nat*#e' an' &i(eab&e$ with his #e5*tation as a &oca& cha%5ion ,#owin, by the wee(1 In the winte#$ anothe# s*ch cha%5ion$ F#e' Abe& o+ Ma'ison Wisconsin$ cha&&en,e' Robe#t1 The %atch was set *5 at the &oca& o5e#a ho*se1 The hos5itab&e "ob %et Abe& at the t#ain station an' int#o'*ce' hi% to the &oca&s1 This he&5e' the ,ate1 "ob won the %atch$ b*t %ost tho*,ht the %atch &oo(e' &i(e a "+#ien'&y" a++ai#124a3 A +ew %onths &ate#$ anothe# w#est&e# na%e' "Lin'sey"$ +#o% Nee&svi&&e$ cha&&en,e' "ob1 Lin'sey ha' a ca*&i+&owe# ea# an' wasn<t nea#&y as +#ien'&y as the +i#st w#est&e#1 Lewis c&ai%e' the %atch was a two=ho*# '#aw that ha' Lin'sey #i'in, hi% the who&e ti%e #*bbin, his +ace into the %at1 My +ee&in,s a#e that Lin'sey was a 5#o wo#(in, *n'e# an a&ias$ t#yin, to ta(e a'vanta,e o+ the &oca& ,a%b&e#s1 The 5eo5&e in Ne(oosa +o#%e' the o5inion that "ob ha' "wo#(e'" a &east one o+ the two %atches an' +e&t bet#aye'1 His +#ien's< #eaction h*#t an' o++en'e' F#ie'#ich$ so he 'eci'e' to &eave Ne(oosa1 "ob<s ;nc&e E%i& was a s*5e#inten'ent at a 5a5e# %i&& in Rhine&an'e#$ Wisconsin an' o++e#e' Robe#t a ?ob an' it was acce5te'1 GG Contin*e to CHA TER 4 F>>TN>TES@ ! The sto#y o+ E' Lewis$ as #e5o#te' in News5a5e#s$ boo(s an' a#tic&e$ is a %yth c#eate' by Lewis hi%se&+$ his &on, ti%e %ana,e# "i&&y San'ow$ w#est&in, 5#o%ote#s an' *nin+o#%e' s5o#ts w#ite#s th#* the yea#s1 In the ve#y +i#st sentence we can a&#ea'y +in' th#ee cont#ove#sia& state%ents1 The +i#st is the s5e&&in, o+ Lewis<s t#*e na%e1 The secon' is the 5&ace o+ bi#th an' the thi#' is the bi#th 'ate1 It is %y 5&an to *se news5a5e# #e5o#ts o+ %atches to +o#% %y base +o# this 5a5e#1 I +ee& that #e5o#ts o+ %atches$ w#itten on the 'ay o+ the event$ have %o#e c#e'ibi&ity than sto#ies o+ events to&' by the w#est&e#s the%se&ves yea#s &ate# o# sto#ies that have been to&' an' 5asse' on by 5eo5&e who we#e not 5#esent1

In the &ate !0C.<s$ Lewis atte%5te' to w#ite his bio,#a5hy *sin, a w#ite#Bco&&abo#ato# ,oin, by the na%e Steve Mc he#son1 We 'on<t act*a&&y (now the i'entity o+ this Steve Mc he#son1 D*#in, Lewis<s &i+e$ he was in contact with at &east two %en *sin, that na%e1 >ne was a s5o#ts e'ito# o+ a news5a5e# in "e&&in,ha%Fthe othe# was a %ino# 5#o%ote# o+ w#est&in, in hoeniD1 Mc he#son %ay have been one o+ these %en$ we 'on<t (now1 The ,o'+athe# o+ a&& w#est&in, histo#ians$ ) Michae& Henyon$ ,ave %e a 5hotoco5y o+ THE ;NFINISHED LEWIS "I>GRA HY yea#s a,o1 The 5a5e# is basica&&y ?*st o+ b*nch o+ *n+inishe' notes an' sto#ies1 So%e o+ it is o*t o+ ch#ono&o,ica& o#'e#1 In %y view$ it<s a %ess$ b*t it is the c&osest thin, we ha' to Lewis<s own wo#'s an' it te&&s sto#ies abo*t 5a#ts o+ his ea#&y &i+e we can +in' in no othe# 5&ace1 In +o#%in, the ea#&y 5o#tion o+ the 5e#sona& &ive o+ Lewis in this 5a5e#$ I<&& be t#yin, to o#,ani9e an' %a(e sense o*t o+ this bio,#a5hy1 So%eone e&se$ who is bette# with wo#' an' can s5e&&$ %ay have bette# eI*i55e' to the ?ob$ b*t I wo#( chea51 So bac( to the th#ee cont#ove#sia& state%ents@ E' Lewis t#*e na%e has been %iss5e&&e' in n*%be# o+ ways1 F#e'e#ic(s$ F#ie'#ic($ F#e'#ich$ etc1 >n &e,a& an' +a%i&y 'oc*%ents it<s s5e&&e' Robe#t F#ie'#ich o# Robe#t He#%an )*&i*s F#ie'#ich1 In %any #e5o#ts$ %ost o+ the% +#o% a &ate 'ate$ yo*<&& +in' Ne(oosa Wisconsin &iste' as bein, the 5&ace o+ bi#th o+ Robe#t F#ie'#ich1 In #e5o#ts +#o% the act*a& town o+ Ne(oosa$ yo*<&& +in' the% sayin, he was bo#n at Sheboy,an Fa&&s1 I can<t 5#ove anythin, b*t it<s %y +ee&in, that the +a%i&y &ive' in Ne(oosa$ b*t the bi#th too( 5&ace in Sheboy,an Fa&&s beca*se %othe# Mo&&y F#ie'#ich<s +a%i&y &ive' in that city an' she %i,ht have been &oo(in, +o# s*55o#t1 The#e a&so was a %e'ica& hos5ita& o# c&inic &ocate' the#e1 Late# in "ob<s &i+e$ his +athe# an' b#othe# wo*&' both t#ave& to Sheboy,an Fa&&s +o# %e'ica& t#eat%ent1 A+te# the bi#th$ Mo&&y #et*#ne' to Ne(oosa1 In !/0C$ the +a%i&y &ive' in Sheboy,an Fa&& +o# a 5e#io' be+o#e they #et*#ne' to Ne(oosa in !//A$ whe#e F#ie'#ich 6Lewis8 s5ent %ost o+ his chi&'hoo'1 I wo*&' consi'e# this state%ent a theo#y an' not ta(en as +act1 It a&so %ay be t#*e that the F#ie'#ich +a%i&y act*a&&y &ive' +o*# an' ha&+ %i&es no#thBeast o+ Ne(oosa in o#t E'wa#'s1 >n Lewis< 5ass5o#t a55&ication o+ )*ne !7$ !04-$ he &iste' o#t E'wa#'s as his 5&ace o+ bi#th1 The best in+o#%ation on this to5ic can be +o*n' in NATI>NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE@ THE ;NT>LD ST>RY >F THE M>N> >LY THAT STRANGLED R> WRESTLING by Ti% Ho#nba(e# 65a,e :481 "y the ti%e "ob F#ie'#ich ,ot to Chica,o in !0!-$ he was bi&&in, hi%se&+ as bein, bo#n in !/0!1 He was bein, 5*she' as a yo*n, %an an' I thin( they '#o55e' a yea# to +it1 Fo# the #est o+ his ca#ee# it #e%aine' %ost&y !/0!$ b*t &e,a& 5a5e#s a&& see% to a,#ee on !/0.1 Re5o#ts +#o% Ne(oosa a&so say !/0.1 4 NATI>NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE@ THE ;NT>LD ST>RY >F THE M>N> >LY THAT STRANGLED R> WRESTLING by Ti% Ho#nba(e# states that )acob F#ie'#ich was bo#n on Dece%be# 4/$ !/7/ at Deinhei% Hessen$ Ge#%any an' i%%i,#ate' to A%e#ica1 Mo&&y 6Mo&&a8 G*e&'en9o5+ was bo#n in SaDon=Wie%e#$ Ge#%any on Ma#ch 4-$ !/:: an' t#ave&e' with he# +a%i&y to Sheboy,an Fa&&s in !//41 The two we#e %a##ie' on Se5te%be# 4:$ !//A *n'e# the L*the#an +aith1 4a F#e' Abe& is the na%e *se' in Lewis< ;N ;"LISHED "I>GRA HY1 Histo#ian Dan An'e#son thin(s this 5e#son is A&be#t ""abe" Abe&$ who was bo#n in !//0 in Ma'ison an' 'ie' in the sa%e city in !0:A1 He #a#e&y w#est&e' o*tsi'e o+ Ma'ison$ an' 'i'n<t see% to have %*ch s*ccess1

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! Rhine"an#e$ %ob&s 'ob at the Rhine"an#e$ a(e$ Mi"" was wo$)in* with a +achine that s(it o,t -../(o,n# (a(e$ b,n#"es0 He ha# to (ic) ,( two o1 the+ a +in,te an# stac) the+ 1$o+ the 1"oo$ to a hei*ht o1 -2 1eet0 He wo$)e# at this "abo$ 1o$ -! ho,$s a #ay 1o$ ove$ two yea$s0 At 1i$st he was an assistant to a Geo$*e Fishe$3 b,t Geo$*e b$o)e #own 1$o+ the wo$)3 an# %ob contin,e# by hi+se"10 Lewis c"ai+e# this +onotono,s wo$) was the ha$#est ti+e o1 his "i1e0 D,$in* his "ate$ "i1e as a ($o w$est"e$3 in a to,*h +atch that st$esses his en#,$ance4he&"" thin) o1 his Rhine"an#e$ Mi"" 'ob an# say to hi+se"15 "I1 that #i#n&t b$ea) +e4nothin* wi""6" Yo, can see how a 'ob "i)e this wo,"# t,$n yo,n* Lewis into s,(e$ st$on* ath"etic with the (hysi7,e o1 a He$c,"es0 It wasn&t the static "i1tin* o1 wei*hts in a *y+8 it was the "i1tin* o1 aw)wa$# ob'ects ,( an# #own4ove$ an# ove$001o$ ho,$s an# ho,$s that wo,"# c$eate the st$en*th an# sta+ina nee# in a *$eat w$est"e$0 9ne o1 the socia" cente$s in Rhine"an#e$ was a $o""e$ s)atin* $in)0 It was )nown as an acce(tab"e ("ace 1o$ yo,n* boys an# *i$"s to +eet0 In the bac) o1 it %ob once batt"e# the "oca" b,""y in what Lewis c"ai+e# was ho,$ an# a ha"1 "on* 1ist1i*ht in :./#e*$ee weathe$0 It was sto((e# a1te$ F$ie#$ich ha# )noc)e# the othe$ boy #own !2 ti+es0 E# c"ai+e# he was ha((y abo,t the sto((a*e beca,se he was ti$e# 1$o+ a"" the (,nchin*0 See+s he was a"so ("ayin* bas)etba"" in the a$ea3 one $e(o$t ha# %ob ("ayin* ba"" 1o$ Anti*o at a bas)etba"" to,$na+ent in the town o1 o$ta*e0 He a"so was with an enca+(+ent o1 the Rhine"an#e$ co+(any o1 the state +i"itia a$o,n# ;,"y -<.=0 Whi"e in Rhine"an#e$3 %ob #ate# an# 1e"" in "ove with a *i$" na+e# Mabe"0 He #esc$ibe# he$ as 1ai$ o1 s)in3 b",e o1 eyes3 a Ma#onna with b"ac) hai$4who was sweet3 *entee"3 )in# an# a+o$o,s0 He went with he$ 1o$ two yea$s an# the on"y $eason they #i#n&t *et +a$$ie# was beca,se they we$e on"y -> yea$s o"#0 When %ob "e1t Rhine"an#e$3 he "e1t Mabe"0 !. yea$s "ate$3 whi"e w$est"in* in Ft Wo$th3 he $eceive# a "ette$ 1$o+ a Dist$ict Atto$ney0 Mabe" ha# beco+e a #$,* a##ict3 #,e to a ba# +a$$ia*e3 an# both h,sban# an# wi1e we$e in 'ai"0 Lewis bai"e# he$ o,t an# to"# he$ to $et,$n ho+e to Rhine"an#e$0 91 co,$se3 she #i#n&t0 She showe# ,( at a w$est"in* ca$# in St Lo,is a yea$ "ate$ "oo)in* wo$se0 Lewis *ave he$ +o$e +oney an# neve$ saw he$ a*ain0 Yo,&"" $ea# that E# Lewis was a ("ayboy0 A"ways ("ayin* the 1ie"#3 havin* a *oo# ti+e0 To +e3 he #i#n&t see+ to be that ty(e0 He a((ea$s to be +o$e o1 a *oo#/ nat,$e# ty(e3 a"ways 1a""in* in "ove whi"e thin)in* abo,t an# *ettin* +a$$ie#0 My #e1inition o1 a t$,e ("ayboy #oesn&t have the wo$# +a$$ia*e in it0 Minnea(o"is F$ie#$ich&s $e(,tation as a w$est"e$ was b,i"#in* an# he nee#e# to +ove on to anothe$ "eve" in his ca$ee$0 He t$ave"e# to Minnea(o"is a$o,n# the yea$ -<.<0 Minnea(o"is was the c"osest +et$o(o"is to Rhine"an#e$ an# a +a'o$ w$est"in* cente$0 He *ot a 'ob in the #$,* sto$e o1 an 9sca$ ?i$)e$3 wo$)in* as a c"e$)0 He "ive# in an a(a$t+ent "ocate# at --th an# Hanne(in0 His $oo++ate was a coo) an# the $ent was @2 a wee)0 Hen$y 9$#e+ann3 one o1 the best w$est"e$s in A+e$ica3 wo$)e# o,t with %ob0 He t$aine# in a *y+ owne# by th$ee boAin* b$othe$s0 At the Coo)&s *y+3 he +et a %i""y otts3 who acte# as his +ana*e$3 b,t was neve$ (ai#0 otts was ab"e to boo) F$ie#$ic) into a han#ica( +atch ve$ses the *$eat Stanis"a,s ?bysB)o on Feb0 -.3 -<-. at the Dewey Theate$ in Minnea(o"is0 ?bysB)o was in the +i##"e o1 a h,*e nationa" (,sh3 co+in* o11 wins ove$ F$an) Gotch Chan#ica( +atch %,11a"o Nov0 !23 -<.<D3 F$e# %ee"" C;an0 -3 -<-. %,11a"oD3 To+ ;en)ins C;an0 >3 -<-. C"eve"an#D3 an# Cha$"es C,t"e$3 C;an0 --3 -<-.D to set ,( a s,(e$ $et,$n +atch with the ,n#is(,te# wo$"# cha+(ion3 F$an) Gotch0 He ($obab"y was the secon# best w$est"e$ in the wo$"#0 A1te$ a b,$"es7,e show3 ?bysB)o ha# a*$ee# to (in th$ee +en in :. +in,tes0 The th$ee we$e ;oe Ca$$3 Ca$" Mattson3 an# Robe$t F$ie#$ic) Cs(e""e# F$e#e$ic)D0

Mattson was (ine# in ! E +in,tes0 Ca$$ Ca ve$y to,*h +i##"e wei*htD "aste# siA +in,tes3 an# %ob was (inne# in -! E +in,tes0 A1te$ the +atch3 Stan +a#e a s(eech3 sayin* that F$ie#$ic) was the st$on*est +an o1 his a*e he ha# eve$ w$est"e#0 This +atch was Lewis&s int$o#,ction to bi* ti+e ($o w$est"in*0F:G D,$in* this (e$io#3 F$ie#$ic) was havin* ha$# ti+es0 Foo# co,"# even be a ($ob"e+0 His $oo++ate coo) wo$)e# at a ",nch$oo+ an# %ob wo,"# han* o,t with a sta$ve# "oo) on his 1ace0 %ob ha# too +,ch ($i#e to say anythin* b,t a1te$ awhi"e the sta11 wo,"# s"i( hi+ so+ethin* an# the coo) wo,"# b$in* ho+e a san#wich 1o$ his 1$ien#0 I won#e$ i1 this he"(e# "ea# Lewis to one o1 his +a'o$ vices41oo#0 %ob then *ot a 'ob on the shi((in* $oo+ o1 the ;enn/Se+("e Hi"" wa$eho,se3 "i1tin* thin*s "i)e stoves an# )e*s o1 nai"s0 In Rhine"an#e$3 he ha# b$o,*ht th$ee o$ 1o,$ s,its o1 c"othes3 an# with the +oney 1$o+ a new 'ob3 he was t,$nin* into a c"othes ho*0 He see+e# to have ve$y *oo# taste3 b,t he ha# ve$y "itt"e $est$aint when s(en#in* +oney0FHG No$th Da)ota He was then o11e$e# @!32.. to ("ay on a ($o +ino$ "ea*,e baseba"" tea+ at %each3 No$th Da)ota0 He sti"" w$est"e#3 beatin* a *oo# heavywei*ht na+e# ;0 owe$ in the town0F2G This 1e""ow w$est"e$ owe$ "i)e# %ob3 an# he"( hi+ set ,( a +atch with a ($o na+e# ;ac) ;a+es3 who was co+in* o11 a ha$# batt"e with Hen$y 9$#e+ann in Minnea(o"is0 %ob )new a "ot o1 i+(o$tant $ich +en in %each an# they we$e hot to bet on F$ie#$ic)0 With st$an*e$s in town "oo)in* 1o$ F$ie#$ich +oney3 %ob to"# his 1$ien#s that he #i#n&t thin) he co,"# beat ;a+es0 He was $i*ht an# his ob'ectivity saves so+e (eo("e +oney0 %ob "ate$ 1e"t that owe$ was settin* hi+ an# his 1$ien#s ,( the who"e ti+e0 A1te$ the baseba"" season3 %ob *ot a 'ob wo$)in* 1o$ a 1$ien#"y 'ewe"e$0 Fo$ 1o,$ +onths3 he 1$oBe $,nnin* a *ene$a" sto$e that stoo# a"one on the ($ai$ie t$ai"3 !2 +i"es no$th o1 G"enn E""en0 A1te$ that3 a bea,ti1," In#ian *i$" *ot %ob a cowboy 'ob on he$ 1athe$&s $anch nea$ Te$$y3 Montana0 He a"ways wante# to be a cowboy b,t the act,a" eA(e$ience wasn&t as $o+antic as eA(ecte# an# this "e# hi+ to ta)e the t$i( bac) ho+e to Ne)oosa0 II Contin,e to CHA TER : F99TN9TES5 : This +atch is the 1i$st news(a(e$ $e1e$ence to the +an that wo,"# beco+e St$an*"e$ Lewis0 This was a +a'o$ 1in# by Don L,ce3 one o1 w$est"in*&s +ost $es(ecte# $esea$che$s0 The c"i((in* CMinnea(o"is T$ib,ne Feb0 -. an# -!3 -<-.D has Lewis bein* (inne#0 Lewis3 in THE JN J%LISHED LEWIS %I9GRA HY3 c"ai+s he "aste# o,t the :. +in,tes 1o$ the han#ica( win0 I ,se# the c"i((in*&s ve$sion3 eAce(t 1o$ the Ca$" Mattson na+e which ca+e 1$o+ Lewis0 So$$y i1 I sc$ewe# ,( a *oo# sto$y3 b,t it is not ha$# to catch Lewis te""in* a "ie to +a)e hi+se"1 "oo) *oo#0 H THE JN J%LISHED LEWIS %I9GRA HY5 Lewis c"ai+e# that3 in his cha+(ionshi( yea$s3 he owne# :=2 si") shi$ts3 :2 to 2. s,its3 siA t$,n)s o1 c"othes3 a #ia+on# st,# (in an# +any canes 1o$ eve$y occasion0 %eca,se o1 his !./inch nec)3 even nec)ties ha# to be +a#e to o$#e$0 So not a"" o1 his +oney went to eA/wives an# o"# ti+e$s #own on thei$ ",c)0 It sho,"# be note# that Lewis ha# ve$y *oo# taste in c"othes an# this ($obab"y he"(e# cove$e# ,( his "ac) o1 e#,cation whi"e he"(in* the (,b"ic acce(t hi+ as a so(histicate# cha+(ion0 2 THE JN J%LISHED LEWIS %I9GRA HY

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! "ac# in Wisconsin The $oca$ E$#s C$%b o& G'an( Ra)i(s WI* #nowin+ F'ie('ich,s 'e)%tation an( hea'in+ he was ho-e* o&&e'e( hi- a -atch with F'e( "ee$$ o& Ma'sh&ie$(. F'e( "ee$ was one o& the +'eatest )o%n( &o' )o%n( w'est$e's in histo'y an( the $ast -an to eve' beat F'an# Gotch./01 The -atch too# )$ace in G'an( Ra)i(s WI on 2an. !* 3433. The yo%n+ F'ie('ich co%$(n,t (o anythin+ with "ee$$* who )$aye( with hi-. A&te' seven an( a ha$& -in%tes* "ee$$ cho#e( hi- o%t %sin+ what was ca$$e( a 'eve'se hea($oc#. The secon( &a$$ saw "ee$$ )in "ob in twenty5two -in%tes. F'ie('ich was +$a( when it was ove'. "ee$$ +ave a s)eech sayin+ that "ob wo%$( one (ay be cha-)ion. "ob 'eceive( 678 )$%s a nec# with no -%sc%$a' cont'o$ &o' two wee#s./91 "ob then ba'nsto'-e( the a'ea with -atches th'o%+h o%t Wisconsin. D%'in+ this )e'io( he beat Wa$te' Mi$$e'* Dave Sha'#ey an( his t'aine' A$be't Abe$. He )ositive$y was invo$ve( with the )'o w'est$in+ b%siness an( his (ays o& on$y thin#in+ abo%t "shootin+" wo%$( see- ove'. To be a ")'o" -eant #nowin+ how to "wo'#". :n Se)te-be' ;. 3433* F'ie('ich t'ave$e( to Chica+o &o' a &ew (ays to watch the +'eat F'an# Gotch (e&en( his tit$e ve'ses the &i'st t'%e wo'$( cha-)ion* Geo'+e Hac#ensch-i(t. The -atch itse$& was a (isa))oint-ent b%t ('ew ove' 7<*<<< &ans an( 6=9*<<< to Co-is#ey a'#. As with -ost o& Gotch,s -atches he b$ew o&& his cha$$en+e' in a stin#e' o& a -atch* an( the &ans went ho-e so %nha))y that Chica+o wo%$( 'e-ain (ea( to )'o w'est$in+ &o' a n%-be' o& yea's. Gotch* a (iscove'y o& Fa'-e' "%'ns* ha( been the (o-inate w'est$e' o& the ea'$y 7<th cent%'y. In b'in+ the wo'$(,s tit$e to A-e'ica* he beca-e one o& the co%nt'y,s &i'st s)o't,s sta'. :n$y the heavywei+ht bo>in+ cha-)ion was bi++e'* b%t by 3433 he was 'ich eno%+h to be thin#in+ abo%t 'eti'e-ent. 'o-ote's #new thei' &%t%'es we'e (e)en(ent on the c'eation o& a new sta' an( cha-)ion. A )'ob$e- was that eve'y ti-e they (eve$o) so-eone* F'an# wo%$( co-e o%t o& 'eti'e-ent to beat hi-. Gotch was +'eat &o' Gotch* b%t he was be+innin+ to #i$$ the b%siness./=1 McG'e+o'* Iowa :n the no'th?east co'ne' o& Iowa was a s-a$$ city $ocate( on the Mississi))i Rive' ac'oss &'o- Wisconsin. This town* Mc G'e+o'* was connecte( via 'ive'boat with Lansin+ Iowa* !< -i$es no'th o& it. 2oe @i--e'-an* a w'est$in+ -ana+e' an( hote$ owne'* o&&e'e( "ob wo'# an( -atches in Mc G'e+o'. A&te' a -atch in the town* a DeFo'est Wo$&e o&&e'e( "ob a Aob c$eanin+ chic#ens (%'in+ the (ay an( o)e'atin+ a -ovie )'oAecto' in a s-a$$ -ovie ho%se at ni+ht. Whi$e $ivin+ in Mc G'e+o'* "ob was -a#in+ 6; a (ay an( &ee$in+ )'etty +oo( abo%t hi-se$&. F'ie('ich sta'te( thin#in+ o& ways to -a#e even -o'e -oney. :n A)'i$ 38* 3437* the wo'$( was shoc#e( by the sin#in+ o& the :cean Line' Titanic o&& the coast o& New&o%n($an( an( it wasn,t $on+ be&o'e )eo)$e we'e atte-)tin+ to -a#e -oney o&& the )%b$ic inte'est in the (isaste'. :n May 3;* 3437 a &i$- ca$$e( "Save( F'oThe Titanic" )'e-ie'e( 74 (ays a&te' the event. A Do'othy Gibson* who was one o& the $%c#y 'esc%e( a&te' the sin#in+* w'ote an( sta'e( in the -ovie. The -ovie was &i$-e( in $ess than a wee# an( was 3< -in%tes $on+. This was 3437 an( -ovies we'e sti$$ a new a't &o'-. F'ie('ich an( DeFo'est Wo$&e* a&te' a t'i) to b%y a co)y o& the -ovie an( a new )'oAecto'* 'e-o(e$e( an o$( sto'e in Lansin+ into a theate' Bna-e( The 'incess Theate'C. With in two wee#s o& the i(ea* they we'e showin+ "Save( F'o- The Titanic" to )ac#e( c'ow(s. Most -ovie tic#ets cost 3< cents in 3437* "ob an( Wo$&e we'e cha'+in+ 78 cents to see the s-ash hit. :ne )'ob$e- the two ha(n,t tho%+ht abo%t was the D%n$evey &a-i$y who cont'o$$e( an( )ionee'e( the -ovie b%siness in Lansin+. The D%n$evey went to the town news)a)e' an( 'evea$e( that the Titanic -ovie* bein+ shown by thei' 'iva$* was not &'o- the act%a$ sin#in+* b%t a 'eenact-ent with acto's )$ayin+ )a'ts. In 3437* this b$ew the -in(s o& the -i(5west )%b$ic* an( "ob,s theate' was soon o%t o& the b%siness. In Lewis,s %n)%b$ishe( an( %n&inishe( bio+'a)hy w'itten a'o%n( 34;9* Lewis

co-)a'e( his -ovie e>)e'ience to )'o w'est$in+. He sai( that A%st as )eo)$e o& 34;9 have t'o%b$e be$ievin+ the "Save( F'o- The Titanic" sto'y with the 3437 )%b$ic be$ievin+ the &i$- was 'ea$ityDso wi$$ the )eo)$e in 8< yea's &in( it ha'( to be$ieve that w'est$in+ &ans once tho%+ht that they we'e watchin+ "bona &i(e ath$etic contest"* when they we'e act%a$$y bein+ ente'taine( by a ca'e&%$$y )'e)a'e( theat'ica$ s)ectac$e. F'ie('ich was %nab$e to 'enew this $icense to '%n the theate' beca%se o& the e>)ose by the D%n$eveys* who not on$y 'an the -ovie b%siness in Lansin+ b%t the -ayo',s o&&ice* the )ost-aste' an( the news)a)e'. "ob $ost his te-)e' an( in a 'a+e to'e %) the news)a)e' o&&ice an( )%she( a $ot o& )eo)$e a'o%n(. "ob was convicte( o& (ist%'bin+ the )eace an( &ine( 68<. It see-s the D%n$eveys we'en,t ve'y )o)%$a'* beca%se the inci(ent -a(e "ob a $oca$ ce$eb'ity an( his &ine was )ai( by D%n$evey,s o))osition an( he -ay have even +ot his $icense 'enewe(. The'e was anothe' +i'$ in Lansin+. A ban#e',s (a%+hte' na-e( Meta. "ob +ot a$on+ with the -othe'* b%t the &athe' wasn,t inte'este( in seein+ his (a%+hte' -a''ie( to a w'est$e'. In Iowa* we have a 'eco'( o& "ob -eetin+ He$-%th 'e%ss* E( 'io'* 2ac# Litt$e* 2oe Ca'' an( a -an na-e( Ave'y. The s)e$$in+ o& "ob,s na-e* as ea'$y as the @bysE#o -atch in 343<* is "ob F'e(e'ic#. So it see-s to have been his &i'st 'in+ na-e. FF Contin%e to CHA TER ; F::TN:TESG 0 THE HN H"LISHED LEWIS "I:GRA HYG Lewis ca$$e( the &a-o%s Gotch?"ee$ A-e'ican Tit$e chan+e BDec. 3* 34<0* New :'$eansC a "wo'#in+ e>hibition." E( how co%$( yo%I Don,t te$$ Ma'# Cha)-anD)$ease. 9 The ti-es an( (ate ca-e &'o- the W::D C:HNTY TIMES :F NEJ::SA* 'esea'ch by Dan An(e'son. "%t (etai$s o& the -atch ca-e &'o- THE HN H"LISHED LEWIS "I:GRA HY. Lewis ca$$e( the -atch a "wo'#in+ e>hibition". :nce a+ain I &in( it ha'( to be$ieve that the'e ha(n,t been contact between F'e( "ee$ an( "ob F'ie('ich be&o'e this (ate. "ee$ was one o& the -ost &a-o%s w'est$e's o& his ti-e an( owne( a bi+ &a'- in the a'ea in Ma'ch&ie$(. Ma'ch&ie$( is ;3 -i$e no'th5west o& Ne#oosa. = The'e is a May 33* 3433 'e)o't in the W::D C:HNTY TIMES o& NEJ::SA* that says F'ie('ich ha( w'est$e( a han(ica) -atch with F'an# Gotch* in o' a'o%n( G'an( Ra)i(s* so-eti-e a&te' the "ee$ -atch* with the 'es%$t o& "ob bein+ )inne( in &o%'teen -in%tes.

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! A New Na"e an# Le$in%ton& 'ent(c)y Late in *+*,& -i.. -a/ton& 0/o"ote/ an# "ana%e/ o1 -i.. De"et/a.& ca"e th/o(%h Lansin%2 He was i"0/esse# with F/ie#/ich an# invite# -ob to co"e to 'ent(c)y 1o/ a se/ies o1 "atches2 F/ie#/ich a%/ee#& b(t when the ti"e a//ive#& -a/ton sent his .ette/ with #etai.s o1 F/ie#/ich3s boo)in%s to Lansin% Michi%an instea# o1 Iowa2 Witho(t -ob )nowin% it& -a/ton boo)e# -ob F/e#e/ic) to "eet Wi..ia" De"et/a. in Lo(isvi..e on 4an(a/y *5& *+*62 As the "atch a00/oache#& -a/ton /ea.i7e# his new sta/ wasn3t co"in%& so he .oo)e# 1o/ a s(bstit(te28+9 He 1o(n# the vete/an w/est.e/ -ob Mana%o11 wi..in%& b(t -ob F/e#e/ic) ha# been bi..e# 1o/ a wee)2 Mana%o11 was a.ways wi..in% to chan%e his na"e o/ nationa.ity 1o/ a 0ay#ay2 So -a/ton (se# Mana%o11& (n#e/ the na"e -ob F/e#e/ic)& an# it was he who #i# the :ob 1o/ De"et/a.2 With in a wee)& the /ea. -ob F/e#e/ic) ;F/ie#/ich< showe# (0 in Lo(isvi..e2 With anothe/ F/e#e/ic) ;Mana%o11< in town& -a/ton c/eate# a new na"e 1o/ -ob2 He beca"e E# "St/an%.e/" Lewis& a ta)e o11 o1 the na"e o1 the 1a"o(s w/est.in% cha"0ion o1 the *+th cent(/y& Evan "St/an%.e/" Lewis2 The/e was no intent o1 hono/in% an o.# cha"0ion& they :(st .i)e# the so(n# o1 it2 =n 4an2 ,!& *+*6& E# "St/an%.e/" Lewis ha# his 1i/st "atch in Lo(isvi..e o/ anywhe/e e.se& beatin% none othe/ than -ob F/e#e/ic)2 He wo(.# (se that na"e& %iven to hi" by -i.. -a/ton& 1o/ the /est o1 his .i1e28+a9 'ent(c)y was one o1 w/est.in%3s hottest a/eas in *+*62 -ase# "ain.y in Lo(isvi..e an# Le$in%ton& it ha# a %oo# 0/o"ote/ who boo)e# /e%(.a/ ca/#s (sin% "a:o/ ta.ent 1/o" Chica%o2 Lewis .i)e# Le$in%ton an# wo(.# ho"estea# the a/ea 1o/ ove/ two yea/s2 Fo/ "(ch o1 his ca/ee/ he wo(.# be bi..e# as bein% 1/o" 'ent(c)y2 Le$in%ton was one o1 the /ichest cities o1 the So(th2 D(/in% the Civi. Wa/& it ha# been occ(0ie# "ain.y by the >nion an# wasn3t #est/oye# .i)e "(ch o1 the So(th2 It sti.. ha# the 1ee. an# c(.t(/e o1 the 0/e?wa/ So(th an# it was the cente/ o1 the ho/se /acin% in#(st/y2 It was occ(0ie# by a .a/%e s0o/tin% c/ow#& co(0.e# with a ve/y so0histicate# an# (ni@(e socia. .i1e2 Lewis3s 0e/sona.ity see"e# to ta)e on "(ch o1 the cha/acte/istics o1 the so(the/n %ent.e"an as he %/ew as a 0e/son an# a w/est.e/ in the city2 Le$in%ton was 0/o"ote# by 4e//y M2 Wa..s ;o/ Wa..(s< an# he "ana%e# Lewis 1o/ the ne$t 1ew yea/s ;with a ve/ba. cont/act<2 D(/in% *+*6& Lewis ha# w/est.in% 0/o%/a"s with Wi..ia" De"et/a. an# D/ -en F2 Ro..e/2 -oth "en we/e wo/.# c.ass w/est.e/s2 De"et/a. was ca..e# the G/ee) cha"0ion an# Li%ht Heavywei%ht wo/.# cha"0ion2 Ro..e/ was a "ain evente/ on a nationa. .eve.& a t/(e hoo)e/& with %oo# s)i..s as a 0e/1o/"e/& b(t& .i)e a t/(e 0/o w/est.e/& wi..in% to e$chan%e wins an# .osses 1o/ a %oo# 0ay#ay2 In his .osses& he .i)e# to (se the sa"e 1inish& a.ways %ettin% in:(/e# in the #eci#in% 1a..2 Th/o(%h it a..& he sti.. "aintaine# the /e0(tation o1 bein% one o1 the s0o/ts best w/est.e/s2 Lewis3s association with Ro..e/ in *+*6& %ave Lewis the stat(s o1 a t/(e "ain evente/ an# he was seen by "ost 1ans as a t/(e conten#e/ to the wo/.# tit.e2 D(/in% the s(""e/ o1 *+*6 ;4(.y A A(%<& Lewis wo/)e# in a Wisconsin ;so"e /e0o/ts say =/e%on< .("be/ "i.. cho00in% woo# to i"0/ove his st/en%th an# con#ition2 =n Se0t2 *B& *+*6& Lewis won a ve/sion o1 the A"e/ican tit.e 1/o" D/2 -en F2 Ro..e/ when the Docto/ in:(/e# his /ibs an# co(.#n3t contin(e2 Lewis w/est.e# De"et/a. on Se0te"be/ ,+ in a "atch so vio.ent that it was sto00e# by 0o.ice an# both w/est.e/s we/e cha/%e# with #iso/#e/.y con#(ct2 That /es(.te# in Mayo/ 42 E2 Cassi#y bannin% 0/o w/est.in% in Le$in%ton b(t he was ove/ /(.e# by the .oca. boa/# o1 co""issione/s2 Lewis .ost his c.ai" to the so ca..e# A"e/ican tit.e on =ctobe/ ,*& *+*6& when he was h(/t 1/o" a 1a.. into a o/chest/a 0it #(/in% the /e"atch with Wi..ia" De"et/a.28+b9 =n A0/i. *& *+*6& F/an) Gotch ha# his .ast "a:o/ tit.e #e1ense #e1eatin% the %/eat E(/o0ean cha"0ion Geo/%e L(/ich in two st/ai%ht easy 1a..s2 He once a%ain anno(nce# his /eti/e"ent an# Gotch sai# he wasn3t inte/este# in w/est.in% a%ain

(n.ess he was o11e/e# a s(0e/ "atch with so"eone who co(.# #/aw "a:o/ "oney2 No one at the ti"e /ea.i7e# it& b(t Gotch3s hea.th was 1ai.in%2 CC Contin(e to CHA TER D F==TN=TES + The /ea. -ob F/ie#/ich was beatin% Cyc.one Tho"0son at Ga.esb(/%& I..inois on 4an(a/y *5& *+*62 +a The o/i%in o1 the E# "St/an%.e/" Lewis na"e ca"e 1/o" THE LEWIS >N >-LISHED -I=GRA HY & b(t the sto/y has been bac)e# (0 in the Lo(isvi..e News0a0e/ /es(.ts an# in a -ob Mana%o11 inte/view that was 0(b.ishe# in the CHICAG= TRI->NE o1 A0/i. +& *+66 EREFEREE DEFENDS ACTI=N IN AWARDING FALL T= SAF=LDI by Geo/%e St/ic).e/2 The on.y #i11e/ence in the sto/ies o1 Mana%o11 an# Lewis& is Mana%o11 c.ai"in% he c/eate# the na"e ;E# c.ai"e# it was -i.. -a/ton< an# that he beat Lewis ;news0a0e/s .ist Lewis as the winne/<2 Mana%o11 ha# a .on% ca/ee/ an# is /e"e"be/e# 1o/ 1o(/ thin%sE his 0a/t in %ivin% Lewis his na"e& bein% in the /in% with F/an) Gotch on 4(.y *B& *+*G when the cha"0ion b/o)e his 1ib(.a en#in% any ho0e o1 the w/est.in% wo/.# seein% a GotchHSteche/ "atch& bein% the /e1e/ee in the 1a"o(s Lon#osHSavo.#i #o(b.e?c/oss o1 A0/i. I& *+66 an# bein% the 1athe/ o1 a NWA wo/.# cha"0ion -obby Mana%o11 in *+!,2 +b CATCH WRESTLING by Ma/) Hewitt 0a%e **I??? Lewis w/est.e# in ba/e 1eet #(/in% the Se0te"be/ ,+& *+*6 "atch2 This was so"ethin% #one by w/est.e/s o1 the ti"e& "ain.y Lewis an# Lon#os& when they wante# 1ans to thin) a "atch was a shoot2 Witho(t shoes& it "a)es it ha/#e/ 1o/ a 1oe to hoo) the an).e o/ (se an).e .oc)s2 MMA 1i%hte/s o1 to#ay )now this an# %o ba/e 1oot2

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! Chica"o in #$#% In Nove&be' o( #$#%) Lewis was b'o*"ht into Chica"o to be "iven a &a+o' ,*sh by ,'o&ote's E- White an- .oe Co((ey/ It was E-0s a*-ition (o' a &a+o' nationa1 ,*sh/ 2n Nove&be' %) #$#%) Lewis -eb*te- at the Chica"o G1obe Theate' on the (i'st ca'- o( the w'est1in" season/ He was &atche- in the &ain event with a*1 Ma'tinson) a se&i3sta') b*t so&eone wi11in" to "+ob"/ In the se&i3(ina1 was Cha'1es C*t1e') who was the bi""est na&e w'est1e' wo'4in" o*t o( Chica"o an- a o(( an- on c1ai&ant o( F'an4 Gotch0s o1- A&e'ican tit1e/ Lewis was bi11e- as a co11a"e boy ('o& Le5in"ton) who was teachin" at the 6nive'sity 2( 7ent*c4y anbein" -esc'ibe- as the new Gotch/ M*ch o( a ,'o w'est1e'0s ,e'sona -e,en-s on the (inishin" ho1- they *se/ With E"St'an"1e'" Lewis) he ,'o&ote- hi&se1( a'o*n- his one sin"1e ho1- &o'e than +*st abo*t any w'est1e' in histo'y/ His (i'st (inishin" ho1- in Le5in"ton was the st'an"1e ho1-) -*e to his na&e) b*t that co*1-n0t be *se- 1on" te'& beca*se it was i11e"a1 in &ost ,1aces/ He) o' the ,eo,1e a'o*n- hi&) &*st have 'ea1i8ethis in #$#%) an- Lewis sta'te- *sin" a ho1- ca11e- a "nec4 yo4e"/ This ho1- was a ty,e o( 'eve'se ne1son bo'-e'in" on bein" a st'an"1e ho1- b*t 1e"a1 *n-e' w'est1in" '*1es/ Lewis wo*1- ta4e the ho1- 1i4e a ('ont (ace 1oc4 an- (o'ce his o,,onent0s chin into his own chest) this c*t o(( &*ch o( his ai' s*,,1y/ The wea4en w'est1e' was then (1i,,e- to the &at as Lewis s4i11(*11y a,,1ie- a 1e" scisso's an- a'& ba' on the way -own/ The st*nne- w'est1e' wo*1- then be an easy ,in/ It see&e- to be a &ove that 'e9*i'e- so&e techni9*e) b*t E- wei"hte- on1y :;! ,o*n-s an- was 4nown then (o' his 9*ic4ness an- abi1ity to &ove/ In Chica"o) the ,'o&ote's c1ai&e- the yo*n" "St'an"1e'" was "(a&o*s" (o' the &ove/ E- -e(eate- Ma'tinson in i&,'essive sty1e<#;= an- 'e&aine- *nbeaten th'o*"h o*t the &onth settin" *, a &a+o' &atch with Cha'1es C*t1e' on Nove&be' :>/ The ,'o&ote's we'e t'yin" thei' best to ,'o&ote the C*t1e'?Lewis &atch) even havin" the two w'est1e's sta"e a &oc4 (i"ht in a -owntown 'esta*'ant on Nove&be' #@) a &ove that bac4(i'e- when the ,'ess t'eate- the event as a &a-e *, ,*b1icity st*nt/<#;a= 2n the :>th) in a &atch -esc'ibe- in the ,'o3Lewis ,'ess as E-0s (i'st bi" test) the St'an"1e' was -e(eate- by C*t1e'/ C*t1e' too4 the (i'st (a11 in #A;#A%; with a c'oss bo-y 1oc4/ E- ca&e bac4 to win the :n- (a11 with his "nec4 yo4e" in ##AB!/ The 1ast (a11 en-e- s*--en1y when Lewis s*b&itte- in a C*t1e' heascisso's at :$A;;/ The atten-ance in b*'ne- o*t Chica"o was a'o*n- #);;;/<##= Late' Chica"o ,'o&ote's wo*1- ,*sh C*t1e' as wo'1- cha&,ion) b*t I -on0t thin4 it was an atte&,t to t*'n hi& into a &a+o' sta'/ I thin4 they viewe- hi& as a "t'ai1 ho'se" an- we'e +*st *sin" hi& as a cha&,ion to 1ose to the ne5t t'*e sta') an- that sta' wasn0t "oin" to be St'an"1e' Lewis/ The Lewis ,*sh contin*e-/ Two -ays a(te' the C*t1e' &atch) E- "ot a h*"e w'ite *, in the S*n-ay Chica"o T'ib*ne with ,hotos o( yo*n" E- *sin" the (ea'e- "nec4 yo4e"/ He "ave his histo'y an- ta14e- abo*t his e-*cation) with &ost o( the sto'y &a-e *,/<#:= I ca11 this 1yin") b*t nice' ,eo,1e *se the te'& "ba11yhoo"/ Lewis ne5t &a+o' &atch in Chica"o was a"ainst G*s "A&e'ic*s" Schoen1ein on Dece&be' :$) #$#%/ A&e'ic*s was a &a+o' nationa1 sta' b*t h*"e in Ca1ti&o'e anha- w'est1e- eve'y &a+o' w'est1e' in the s,o't/ A&e'ic*s -e(eate- Lewis in st'ai"ht (a11s) ,innin" E- twice a(te' he was th'own by a "*n-e' c'otch ho1-" in !A#; an- !;A;;/ The secon- (a11 saw E- 1an- on his hea- with a th*-/ Lewis was ca''ie- to the -'essin" 'oo&) *nab1e to wa14/<#%= This ,'etty &*ch en-e- the (i'st "'eat Lewis ,*sh in Chica"o/ The C*t1e' &atch was a ha'- st'*""1e b*t A&e'c*s ha- showe- s*,e'io' wei"ht D:! ,o*n-sE st'en"th an- the victo'y was witho*t any e5c*ses by Lewis/ The c'itics c1ai&e- that Lewis was 9*ic4 an- st'on" b*t 1ac4e- wei"ht at :;! ,o*n-s Dwitho*t any (at to be seenE ,1*s e5,e'ience ve'se the to, w'est1e's/ The ne5t w'est1e' to "et ,*shein Chica"o was W1a-e4 Fbys84o) the yo*n"e' b'othe' o( Stanis1a*s Fbys84o/ GG Contin*e to CHA TER > F22TN2TES

#; CHICAG2 TRIC6NE Nov/ B) #$#% #;a F'o& CATCH WRESTLING a (ine boo4 by Ma'4 Hewitt we (in- that Lewis 'et*'neto Le5in"ton to -e(eat a Yo*n" 21son) bi11e- as the yo*n"e' b'othe' o( (ea'eshoote' Cha'1es 21son) b*t the ,*b1icity ,hotos (o' the &atch a'e o( the act*a1 Cha'1es 21sen/ It0s ve'y ,ossib1e that the w'est1e' was Cha'1es 21sen) who was a1ways *sin" a1iases to 'i, o(( "a&b1e's/ C*t I -on0t b*y it) beca*se Cha'1es ha- w'est1e- in Le5in"ton ea'1ie' in the yea'/ ## CHICAG2 TRIC6NE Nov/ :>) #$#% #: CHICAG2 TRIC6NE Nov/ %;) #$#% #% CHICAG2 TRIC6NE Dec/ %;) #$#%

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! "#"$ an% &i''y San%ow Lewis went ho(e to Le)in*ton+ b,t -et,-ne% to Chica*o .o- anothe- (a/o- (atch ve-ses F-e% &ee'' on Feb0 1+ "#"$0 Lewis t-ic2e% &ee'' with a "si%e -o''" to win the "st .a'' in #345+ &ee'' (a%e Lewis s,b(it to a hea%'oc2 in the 1n% an% he 6ine% Lewis in "7348 a.te- a toe ho'% in the 'ast .a''0 So Lewis 'ost a*ain an% he %i%n9t -et,-n to Chica*o .o- the -est o. "#"$0:"$; &e.o-e "#"<+ (ost o. the 6owe- in 6-o w-est'in* was in the han%s o. (ana*e-s0 To be a (a/o- sta- in the s6o-t+ yo, nee%e% a st-on* (ana*e-0 Mana*e-s %i%n9t /,st (ana*e boo2in*s an% (oney+ they 6-ovi%e% t-ainin* .o- thei- 6e-.o-(e-s an% 6-obab'y boo2e% the act,a' (atches0 The (ana*e- with the bi**est sta-+ who co,'% %-aw the (ost (oney+ wo,'% cont-o' who won o- 'ost0 Most o. the ti(e that (eant his w-est'e- won+ an% i. anothe- (ana*e- %i%n9t 'i2e the sit,ation+ he %i%n9t have to ta2e the bi* (oney (atch0 So(eti(es the %o(inate (ana*e- wo,'% 6,'' a switch+ i. the-e was (o-e (oney to be (a%e 'osin*0 Even Gotch %i% bi* (oney 'osses to =en2ins an% &ee''0 The (ana*e- a'so (a%e bets an% (a%e s,-e his *-a66'e- *ot his c,t .-o( *a(b'e-s0 A *oo% (ana*e- (i*ht have (eant (o-e to a w-est'e- than *-eat w-est'in* abi'ity0 &y "#77+ Fa-(e- &,-ns was the bi**est (ana*e- in w-est'in* an% he cont-o' (ost o. the (a/o- w-est'e-s an% -an ba-nsto-(in* th-o,*h o,t (ost o. A(e-ican0 In "#"$+ he was in %ec'ine an% 'osin* cont-o' with his cha(6ion+ F-an2 Gotch+ wantin* o,t o. the b,siness0 Most .e't Gotch ha% one (o-e bi* (atch in hi( b,t it wo,'% have to be a*ainst so(eone wo-th his ti(e+ who co,'% *ive hi( that 'ast bi* 6ay%ay0 In Le)in*ton+ Lewis was (ana*e% by =e--y Wa''s+ a ca-nie who beca(e invo've% with w-est'in* as a 6-o(ote- an% show(an0 He wo-2e% with Lewis .o- two yea-s witho,t a w-itten cont-act0 E% %i%n9t see( to -es6ect hi( ve-y (,ch A.te- he *ot Lewis th-o,*h the %oo- o. sta-%o(+ b,t %i%n9t see( s(a-t eno,*h to *et hi( any .,-the-0 >n =an0 1<+ "#"$+ Lewis was once a*ain (atche% ,6 with D-0 &en Ro''e- in Le)in*ton0 Ro''e- won the .i-st .a'' with a c-otch 'i.t an% s'a( .o- the 6in in $" (in,tes an% Lewis won the secon% ,sin* the "nec2 yo2e" in 1" (in,tes0 The (atch was .i''e% with a 'ot o. o,t o. the -in* .i*htin* an% a.te- one s,ch occasion+ Ro''e- s'a((e% Lewis to *et the 6in+ b,t it see(e% to be a (ista2e by -e.e-ee Wa''ace Yea*e-+ beca,se E% sho,'%e-s we-e c'ea-'y o.. the (at0 The .ans we-e ,6set ove- that an% the .act that o'ice Ga?ette -,'es state that the two w-est'e-s on the -o6es nee%e% to -et,-n to the cente- o. the -in* be.o-e *-a66in* -esta-te%0 So Ro''e-9s win ove- Lewis was a chea6 one an% anothe- (atch wo,'% be nee%e% %own the -oa%0:"8; This was a 6atte-n (ost Lewis (atches wo,'% .o''ow0 D,-in* his stay in the So,th+ Ro''e- was bein* (ana*e% by &i''y San%ow0 San%ow was a .ine 'i*hte- wei*ht w-est'e-+ who wo-2e% as a t-aine- an% -an a *y( in Chica*o0 His t-,e 'ast na(e was &a,(an an% he ha% two b-othe-+ =,'i,s an% Ma)we''+ invo've in the w-est'in* *a(e as 6-o(ote-s0 In "#"$+ he was t-yin* to (a2e a na(e .o- hi(se'. as a (ana*e-0 Ro''e- 'ove% to ta'2+ so he %i%n9t nee% San%ow o,t .-ont+ b,t it wo,'% see( that San%ow was wo-2in* with Lewis an% he'6in* the yo,n* w-est'e- *et ove- via his se-ies o. (atches with the Docto-0 We 2now San%ow was connecte% with Lewis in Chica*o beca,se in 6hotos o. Lewis 6,b'ishe% in the Chica*o T-ib,ne on Nov0 47+ "#"4+ E% is shown wo-2in* o,t with San%ow0 >n Feb0 $+ "#"$+ a Le)in*ton sto-y'ine c-eate% .o- the news6a6e-s was that &i''y San%ow was b-in*in* in a we'' 2nown ",n2nown" to (eet ho(eboy Lewis0 The ",n2nown" 'ate- was -evea'e% to be Ma-in 'estina+ the 'ast *-eat heavywei*ht %eve'o6e% by the Fa-(e- &,-ns ca(60 >n Feb0 8+ Lewis was ta2in* on a'' co(e-s at the Le)in*ton A%a Mea%e theate-0 The %ea' was a cha''en*e- wo,'% *et @" .o- each (in,te he 'aste% ve-ses the St-an*'e-0 Lewis w-est'e% San%ow that ni*ht an% 6inne% hi( in "7 (in,tes0 &i''y (a%e @"7 o- so it see(e%00:"!; Lewis an% 'estina (et on Feb0 "7+ "#"$ at the Le)in*ton >6e-a Ho,se0 The (atch

en%e% ,6 bein* a two ho,- %-aw+ so a -et,-n (atch was set ,6 .o- Feb0 "<+ with the st-an*'e ho'% bein* 'e*a'0 Re.e-ee Heywoo% A''en+ 6-o(ote- in Lo,isvi''e+ %isA,a'i.ie% Lewis in $4 (in,tes .o- -o,*h wo-2+ inc',%in* w-est'in* o.. the (at an% -e.,sin* to b-ea20 'estina then 6inne% E% a.te- a s'a( in .ive (in,tes0 Even in 'osin* two st-ai*ht .a''s+ Lewis ha% a way o. not 'osin* c'ean0 San%ow was 6-esent at both (atches0:"5; With F-an2 Gotch c'ai(in* to be -eti-e%+ the best w-est'e- in the wo-'% was (ost 'i2e'y Stanis'a,s Bbys?2o+ who was atte(6tin* to c'ai( his own wo-'% tit'e0 Bbys?2o (et Lewis on Ma-ch 14+ "#"$ in .-ont o. the 'a-*est c-ow% in Le)in*ton w-est'in* histo-y0 The (atch was a han%ica6 (atch in which Bbys?2o ha% to 6in E% twice in an ho,-0 This ty6e o. a (atch was consi%e-e% an e)hibition+ with no tit'e o- -eco-% in %an*e-+ b,t we-e %one constant'y in the ea-'y %ays o. 6-o w-est'in*0 I be'ieve they we-e %one (ain'y .o- *a(b'in*+ which *ene-ate% (o-e (oney than *ates o- atten%ance0 It a'so was a way to b,i'% to -e(atches an% a%vance w-est'e-s0 Most o. the (a/o- sta-s o. the ti(e ha% 'ost s,ch (atches+ inc',%in* F-an2 Gotch 'osin* one to Bbys?2o CNov0 18+ "#7# &,..a'oD be.o-e thei.a(o,s (atch in Chica*o on =,ne "+ "#"70 The 6-oELewis c-ow% chee-e% thei- boy on+ as Lewis b-o2e ho'% a.te- ho'% 6,t on hi( by Bbys?2o0 In .act+ it see(e% 'i2e E% was bein* tie% into 2nots by Stan+ an% was on'y b-ea2in* the( with shee- st-en*th0 At the .o-tyEone (in,te (a-2+ Stan 6,t on a toe ho'% E% co,'%n9t *et o,t o.+ an% Lewis *ave ,60 Fo- the 'ast "# (in,tes+ Lewis -an a-o,n% an% even o.. the nonE-o6e% (at to avoi%e% contact with Bbys?2o an%+ as the c-ow% chee-e%+ ti(e -an o,t0 Re.e-ee Heywoo% A''en anno,nce% Lewis the winne-0:"<; Bbys?2o was b'in% with -a*e beca,se Lewis 6'aye% with hi( by 'eavin* the -in* an% -e.,sin* to w-est'e as a hono-ab'e w-est'e- wo,'% an% (ay o. the .ans a'so hate% Lewis9s tactics b,t -e.e-ee A''en state% that the-e was nothin* he co,'% %o i. Lewis .o''owe% his o-%e- to -et,-n to the -in*0 I. Lewis ha% -e.,se% to -et,-n+ he wo,'% have *iven the (atch to Bbys?2o0 A''en then sai% Bbys?2o co,'% have -eA,este% a -o6e% o.. -in*+ b,t %i%n9tFso it was his own .a,'t0 This Bbys?2o (atch+ with Lewis -e.,sin* to 'oc2 ,6 with the cha(6ion+ wo,'%n9t the on'y ti(e he9% ,se the tactic to .-,st-ate a s,6e-io- w-est'e-0 In .act+ it wo,'% beco(e the sty'e he9% beco(e .a(o,s .o-0 W'a%e2 Bbys?2o .o''owe% his b-othe- Stanis'a,s to A(e-ica in "#"40 He c'ai(e% to have won the E,-o6ean tit'e in a a-is F-ance to,-na(ent in "#""+ an% ,n'i2e (ost E,-o6ean 6e-.o-(e-s was we'' schoo'e% in catchEasEcan sty'e CCatch Sty'eD o. w-est'in*0 He was a bi* (an an% 6-obab'y ha% one o. the best bo%ies in w-est'in*0 Hi*h'y s2i''e% as a w-est'e-+ he was a'so an e'e*ant *ent'e(an with socia' *-aces when o,t o. the -in*0 In the -in*+ his si?e+ st-en*th+ an% s2i'' was co,6'e% with a sa%istic wi'' to h,-t o66onents0 An% he %i%n9t 'i2e to 'ose0 Lewis c'ai(e% he hate% W'a%e2 .-o( the .i-st (o(ent he watche% the w-est'e- in a %-essin* -oo( atte(6tin* to sin* o6e-a0 In 'ate- 'i.e Lewis wo,'% have 'itt'e *oo% to say abo,t W'a%e2+ b,t it was his se-ies o. (atches with Bbys?2o+ an% =oe Steche-+ that c-eate% his 'e*en% an% -e6,tation0 In "#"$+ W'a%e2 was *ettin* the 6,sh that E% wante%0 The *iant ha% beaten To( =en2ins an% Ro''e-+ with the 6-o(ote-s 'oo2in* to .e,% hi( with the A'e) Abe-*+ the G-ecoERo(an sty'e wo-'% cha(6ion in New Yo-2 City0 Lewis ha% been in Chica*o with W'a%e2+ an% (a%e a 6oint o. cha''en*in* hi(+ even *oin* so .a- as to %ist-ib,tin* 6-inte% 6etitions .o- a (atch0 The ni*ht o. Lewis9s Chica*o 'oss to &ee''+ W'a%e2 atte(6te%+ be.o-e the (atch+ to attac2 E% in the -in*0 Det-oit 6-o(ote-s in%,ce% W'a%e2 to (eet E% in thei- city+ so the .i-st Bbys?2oGLewis (atch was boo2e% .o- A6-i' $+ "#"$ at the A-(o-y0 This was on'y two wee2s a.teE% (atch with Stan Bbys?2o an% on that ni*ht Lewis bet the o'%e- b-othe- a s,it o. c'othes that he wo,'% win0 W'a%e2 ca(e to the a-ena with the ass,-ance o. E%9s (ana*e-+ =e--y Wa''s+ that the (atch was *oin* to be a "wo-2" an% he ass,(e% that he was "*oin* ove-"0 Lewis neve- see(s to coEo6e-ate in .i-st (atches+ an% once in the -in*+ W'a%e2 .o,n% he ha% been .oo'e%0 Lewis b'oc2e% Bbys?2o9s eve-y (ove an% the .o-ei*n w-est'e- co,'%n9t %o anythin* with hi(0 W'a%e2 then+ in .-,st-ation+ be*an to .o,' Lewis by eye *o,*in*+ .in*e- twistin* an% e'bowin*0 Lewis co(6'aine% to the -e.e-ee b,t nothin* was %one0 Lewis then hit W'a%e2 with th-ee ha-% 6,nches to the .ace0 With a -iot abo,t to ta2e 6'ace+ a .'oc2 o. 6o'ice /,(6e% into the -in* an% the (atch was sto66e% a.te- 17 (in,te0 It was -,'e% a no contest0:"#; A -e(atch too2 6'ace on A6-i' 14+ "#"$ in &,..a'o NY0 Lewis batt'e% W'a%e2 as an

eA,a' in the .i-st .a''+ b,t a.te- an ho,-+ Bbys?2o *ot -o,*h0 A.te- two te--i.ic s'a(s+ the secon% on his hea%+ the St-an*'e- was 6ine%0 Lewis was a'(ost 2noc2e% o,t an% co,'%n9t -et,-n .o- the secon% .a''0 W'a%e2 Bbys?2o was %ec'a-e% the winne-0:17; A.te- 'osin* to Cha-'ey C,t'e- at Le)in*ton on A6-i' 15+ the -eco-% shows Lewis to be inactive ,nti' Dece(be- "#"$0 I be'ieve Lewis was sic2 with a sto(ach 6-ob'e(+ E% c'ai(e% his hat-e% .o- W'a%e2 ca,se% the con%ition+ an% he -et,-ne% to Lansin*+ Iowa .o- -est an% t-ainin*0:1"; I be'ieve it was %,-in* this 6e-io% that he too2 on &i''y San%ow as his (ana*e-0 &i''y San%ow was a w-est'e-+ t-aine-+ an% (ana*e- with st-on* .a(i'y ties in w-est'in*0 His -ea' na(e was &a,(an an% he wo-2e% c'ose'y with his th-ee b-othe-s0 =,'es was the o'%est+ who 6-o(ote% a-eas in ,6state New Yo-20 Ma) o6e-ate% o,t o. Savannah an% 6'aye% the 6a-2 o. =ohn ese29s (ana*e- .o- a ti(e0 Anothe- b-othe-+ not -ea''y invo've% (,ch in 6-o w-est'in*+ was na(e% A'e)an%e-0 Wo-2in* o,t o. Chica*o+ San%ow an% Lewis ha% 2nown each othe- .o- so(e ti(e0 San%ow ha% (ana*e% &en Ro''e-+ Y,ss,. H,ssein an% Ma-vin 'estina in (atches with E% an% the two have been shown t-ainin* to*ethe- in Chica*o 6hoto*-a6hs0 San%ow+ an% /,st abo,t eve-yone in w-est'in*+ saw the 6-o(ise in Lewis an% the ,nion between w-est'e- an% (ana*e- was .o-(e% by the en% o. "#"$0 This han%sha2e a*-ee(ent wo,'% 'ast .o- a'(ost 17 yea-s0 &i''y San%ow was the "bi* ti(e" (ana*e- that E% Lewis9s ca-ee- nee%0 San%ow was -,th'ess in his 6-o(otion o. his yo,n* w-est'e-0 San%ow ha% acA,i-e% w-est'in* s(a-ts an% contacts .-o( yea-s o. bein* a-o,n% the b,siness+ so 2new the va',e o. "ba''yhoo" Ca w-est'in* te-( which is a nice way to say "'ies ,se% in se'. 6-o(otin*"0D San%ow+ ha-% wo-2in* an% ene-*etic+ wo,'% %o anythin* o- say anythin* to *et E% Lewis ove-0 Hn%e- no con%ition+ wo,'% &i''y neve- a%(it he was w-on*+ abo,t anythin*0 He see(e% to be honest in his %ea'in* with Lewis an% othe- w-est'in* insi%e-s0 His wo-% see(e% to have c-e%ibi'ity an% he was a'ways wi''in* to (a2e %ea's0 This (a%e hi( see( to be easy to wo-2 with+ b,t he a'ways 2new how to *et what he wante%0 The-e we-e (any wease' ty6e (ana*e-s in w-est'in*+ b,t when yo, co(6a-e &i''y San%ow with the othe- (a/o- %i*ni.ie% (ana*e-s in the 'ate teens3 Ea-' Ca%%oc29s Gene Me'a%y+ =oe Steche-9s Tony Steche-+ an% W'a%e2 Bbys?2o9s =ac2 C,-'ey+ F0San%ow co(es o.. as the (a/o- hee'0 San%ow was a'so a to6 'eve' t-aine-+ who c'ai(e% to ,se a syste( ca''e% "Iinetic St-ess" to *et the best o,t o. Lewis0 The Iinetic St-ess syste( o. con%itionin* see(e% to be the st-essin* o. (,sc'e *-o,6s by the ,se o. 6,''eys+ 'eve-s an% st-a6s0 I %on9t 2now how (,ch o. this syste( a66'ies to the t-ainin* o. 6-o w-est'e-s no- how (,ch o. the theo-y was c-eate% .o- 6,b'ic -e'ations an% the 6-ess+ b,t Lewis %i% see( to i(6-ove ,n%e- San%ow0 E%9s wei*ht was a'ways c-e%ite% in his %e.eats+ b,t+ ,n%e- San%ow+ Lewis went .-o( "#8 6o,n%s in "#"4 to 1"8 in "#"80 A.te- San%ow+ Lewis9s si?e beca(e one o. his st-on* 6oints an% he was ab'e to 2ee6 his A,ic2ness an% ba'ance0 Hn%e- San%ow+ Lewis9s .inishin* ho'% was chan*e% .-o( the "nec2 yo2e" to the "hea% 'oc2"0 In the ea-'y yea-s o. 6-o w-est'in*+ the b-,ta' e'e(ent o. the s6o-t was 6'aye% %own an% s6o-ts(anshi6 6'aye% an i(6o-tant -o'e0 The (ain ob/ect was to 6in yo,- o66onent+ not (a2e hi( s,b(it0 A'' the .a(o,s .inishin* ho'%s o. the e-a we-e ,se% to 6in w-est'e-s+ an% in/,-in* so(eone was consi%e-e% ,ns6o-tin*0 Gotch9s toe ho'%+ Steche-9s bo%y scisso-s an% Ca%%oc29s hea% scisso-s we-e 6innin* (oves0 Lewis9s hea%'oc2 was ,se% .o- the sa(e 6,-6ose0 E% wo,'% wea2en his (an with the hea%'oc2+ which was sai% to c,t .'ow o. b'oo% to the b-ain+ an% then hi6 'oc2 the w-est'e- to the (at with a vio'ent s'a( with the *iant Lewis han%in* on to6+ -ea%y to 6in his o66onent0 Most o. the ti(e he wo,'% have to ,se a se-ies o. hea%'oc2 be.o-e 6innin* his (an0 This was the basic ho'% he ,se% %,-in* his ca-ee-+ b,t it (ay have so(eti(e been ,se% as a s,b(ission a.te- abo,t "#11 as sty'es chan*e%0 This .o-( o. a stan%in* hea%'oc2 ta2e %own wo,'% see(s to have been a "show" (ove .o- wo-2e% sit,ations0 In a contest+ a w-est'e- wo,'% not want to 6,t so(eone in a 6osition to *et behin% hi( whi'e stan%in*0 CTo%ay+ how (any stan%in* hea%'oc2s have yo, seen ,se% in the HFCJD It9s ,se% to%ay+ in eve-y 6-o w-est'in* (atch+ as a ta2e %own+ an% no one thin2s (,ch abo,t it0 Its %ays as a s6ectac,'a- .inishe- a-e now 'on* *one0 San%ow c-eate% a *i((ic2 t-ainin* ai%+ ca''e% a hea%'oc2 (achine0 &,i't by one o. the 'esse- 2nown &a,(an b-othe-s+ A'e)an%e-+ it was a woo%en hea%+ c,t in

ha'.+ with a -ai'-oa% s6-in* attache% in the (i%%'e0 The sto-y is that by .o-cin* the two ha'.9s to*ethe- Lewis %eve'o6e% the st-en*th nee% to a66'y the hea%'oc20 It was (ain'y a 0R0 too'+ ,se% to *et co6y in the 6-ess0:11; San%ow 'ate- %eve'o6e% a si(i'a- (achine to 6,b'ici?e Eve-ett Ma-sha''9s .,'' ne'son ho'%0 KK Contin,e to CHA TER 5 F>>TN>TES "$ CHICAG> TRI&HNE Feb0 "7+ "#"$ "8 LELINGT>N HERALD =an0 1#+ "#"$ "! LELINGT>N HERALD Feb0 8+ "#"$ an% Feb0 !+ "#"$ "5 CHICAG> TRI&HNE Feb0 ""+ "#"$ an% Feb0 1#+ "#"$ "< LELINGT>N HERALD Ma-ch 1$+ "#"$ "# THE DETR>IT FREE RESS A6-i' ! to A6-i' <+ "#"$0 Most o. the sto-y 'ine abo,t the (atch bein* a shoot an% E%9s bet with Stan ca(e .-o( THE LEWIS HN H&LISHED &I>GRA HY0 I wo,'% be'ieve the i%ea o. it bein* a shoot i. Lewis ha%n9t ,se% the sa(e sto-y'ine in a May ""+ "#"$ (atch in Lo,isvi''e with Cha-'ey C,t'e-0 17 &HFFAL> C>HRIER A6-i' 1$+ "#"$ 1" THE ED LEWIS RING REC>RD 6,t to*ethe- by = Michae' Ienyon+ Don L,ce+ Ma-2 Hewett+ Steve Yohe+ Dan An%e-son+ F-e% Ho-nby+ Richa-% Haynes+ Libnan Ayo,b+ Mance Neva%a+ an% a n,(be- o. othe- w-est'in* histo-ians0 The section on Lewis9s sto(ach i''ness co(es .-o( THE HN H&LISHED LEWIS &I>GRA HY0 Lewis c'ai(e% his hat-e% o. W'a%e2 ca,se% the i''ness an% it wasn9t ,nti' he c'eanse% hi(se'. o. the 6oisons *ene-ate% by the e(otion that he -et,-ne% to no-(a'0 He 6-o(ise% to not *et catch ,6 in s,ch e(otions a*ain+ an%+ .-o( that+ he *aine% in st-en*th an% con.i%ence0 CIt sho,'% be -e(e(be-e% that the &io was w-itten %,-in* Lewis9s Ch-istian 6e-io%0D The t-ainin* site ,se% by Lewis+ wo-2in* with a G-ee2 w-est'e- na(e% G,s Iava-is+ was on Mo,nt >s(,- on the ban2s o. the Mississi66i nea- Lansin*+ Iowa0 11 The hea%'oc2 (achine was we'' 2nown an% w-itten abo,t %,-in* Lewis9s ca-eeb,t yo, can -ea% abo,t it in THE DAN H>DGE ST>RY by Mi2e Cha6(an+ 6a*e "7#0 Two o. the (achines e)ist to%ay+ one owne% by Danny Ho%*e an% the othe- is in the Dan Gab'e Inte-nationa' W-est'in* Instit,te an% M,se,( at Wate-'oo+ Iowa0 The i%ea o. A'e)an%e- bein* the b,i'%e- o. the (achine ca(e .-o( co((ents to Ti( Ho-nba2e- by (e(be-s o. the San%ow .a(i'y an% can be .o,n% in NATI>NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE3 THE HNT>LD ST>RY >F THE M>N> >LY THAT STRANGLED R> WRESTLING by Ti( Ho-nba2e- C6a*e !8D0

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! The New Cha"#ion Fin$s A Conten$e% In A#%i& o' ()(*+ Do$,e City Neb%as-a.s /oe Steche% be,an his w%est&in, ca%ee% with a win ove% '%ien$ Ea%& Ca$$oc-0 1y ()(2+ he was the ta&- o' the w%est&in, wo%&$ an$ the "an insi$e%s 'e&t wo3&$ %e#&ace F%an- Gotch as the ne4t w%est&in, s3#e%sta%0 Steche% was a 'a%" boy an$ a w%est&in, "achine+ who was beatin, Neb%as-a.s best w%est&e%s in shoots+ in st%ai,ht 'a&&s an$ in sho%t ti"e0 He too- #&eas3%e in beatin, the best st3$ents o' Fa%"e% 13%ns+ so 13%ns sent his best+ Ma%in &estina+ to Linco&n Neb%as-a to ta-e ca%e o' hi"0 5n Ma%ch *6+ ()(2+ Steche% w%est&e$ %in,s a%o3n$ &estina winnin, in two st%ai,ht 73ic'a&&s0 &estina en$e$ 3# not even bein, a ,oo$ test 'o% Steche%08*9: 13%ns then sent A$ Sante&+ 3n$e% the na"e 5tto Ca%#ente%+ to F%e"o3nt+ Neb%as-a on /an0 6+ ()(6 to show 3# the yo3n, Steche%0 Sante& a&so was $est%oye$ in two st%ai,ht 'a&&s0 Steche% in ()(6+ see"e$ &i-e the sa'est bet in w%est&in, an$ the Neb%as-a 'a%"e%s saw no way they co3&$ &ose "oney by #3ttin, it on /oe to win0 5n Feb0 *;+ ()(6+ Cha%&es C3t&e% an$ his "ana,e% Wi&&ia" Roche&&s went into the $owntown o''ices o' the Chica,o T%ib3ne an$ c&ai" the wo%&$ tit&e0 They <3sti'ie$ this by sayin, F%an- Gotch was %eti%e$ an$ C3t&e% was 3n$e'eate$ in two yea%s as the A"e%ican tit&e ho&$e%0 C3t&e% #oste$ a bon$ with the t%ib3ne %e#o%te% an$ cha&&en,e$ a&& conten$e%s to "eet hi"08*2: A sho%t ti"e &ate%+ a "a<o% "atch was si,ne$ 'o% hi" to "eet /oe Steche% in 5"aha on /3&y 6+ ()(60 5n May (;+ ()(6+ Cha%&ey C3t&e% $e'en$e$ his c&ai" ve%ses E$ "St%an,&e%" Lewis in Le4in,ton0 A'te% an ho3% an$ 'i'teen "in3te+ with neithe% w%est&e% ,ainin, a 'a&&+ Lewis co"#&aine$ that C3t&e% was 3sin, a st%an,&e ho&$0 He then b&ew his coo& ove% the in<3stice an$ -noc-e$ C3t&e% $own with two #3nches0 The "atch was then awa%$e$ to C3t&e% on a 'o3&0 The news#a#e% %e#o%te$ that the two contin3e$ the 'i,ht in the $%essin, %oo"+ b3t was sto##e$ by o''icia&s08*6: So it &oo-e$ &i-e Lewis ha$ anothe% b&oo$ 'e3$ &i-e the one with W&a$e- =bys>-o+ b3t the ne4t %e#o%t we have is E$ ,oin, to Chica,o to he&# t%ain cha"# C3t&e% 'o% the /oe Steche% "atch0 ?*@A 5n /3&y 6+ ()(6+ Lewis was %in,si$e in 5"aha to watch /oe Steche% ta-e Cha%&es C3t&e%.s wo%&$ tit&e c&ai"0 The new cha"#ion won his two st%ai,ht 'a&&s in (BC;2 an$ (;C;; 3sin, his &e, scisso%0 In the bettin,+ the 'a%"e%s o' Neb%as-a won tho3san$s '%o" the Chica,o 'ans who ca"e by t%ain&oa$s to see the "atch0 Lewis an$ Ea%& Ca$$oc- t%aine$ C3t&e% an$ E$ in his 3n#3b&ishe$ 1io c&ai"e$ the two o' the" &ost D*+B;; bettin, on Cha%&ey0 It.s a ha%$ sto%y to be&ieve sense the two o' the" "3st have -nown it was a "wo%-"08*@: The c%ow$ was &iste$ as (6+;;;+ which+ at the ti"e+ was one o' the bi,,est nonEGotch atten$ance "a%-s in w%est&in, histo%y08*!: A'te% the $e'eat+ C3t&e% went to Steche% to say "/oe+ yo3 a%e a cha"#ion i' the%e eve% was a cha"#ion bo%n0" Rin,si$e watchin, the "atch+ sat the o&$ cha"#ion+ F%an- Gotch0 That ni,ht Steche% wo3&$ %eceive his 'i%st #3b&ic o''e% 'o% a show$own with Gotch0 Chica,o #%o"ote% o''e%e$ the Steche%s D*6+;;; 'o% the "atch0 No $ea& was "a$e0 Lewis.s o&$ '%ien$ 1i&& 1a%ton was #%o"otin, w%est&in, in Evansvi&&e+ In$iana an$ was ab&e to boo- a cha"#ionshi# "atch+ to a 'inish+ 'o% E$ ve%ses the new cha"#ion on 5ctobe% *(+ ()(60 Steche% ha$ been b3sy $e'en$in, his tit&e an$ to /oe+ who ha$ neve% seen Lewis #e%'o%"+ E$ was <3st anothe% conten$e% stan$in, in &ine0 Lewis+ howeve%+ ha$n.t ha$ a "atch sense May an$ ha$ been in t%ainin,+ 'i%st with C3t&e% an$ then in his own ca"# with San$ow0 He ha$ watche$ the "atch in 5"aha an$ -new Steche%.s eve%y "ove0 A&tho3,h he -new a&& the '3n$a"enta& ho&$s+ E$ Lewis was not a ,%eat technica& w%est&e%+ "ovin, in an$ o3t o' ho&$s+ &i-e Ca$$oc-+ ese-+ Gotch o% even Lon$os0 His st%on, #oint as a w%est&e% was st%en,th+ si>e+ ba&ance+ coo%$ination+ inte&&i,ence+ an$ sta"ina0 The sta"ina $i$n.t see"s to co"e '%o" t%ainin, so "3ch as '%o" an abi&ity to %e&a4 in the %in,0 He was a $e'ense w%est&e%+ who too- #%i$e in not &ettin, his o##osition ,et behin$ hi" in a #osition o' cont%o&0 Wheneve% he was 'ace$ with a shoot sit3ation+ he wo3&$ %eve%t to this $e'ense sty&e+ which neve% see"e$ to beat anyone+ b3t $i$ '%3st%ate o##onents an$ 'ans0 It $i$n.t bothe% E$ to have &on, bo%in, "atches+ <3st so &on, as he

$i$n.t ,et #inne$0 The 'i%st Steche%FLewis "atch too- #&ace in Evansvi&&e on 5ctobe% *;+ ()(60 At the #%eE"atch #%ess con'e%ence+ Steche% was the 'a%" boy+ ti"i$ a%o3n$ the #%ess+ b3t sti&& showin, the #ose o' a cha"#ion0 This cont%aste$ with the we&& $%esse$ an$ st%eet wise Lewis+ who was a&ways wi&&in, to ta&- with the #%ess o% anyone e&se0 Lewis &oo-e$ heavie% an$ st%on,e% b3t once in the %in, this i&&3sion eva#o%ate$0 Fo% two ho3%s+ Lewis %an an$ %e'3se$ to &oc- 3# with Steche%0 Havin, sco3te$ Steche%+ he c&ai"e$ /oe on&y ha$ th%ee o% 'o3% ta-e $owns an$ eve%y ti"e he saw Steche%.s "te&&" he <3st "ove$ away0 Lewis was ab&e to b&oc- Steche%.s eve%y "ove+ b3t he $i$ nothin, on o''ense0 Steche% ha$ no 'ea% o' Lewis an$ 'o3% ti"e he $ove in 'o% a ta-e $own an$ E$ was ab&e to ,et behin$ hi" on the "at0 Each ti"e+ Lewis ,ave 3# his #osition an$ ,ot bac- 3# on his 'eet0 He was a'%ai$ that on the ,%o3n$ Steche% wo3&$ %eve%se hi" an$ a##&y the scisso%s0 Tony Steche%+ /oe.s t%aine%+ co"#&ain to the %e'e%ee that it was the conten$e%s <ob to atte"#t to $e'eat a cha"#ion an$ that Lewis sho3&$ w%est&e+ b3t Lewis wo3&$ not chan,e his st%ate,y0 The bo%in, "atch 3#set the s#ectato%s an$ boo.s 'i&&e$ the ha&&0 At the two ho3% "a%-+ the 3#set Steche% %3she$ Lewis an$ E$ ha$ no whe%e to ,o b3t ove% the %o#es to the '&oo%0 In the 'a&&+ E$ hit his hea$ on a chai%0 He &ai$ on the '&oo% an$ 1i&&y San$ow to&$ the %e'e%ee+ that he was in<3%e$ an$ co3&$n.t contin3e0 The %in,si$e #hysician+ D% hi& Wa%te%+ %3&e$ he was not in<3%e$ an$ co3&$ sti&& w%est&e0 Lewis %e'3se$0 The %e'e%ee+ 1e%t Sisson+ then ,ave the 'i%st 'a&& to Steche% an$ anno3nce$ that he wo3&$ ,ive the cha"#ion the "atch i' Lewis %e'3se$ to %et3%n a'te% a (6 "in3tes %est #e%io$0 In the $%essin, %oo"+ between 'a&&s+ two othe% Docto%s e4a"ine$ Lewis an$ sai$ the%e was no %eason he co3&$n.t w%est&e0 When he $i$n.t %et3%n to the %in,+ Steche% was awa%$e$ the secon$ 'a&& an$ the "atch0 Re#o%ts #%inte$ the ne4t $ay sai$ that eve%yone #%esent 'e&t that the%e "was no $o3bt o' the o3tco"e0 Soone% o% &ate%+ Steche% wo3&$ have ,otten his $ea$&y ho&$ on hi"0" 1ac- in the a%ena+ he&& b%o-e o3t0 The "ayo% o' Evansvi&&e+ who.s &ast na"e was 1osse+ ,ot in to the %in, an$ ,ave a s#eech0 He co"#&aine$ that "the "atch was not on the s73a%e0" He ha$ the Chie' o' o&ice ho&$ 3# the %ecei#ts an$ #%o"ise$ to ,ive "ost o' it to cha%ity0 The #o&ice c&ai"e$ they ha$ %eceive$ te&e,%a#hs an$ #hone "essa,es be'o%e the "atch sayin, "Sto# 'a-e w%est&in, "atch toni,ht0" Lewis was ta-en to the hos#ita& an$ the ne4t "o%nin,+ a %e#o%t was iss3e$ sayin, he ha$ a "ino% ,%oin in<3%y0 Mayo% 1osse a&&owe$ #%o"ote% Wi&&ia" F0 1a%ton e4#ense "oney b3t Lewis an$ Steche% we%e neve% #ai$ ?they we%e ,oin, to s#&it 3# D2;;A0 I $on.t thin- they ca%e$+ they both #%obab&y "a$e 'a% "o%e '%o" the ,a"b&e%s0 With Steche% bein, 3nbeatab&e+ the "a<o% bettin, was on how &on, his o##onents wo3&$ &ast0 It was ve%y convenient 'o% Lewis+ to ta-e his $ive o3t o' the %in,+ %i,ht a'te% the two ho3% "a%- o' the "atch08*B: Yo3 wo3&$ thin- this e"ba%%assin, "atch wo3&$ have -i&&e$ The St%an,&e%.s ca%ee%+ b3t once bac- in the bi, cities o' Chica,o an$ New Yo%-+ San$ow an$ Lewis to&$ %e#o%te%s sto%ies o' a ,%eat "atch in which Lewis o3t "ane3ve%e$ an$ o3t tho3,ht the ,%eat Steche% 'o% two ho3%s0 In ti"e+ the two even chan,e$ the %es3&t+ with "ost be&ievin, the "atch was a $%aw o% no contest0 San$ow be&ieve$ that i' yo3 to&$ a &ie an$ it ,ot #%inte$ eno3,h+ it beca"e t%3th0 San$ow "ay have been %i,ht+ beca3se by the ti"e Lewis ,ot to New Yo%- City in Nove"be% ()(6+ he was consi$e%e$ a "a<o% sta% an$ a to# cha&&en,e% to Steche%.s tit&e0 San$ow was %3th&ess in his #%o"otion o' E$ "St%an,&e%" Lewis an$ he $i$ a b%i&&iant <ob in c%eatin, the "yth that &ives to$ay0 1i&&y San$ow.s sty&e was 73ite si"i&a% to the <ob 1o4in, "ana,e% /ac- Gea%ns $i$ 'o% yo3n, /ac- De"#sey0 I thin- the $i''e%ence between the two is that San$ow %e"ain '%ien$s with Lewis an$ see"e$ honest with "oney+ o% at &east 3# to the stan$a%$s o' #%o w%est&in,0 Te&&in, &ies was <3st #a%t o' San$ow.s <ob an$ he $i$ it we&&0 Gea%ns a&ienate$ eve%yone+ inc&3$in, De"#sey0 HH Contin3e to CHA TER B F55TN5TES *9 NE1RASGA STATE /5IRNAL Ma%ch *!+ ()(2 *2 CHICAG5 TRI1INE Feb0 *(+ ()(6JDoesn.t see" that #%o"ote%s ha$ bi, #&ans 'o% Cha%&es C3t&e%0 I thin- they <3st nee$e$ a cha"#ion ty#e w%est&e% 'o% Steche% to beat0 The bi, "oney wo3&$ co"e &ate%+ a GotchFSteche% s3#e% "atch0 I thinC3t&e% was a s"a%t ,3y who was bette% s3ite$ as a '%ont o''ices wo%-e%0 In ()(*+ C3t&e% ha$ "ana,e$ '3t3%e wo%&$ heavywei,ht bo4in, cha"#ion /ess Wi&&a%$ an$ in

()(( he ha$ #&aye$ a "a<o% #a%t in the #%o"otion o' Geo%,e Hac-ensch"i$t be'o%e the s3#e% "atch with F%an- Gotch in Chica,o0 A&& o' this &ea$s "e to be&ieve C3t&e% was ve%y c&ose to /ac- C3%&ey an$ he see"s to have been C3%&ey.s boo-e% in New Yo%- City0 C3t&e% in %in, w%est&in, ca%ee% see"e$ to have #ea-e$ with #3ttin, Steche% ove% an$ $i$n.t &ast &on,0 *6 L5IISKILLE C5IRIERE/5IRNAL May ((+ ()(6 *@ THE IN I1LISHED LEWIS 1I5GRA HY *! 5MAHA W5RLDEHERALD /3&y @+ ()(6 *B EKANSKILLE RESS 5ct *; to 5ct ** ()(6JThe sto%y ,oes on sayin, that #%o w%est&in, was banne$ in Evansvi&&e+ at &east 'o% a sho%t ti"e0 Evansvi&&e was &ate% -now as a sto# o'' 'o% To" ac-.s t%oo# o' w%est&e%s between In$iana#o&is an$ St Lo3is+ b3t it was neve% consi$e%e$ one o' the "a<o% w%est&in, cities0 It wo3&$ see" that they boo-e$ the 'i%st LewisFSteche% "atch in a "ino% city to set 3# the %iva&%y between the two+ b3t I $on.t thin- they neve% #&anne$ on a c&ean 'inish0 The new cha"#ion Steche% see"e$ to be ove% the shoot #e%io$ in his ca%ee% an$ #%obab&y e4#ecte$ a wo%-e$ "atch '%o" Lewis0 It.s i"#ossib&e to say anythin, 'o% s3%e+ b3t it.s not beyon$ i"a,ination that Lewis was 3ncoo#e%ative an$ %e'3se$ to <ob c&ean0 He an$ San$ow see"e$ to have 'o%"e$ a #atte%n o' not coo#e%atin, in 'i%st "atches with bi,,e% sta%s0 The &oss wasn.t i"#o%tant+ he <3st wasn.t ,oin, to &ose his "heat"0 The 'inish see"e$ to have been the wo%-e$ #&an ?by Lewis o% "aybe eve%yoneA+ co"in, a'te% a&& the ,a"b&in, "oney on "Lewis ove% two ho3%s" was ass3%e$0 1eca3se o' the ,a"b&in, an$ o''icia&s #%esent+ these wo%-e$ "atches ha$ to &oo- &i-e t%3e contests+ so #e%ha#s the bo$y o' these "atch we%e the two shootin,+ b3t the 'inish wo3&$ have to be a,%ee$ 3#on0 This "atch bein, a te%%ib&e "ess ha$ to be consi$e%e$ Lewis.s+ an$ his bo%in, sty&e.s+ 'a3&t0 I' a&& o' this ta&- is 1S an$ the who&e "atch was a shoot+ then Lewis %an '%o" Steche% an$ was a'%ai$ o' /oe.s s-i&& an$ scisso%s0 That+ to "e+ "a-es hi" &oo- wo%st that wo%-in, a ba$ "atch0 5' co3%se+ Lewis &ea%ne$ nothin, '%o" this "atch an$ his &ies cove%e$ 3# any e"ba%%ass"ent0

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! "#"$ An% The New Yo&' To(&na)ent *y "#"+ the histo&y o, A)e&ican G&eco -o& G&aeco./Ro)an 0&o w&est1in2 -GR.34#5 was on its 1ast 0a2e6 It ha% been 0o0(1a& at the en% on the "#th cent(&y %(e to 2&eat GR cha)0ions 1i'e Wi11ia) M(1%oon7 b(t )ost A)e&icans 0&e,e&&e% the Catch/ as/Catch/Can sty1e an% GR was &a&e1y (se% o& ta1'e% abo(t a,te& F&an' Gotch %est&oye% Geo&2e Hac'ensch)i%t in "#8! an% "#""6 GR w&est1in2 is a s0o&t o, st&en2th an% en%(&ance in which h(2e 0owe&,(1 2iants -so)eti)es )o&e ,at than bi2. 1oc' (0 in a w&est1in2 contests in which no ho1%s a&e a11owe% be1ow the waist6 It9s )(ch %i,,e&ent than the Catch sty1e7 so )ost o, the cha)0ion GR 0e&,o&)e&s ,&o) E(&o0e we&e (se% to :ob to A)e&ican sta&s6 It9s a 1i)ite% ,o&) o, w&est1in27 that wo(1% have contestants 1oc'e% in st&en2th ho1%s ,o& 1on2 0e&io%s o, ti)e7 an% %i%n9t have the )o)ent o& va&iety o, ho1%s o, the Catch sty1e6 *(t in "#"+7 a New Yo&' City ;0e&a 0&o)ote& na)e% Sa)(e1 Rach)ann7 too' a%vanta2e o, a )i2&ation o, E(&o0ean w&est1e&7 t&yin2 to esca0e ,&o) the wa&s on the continent7 an% the 1a&2e e)i2&ant 0o0(1ation o, New Yo&' City7 to 0&o)ote two )a:o& GR to(&na)ents in the city %(&in2 "#"+63<85 The ,i&st7 an% 1esse& 'nown7 too' 01ace in May an% =(ne6 The ,ina1 )atch too' 01ace on =(ne 4+7 "#"+ between the GR cha)0ion A1e>an%e& Abe&2 an% W1a%e' ?bys@'o6 The tit1e )atch was &(1e% a %&aw a,te& th&ee ho(&s an% ,o&ty )in(tes o, b&(ta1 w&est1in26 Abe&2 see)e% to 2et the bette& o, the contest7 as W1a%e' ,e11 into a "se)i/conscio(s" state ,o& th&ee %ays ,o11owin2 the )atch6 A &e)atch ,o& the GR tit1e too' 01ace on ;ctobe& 4+7 "#"+ in Ma%ison SA(a&e Ga&%en with Abe&2 %e,eatin2 W1a%e' in one ho(& an% ,o(& )in(tes6 These )atches with Abe&27 we&e 1osses7 b(t they we&e 0(ttin2 W1a%e' ove& in the city )a'in2 Lewis9s o1% ,&ien% a bi2 sta&6 F&o) Nov6 !7 "#"+ to =an6 4#7 "#"$7 Rach)ann &an his secon% an% )ost ,a)o(s GR Inte&nationa1 to(&na)ent at the Manhattan ;0e&a Ho(se63<"5 It is ,a)o(s to%ay ,o& the c&eation o, the ,i&st )as'e% )an an% ,o& St&an21e& Lewis9s %o)ination7 b(t the o&i2ina1 2oa1 was to 0(t ove& A1e> Abe&2 an% then W1a%e' ?bys@'o6 *eca(se o, the be2innin2 o, wa&s in E(&o0e that wo(1% 1ea% to WWII7 Rach)ann was ab1e to 0(t so)e o, the )a:o& w&est1e&s in the wo&1% on sa1a&y ,o& as 1ow as B+8 a wee'6 So)e o, the sta&s (se% we&e *en Ro11e&7 Cha&1es C(t1e&7 Geo&2e L(&ich7 Di)it&i(s To,a1os7 Y(si, H(ssane7 Rena%o Ga&%ini7 Ivan Linow an% o, co(&se7 The Mas'e% Ma&ve16 Lo( Da&o -The G&eat Da&o. an% F&an' Levett -1ate& Man Mo(ntain Dean. a1so )a%e sho&t a00ea&ances6 A1e> Abe&2 was the GR cha)0ion an% consi%e&e% (nbeatab1e6 He was neve& beaten in the to(&na)ent b(t he was boo'e% as a GR i%ea1ist who &e,(se% to 0e&,o&) in the Catch sty1e63<45 They w&est1e% $ ni2hts a wee' with two )atinees on wee'en%s6 Most )atches we&e 48 )in(tes b(t i, a cha11en2e was )a%e7 w&est1e&s co(1% an% %i% w&est1e what was ca11e% ,inish )atches b(t7 &e2a&%1ess o, thei& na)e7 they ha% to en% by the city9s one o9c1oc' c(&,ew6 The ea&1y )atches we&e a11 GR7 b(t once the 0&o)otion sta&te% to tan'7 they a11owe% the catch sty1e to be (se%6 This to(&na)ent 0&etty )(ch en%e% the (se o, GR in A)e&ican 0&o w&est1in26 The to(&na)ent be2an on Nov6 !7 b(t Lewis %i%n9t show (0 (nti1 Nov6 446 Sense it was an Inte&nationa1 To(&na)ent7 Lewis was bi11e% as bein2 ,&o) Ge&)any6 E% was as Inte&nationa1 as the Ho(se o, anca'es b(t )any A)e&icans we&e bein2 bi11e% as ,o&ei2ne&s7 so the Ge&)an s0ea'in2 Lewis ,it the bi11in26 He was 0(she% ,&o) the be2innin2 an% won ,ive st&ai2ht )atches be,o&e w&est1in2 a 48 )in(te %&aw with W1a%e' ?bys@'o on Nov6 <86 A 1a&2e n()be& o, these )atches7 beca(se o, the sho&t ti)e1i)it7 en%e% (0 as %&aws7 an% Lewis then ente&e% a 1on2 0e&io% o, the)6 His ove& a11 &eco&% %(&in2 his stay in the to(&na)ent was 4" wins7 one 1oss an% "+ %&aws6 At one 0oint he w&est1e% si> %&aws in a &ow6 D(&in2 the to(&na)ent he ha% ,o(& %&aws with W1a%e' -who ha% at 1east "< %&aws in the to(&na)ent.63<<5 This ty0e o, boo'in2 was no&)a1 in GR to(&na)ents in E(&o0e6 Lewis went to a 48 )in(te %&aw with Abe&2 on Dec6 C7 which 1e% to anothe& Abe&2 %&aw on Dec6 # which 1aste% "D8CD88 be,o&e bein2 sto00e% by the c(&,ew6 It was sai% to be an action ,i11e% )atch an% E% %i% we11 w&est1in2 in the GR sty1e

a2ainst the cha)0ion6 The )atch ba&e1y 2ot any )ention in the 0&ess beca(se that ni2ht )a&'e% the %eb(t o, The Mas'e% Ma&ve163<C5 The i%ea ,o& a )as'e% w&est1e&s see)s to have o&i2inate% with a o0e&a 0&o)ote& na)e% Ma&' A6 L(esche&6 Esin2 the he&o o, a nove1 "THAT FRENCHMAN" by A&chiba1% C1ave&in2 G(nte&7 he %&esse% an o0e&a %iva na)e% La *e11e Da@1e (0 in a &e% )as' an% to(&e% the co(nt&y to se11 o(t c&ow%s6 L(asche& s(22este% a )as'e% )yste&y 2i))ic' to *en Atwoo%7 0&ess a2ent ,o& the o0e&a ho(se w&est1in2 shows6 Atwoo% went to =ac' C(&1ey7 who was )ana2in2 Y(si, H(ssane in the to(&na)ent b(t not 0&o)otin27 an% Cha&1ie C(t1e&7 an% two ca)e (0 with a w&est1e& to 01ay the 0a&t with a )as' ,o& hi) to hi%e his i%entity63<+5 E0 (nti1 his %eb(t into Rach)ann9s to(&na)ent7 the ,ans we&e 1osin2 inte&est in the show7 b(t with the )as'e% )an hea%1inin2 they sta&te% seein2 bo> o,,ice %&awe&s ,i11 with )oney6 The )as'e% )an was &ea11y Mo&t Hen%e&son7 a Rocheste& 0e&,o&)e&7 who ha% been 0ic'e% by C(t1e& an% C(&1ey whi1e w&est1in2 in ennsy1vania6 ;nce o(t,itte% with a 0&o0e& )as'7 the (n'nown beca)e a )a:o& w&est1e& ove& ni2ht6 His on1y t&(e )a:o& victo&y was a win ove& Geo&2e L(&ich b(t he w&est1e% )any 1on2 %&aws with the best 1i'eD W1a%e' ?bys@'o -Dec6 "F 4D"<D88 an% Dec6 <8 "D+$D88 an% =an6 + "D+!D88.7 Abe&2 -Dec6 "F 4D4"D88.7 an% L(&ich -=an6 "4 "D4FD88.6 The Mas'e% Ma&ve1 2ot 2oo% &eviews in the 0&ess as a 0e&,o&)e& an% eve&yone see)e% wi11in2 to )a'e hi) 1oo' 2oo%6 He was not the ,i&st )as'e% w&est1e&7 b(t he was the ,i&st to be 0&o)ote% to the to0 1eve1 ,o& any 1en2th o, ti)e6 Di% the 2i))ic' e>0ose the b(sinessG Yes7 b(t no one see)e% to ca&e with 2oo% )oney bein2 )a%e o,, hi)6 The )yste&y %i%n9t 1ast 1on26 ;n Dec6 "$7 the *&oo'1yn Dai1y Ea21e 0&inte% that The Mas'e% Ma&ve1 was Mo&t Hen%e&son6 I be1ieve the &e0o&te& 2ot the in,o&)ation ,&o) Mo&t9s )ana2e&7 E% o11a&%7 who then %enie% the cha&2e6 The an21e contin(e% 1i'e nothin2 ha00ene%6 Lewis beca)e the ,i&st )an to %e,eat The Mas'e% Ma&ve1 on Dece)be& 487 when the St&an21e& t&ic'e% the Ma&ve1 (sin2 a hea%1oc' ,o11owe% by a w&ist1oc' an% 0in in ""D+86 The en%in2 ha00ene% so ,ast that it too' the c&ow% a )in(te to &ea1i@e the Ma&ve1 ha% been 0inne%6 A,te& the c&ow% &e2aine% its b&eath7 it 2ave Lewis an ovation that he neve& ,o&2ot6 The 0a0e& c1ai)e% he c&ie% in the &in26 The )atch ha% been an even a,,ai&7 so a ,inish )atch was he1% on Dece)be& 447 which en%e% (0 in a %&aw in "D+#D886 A thi&% )atch between the two too' 01ace on =an(a&y <7 an% it a1so was a %&aw b(t 1aste% two ho(&s an% thi&%1y one )in(tes6 3<$5 Lewis ha% his bi2 GR show%own with A1e> Abe&2 on Dec6 4#7 "#"$6 Lewis sta&te% ,ast b(t a,te& 48 )in(tes he ,o(n% Abe&2 2ainin2 in st&en2th6 Abe&2 0(t Lewis into a %o(b1e ne1son an% a,te& E% b&o'e the ho1%7 he see)e% 2&o22y6 A,te& +8 )in(tes Lewis was s1a))e% by Abe&2 an% 0inne% by an insi%e a&) 1oc'6 Lewis ha% to be he10e% o(t o, the &in2 an% 1ate& c1ai)e% Abe&2 wasn9t h()an an% "the st&on2est w&est1e& be,o&e the 0(b1ic in "#"+"63<F5 ;n =an(a&y "+7 "#"$7 E% Lewis %e,eate% D& *en Ro11e& (n%e& catch &(1es6 The ne>t %ay )ana2e& *i11y San%ow was inte&viewe% in the news0a0e& sayin2 that E% Lewis was the catch sty1e wo&1% cha)0ion %(e to the victo&y6 He a1so c1ai)e% the ,i&st Steche& )atch was a %&aw an% on1y sto00e% a,te& The St&an21e& ha% he1% Steche& in a b&i%2e ,o& twenty/th&ee )in(tes an% =oe b&o'e his ,in2e& to b&ea' ,&ee6 This a00ea&e% a&o(n% the sa)e ti)e that =ac' C(&1ey anno(nce% that the t&(e wo&1% cha)0ion =oe Steche& wo(1% %e,en% his tit1e ve&ses W1a%e' ?bys@'o on =an(a&y 4F in Ma%ison SA(a&e Ga&%en6 ;n =an(a&y "F7 Lewis sco&e% one o, his bi22est wins at the ;0e&a ho(se in 0innin2 W1a%e' ?bys@'o in "D4"D8F (n%e& catch &(1es6 The win an% his contin(in2 tit1e c1ai)7 0(t San%ow bac' on the s0o&ts 0a2e c1ai)in2 Lewis sho(1% &e01ace W1a%e' a2ainst Steche&6 San%ow an% Lewis wo(1% c1ai)7 th&o(2h the ,o11owin2 yea&s7 that they won the catch section o, the to(&na)ent6 No one 'nows ,o& s(&e7 b(t in no 01ace is the&e a )ention o, a "catch/as/catch/can" to(&na)ent in any news0a0e&6 E% Lewis co(1% say he was the sta& %(&in2 his two )onths stay at the ;0e&a Ho(se an% the st&on2est catch w&est1e&7 b(t the&e is no st&ai2ht o(t )ention o, a catch to(&na)ent6 The&e was on1y a GR to(&na)ent cha)0ion an% that was A1e> Abe&263<!5 Lewis an% San%ow then 1e,t the to(&na)ent be,o&e it co)01ete%6 Rach)ann wante% to ta'e Lewis on a A)e&ican to(& )eetin2 Abe&27 b(t San%ow wante% )o&e that the B488 a wee' he was 2ettin2 in New Yo&' City6 Lewis then sta&te% wo&'in2 on the East Coast7 0&obab1y ,o& =ac' C(&1ey7 with an a2&ee)ent to w&est1e Steche& a2ain

in ;)aha a&o(n% =(1y C6 ;n =an6 4C7 "#"$7 A1e> Abe&2 %e,eate% W1a%e' ?bys@'o to win the GR to(&na)ent tit1e6 As was the habit o, )ost )a:o& ca&%s in 0&o w&est1in29s ea&1y 0e&io%7 the )atch was te&&ib1e an% an ins(1t to the ,ans who 0ai% to be 0&esent6 At 4+D+4 ?bys@'o was th&own ,&o) the &in2 c&ashin2 hi) into the bac' o, the sta2e6 W1a%e' st&(c' the ,1oo& an% then &o11e% ove& on a tab1e7 1ayin2 sti116 When he was atten%e% to7 he c1ai)e% an in:(&y7 sayin2 he co(1%n9t contin(e6 The ,ans ye11e% "A(itte&" an% ",a'e"6 They sho(te% %own any anno(nce)ent an% it 1oo'e% 1i'e a &iot was abo(t to ta'e 01ace6 A Docto& ca)e into the &in2 an% sai% that W1a%e' co(1% contin(e7 b(t ?bys@'o &e,(se%6 ?bys@'o then anno(nce%7 that he was in:(&e%7 b(t wo(1% contin(e i, the s0ectato&s %esi&e% hi) to %o so6 The c&ow%7 bein2 (nsy)0athetic to W1a%e'9s 01i2ht7 )a%e it 01ain they wante% hi) to w&est1e7 so W1a%e' wa1'e% o,, the sta2e an% %i% not &et(&n6 +8 )in(tes 1ate& &e,e&ee Geo&2e *othne& %ec1a&e% Abe&2 the winne&6 =ac' C(&1ey ha% been a ,o&ce in bo>in2 ,o& )ost o, the "#889s7 b(t he a1so ha% e>0e&ience as a w&est1in2 0&o)ote& in Chica2o an% the No&th WestH an% ha% )ana2e% Hac'ensch)i%t7 Ro11e& an% Y(ssi, H(ssane6 C(&1ey was the bo>in2 0&o)ote& who ,o(n% A)e&ica9s white ho0e7 havin2 sta2e% ,a)o(s =ac' =ohnsonI=ess Wi11a&% ,i2ht in Havana C(ba on A0&i1 +7 "#"+6 =ac' C(&1ey7 was abo(t as bi2 an% 0owe&,(1 a 0&o)ote& as yo( co(1% ,in% in the wo&1%7 b(t his 0osition in bo>in2 was cha11en2e% by a new )an na)e% Te> Ric'a&%6 C(&1ey7 not wi11in2 to o,,e& the bi2 2(a&antees7 no& ta'e the chances o, Ric'a&%7 1e,t bo>in2 to concent&ate on cont&o11in2 the wo&1% o, 0&o w&est1in263<!5 In =an(a&y o, "#"+7 he boo'e% the cha)0ion =oe Steche& into Ma%ison SA(a&e Ga&%en at the sa)e ti)e Rach)ann was sti11 &(nnin2 his ;0e&a Ho(se to(&na)ent6 At ,i&st7 C(&1ey ha% Steche& set (0 to %e,en% ve&ses W1a%e' ?bys@'o7 b(t th&ee %ay be,o&e ca&% W1a%e' )a%e a ,oo1 o, hi)se1, in the =an6 4+ )atch with Abe&2 an% beca)e (n(sab1e6 So C(&1ey contacte% The Mas'e% Ma&ve1 an% St&an21e& Lewis to ta'e ?bys@'o9s 01ace in the tit1e )atch6 Rach)ann7 %i%n9t see anythin2 in the i%ea ,o& hi)7 so he too' C(&1ey to co(&t c1ai)in2 both w&est1e&s we&e (n%e& cont&acts6 T(&ne% o(t that Hen%e&son was bein2 0ai% B"88 a wee' an% Lewis was 2ettin2 B4887 "to en2a2e% to ta'e 0a&t in the w&est1in2 0e&,o&)ances7 :(st as acto&s a&e en2a2e% to 0e&,o&)" in sta2e 01ays63<#5 C(&1ey was ,&ien%s with Rach)ann an% the two ca)e to te&)s by the ne>t %ay7 so =ac' )a%e the anno(nce)ent that Steche& wo(1% be )eetin2 The Mas'e% Ma&ve1 that ni2ht6 The state)ents in co(&t b1ew the cove& o, Rach)ann9s to(&na)ent an% con,i&)e% The Mas'e% Ma&ve19s i%entity as Mo&t Hen%e&son6 Most o, the ai& 1e,t in the ;0e&a Ho(se To(&na)ent then ,1e% ,o& a c1eane& envi&on)ent63C85 ;n the %ay o, the )atch7 San%ow was in the news0a0e&s a2ain co)01ainin2 that Steche& sho(1%n9t be bi11e% as Catch wo&1% cha)0ion beca(se that tit1e be1on2e% to Lewis6 *(t the new cha)0ion Steche& see)e% to be 2ettin2 )ost o, the ,an9s attention an% ve&y ,ew tho(2ht )(ch o, San%ow9s co))ents6 ;n =an(a&y 4F7 "#"$7 Steche&9s ,i&st showin2 in New Yo&' City was a 2&eat s(ccess6 =oe beat The Ma&ve1 in st&ai2ht ,a11s7 #D+8 an% +D+"7 with his scisso&s ho1%6 In o(tc1assin2 one o, the )a:o& sta&s o, the ;0e&a to(&na)ent7 the 0a0e& c1ai)e% he "2ave co)0etitive s0o&ts a t&e)en%o(s boost by his s0o&ts)an1i'e actions" an% that "Not since F&an' Gotch showe% he&e has the&e been s(ch a w&est1e&" in the city6 Steche& was a hit in ,&ont o, one o, the 1a&2est c&ow%s in New Yo&' City in yea&s6 Hi2h society ha% t(&ne% o(t an% a00&ove% o, the s0o&t6 So =ac' C(&1ey ha% ,o(n% a ho)e in New Yo&' City an% he &e)aine% the %o)inate w&est1in2 0&o)ote& in town (nti1 "#<F63C"5 The 1ast ca&% o, Sa) Rach)ann9s to(&na)ent too' 01ace on =an(a&y 4#7 "#"$6 A1e> Abe&2 &eceive% a B+7888 0(&se ,o& winnin2 ,i&st 01ace in the GR to(&na)ent6 No 0&i@e ,o& catch w&est1in2 was )entione%6 The )ain event ha% The Mas'e% Ma&ve1 1osin2 to S(1o Hevon0aa6 The&e we&e cha11en2es 0&inte% abo(t Abe&2 wantin2 a )atch with =oe Steche&7 b(t the )atch neve& see)e% to have ta'en 01ace6 Hach)ann ha% 01ans on a GR to(&na)ent to to(& the co(nt&y b(t it a1so neve& ha00ene%6 Fo& the )ost 0a&t7 G&eco/Ro)an w&est1in2 in A)e&ica :(st see)e% to %ie63C45 In 1ate "#"+7 &e0o&ts we&e that Gotch was co)in2 o(t o, &eti&e)ent ,o& the Steche& )atch6 In =an6 "#"$ F&an' t&ave1e% to Los An2e1es on a ,a)i1y vacation b(t the &ea1 &eason was to t&ain6 He 1ate& si2ne% a cont&act to w&est1e A% Sante1 in San F&ancisco on Feb&(a&y 447 b(t %&o0s o(t %(e to a 1ac' o, con%itionin26 This 1ea% to hi) bein2 s(e% by the 0&o)ote&6 ;n Feb6 4C7 Gene Me1a%y7 one o,7 i, not the )ost7 0owe&,(1 w&est1in2 0&o)ote& in

A)e&ican7 sai% he ha% an o0tions on both Steche& an% Gotch ,o& a )atch at the ;)aha Fai& G&o(n%s on Labo& Day6 He 01ane% to e&ect an a&ena bi2 eno(2h to %&aw a B"+87888 2ate6 It a11 wo(1% %e0en%e% on Gotch9s ,ee1in2s a,te& t&ainin2 a ,ew wee's6 ;the& &e0o&ts o, the )atch7 ta'in2 01ace in Chica2o an% Sio(> City7 ,o11ow6 In Ma&ch7 Gotch ha% two )atches6 In one he beat Wi11ia) De)et&a1 at the Los An2e1es Ath1etic C1(b -Ma&ch "87 "#"$. an% in the othe& he won a han%ica0 )atch ove& He&)an St&ech7 =ac' White an% Sa) C1a0ha) in San Die2o -Ma&ch "47 "#"$.6 ;n both ni2hts he 1oo'e% te&&ib1e6 ;n A0&i1 C7 Gotch &et(&ne% to his ho)e7 H(nbo1%t7 Iowa7 an% anno(nces he ha% si2ne% to a00ea& with the Se11s/F1oto Ci&c(s7 sta&tin2 on A0&i1 "+6 Sai% he wo(1% be 0ai% B"7"88 a wee' o& B"7<+8 i, he si2ns to )eet Steche&6 *y May "7 Gotch ha% sto)ach 0&ob1e)s an% co(1%n9t eat6 Wei2htin2 on1y "!+ 0o(n%s7 he cance1e% his cont&act with the ci&c(s6 Sayin2 the con%ition sta&te% in Ca1i,o&nia7 he went bac' ho)e to H()bo1t b(t &et(&ne% to the ci&c(s on May 4C7 notin2 that he nee%e% the )oney6 ;n =(ne "C7 Ha&&y Ta))en7 owne& o, the Se11s/ F1oto Ci&c(s7 c1ai)e% Gotch has si2ne% to )eet Steche& in Chica2o6 ;n =(1y "!7 "#"$7 F&an' Gotch b&o'e the ,ib(1a bone in his 1e,t 1e2 w&est1in2 an e>hibition )atch with *ob Mana2o,,6 Eve&yone invo1ve% then &ea1i@e% that a Steche&IGotch s(0e& )atch wo(1% neve& ha00en6 Steche& ha% s0ent )(ch o, "#"$ w&est1in2 )ino& o00onents an% s0innin2 his whee1s waitin2 on Gotch6 At this 0oint he &ea1i@e% he nee%e% a new &iva1 to )a'e bi2 )oney o,, o,6 A11 si2ns 0ointe% to St&an21e& Lewis to be the ,i&st to 01ay the 0a&t6 Lewis an% San%ow ha% contin(e% to c1ai) the wo&1% tit1e7 even a,te& A1e> Abe&2 2ot a te)0o&a&y in:(nction ,&o) a :(%2e te11in2 the) to sto06 Abe&2 site% his win ove& Lewis as 0&oo,6 JJ Contin(e to CHA TER # F;;TN;TES 4# The G&aeco/Ro)an o& G&eco/Ro)an sty1e o, w&est1in27 wasn9t G&ee' o& Ro)an7 b(t %eve1o0 in F&ance7 b(t the &est o, E(&o0e &esente% the F&ench so they c&eate% a na)e that 2ave c&e%it to the Ro)ans6 Fo& this 0a0e&7 I9) 2oin2 to &e,e& to G&eco/Ro)an as "GR" an% Catch/as/Catch/Can as "Catch w&est1in2" beca(se I hate ty0in2 those na)es o(t6 <8 The to(&na)ent sty1e o, boo'in2 was (se% )ost1y in E(&o0ean w&est1in26 I (n%e&stan% )ost 'in%s o, s0o&ts to(&na)ents7 b(t these to(&na)ents o, Ge&)any7 F&ance7 R(ssia7 S0ain7 etc have no ,o&) to )e6 I %o not (n%e&stan% the) an% no one I9ve ta1' to %oes eithe&6 As ,a& as I 'now7 the on1y )a:o& E(&o0ean w&est1in2 histo&ian 'nown in A)e&ica was Ge&hae% Schae,e&7 an% he %ie%6 This c&eate% a vac(() that hasn9t been ,i11e%6 These to(&na)ents :(st see)e% 1i'e a 2&o(0 o, w&est1e&s conve&2in2 on a city7 an% a,te& a )onth o& two )onths a cha)0ion was na)e%6 Loo'in2 at the &es(1ts we have7 I see no ,o&)6 So the two "#"+ New Yo&' City to(&na)ents7 too' this "1ac' o, ,o&)" an% I can9t e>01ain the)7 so %on9t as'6 ;ne thin2 yo( %o see is 48 )in(te %&aws7 ,o11owe% by a cha11en2e an% a ,inish )atch -no ti)e 1i)it. to ,o11ow the ne>t ni2ht o& 1ate& in the wee'6 ;, co(&se7 it bein2 New Yo&' City7 the ,inish ha% to en% by the c(&,ew ti)e o, one AM o& it wo(1% be &(1e% a %&aw a1so6 <" The Manhattan ;0e&a Ho(se e>ists to%ay an% was ho)e to the ea&1y WWF RAW TK shows an% at 1east one ECW K6 Nice b(i1%in2 b(t 'in% o, s)a116 Ese% ,o& in%e0en%ent w&est1in2 ca&%s in the city6 <4 I9) not s(&e abo(t A1e> Abe&29s c1ai) to the GR wo&1% tit1e6 We 'now he was %e,eate% by Stanisia(s ?bys@'o in *oston on Feb6 4$7 "#"C6 He 1ost c1ean in a 4I< ,a11 )atch7 sai% to be ,o& the GR wo&1% tit1e6 Stan7 with Gotch &eti&e% an% Steche& :(st sta&tin2 (07 was &ate% by )ost as the best w&est1e& in the wo&1%7 b(t in "#"+ he was o(t o, the co(nt&y bein2 he1% (n%e& ho(se a&&est %(&in2 wa&s in R(ssia6 << We have a &eco&% o, abo(t !8L o, the to(&na)ent b(t as the %ays &o11e% on7 the news0a0e&s7 0&obab1y %(e to bo&e%o)7 sto00e% so)e o, thei& &e0o&ts o& 1e,t o(t )atches6 I thin' the&e was at 1east one Lewis victo&y ove& W1a%e' not ,o(n%6 So the &es(1ts note% a&e wea'7 b(t a11 we 2ot6 <C *R;;MLYN DAILY EAGLE Dece)be& "87 "#"+ an% NEW Y;RM TIMES Dece)be& "87 "#"+ <+ *R;;MLYN DAILY EAGLE Dece)be& 4F7 "#"+// A11 the in,o&)ation on the c&eation o, the )as' 2i))ic' ca)e ,&o) this a&tic1e6 <$ NEW Y;RM TIMES an% *R;;MLYN DAILY EAGLE Dece)be& 4"7 "#"+NThe 0a&t abo(t

Lewis c&yin2 ca)e ,&o) the Ea21e6 <F *R;;MLYN DAILY EAGLE Dece)be& <87 "#"+NLewis e>0&esse% a %i,,e&ent o0inion in his THE EN E*LISHED LEWIS *I;GRA HY w&itten in the 1ate "#C89s6 E% c1ai)e% Abe&2 was te)0e&a)enta1 an% :ea1o(s o, his stan%in27 a1ways %e)an%in2 to0 bi11in26 Sai% that Abe&2 with his ba1% hea%7 0a(nchy stance7 an% s(&1y 1oo'7 %i%n9t en%ea& hi)se1, to A)e&ican ,ans6 Lewis o, co(&se7 c1ai)e% Abe&2 %i%n9t beat hi)7 b(t was st&on2 an% to(2h b(t ve&y ove&/&ate%6 He %i%n9t (n%e&stan% why they )a%e hi) the cha)0ion o, E(&o0e o& the wo&1%6 <! THE =ACM CERLEY *I; by Steve YoheNIts wea' 0oint is havin2 )e as the a(tho&7 b(t it )ay be the on1y 01ace yo(911 ,in% in,o on =ac' C(&1ey6 <# NEW Y;RM TIMES =an(a&y 4$7 "#"$NI be1ieve Rach)ann9s cont&act e>0i&e% with the =an(a&y 4+ )atch an% that wo(1% e>01ain why W1a%e' was ab1e to )eet Steche& in the ,i&st 01ace witho(t a Rach)ann co)01aint -=an6 4F. an% W1a%e'9s 1ac' o, "0(sh" in the 1ast 0a&t o, the to(&na)ent6 W1a%e' see)s to have ,i&e% his )ana2e& at this ti)e an% si2ne% with =ac' C(&1ey6 C8 *R;;MLYN DAILY EAGLE =an(a&y 4$7 "#"$ C" *R;;MLYN DAILY EAGLE =an(a&y 4!7 "#"$ ha% the "boost" A(ote an% the NEW Y;RM TIMES =an(a&y 4!7 "#"$ ha% the "Gotch" A(ote6 C4 A1e> Abe&29s h(2e New Yo&' 0(sh 2oes (0 in s)o'e an% I 'now o, no )o&e )a:o& Abe&2 )atches in A)e&ica6 He &et(&ns to E(&o0e an% has )atches with Stan ?bys@'o in "#"+ an% "#"!6 The )ost ,a)o(s one7 in ,&ont o, the R(ssian o1ice7 he 1oses6 Abe&2 %ie% on Feb&(a&y "+7 "#487 a,te& ,i2htin2 ty0hoi% an% 0ne()onia7 at A&)avi& in So(th R(ssia6 He is b(&ie% in the sa)e 2&ave as his b&othe&/in/1aw Geo&2e L(&ich at the A&)avi& Ge&)an ce)ete&y6

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER ! Fo"# Ho"#s an$ Fi%ty &ne Min"tes o% 'o#e$o( In )"ne* a Steche#+Lewis )",y -* .!./ #e(atch was si0ne$ %o# &(aha1 The (atch was cont#acte$ "to a %inish" an$ set "2 in an o"t$oo# sta$i"( to (eet the $e(an$s o% %ans %#o( a,, ove# the (i$3west1 Sta#tin0 at -455 in the a%te#noon* it $#ew .6*555 %an an$ ,aste$ - ho"#s* 7. (in"tes an$ thi#$,y th#ee secon$s o% tota, bo#e$o(1 &nce a0ain Lewis staye$ on the $e%ense %o# the enti#e (atch1 Steche# co",$n8t ta9e hi( $own o# even 0et a ho,$ on hi(1 'asica,,y* nothin0 ha22ene$ %o# %ive ho"#s1 Steche# was (o#e wa#y in this (atch* a,ways the a00#esso#* b"t he neve# too9 any chances that wo",$ a,,ow Lewis to 0et behin$ hi( o# hoo9 hi(1 Seve#a, ti(es )oe 0ot in the $own 2osition in the (i$$,e o% the #in0* an$ ,et Lewis 0et on to2* b"t on the ca,, %o# action by the #e%e#ee E$ S(ith* Lewis :"st stoo$ bac9 "2 in the $e%ense 2osition1 At 6455* $a#9ness set in* an$ the 2#o(ote#* Gene Me,a$y* 2#o2ose$ that the (atch be sto22e$ an$ #es"(e$ in the (o#nin01 This wo",$ have a,,owe$ the( to w#est,e a,, $ay1 Steche# a0#ee$ b"t San$ow an$ Lewis sai$ the cont#act #ea$ that it was "to a %inish" an$ not to be sto22e$1 As $a#9ness %e,,* a"to(obi,es with thei# hea$,i0hts on we#e b#o"0ht in to s"##o"n$ the #in0 an$ ,i0ht the a#ea1 So it contin"e$ with Lewis $oin0 nothin0 b"t bac9in0 away1 The %ans* %o# the ,ast ha,% ho"#* th#ew seat c"shions in an atte(2t to hit the w#est,e#s an$ :a# the( into action1 When a %inish was ca,,e$ at -47.4;;* the 2o,ice* :"(2in0 into the #in0* we#e hit by si< o% the c"shions1 #o(ote# Me,a$y* who was (o#e o% a s2o#ts(an that a w#est,in0 2#o(ote#* wante$ to contin"e the (atch the ne<t $ay* b"t* by the ne<t $ay* no one e,se ca#e$1 A co((ittee o% s2o#ts w#ite#s $eci$e$ the (atch was ove# an$ it was #",e$ a $#aw1 =-;> The #es",t was a scan$a, that ca(e c,ose to 9i,,in0 2#o w#est,in0 in &(aha1 The 2"#se o% both Lewis an$ Steche#* ?7*5@@* was he,$ "2 "nti, )",y A* when San$ow8s sta#te$ to %i,e a s"it ove# the (oney1 'oth we#e b,a(e$ %o# the te##ib,e (atch b"t the hate %e,, on Lewis beca"se )oe was the ho(eboy an$ the a00#esso#1 In &(aha an$ (ost o% the (i$3west* Lewis was neve# %o#0iven an$ he was a,ways %o#ce$ to 2,ay hee,1 A #o,e he see(e$ bo#n to 2,ay1 It wasn8t :"st a ba$ (atch* the 2eo2,e o% Neb#as9a ,ost tho"san$s o% $o,,a#s bettin0 on Steche#1 'e%o#e an$ a%te# the (atch* no one %e,t Lewis ha$ a chance o% beatin0 o# 2innin0 Steche#* so the #ea, bet was on the ,en0th o% the (atch1 )oe won a,, his (atches in sho#t ti(e an$ st#ai0ht %a,,s* so the %a#(e# ty2es tho"0ht it was a sa%e bet to 2"t thei# (oney on "Steche# "n$e# /5 (in"te" o# even "n$e# ;5 (in"tes1 As the (atch contin"e$* they 9e2t #aisin0 thei# bets with each ha,% ho"#1 A s(a,, %o#t"ne was (a$e by the Lewis beate#s an$ bi0 city 0a(b,e#s a,, ove# the co"nt#y1 Lewis was wi,,in0 to sta,, an$ #"in the contest beca"se the (oney was in the 0a(b,in0* not winnin0 a (atch o# a tit,e1 Steche#* hi(se,%* was 2#obab,y in on it an$ (a$e (oney1 The wo#$ "(a#9" was a 0a(b,in0 te#( ,on0 be%o#e it was "se$ by the w#est,in0 wo#,$B1so %i0"#e that o"t1=--> In the $ays %o,,owin0 the event* Steche# atte(2te$ to 2aci%y the %ans by (a9in0 a 2#o(ise that he wo",$ not w#est,e Lewis a0ain "n,ess the (atch was in &(aha1 He see(e$ to inten$ to 9ee2 his wo#$* beca"se the ne<t yea# he #e%"se$ a Lewis (atch in San F#ancisco "sin0 this 2#o(ise as a #eason1 &nce Lewis was o"t o% #each o% anyone who ha$ act"a,,y seen the (atch* San$ow to,$ sto#ies o% a b#"ta, %ive ho"# (atch that ha$ Steche# so wo#n o"t that he co",$n8t have ,aste$ anothe# ten (in"tes1 'i,,y c,ai(e$ that Steche# s2ent the ni0ht* a%te# the (atch* in a hos2ita, with a 2",se o% .;-* whi,e Lewis went o"t $ancin01 He sai$ that the ca# ,i0hts we#e "se$ a%te# $a#9ness* beca"se the (atch was 0ettin0 bette# as it went on an$ the %ans $i$n8t want to (iss any o% the action1 He a,so c,ai(e$ the c#ies o% FACE we#e beca"se the Neb#as9an %ans co",$n8t be,ieve so(eone co",$ ,ast with thei# cha(2ion1 So a scan$a,o"s an$ e(ba##assin0 (ove(ent was t"#ne$ into a Lewis t#i"(2h :"st by the "se$ o% ,ies1 =-7> F#o( .!.7 to .!@.* %o"# w#est,e#s $o(inate$ 2#o w#est,in01 Th#ee o% the(* Lewis* Steche# an$ W,a$e9 DbysE9o* we have a,#ea$y been int#o$"ce$ to1 The %o"#th was

Ea#, Ca$$oc91 F#o( .!5! to .!.-* wo#9in0 o"t o% Anita Iowa* Ca$$oc9 was the best a(ate"# (i$$,ewei0ht an$ ,i0ht3heavy wei0ht w#est,e# in the co"nt#y1 A%te# winnin0 both the AAF ,i0ht heavywei0ht an$ AAF heavywei0ht tit,es in San F#ancisco on A2#i, .A* .!.7* Ca$$oc9 t"#ne$ #o in May .!.71 Li9e Steche#* he #an o%% a ,ine o% victo#ies ove# so(e o% the best w#est,e#s in the s2o#t* beatin0 )esse Weste#0aa#$* Cha#,es Cha,,an$e#* C,a#ence E9,"n$* 'ob Mana0o%%* Mo#t Hen$e#son* an$ )ohn F#ebe#01 &n Dec1 .* .!.7* Ca$$oc9 o"t c,asse$ Ma#in ,estina in two st#ai0ht %a,, at At,antic* Iowa1 Gene Ma,a$y was 2#esent at the (atch an$ si0ne$ Ca$$oc9 to a cont#act1 As one o% the (ost in%,"entia, s2o#ts(en in A(e#ica* he wo",$ (ana0e# Ca$$oc9 to the to2 o% the 2#o%ession1 Ca$$oc9 was 2#obab,y the best t#"e w#est,e#* 2o"n$ %o# 2o"n$* o% his ti(e an$ (aybe o% a,, ti(e1 Ca,,e$ "The Man o% a Tho"san$ Ho,$s" he neve# wei0hte$ (o#e than .!5 2o"n$s b"t ha$ wins ove# the 0iants1 He a,so was a 0#eat wo#9e#* who neve# ha$ a ba$ (atch1 In May an$ )"ne o% .!./* Ca$$oc9 was t#ainin0 with the Se,,s3F,oto Ci#c"s wo#9in0 with the Fa#(e# '"#ns 0#o"2* b"t ,e%t on )"ne A1 It was on )",y .6 that Gotch b#o9e his ,e%t ,e0 en$in0 any tho"0ht o% a s"2e# (atch with Steche#1 With o"t the e<3cha(2* the Steche#s ,oo9e$ to Ca$$oc9 to be the ne<t (a:o# conten$e# on his sche$",e1=-/> In ,ate .!./* Lewis was wo#9in0 o"t o% Savannah* Geo#0ia* a town 2#o(ote$ by 'i,,y San$ow8s b#othe#* Ma< 'a"(ann1 Late in the yea# San$ow si0ne$ E$ %o# two (atches in San F#ancisco* Ca,i%o#nia1 &n the way Lewis w#est,e$ an$ $e%eate$ the I#ish w#est,e# at Conne,,y at 'i,,in0s Montana on Nov1 ;51 Lewis in:"#e$ his an9,e in the (atch an$ he was in a 0#eat $ea, o% 2ain on the t#ain #i$e to San F#ancisco1 He was t#eate$ by a %e(a,e Docto# na(e$ A$a Scott Mo#ton* who8s o%%ice was in San )ose1 She t#eate$ E$ on the t#ain an$ at he# hos2ita, in San F#ancisco1 E$8s an9,e i(2#ove$* as $i$ his ,ove ,i%e* when a #o(ance %o,,owe$1 =-A> At the ti(e* the ,a$y Docto# was (a##ie$ to a D#1 An$#ew W1 Mo#ton o% San )ose1 They $ivo#ce$ a#o"n$ Feb#"a#y .!.A1 &n Dece(be# ..* .!./* Steche# #an into so(e t#o"b,e o% his own that en$e$ his 2e#io$ o% invincibi,ity1 At S2#in0%ie,$* he was (atche$ with an &,y(2ic si,ve# (e$a, winne# in )ohn &,in1 &,in was Finn who see(e$ ,ost in A(e#ica1 &n ta9in0 the (atch* he was on,y inte#este$ in his 2"#se an$ see(e$ 2,ease$ to be 2ic9e$ to $o a :ob with the 0#eat )oe Steche#1 It $i$n8t see( ,i9e an i(2o#tant (atch an$ Tony Steche#* the cha(2ion8s (ana0e#* $i$n8t atten$ the (atch1=-Aa> &,in8s (ana0e# %o# that one ni0ht was anothe# w#est,e#* H:a,(a# L"n$in1 &,in a0#ee$ to 2"t on a show with the cha(2ion* b"t wante$ so(e #es2ect1 L"n$in went to ta,9 abo"t the (atch in Steche#8s $#essin0 #oo( b"t co",$n8t %in$ Tony1 He $eci$e$ to 2,ay with &,in8s hea$* who $i$n8t "n$e#stan$ ("ch En0,ish* so on #et"#n to,$ hi( that Steche# 2,ane$ to beat hi( in one (in"te1 This "2set the Finn* so the (atch t"#ne$ into a shoot1 Two ho"#s into the (atch* &,in wante$ to G"it* b"t L"n$in to,$ hi( that the#e we#e a#(e$ Finn 0a(b,e#s in the c#ow$* who ha$ bet ?.*555 on hi(* an$ they we#e 0oin0 to shoot hi( i% he G"it1 At %o"# ho"#s an$ -5 (in"te* the two w#est,e#s we#e "#o"0h ho"sin0" o"tsi$e the #in0* an$ Steche# :"st G"it an$ ,e%t %o# the $#essin0 #oo(1 He ha$ an in:"#e$ #i0ht sho",$e#* an$ witho"t Tony Steche# to 2#otect o# cont#o, hi(* he :"st wa,9e$ o%%1 &,in was anno"nce$ as the winne# b"t he $i$n8t c,ai( the tit,e Hhe see(e$ (o#e inte#este$ in 0ettin0 a ,a#0e# 2"#seI an$ Steche# $i$ not 2#ono"nce hi( as new cha(2ion1 So )oe #e(aine$ the wo#,$ cha(2ion in the eyes o% the 2"b,ic* a,tho"0h so(e we#e con%"se$1 It wasn8t "nti, .!.A* that 2#o(ote#s 0ot a ho,$ o% &,in to c#eate a tit,e ,ine* which we ca,, the "&,in ,ine"1=-6> San F#ancisco* "n$e# the 2#o(otion o% F#an9 Sch",e#* was a (a:o# w#est,in0 town in .!.A1 The (a:o# sta# in town was A$ Sante, who was a #iva, to C,anence E9,"n$* )i( Lon$os* an$ Ea#, Ca$$oc9 %o# the tit,e o% the best ,i0ht heavywei0ht in A(e#ica1 Lewis w#est,e$ Sante, at the San F#ancisco Civic A"$ito#i"( on Dece(be# .@* .!./ in a (atch with a two ho"# ti(e ,i(it1 Lewis 2inne$ Sante, in .4-@45- "sin0 his hea$,oc9 a%te# A$ (a$e the (ista9e o% sto22in0 to 2",, "2 his ti0hts1 Lewis :"(2e$ on hi( an$ 0ave hi( a %,yin0 c#oss b"ttoc9 Hhi23,oc9I to the (att1 Sante, t#ie$ to b#ea9 o"t "sin0 a b#i$0e b"t E$ wo",$n8t ,et 0o an$ a 2in was #",e$1 I $on8t 9now when Lewis %i#st "se$ his hea$,oc9 an$ (a$e it the %oc"s o% his attac9* b"t this is the %i#st #e2o#t that I can be s"#e the ho,$ was in e%%ect* b"t the #e2o#t a,so #e%e##e$ to the ho,$ as the "%a(o"s hea$,oc9"1 Sante, %o"0ht ,i9e a ti0e# %o# the ,ast .A (in"tes b"t was "nab,e to win a %a,, be%o#e the two ho"# ti(e ,i(it #an o"t1 So E$ won the (atch by the

"won on,y %a,," HW&FI #",e1 It was a ve#y 0oo$ (atch an$ Ha state(ent we8,, see in (any Lewis (atches ve#ses s(a,,e# w#est,e#sI a (o#a, victo#y %o# Sante, beca"se he was o"t wei0hte$ by -@ 2o"n$s1 It $#ew A*755 an$ a 0ate a#o"n$ ?.5*555 which was ve#y 0oo$ at the ti(e1=-!> JJ Contin"e to CHA TER .5 F&&TN&TES -; CHICAG& TRI'FNE )",y 7* .!./ -- WATERL&& EKENING C&FRIER AND RE &RTER Dece(be# ;5* .!./LLewis a$(its to the 0a(b,in0 sche(e1 -7 NATI&NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE4 THE FNT&LD ST&RY &F THE M&N& &LY THAT STRANGLED R& WRESTLING by Ti( Ho#nba9e# H2a0e //I has an e<a(2,e o% the sto#y bein0 to,$ in San$ow8s wo#$s in .!@51 -/ EARL CADD&CC4 THE MAN &F A TH&FSAND H&LDS by Steve Yohe -A THE FN F'LISHED LEWIS 'I&GRA HY 2a0e .5@333So(e o% the 2a0es in E$8s 'io ha$ n"(be#s* ,i9e this one1 Lewis c,ai(e$ the Conno,,y (atch was in '"tte Montana1 -Aa 'oth )oe an$ Tony we#e in the (i$$,e o% wo#9in0 honey(oons1 -6 '&ST&N GL&'E Nov1 .@* .!./ Rea$in0 "&N THE MAT AND &FF4 MEM&IRS &F A WRESTLER" by H:a,(a# L"n$in* I ca(e "2on this ve#sion o% the Steche#+&,in tit,e chan0e1 &n 2a0e .;@ L"n$in* who (ana0e$ &,in an$ 0ot hi( the (atch with Steche#* see(s to say that* be%o#e the (atch &,in was wi,,in0 to $o the :ob M is G"ote$4 "Yo" s2ea9 Steche#111he not 0o so %ast111(e 0ive 0oo$ show"1 So L"n$in went to Steche#8s $#essin0 #oo( b"t the (ana0e# Tony Steche# wasn8t 2#esent an$ he saw no "se in ta,9in0 to )oe1 L"n$in went bac9 to &,in an$ to,$ hi( that4 "Steche# says he wi,, beat yo" in one (in"te"1 This "2set )ohn who sai$ "&h11no11not one (in"te1" D"#in0 the (atch* Steche# co",$n8t ho,$ &,in in the scisso#s beca"se the %in co",$ $o a ve#y hi0h b#i$0e M b#ea9 it1 )oe was 0ettin0 "2set M &,in was e<ha"ste$1 )ohn to,$ L"n$in* he wante$ a $#aw beca"se that wo",$ have been a h"0e thin0 at that ti(e in Steche#8s ca#ee#1 L"n$in 9new )oe $i$n8t ,oo9 0oo$ M to,$ &,in that the#e was a %in in the a"$ience* who ha$ bet ?.*555 on hi(* who wo",$ shoot hi( i% he G"it1 So &,in contin"e$1 Ha,% an ho"# ,ate#* Steche# G"it1 Now the boo9 says that &,in was to,$ he was the new cha(2ion M &,in8s wo#$s we#e "Me111no cha(2ion111(e co"nt#y boy111no s2ea9a En0,ish11yo" (a9a11,itt,e (oney11(aybe"1 So it8s not c,ea# b"t it (ay be that &,in #e%"se$ the tit,e1 Mo#e ,ate#1

L"n$in says he8s s"#e that it wo",$ have been a $#aw i% Tony Steche# ha$ been 2#esent1 Seein0 the con$ition o% both w#est,e#s* he is s"#e that Tony wo",$ have co(e to hi( with the o%%e# M L"n$in wo",$ have ta9en it beca"se he 9new &,in wante$ to G"it1 A,, )oe ha$ to say was4 "It8s a,, in the 0a(e"1 Steche# was a 0oo$ ,ose#1 Late# in the boo9 on 2a0e .-;* whi,e ta,9in0 abo"t )ac9 She##y M $i%%e#ent wo#,$ cha(2ion c,ai(s* L"n$in says "Yea#s a0o a tit,e ho,$e# was the cha(2ion th#o"0ho"t the co"nt#y1 )ohn &,in $e%eate$ the ho,$e# o% the c#own* )oe Steche#* b"t the %o#(e# #e%"se$ the hono#* an$ a%te# that I co",$ not %o,,ow "2 the #ei0n1" So it see(s we have the t#"e (ana0e# o% &,in sayin0 that the tit,e was #e%"se$ on that ni0ht1 e#ha2s %o# (o#e (oney1 An$ that see(s to be the #eason Steche# co",$ contin"e his tit,e c,ai(1 -! SAN FRANCISC& CHR&NICLE Dece(be# .;* .!./

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" !#!$ an% The &'in Wo('% Tit'e Lewis ha% a (e)atch with Sante' on *an+ ,- !#!$ that en%e% ./ a ,01"0"! %(aw+ Steche( was to )eet the winne( an% he /ic2e% Sante' wantin3 the Lewis (e)atch in &)aha+45"6 &n Feb+ ,,- Steche( %est(oye% Sante' in two st(ai3ht 7a''s+ The )atch %(ew !,-""" 7ans an% 8!,-9:1+ Steche( s/ent two wee2s at the en% o7 *an.a(y at E;ce'sio( S/(in3s- Neb(as2a (eceivin3 t(eat)ent on his (i3ht sho.'%e(+ Docto(s (eco))en%e% that he ta2e th(ee )onths o77 b.t he (et.(ne% to the (in3 on Feb(.a(y $+ The(e we(e a'so (.)o(s o7 a ne(vo.s b(ea2 %own+ <etween Steche( an% Lewis- I 7ee' that Steche( was the s./e(io( w(est'e(- b.t the one a(ea that Lewis %o)inate% was his %.(abi'ity- which 3ave hi) the abi'ity to ta2e /.nish)ent ni3ht a7te( ni3ht in 'on3 cha)/ionshi/ contests+ Steche(=s bo%y wo.'% b(ea2 %own an% he nee%e% ti)e o77 to (ecove(- whi'e Lewis=s /owe(7.' bo%y see)e% ab'e to abso(b /.nish)ent an% 2ee/ 3oin3+ Steche( contin.e% to 7o''ow Lewis a(o.n% the West Coast- an% both w(est'e% )atches in Los An3e'es+ They we(e bein3 bi''e% as the two 3(eatest w(est'e(s in the wo('%+ Whi'e t(ainin3 at the Los An3e'es Ath'etic C'.b- Steche( co)/'aine% o7 a 2nee in>.(y- a (es.'t o7 the )atch with Sante'+ In ea('y !#!$- Lewis wo(2e% in an ea('y Do.3'as Fai(ban2s )ovie- eithe( as a st.nt )an o( an e;t(a+ The na)e o7 the 7ive (ee' 7i') was "REACHING F&R THE M&&N"+ I wo.'% thin2 Lewis 2new <.'' Montana- Fai(ban2s t(aine( an% 7(ien%- o( )et Fai(ban2s at the Los An3e'es Ath'etic C'.b+ Lewis )ay have been invo've% in a sho(t 7i3ht scene in the 7i')+ The )ovie was (e'ease% on Nove)be( !$- !#!$+ 45"a6 In Feb(.a(y an% Ma(ch- Lewis w(est'e% in Caton &hio- No(7o'2- ?i(3inia- an% Ho.ston- Te;as beatin3 so)e o7 his o'% 7avo(ites- Cha('ey C.t'e(- <en Ro''e(a.' Ma(tinson- an% Ivan Linow- in two st(ai3ht 7a''s+ The ti(e% Steche(- in>.(e%- sic2- an% new'y )a((ie%- 'ost his tit'e 7o( (ea' on A/(i' :- !#!$ in &)aha to his o'% 7(ien% an% .n%e7eate% (iva' Ea(' Ca%%oc2+ Steche( 7o(ce% the action in the 7i(st 7a''- beca.se Ca%%oc2 was on the %e7ense 7o( an ho.(- so his 'oca' 7ans co.'% win thei( bets on hi) 'astin3 9" )in.tes+ Ea(' then ca)e o.t o7 his she''- b.t the cha)/ion won the 7a'' in one ho.( an% ,, )in.tes with a scisso(s an% bo%y 'oc2+ In the ,n% 7a''- Ca%%oc2 went a7te( *oe+ At the 55 )in.te )a(2- he see)e% to /in Steche( .sin3 a hea% scisso( an% a En3'ish a() ba(- b.t the )ove was not a''owe% by the (e7e(ee- who c'ai)e% he ha% o(%e(e% a b(ea2 an% a (et.(n to the cente( o7 the )at+ The )atch contin.e% 7o( anothe( :" )in.tes .nti' Ca%%oc2 too2 the 7a'' with a 7.'' ne'son an% /in+ The c(ow% went n.ts seein3 Steche( /inne% 7o( the 7i(st ti)e in his ca(ee(+ When the b(ea2 between 7a''s en%e%- Steche( %i%n=t (et.(n to the (in3+ A7te( notice was se(ve% to secon%s @*oe Het)ane2A to /(o%.ce *oe o( e'se- e'se ha//ene%- an% Ca%%oc2 was 3iven the thi(% 7a'' an% wo('% cha)/ionshi/+45!6 The(e a(e a 'ot o7 (easons 3iven 7o( Steche(=s (e7.sa' to (et.(n+ He )i3ht have been in>.(e%- o( sic2- o( >.st too wo(n o.t+ *oe wo.'% c'ai) he wasn=t eve( to'% to (et.(n by his )ana3e(- an% s.ch a %o.b'eBc(oss was /ossib'e beca.se the Steche(s ha% atte)/te% to %.)/ )ana3e( *oe Het)ane2 7o( the Gotch ca)/ in Dece)be( !#!9+ I thin2 it was a wo(2e% en%in3 that was !#!$=s ve(sion o7 a sc(ew 7inish+ Steche( nee%e% ti)e o77 an% >.st %.)/e% the tit'e to t(.ste% 7(ien% Ea(' Ca%%oc2+45,6 Steche( w(est'e% two )ino( )atches in A/(i'- then %i%n=t w(est'e .nti' Se/te)be(+ &n Se/te)be( 1- !#!$- he beat Ma(in 'estina in &)aha+ &n Se/t+ !,the Steche(=s cont(act with *oe Het)ane2 en%e%- an% Tony Steche( too2 ove( as *oe )ana3e(+ <y !#!$- /(o)ote(s ha% convince% *ohn &'in to c'ai) the wo('% tit'e- so on May ,- !#!$ he %e7en%e% this tit'e ve(se St(an3'e( Lewis in Chica3o+ The )atch was (e7e(ee% by F(an2 Gotch an% Lewis won his 7i(st t(.e wo('% cha)/ionshi/ when &'in in>.(e% his sho.'%e( an% co.'%n=t contin.e a7te( two ho.(s an% 1$ )in.tes+ &'in a%)itte% %e7eat b.t co)/'aine% that (e7e(ee Gotch was coachin3 Lewis at ti)es %.(in3 the )atch+ A7te( the )atch- Gotch /(aise% Lewis sayin3 he was the

best w(est'e( in the wo('%+4516 The &'in Tit'e 'ine was 7o(3otten by o.( ti)e an% 3ot 'itt'e (eco3nition in !#!$- b.t so)e )ay have tho.3ht o7 it as the t(.e "in the (in3" wo('% tit'e- so it has to be consi%e(e% a bi3 )o)ent in Lewis=s ca(ee(+ Gotch is o7 ve(y 'itt'e he'/ to histo(ians o7 ,"!! with his C.otes an% tit'es beC.eaths to va(io.s w(est'e(s ove( his 'ate( yea(s+ In *.ne !#!$- his hea'th wo(sene% an% in &ctobe( he was a%)itte% to a Chica3o hos/ita'+ &n Dec+ !9- !#!$F(an2 Gotch %ie% 7(o) D(e)ic @.(eicA /oisonin3 @.s.a''y )eanin3 2i%ney 7ai'.(eA a(o.n% noon at his ho)e in H.)bo't- Iowa+ The /(o.% cha)/ion wei3hte% !!5 /o.n%s an% ha% 'ost ).ch o7 his )enta' 7ac.'ties by the ti)e o7 his %eath+ He was a (ich )an- ownin3 two 7a()s- an a.to %ea'e(shi/ an% 'an% in the Da2otas- Seatt'ean% Cana%a+ He was a'so a ban2 %i(ecto( an% /(esi%ent o7 a 'oca' st(eet (ai'way an% an e'ect(ic 'i3ht co)/any+ His 7.ne(a' was he'% on Dece)be( !# in 7(ont o7 ,-""" /eo/'e- with his e.'o3y 3iven by the 3ove(no( o7 Iowa+ The(e wo.'% be no )o(e F(an2 Gotch co)ebac2s+ (o w(est'in3 wo.'% have to s.(vive witho.t hi)+ &n May !!- *ohn &'in 'ost to W'a%e2 EbysF2o in Lo.isvi''e when he was a3ain .nab'e to contin.e %.e to an in>.(y+ A7te( *oe Steche(=s %est(.ction o7 ho)e town 7avo(ite A% Sante' in Feb(.a(y !#!$- San F(ancisco w(est'in3 7e'' bac2 into ha(% ti)es+ (o)ote( F(an2 Sch.'e( 3ave ./ his /osition as /(o)ote( to a''ow a )a(2 na)e% Cha('ey New)an- whose (ea' >ob was owne( o7 the 'a(3est sa'oon on Ma(2et St(eet- to ta2e cont(o'+ <ac2 in New Yo(2- *ac2 C.('ey ha% a yo.n3 )an na)e% *ac2 Gea(ns wo(2in3 o%% >obs 7o( hi)+ Gea(ns- 'ate( beco)e 7a)o.s as the )ana3e( o7 *ac2 De)/sey- b.t in !#!$ he was hate% by eve(yone in New Yo(2 City+ Ea('y that yea(- C.('ey 3ot (i% o7 Gea(ns by sen%in3 hi) to San F(ancisco to )ana3e a w(est'e( na)e% Tony @AntonA I(sa+ A% Sante'=s (e/.tation ha% been %a)a3e% by the beatin3 3iven to hi) by Steche( an% he was havin3 t(o.b'e with his /(o)ote( Sch.'e(+ Sante' at a 'oca' 3y) o77e(e% to wo(2 o.t with I(sa+ His nee% to 3et bac2 on the 3oo% si%e o7 Sch.'e( )otivate% a %o.b'eBc(oss on Gea(ns+ Sante' shot an% %est(oye% I(sa in 7(ont o7 the 'oca' s/o(ts w(ite(s+ With his w(est'e( (.ine%- Gea(ns was 'e7t in &a2'an% with nothin3 to %o+ So he 7o.n% a %own on his '.c2 bo;e( na)e% *ac2 De)/sey an% sta(te% )ana3in3 hi) a(o.n% A/(i' !#!$+ Gea(n beco)es b.%%ies with Cha('ey "what )e wo((y" New)an451a6 an% ta'2e% hi) into ban2(o''in3 a LewisHEbysF2o tit'e )atch in San F(ancisco+ Dsin3 his contacts with C.('ey- Gea(n 3ot New)an to 3ive 81-""" 3.a(antees to both W'a%e2 an% Lewis- /'.s e;/enses+ Lewis an% San%ow a((ive% in town 7o( a wee2 o7 t(ainin3 be7o(e the *.ne 9- !#!$ )atch+ W'a%e2 an% his )ana3e( *ac2 C.('ey %i% the sa)e+ A(o.n% that ti)e- Gea(n %isa//ea(e%- 'eavin3 New)an a'one to thin2 abo.t the 'a(3e 3.a(antees+ He soon (ea'iFe% that the 3.a(antees- >.st 3.a(antee% he was 3oin3 to 'ose a 'ot o7 )oney+ With C.('ey- San%ow- Lewis- an% Gea(n a'' in one city wo(2in3 ove( a )a(2 'i2e New)an- yo. can .n%e(stan% the )ess 3oin3 on+ New)an wante% to cance' the ca(% b.t the 3(o./ o7 w(est'in3 /(os )ana3e% to 3et hi) to the a(ena that ni3ht)ain'y beca.se he ha% a'(ea%y 3iven the) e;/ense )oney+ At #0"" they co.nte% 8I19 in the bo; o77ice+ New)an 7(ea2e% an% twice the )atch was cance''e%+ New)an (e7.se% to /ay- sayin3 Gea(n sho.'% /ic2 ./ ha'7 o7 the bi''+ Gea(n to'% eve(yone that New)an was han%'in3 the 7inancia' en% o7 the a77ai(+ At #01"- 7ans we(e sta(tin3 to (iot in the a(ena an% the /o'ice we(e b(o.3ht in+ At so)e /oint- C.('ey a3(ee% to a co)/(o)ise o7 8!-:"" 7o( W'a%e2 an% San%ow a3(ee% to 8,-""" 7o( Lewis+45:6 At !"05I- Lewis an% W'a%e2 ente(e% the (in3+ It en%e% at !0:5 AM+ The two an% a ha'7 ho.( ti)e 'i)it (an o.t with EbysF2o winnin3 the on'y 7a'' on a 7'.2e+ Lewis ha% W'a%e2 in a ho'% with EbysF2o ho'%in3 the (o/es as E% /.''e%+ The (e7e(ee to'% W'a%e2 to 'et 3oJso he %i% an% both /e(7o()e(s 7e'' into the (in3J with W'a%e2 on to/+ This was (.'e% a 7'yin3 7a'' 7o( EbysF2o+ Lewis was the a33(esso( an% 'oo2e% to be the bette( )an- b.t he 'ost+ No tit'e was eve( )entione% in the San F(ancisco news/a/e( b.t 'ate(- in <oston- it was )a%e /'ain that Lewis 'ost his &'in Line wo('% tit'e in the )ess+4556 The news/a/e( /(ono.nce% w(est'in3 %ea% in the city an% New)an sai% he wo.'% neve( /(o)ote a3ain a7te( 'osin3 at 'east 8,-!""+ Then- two %ays 'ate(- o'% /(o)ote( F(an2 Sch.'e( ste//e% 7o(wa(% sayin3 the city was sti'' a'ive an% he was a3ain ta2in3 ove( the /(o)otion+ San F(ancisco w(est'in3 was bac2 in the han%s o7 /(o7essiona's+ C.('ey was )a% at Gea(ns ove( the inci%ent- so Gea(n was

neve( invo've% with the w(est'in3 3a)e a3ain+ He was st.c2 with the )ana3in3 o7 *ac2 De)/sey+ E% Lewis was ha//y beca.se he 3ot to s/en% th(ee wee2s co.(tin3 D(+ A%a Scott Mo(ton in San *ose+ &n *.ne ,!- Lewis 3ave a %e/osition in a co.(t case invo'vin3 A%a an% he( e;Bh.sban% D(+ An%(ew W+ Mo(ton+ An%(ew was see2in3 to (ecove( 8$"-""" wo(th o7 /(o/e(ty @an o(an3e 3(oveA %ee%e% to his 7o()e( wi7e in a %ivo(ce sett'e)ent in Feb(.a(y !#!$+ He was c'ai)in3 7(a.% an% )is(e/(esentation- /ossib'y as a (es.'t o7 he( (e'ationshi/ with a ce(tain w(est'e(+455b6 Lewis /(o%.ce% a77i%avits that /(ove% he was on the East Coast an% not in the West on the %ate cha(3e%+455c6 Lewis 3ot a (e)atch with W'a%e2 on a bi3 *.'y : ca(% at <(aves Fie'% in <oston+ W'a%e2 won the 7i(st 7a'' in 5$0:5 by (eve(sin3 a c(otch ho'% into a bo%y (o'' an% /in+ EbysF2o in>.(e% his (i3ht e'bow an% a 2nee %.(in3 the ,n% 7a'' when he was th(own o.t the (in3+ Lewis then /inne% hi) with a ha'7Bne'son in ,:0::+ EbysF2o ha% to be ca((ie% to the %(essin3 (oo) 7o( the (est /e(io% an% eve(yone was s.(/(ise% at his 3a)eness in (et.(nin3 7o( the 1(% 7a''s- b.t he was no )atch 7o( Lewis+ The )atch was sto//e% in :5 secon%s+ This )atch was bi''e% 7o( the &'in wo('% tit'e an% E% (e3aine% it+ The c(ow% was sai% to have been one o7 the 'a(3est in <oston s/o(ts histo(y+4596 W'a%e2 3ot his tit'e (e)atch on Se/te)be( 1- !#!$- w(est'in3 a %(aw with Lewis at <i()in3ha)- A'aba)a+ KK Contin.e to CHA TER !! F&&TN&TES 5" SAN FRANCISC& CHR&NICLE *an+ 1- !#!$ 5"a This in7o()ation on the 7i') "REACHING F&R THE M&&N" was s.//'ie% by histo(ian Gen ?iewe(- who has been wo(2in3 on 7in%in3 o'% w(est'in3 )atches th(o.3h news(ee' co)/anies an% .nive(sities with 7i') 'ib(a(ies+ The 7i') see)s to e;ist on D?D- b.t I=ve neve( seen it+ 5! *&E STECHER by Steve Yohe THE DES M&INES REGISTER A/(i' !"- !#!$ CHICAG& TRI<DNE A/(i' !"- !#!$ 5, State)ents 7(o) the A/(i' !! DES M&INES REGISTER0 Re7e(ee Cha('ey She()an0 "When Ca%%oc2 ca)e bac2 into the (in3 7o( the thi(% 7a''- *oe Het)ane2- Steche(=s )ana3e(- ca)e a(o.n% to Ca%%oc2=s co(ne(- an% in the /(esence o7 @F(an2A Gotch- Ca%%oc2- )yse'7- an% I be'ieve Gene Me'a%y- sai% Steche( ha% in>.(e% his nec2 an% wo.'% not co)e bac2 7o( anothe( bo.t+ Then I awa(%e% the )atch to Ca%%oc2- which was the on'y thin3 to %o .n%e( the ci(c.)stances+" *oe Steche(0 "I have b.t 7ew e;c.ses an% no co)/'aint+ I was honest'y %e7eate%inso7a( as the 7a'' I 'ost was conce(ne%+ <.t as to the 7ina' %ecision o7 the (e7e(ee- I ).st say that when in )y (oo) a7te( this 7a'' nobo%y noti7ie% )e that the ti)e was ./- as eithe( )y )ana3e(- M(+ Me'a%y- o( the (e7e(ee sho.'%- an% whi'e I was s.77e(in3 3(eat'y 7(o) a (.nnin3 ea( an% a s.(3in3 co'% in )y hea% an% chest- I was (ea%y to 3o bac2- to 3o on with the )atch- an% inten%e% to- b.t was not 3iven the o//o(t.nity+ <.t I have no ha(sh wo(%s 7o( anyone+ I was beaten an% that is a'' the(e is to it- an% in Ea(' Ca%%oc2 the 3a)e has an honest an% %ese(vin3 s.ccesso( to )yse'7+" Mana3e( *oe Het)ane20 "I went to *oe=s %(essin3 (oo) %.(in3 the inte()ission a7te( Ca%%oc2=s 7a''- an% when the Ca%%oc2 hench)en we(e c'a)o(in3 that the )atch be awa(%e% to Ea(' on the 3(o.n%s that ti)e was ./ an% *oe (e7.se% to (et.(n- I to'% Tony to h.((y an% 3et *oe o.t- b.t he (e/'ie% that *oe sai%0 "I won=t 3o bac2 an% yo. can=t )a2e )e 3o bac2L" Gnowin3 *oe- I then h.((ie% o.t an% in7o()e% the (e7e(ee that *oe (e7.se% to (et.(n+ <.t it is a'' histo(y now an% I on'y want to say that *oe Steche( was not hi)se'7+ He was i'' 7(o) seve(a' ca.ses- b.t at that he ha% Ca%%oc2 beaten easi'y- when he %i% show 7'ashes o7 his 7o()- an% as hi)se'7- I thin2 is 7a( an% away the bette( )an+"

<ac2 to Yohe0 Yo. can te'' 7(o) this Mana3e( Het)ane2- who on'y access to wi''in3 to %.)/ the 'oss in his 'a/+ wo(2e% sc(ew 7inish %esi3ne% to 3ive

that the Steche( %i% see) to be 7e% ./ with *oe was th(o.3h Tony an% they see)e% I stic2 to )y theo(y that this was >.st a *oe (est away 7(o) the tit'e+ Eve(ythin3

/oints to thatJan% the 7act that it was anothe( way to )a2e )oney o77 o7 3a)b'e(s sweeten the i%ea+ *oe was a st(an3e 3.y an% ve(y si)/'e+ He >.st wante% to w(est'e an% ca(e 'itt'e abo.t anythin3 e'se+ Tony was the b(ains an% ha% cont(o'+ Anothe( theo(y not no()a''y state% isJ)aybe *oe was to'% in the %(essin3 (oo)- 7o( the 7i(st ti)e- that he was 'osin3Jan% th(. ethics o( e3o(e7.se% to 3o bac2 o.t to >ob+ I %o.bt it b.t it=s anothe( i%ea to thin2 abo.t+ So)e wi'' want )e to say it was a shoot an% what ha//enJha//en+ Eve(yone is 7(ee to thin2 what they want beca.se no one (ea''y 2nows no( wi'' anyone eve( (ea''y 2now+ It=s >.st 7.n+ It sho.'% be note% that Steche( /(oc'ai)s Ca%%oc2 the new cha)/ion- so)ethin3 that %i%n=t ha//en a7te( the *ohn &'in )atch+ I thin2 it=s a t(a%ition that the o'% cha)/ion has to 3ive the tit'e to the ne;t one+ A'so F(an2 Gotch was (in3si%e an% in view o7 eve(yone+ In the o77icia' /hotos- ta2en be7o(e the )atch- Gotch is stan%in3 between Steche( an% Ca%%oc2+ The (e7e(ee %oes 3o o.t o7 his way to say that Het)ane2 3ave ./ in 7(ont o7 GotchJ+'i2e Gotch=s a//(ova' o7 the (.'in3 )eant so)ethin3+ This is so)ethin3 to thin2 abo.t in te()s o7 E% Lewis- who neve( a%)its to 'osin3 a tit'e .nti' *i) <(ownin3 in New Yo(2 City+ 51 CHICAG& TRI<DNE May 1- !#!$MThe &'inHLewis )atch %(ew $-""" 7ans+ News/a/e( (e/o(t sai% the )atch was a contest o7 3(eat st(en3th an% en%.(ance b.t 'ac2 the science an% en%.(ance 7ans we(e acc.sto)e% to in F(an2 Gotch )atches+ 51a <a% Yohe >o2e /'ayin3 a(o.n% with the A'7(e% E+ New)an na)e+ So((y+ 5: An atto(ney na)e% F+ T+ Finch show ./ at one /oint to /.t an attach)ent on the bo; o77ice 7o( 8!-,,5- which he c'ai)e% was %.e on a >.%3)ent sec.(e% a3ainst New)an+ Cha('ey t(ie% to /.nch hi) b.t then ca''e% it a )i;B./ an% bo.3ht o77 Finch with 81""+ 55 SAN FRANSIC& CHR&NICLE *.ne : to *.ne I- !#!$ a'so RING MAGAEINE0 MEM&IRS &F A R&M&TER <Y *ACG CDRLEY @as to'% to F(an2 G(aha)A Dece)be( iss.e !#1!+ 55b &AGLAND TRI<DNE *.ne ,,- !#!$ 55c &AGLAND TRI<DNE A/(i' #- !#!# 59 <&ST&N GL&<E *.'y 5- !#!$

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !! Wo"#$ Wa" I %n A&"i# '( !)!*( "esi$ent Woo$"ow Wi#son en$e$ his &o#icies o+ iso#ationis, an$ the -.S con/"ess $ec#a"e$ wa" on Ge",any. The /ove"n,ent 01ic2#y &asse$ the Se#ective Se"vice Act( which "e01i"e$ a## ,a#es between the a/es o+ 3! an$ 45 to "e/iste" +o" ,i#ita"y se"vice. This a++ecte$ ,ost o+ the ,a6o" w"est#e"s in !)!*( inc#1$in/ Lewis an$ Steche"( b1t none ,o"e than the new cha,&ion Ea"# Ca$$oc2. The wo"#$ cha,&ion Ca$$oc2 was a t"1e &at"iot( who $i$ eve"ythin/ he co1#$ to 6oin 1&. In May !)!*( he 6oine$ a civi#ian t"ainin/ ca,&( si,i#a" to basic t"ainin/( to &"e&a"e hi,se#+ +o" en#ist,ent. %n A1/. 7( Ca$$oc2 a&&ea"e$ be+o"e a ,i#ita"y $"a+t e8a,ination boa"$ at At#antic( Iowa. Th"ee &hysicians $ete",ine$ that he was 1n+it +o" ,i#ita"y se"vice $1e to an in+ection ca1se$ by &"evio1s tonsi# s1"/e"y. He a#so nee$e$ $enta# wo"2. The A",y ha$ /iven hi, an o1t( b1t Ca$$oc2 $i$n9t want it. He was twenty:nine yea"s o#$( the Wo"#$ W"est#in/ Cha,&ion( one o+ the ,ost +a,o1s ath#etes in the co1nt"y who was at his &ea2 as +a" as ,a2in/ ,oney( b1t Ea"# Ca$$oc2 wante$ to +i/ht Ge",ans. Se&te,be" saw hi, in Rocheste"( MN at the +a,e$ Mayo C#inic "eceivin/ t"eat,ent an$ +1"the" s1"/e"y on his tonsi#s 1n$e" ca"e by Docto"s Cha"#es an$ Wi##ia, Mayo. %n %ct. ;( the -.S. A",y acce&te$ hi,. %n Dece,be" 3'( !)!*( Ca$$oc2 ente"e$ the -.S. A",y an$ was statione$ at Ca,& Do$/e( Iowa.<;*= A## o+ this( o+ co1"se( ca1se$ a ,a6o" &"ob#e, +o" w"est#in/ &"o,ote"s. Ca$$oc2 wasn9t 61st &#ayin/ so#$ie" +o" &1b#ic "e#ations( he ha$ eve"y intention o+ #eavin/ the co1nt"y an$ ta2in/ an active &a"t in the +i/htin/( which was 2i##in/ an$ ,1ti#atin/ ,1ch o+ the yo1n/ ,en o+ E1"o&e. It was a&&a"ent to eve"yone invo#ve$ with &"o w"est#in/( that the tit#e ha$ to be ta2en o++ o+ hi, be+o"e he #e+t +o" wa". >oth Lewis an$ Steche" +e#t the &1b#ic &"ess1"e to 6oin the wa"( b1t both( 1n#i2e Ca$$oc2( too2 thei" ti,e an$ $i$n9t 6oin the e++o"t 1nti# ?1#y !)!@. W#a$e2 AbysB2o was $"a+te$ in !)!*. He atte,&te$ to /et an e8e,&tion beca1se o+ a siste" an$ ,othe" in A1st"ia( b1t it was "e+1se$. He even a&&ea#e$ his case to "esi$ent Wi#son( on#y to +ai#. %n %ct. 3;( !)!*( W#a$e2 beca,e a ,e,be" o+ the Nationa# A",y( Maine contin/ent( 454"$ Heavy A"ti##e"y #ocate$ at Aye"s( Mass. >1t he was soon $ischa"/e$ beca1se his ca1#i+#owe" ea"s we"e a++ectin/ his hea"in/. In #ate %ctobe"( Lewis an$ San$ow acce&te$ a $ate to w"est#e W#a$e2 AbysB2o in Ho1ston( Te8as +o" &"o,ote" F"an2ie E$wa"$s. "o,ote" E$wa"$s ha$ a /"an$ i$ea to b"in/ bi/ ti,e &"o w"est#in/ to Ho1ston an$ ha$ ,a$e his boo2in/s th"o1/h ?oe Co++ey o+ Chica/o. He &ai$ t"ans&o"tation ,oney o+ C355 to LewisDSan$ow( AbysB2oDC1"#ey( an$ bi/ ti,e "e+e"ee E$ W. S,ith ES&o"ts E$ito" o+ the Chica/o A,e"ican News&a&e"F. Lewis /ot to Ho1ston ea"#y( b1t the two $ays be+o"e the ,atch $ate Nove,be" !( !)!*( Cha"#ey C1t#e" wa#2e$ into E$wa"$s9 o++ice( te##in/ hi, he was a "e&#ace,ent +o" AbysB2o. W#a$e2 co1#$n9t /et a +1"#o1/h +"o, his heavy a"ti##e"y 1nit an$ wasn9t co,in/. E$wa"$s &"e:sa#e o+ tic2ets ,a$e hi, thin2 he was /oin/ to b"ea2 a## atten$ance "eco"$s in Ho1ston( b1t once he ,a$e the anno1nce,ent( +ans be/an as2in/ +o" "e+1n$s on thei" C; tic2ets an$ then b1yin/ a C! /ene"a# a$,ission. >y the ni/ht( he sti## ha$ a C!(555 /ate in the ho1se b1t >i##y San$ow an$ Lewis ha$ been &"o,ise$ C!(555 each +o" the ,atch( an$ they "e+1se$ to w"est#e +o" anythin/ #ess. The 3(555 +ans staye$ in the"e seats 1nti# !5G55( when they "ea#iBe$ so,ethin/ was "ea##y w"on/ an$ in /"o1&s o+ th"ee9s they hea$e$ +o" the $oo" o"( wo"st yet( the #on/ "e+1n$ #ine. E$wa"$s #e+t the a"ena +o" his hote# "oo, b1t so,eone +i#e$ a "e&o"t with the &o#ice an$ he was &ic2e$ 1& by $etectives. At the &o#ice station( he state$ that he &#ane$ to "ei,b1"se eve"yone( b1t he ha$ a$vance$ e8&enses +o" the two w"est#e"s( a "e+e"ee an$ ha$ &ai$ C3;5 "ent on the b1i#$in/. He a#so ha$ &ai$ C3;3.'@ to the wa" ta8 an$ wo1#$ have to as2 +o" the ,oney bac2 +"o, the -nite$ States Dist"ict Atto"ney. E$wa"$s was 01ote$( "I9ve ha$ ha"$ #1c2 with ,y

,atches. I have neve" ,a$e a &enny in Ho1ston an$ I have b"o1/ht the best w"est#e"s in the wo"#$ he"e. Can any w"est#e"( o" any w"est#in/ &at"on( &oint o1t a sin/#e instance whe"e he #ost ,oney th"o1/h one o+ ,y ,atchesH" He a/ain &"o,ise$ to "e+1n$ eve"yone9s tic2et &"ices. Cha"#ey C1t#e" was inte"view bac2 at the a"ena( stan$in/ in the $oo"way o+ his $"essin/ "oo,( watchin/ the c"ow$ "1sh +o" the $oo". "A "aw $ea# +o" E$wa"$s" he sai$ sco"n+1##y( "What $oes Lewis thin2 he is( a &"i,a $onnaH I /1ess he thin2s he $oesn9t owe so,ethin/ to the &"o,ote" who ta2es a## the "is2s to &1t on the bo1t. I+ it we"en9t +o" the &"o,ote" whe"e wo1#$ the $e#icate #itt#e w"est#e" beH Yo1 $on9t see ,e #ayin/ $own $o yo1H I a, $"esse$ "ea$y +o" the ,atch. I was "ea$y to /o on toni/ht on any te",s that wo1#$ he#&. The 1s1a# /1a"antee to a s1bstit1te w"est#e" is 3;I /"oss( b1t i+ Lewis is so $ea$ set on ta2in/ the #ion9s sha"e( why $i$n9t he ta2e ,e on at winne" ta2e a##H" >i##y San$ow c#ai,e$ he co1#$ not a++o"$ to have Lewis /o on witho1t his /1a"antee. "Any wee2 I can9t ,a2e C!(355 with Lewis is a &oo" wee2. When E$wa"$ sai$ he $i$n9t have C!(555 in the ho1se( we si,&#y "e+1se$ to /o on. What is a /1a"antee wo"th anywayH"<;*a= ?i, Lon$os9s &"o w"est#in/ ca"ee" be/an in %a2#an$ Ca#i+o"nia in Feb"1a"y !)!7. He act1a##y was +"o, G"eece an$ ,i/"ate$ to San F"ancisco a"o1n$ !)!5. No one 2nows how to s&e## his "ea# na,e b1t it was si,i#a" in so1n$ to Chisto&he" Theo&ha#1s.<;@= A+te" a +ew ,atches ,ain#y in %a2#an$ an$ San F"ancisco( he #e+t ,ain st"ea, &"o w"est#in/ an$ 6oine$ a va1$evi##e show as &a"t o+ a ac"obat act. >y the en$ o+ !)!;( he ha$ an act o+ his own( in which he sta"e$ bi##e$ as a wei/ht#i+te"( w"est#e" an$ c#assic &ose". Lon$os was inte##i/ent an$ so in$1st"io1s that he &"obab#y ha$ his #i+e &#anne$ +"o, the ti,e he a""ive$ in A,e"ica. He was a +antastic ath#ete( who t"aine$ as a w"est#e"( /y,nast( bo$yb1i#$e" an$ wei/ht #i+te". In !)!' he "et1"ne$ to w"est#in/ an$ wo"2e$ o1t o+ Sio18 Fa##s( No"th Da2ota. He was &1she$ +"o, his +i"st ,atch( bi##e$ as the wo"#$ #i/ht heavywei/ht tit#e ho#$e". %ne o+ the ,ost han$so,e ,en in the wo"#$ with a &e"+ect bo$y( he was h1/e $"aw. He was an e8ce##ent wo"2e" an$ a hoo2e". His on#y $"aw bac2 was his s,a## siBe. Ea"#y in his ca"ee" he wei/hte$ in a"o1n$ !)5 &o1n$s an$ neve" in a ca"ee"( that #aste$ ove" 75 yea"s( wei/hte$ ,1ch ,o"e than 355. In ?1#y !)!*( Lon$os ,ove$ his ho,e to Canton %hio whe"e he ho&e$ to ta2e a$vanta/e o+ a #a"/e G"ee2 &o&1#ation. %n %ctobe" @( !)!*( Lewis was in Canton to watch Lon$os $e+eat E$ Sch1#tB. He ,1st have seen the &otentia# in the yo1n/ Lon$os an$ the"e see,e$ to be a &#an to ,atch the two. >i##y San$ow boo2e$ Lewis to w"est#e A#an E1stace Ea +a,o1s shoote" an$ Jansas +a",e"F in Canton on %ctobe" 3). %n the $ay o+ the ,atch( San$ow cance##e$ beca1se Lewis ha$ a ,a6o" ,atch in Ho1ston on Nove,be" ! Esee aboveF( an$ co1#$n9t ta2e a chance on a #on/ ,atch with E1stace. Lon$os "e&#ace$ E$ an$ w"est#e$ E1stace to a $"aw that a#,ost #aste$ th"ee ho1"s. %n %ctobe" !)( the two w"est#e$ a/ain with Lon$os /ettin/ a ,atch with Lewis by beatin/ E1stace two o1t o+ th"ee +a##s. The +i"st eve" ,atch between St"an/#e" Lewis an$ ?i, Lon$os too2 &#ace in Canton on Nove,be" 3)( !)!*. In $e+en$in/ his %#in wo"#$ tit#e( Lewis won the ,atch b1t #oo2e$ #i2e a #ose". Lon$os o1t w"est#e$ hi, +o" a#,ost two ho1"s. D1"in/ the ,atch( E$ was ab#e to /et #ess than a ha#+ $oBen ho#$s on Lon$os an$ the G"ee2 ha$ co1nte"s to a## his ,oves. Lewis was on#y ab#e to b"ea2 ho#$s by &1"e st"en/th an$ 1se o+ his 4; &o1n$ wei/ht a$vanta/e. At one &oint Lon$os sto&&e$ the ,atch to a##ow E$ to tie his shoe. At the one ho1" an$ ;* ,in1te ,a"2( Lon$os a#so bent to tie his shoe #ace b1t Lewis( 1n#i2e baby +ace ?i,,y( 61,&e$ on hi, #i2e a ti/e" an$ +#i&&e$ hi, to the ,at 1sin/ his hea$#oc2. E$ "ea##y c"an2e$ on the ho#$ as the G"ee2 was &inne$. Lon$os9s nec2 was in61"e$ an$ he was 1nab#e to "et1"n +o" the secon$ +a##. Most o+ the +ans &"esent +e#t that Lon$os was the bette" ,an( an$ the"e was a h1/e $e,an$ +o" a "e,atch. So Lewis beat Lon$os( b1t in a##owin/ the yo1n/ &e"+o",e" to save +ace( the G"ee2 "e,ain so,eone to &"o,ote an$ ,a2e ,oney with in the +1t1"e.<;)= Ca$$oc2 was sche$1#e$ to ente" the A",y on Dece,be" 3' an$ no one 2new i+ he9$ be ab#e to contin1e w"est#in/ o" even how ,1ch ti,e he ha$ #e+t in the states. In Dece,be" !)!*( ?ac2 C1"#ey &"o,ote$ anothe" ,a6o" to1"na,ent in New Yo"2 City at the Le8in/ton Theat"e EDec. 4 to Dec. 33F. C1"#ey9s &owe" was inc"easin/ an$ I thin2 this was an atte,&t to in+#1ence the nationa# sto"y#ine an$ "eso#ve the tit#e &"ob#e,. He &"obab#y ove"esti,ate$ his in+#1ence at the ti,e.<'5= The to1"na,ent was in the Catch sty#e an$ the winne" was to be bi##e$ as wo"#$

cha,&ion in the state o+ New Yo"2. W#a$ec2 E,ana/e$ by C1"#eyF an$ Lewis we"e both ente"e$ with othe" na,es bein/ >en Ro##e"( Yo1ssi+ H1ssane( ?ohn F"ebe"/( To, D"aa2( an$ even F"an2 Leavitt Ewho in !)47 too2 on new #i+e as Man Mo1ntain DeanF. Ea"# Ca$$oc2 was to ,a2e his $eb1t in the city $1"in/ the to1"na,ent. A""ivin/ in the ,i$$#e o+ the ,onth. %n Dece,be" !7( !)!*( Ca$$oc2 ha$ his +i"st ,atch in New Yo"2( th"i##in/ the bi//est c"ow$ o+ the to1"na,ent( beatin/ D" >en Ro##e" with a hea$ scisso"s an$ c"otch ho#$ in 75G;).<'!= %n the ne8t ni/ht EDec. !;( the $ay be+o"e F"an2 Gotch9s $eathF( he beat ?ohn F"ebe"/. Ca$$oc2 then #e+t the to1"na,ent an$ was in$1cte$ into the A",y base at Fo"t Do$/e on Dec. 3'. I be#ieve C1"#ey ha$ &#anne$ on Ca$$oc2 6obbin/ the tit#e to the winne" o+ the to1"na,ent( &"obab#y W#a$e2 AbysB2o Ewho was ,ana/e$ by C1"#ey an$ "i$ o+ any $"a+t &"ob#e,sF. Ca$$oc29s ,ana/e" was Gene Me#a$y( who was a "ich s&o"ts,an that &"o,ote$ ,ost o+ the ,a6o" ca"$s in the ,i$:west an$ &"obab#y the ,ost &owe"+1# ,an in the s&o"t a+te" the +a## o+ Fa",e" >1"ns an$ Gotch. I thin2 he saw C1"#ey as co,&etition( an$ $i$n9t #i2e the $ea# that was o++e"e$( so he "e+1se$ to have Ca$$oc2 $"o& the tit#e. He &"obab#y 2new that the A",y wo1#$ a##ow Ea"# to contin1e w"est#in/ whi#e in ca,& waitin/ +o" o"$e"s to #eave +o" E1"o&e( an$ ha$ i$eas o+ &"o,otin/ tit#e ,atches o+ his own in the ne8t yea". %n the 1n$e"ca"$ o" co:,ain event o+ Ca$$oc2DF"ebe"/( Lewis an$ Abys2o wo"2e$ one o+ thei" $"aws. This set 1& a ,a6o" +inish ,atch the ne8t ni/ht. %n Dece,be" !*( in +"ont o+ a so#$:o1t 4(555( Lewis $e+eate$ AbysB2o in !G3!G44. At +i"st E$9s hea$#oc2 ha$ #itt#e e++ect b1t( with each one( W#a$e2 wea2ene$. The +inish saw AbysB2o wave to /ive 1&( b1t in those ti,es the ob6ect o+ $e+eat was bein/ &ine$ an$ s1b,issions we"e "a"e( so the "e+e"ee( Geo"/e >othne"( $i$n9t sto& the ,atch. W#a$e29s ,ana/e" ?ac2 C1"#ey ste&&e$ on the ,at an$ the ,atch was sto&&e$. It was the e01a# o+ a bo8in/ ,ana/e" th"owin/ in a towe#( b1t it ,ay have been consi$e"e$ a DK( b1t the news&a&e" ca##e$ it a s1b,ission #oss. The "e&o"t c#ai,e$ that the ,atch "an2e$ with the best eve" he#$ in the city. <'3= >oth s1++e"e$ no ,o"e #osses an$ ,et in the to1"na,ent +ina# on Dece,be" 33( !)!*. A+te" a #on/ one +a## ,atch( >i##y San$ow sta"te$ an a"/1,ent with a w"est#e" in W#a$e29s co"ne"( c#ai,in/ the ,an was coachin/ his w"est#e" i##e/a##y. Lewis t1"ne$ his hea$ to watch the a"/1,ent( an$ AbysB2o #ea&e$ in to &in Lewis with a scisso"s an$ a bo$y ho#$. Ti,e was !G7*G4* an$ it was a se##o1t with ,any t1"ne$ away. Lewis w"est#e$ 1n$e" a han$ica& as his hea$#oc2 was not a##owe$. Lewis showe$ s1&e"io"ity an$ wo1#$ have been /iven a $ecision i+ he ha$n9t /otten hi,se#+ &inne$.<'4= W#a$e2 AbysB2o was &"esente$ a be#t by the state o+ New Yo"2 an$ c#ai,e$ the wo"#$ tit#e. It wo1#$ be the on#y tit#e be#t eve" awa"$e$ a w"est#e" by the New Yo"2 Co,,ission. Nothin/ was sai$ abo1t Lewis9s %#in wo"#$ tit#e an$ it see,e$ to not have been at sta2e. Whateve"( as he a#ways $i$( Lewis contin1e$ to c#ai, the wo"#$ tit#e. LL Contin1e to CHA TER !3 F%%TN%TES ;* EARL CADD%CJG THE MAN %F A TH%-SAND H%LDS by Steve Yohe ;*a THE H%-ST%N CHR%NICLE( Nove,be" ! an$ Nove,be" 3( !)!* ;@ This is an e8a,&#e o+ 61st so,e o+ the $i++e"ent ve"sions in s&e##in/ o+ Lon$os9s "ea# na,e. See THE ?IM L%ND%S REC%RD >%%J ENote sectionF by Steve Yohe( Don L1ce( ? Michae# Jenyon an$ ,e,be"s o+ the Inte"nationa# Histo"ian C#1b EIHCF. Di++e"ent s&e##in/ o+ ?i, Lon$os9s "ea# na,eG Dias&o"aG ?i, Lon$os The Go#$en G"ee2 by Steve F"an/osMCh"istos Theo&hi#o1 %a2#an$ T"ib1ne E3:37:!7F +i"st ,atchMCh"is Theo&1#1s %a2#an$ T"ib1ne E!5:34:!4F::Theo&he#1s New Yo"2 Ti,es %bit by Michae# St"a1ss E@:3!:*;FMCh"is Theo&he#1s New Ti,es %bit by Re$ S,ith E@:37:*;FMCh"isto&he" Theo&he#1s A %bit E@:35:*;MCh"is Theo&he#1s LA TIMES E!:3*:')FMTheo&he#os NWA W"est#in/ Ma/:::?ohn Contos by >ob A##isonMCh"isto&he" Theo&hi#1s FALL G-YS:: Ch"isto&he" Teo&he#1s FR%M MIL% T% L%ND%S by Nat NCh"is Theo&he#o

Ma""ia/e Ce"ti+icate:: Ch"ist T. Theo&he#os San Die/o H%F:Ch"is T. Theo&he#os Wi2i&e$ia::Ch"istos Theo+i#o1 o" Ch"isto&he" Theo&he#1s Ti,e ,a/aBine::Ch"isto&he" Theo&hi#1s >oston G#obe E*:!':47FMCh"isto&he" Theo&he#o1 L A Ti,es E!5:4!:47FMCh"isto&he" Theo&he#o1s Associate$ "ess E':3@:4;FMCh"isto&he" Theo&hi#o A#so:: Theo&ha#1sH Theo&o#1sH Theo&hi#isH Theo&ho#isH Theo&o#isH Theo&e#osH Theo&&hi#1sH Theo&1#1sH Histo"ian Steve ?ohnsonG "Acco"$in/ to Lon$os9 $a1/hte"( he s&e##e$ Theo&o#1s abo1t +ive $i++e"ent ways when he was a#ive( so it9s &"obab#y too ,1ch to ho&e +o" consistency." ;) THE CANT%N RE %SIT%RY Nove,be" 45( !)!* '5 We have a co&y o+ the cove" o+ the To1"na,ent &"o/"a,. %n it we see &hotos o+ Steche"( Ca$$oc2( AbysB2o an$ Lewis stan$in/ in a "ow with F"an2 Gotch Ewho was on his $eath be$ an$ $ies at the ,i$:&oint o+ the to1"na,ent Dec. !;F #oo2in/ $own on the, a##. It wo1#$ see, that C1"#ey &#ane$ to have a## o+ the bi/ +o1" en/a/e$ in the o1t co,e( b1t Steche" neve" ,a2es an a&&ea"ance an$ Ca$$oc2 #eaves. '! NEW Y%RJ TIMES Dece,be" !;( !)!* '3 NEW Y%RJ TIMES Dece,be" !@( !)!* '4 NEW Y%RJ TIMES Dece,be" 34( !)!*

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" !#!$ an% The A&e o' (ac) C*+,ey Lewis sto--e% o'' in Canton on (an*a+y !. !#!$ to &ive the yo*n& (i/ Lon%os his +e/atch0 This ti/e they went to a two an% ha,' ho*+ %+aw0 Lon%os o*t w+est,e% Lewis 'o+ the 'i+st two ho*+s. b*t in the ,ast 12 /in*tes Lewis3s 42 -o*n% wei&ht a%vanta&e wo+e the G+ee) %own0 In the ,ast ten /in*tes Lewis a--,ie% his hea%,oc) 'ive ti/es b*t Lon%os /ana&e to ho,% on *nti, the ti/e ,i/it +an o*t0 Re'e+ee. (e++y Wa,,s. +*,e% the /atch a %+aw b*t /ost 'ans tho*&ht E% wo*,% have won in a 'inish /atch0 Sti,, ,astin& two an% a ha,' ho*+s an% &ettin& a %+aw with one o' the to- 'o*+ /en in the wo+,% /a%e Lon%os a /a5o+ -,aye+06748 9n (an*a+y 4. !#!$. Lewis was bac) in Savannah w+est,in& W,a%e) :bys;)o in a /atch *n%e+ GR +*,es0 <oth we+e c,ai/in& a wo+,% tit,e0 The /atch was a !=!>=22 %+aw with Lewis wo+)in& we,, in the GR sty,e. b*t 'ans -+e'e++e% Catch w+est,in& an% the -+o/ote+s state% that they wo*,% stic) with the A/e+ican sty,e '+o/ that -oint on0 Lewis /ay have in5*+e% a +ib %*+in& the /atch. b*t was bac) w+est,in& in "2 %ays0 In (an*a+y !#!$. Ea+, Ca%%oc). the -e+son 5*st abo*t eve+yone +eco&ni;e% as the t+*e wo+,% cha/-ion. was statione% at Fo+t Do%&e teachin& bayonet 'i&htin& to othe+ t+oo-s an% coachin& s-o+ts tea/s0 A %ea, was /a%e with the A+/y an% Ca%%oc) was &iven -asses whi,e his *nit was in t+ainin&. so he was ab,e to contin*e his w+est,in& ca+ee+0 In ,ate (an*a+y. a -+o/otiona, batt,e too) -,ace between C*+,ey. 9sca+ Tho+son ?the /a5o+ -+o/ote+ in Des Moines@ an% Gene Me,a%y o' 9/aha. ove+ the site o' a tit,e *ni'ication /atch between Ca%%oc) an% W,a%e) :bys;)o0 Des Moines won the /atch an% the %ate was set 'o+ Feb+*a+y $0 In the -+ess. San%ow %i% his best to %isc+e%it Ca%%oc)0 This ,ea% to Me,a%y sayin& a /atch with Lewis wo*,% be consi%e+e% a'te+ he 'inishe% with W,a%e)0 The A*ote= "The +e'*sa, to /eet the St+an&,e+ is not base% on any be,ie' that he is not a &oo% w+est,e+. b*t si/-,y on the 'act that so /any o' his contests have -+ove% *nsatis'acto+y0 Lewis an% his /ana&e+ have s*ccee%e% in )i,,in& the &a/e nea+,y eve+ywhe+e they have a--ea+e%. beca*se Lewis wheneve+ he /eets a /an o' abi,ity has shown a -enchant 'o+ -,ayin& on the %e'ensive a,one0 His /ost notab,e o''ense was in 9/aha when he w+est,e% (oe Steche+ 'ive ho*+s witho*t once t+yin& to ta)e the o''ensive0"67>8 Me,a%y state% that he was wi,,in& to have Ca%%oc) si&n 'o+ a Lewis /atch. i' San%ow wo*,% -*t *- a 'o+'eit o+ bon% that ins*+e% that the St+an&,e+ wo*,% w+est,e instea% o' sta,,0 9n Feb0 $. !#!$.eithe+ be'o+e o+ a'te+ the Ca%%oc)BW,a%e) /atch. (ac) C*+,ey ca,,e% a /eetin& between the /a5o+ w+est,in& -+o/ote+s. s*ch as Gene Me,a%y. 9sca+ Tho+son. Ca+, Ma+'i&i an% 9tto F,oto. an% /a5o+ news-a-e+ /an s*ch as E% S/ith. Sec Tay,o+. an% San%y G+iswo,%0 C*+,ey -+o-ose% +*,e chan&es s*ch as ti/e ,i/its. %ecisions. an% one 'a,, /atches0 It was C*+,ey3s i%ea to /a)e w+est,in& ,i)e boCin& with -ins bein& ,i)e D93s an% %ecisions acce-te% as t+*e victo+ies0 C*+,ey wa,)e% away '+o/ the /eetin& with his +*,e chan&esE so/e o' which ,aste% ove+ ti/e ?note New Yo+) City3s +e,iance on oneF'a,, /atches@ whi,e the ,ess -o-*,a+ we+e hi%%en o+ th+own away0 Neve+ the ,ess. C*+,ey an% New Yo+) City ha% shown new'o*n% -owe+ ove+ the s-o+t06778 It see/s the +*,es we+e 'oc*se% on Lewis with ti/e ,i/its an% %ecisions we+e -*t in e''ect so a w+est,e+ co*,%n3t sta,, th+o*&h a /atch with the ho-e o' an o--onent b,owin& *- a'te+ ho*+s o' stan%in& a+o*n%0 This wo*,% &ive the 'ans ins*+ance that they we+e &oin& to see both /en wo+) to the best o' thei+ abi,ity0 As 'o+ the Gni'ication /atch. Ca%%oc) won a two an% ha,' ho*+ %ecision ove+ W,a%e)0 Ca%%oc) won the 'i+st 'a,, in one ho*+ an% twenty /in*te with his hea% scisso+s an% w+ist ,oc)0 :bys;)o o*t wei&hte% the cha/-ion by 4> -o*n%s an% when Ea+, ha% a bo%y scisso+ a--,ie%. W,a%e) stoo% *- with Ca%%oc) on his bac)0 He then 'e,, bac)wa+% an% Ca%%oc) ,an%e% on his bac) an% hea% to be -inne% in thi+ty one /in*tes0 To the 'ans it see/e% ,i)e a ',*)e. b*t it was on,y the secon% 'a,, eve+ ,ost by Ca%%oc)0 In the thi+% 'a,, Ca%%oc) o*t w+est,e% W,a%e). b*t the o,e3s st+en&th sto--e% any -innin& atte/-t0 Re'e+ee E% S/ith &ave the %ecision to Ca%%oc)0 Many :bys;)o 'ans tho*&ht C*+,ey3s insistence on a ti/e

,i/it cost W,a%e) the tit,e beca*se Ca%%oc) see/e% in5*+e% in the thi+% 'a,,0 The /atch %+ew H.222 with 4.222 o' the/ '+o/ o*t o' town067H8 A+o*n% Ma+ch o' !#!$. C*+,ey t+ave,e% to the /i%Fwest an% si&ne% a&+ee/ents with (oe Steche+ an% E% Lewis0 Most o' the /a5o+ /atches we+e bein& he,% in the s/a,, cites o' Iowa. Dent*c)y I Neb+as)a who %+ew ,a+&e c+ow%s '+o/ the co*nt+ysi%e 'o+ ho,i%ays s*ch as Fo*+th o' (*,y o+ The Dent*c)y De+by0 The a&+ee/ent by C*+,ey. San%ow. an% the Steche+s 'o+/e% a "T+*st" that wo*,% ta)e w+est,in& o*t o' the s/a,, towns to the ,a+&e cites o' the East. s*ch as New Yo+) City. cont+o,,e% by C*+,ey0 C*+,ey a,so ha% a ,a+&e stab,e o' ta,ent that he wo*,% boo) o*t to e/e+&in& -+o/ote+ a,on& the East Coast an% into the So*th0 I %on3t )now i' Gene Me,a%y a&+ee% to the -act an% that /ay have ha% so/ethin& to %o with the inabi,ity o' Ea+, Ca%%oc). &*i%e% by Me,a%y. to %+o- the Wo+,% Tit,e bac) to (oe Steche+ be'o+e bein& sent to E*+o-e an% WWI067$8 (oe Steche+ ha% +et*+ne% to w+est,in& s,ow,y in the ,ast 'o*+ /onths o' !#!H0 He a--ea+e% 'o+ C*+,ey on (an*a+y "#. !#!$ beatin& Y*ssi) H*ssane on the 'i+st o' 'o*+ ca+%s boo)e% into Ma%ison SA*a+e Ga+%en between (an0 "# an% A-+i, "70 A,, 'o*+ ca+%s we+e se,,o*t 'o+ C*+,ey0 9n the secon% ca+%. Ma+ch !. !#!$. Steche+ w+est,e% W,a%e) :bys;)o to a two ho*+ %+aw0 The +e'e+ee Geo+&e <othne+ +*,e% that the /atch was a %+aw b*t /ost +e-o+ts 'e,t Steche+ sho*,% have been the winne+0 San%ow an% Lewis we+e /a)in& noise in the news-a-e+s. sayin& that Ca%%oc) an% Steche+ we+e +e'*sin& to /eet hi/067#8 That %i% see/ ,i)e the sto+y,ine. b*t the neCt two ca+%s ha% E% in the /ain event ve+ses W,a%e) an% Steche+0 He /*st have si&ne% *- with (ac)0 e+ha-s the a,,iance too) -,ace on Ma+ch #. when San%ow was in the New Yo+) o''ice o' C*+,ey si&nin& 'o+ anothe+ :bys;)o /atch067#a8 Lewis3 hea%,oc) was beco/in& an iss*e0 Many insi%e+s c,ai/e% the /ove sho*,% be banne% beca*se Lewis wo*,% s,i%e his a+/ %own on the win%-i-e an% t*+n the ho,% into a st+an&,e0 Lewis an% so/e o''icia,s. s*ch as Geo+&e <othne+. c,ai/e% he was 5*st b,oc)in& b,oo% ',ow to the b+ain0 A,, o' the ta,) was t*+nin& Lewis3s hea%,oc) into the /ost 'a/o*s ho,% in s-o+ts0 In the !#!H to*+na/ent ,oss to W,a%e). Lewis a&+ee% to not *sin& the ho,%. b*t in the New Yo+) +e/atch it wo*,% be ,e&a,0 9n Ma+ch !#. !#!$. Lewis /et W,a%e) :bys;)o in a "-ac)e%" Ma%ison SA*a+e Ga+%en. in a /atch ca,,e% the 'astest an% wi,%est in the histo+y o' New Yo+) City w+est,in&0 The+e was ba% b,oo% between the two '+o/ the be,,0 :bys;)o )e-t hea% b*ttin& Lewis an% E% ca*&ht the o,e a %o;en ti/es in the hea%,oc)0 Wa,te+3s eyes ,oo)e% +ea%y to -o- in Lewis3 vise,i)e &+i- b*t he w+i&&,e% his way '+ee each ti/e0 At 1$="$. :bys;)o hit The St+an&,e+ with anothe+ hea% b*tt an% Lewis 'e,, he,-,ess o*t o' the +in&0 The +e'e+ee <i,,y Roche awa+%e% the %ecision to Lewis on a 'o*,0 A +iot 'o,,owe% with the so,% o*t c+ow% t+yin& to &et at W,a%e)0 9ne s-ectato+ hit :bys;)o ove+ the hea% with a cane that in',icte% a ba% c*t0 Fo+ the win. Lewis was &iven his +e/atch with (oe Steche+06H28 Fo,,owin& this /atch. Lewis %eve,o-e% an "in'ectio*s %isease"0 I be,ieve D+0 A%a Scott Mo+ton. now his ,on& ti/e &i+, '+ien%. ha% been t+ave,in& with hi/. -ossib,y bein& -asse% o'' as his wi'e06H!8 She too) E% bac) to San F+ancisco. whe+e she ha% hi/ seen by s-ecia,ist0 The +e-o+t %oesn3t say what )in% o' a %isease he ha%. b*t it was a th+eat to his ca+ee+0 Lewis was )now 'o+ havin& the eye %isease T+acho/a. b*t !#!$ see/ too ea+,y 'o+ hi/ to have been in'ecte%0 He was a,so )nown 'o+ va+io*s s)in -+ob,e/s s*ch as ca+b*nc,es0 <y the en% o' A-+i,. he +et*+ne% 'it eno*&h 'o+ his /atch with Steche+0 Lewis &ot his thi+% /atch with (oe Steche+ in Ma%ison SA*a+e Ga+%en on A-+i, "70 Re-o+ts ca,,e% it a &+eat /atch with the &+a--,e+s -*nishin& each othe+ with %ea%,y ho,%s that we+e c,eve+,y b+o)en 5*st as they see/e% on the ve+&e o' %e'eat0 Steche+ was A*ic)e+ an% /o+e a&&+essive. b*t 'o*n% his scisso+s co*nte+e% by Lewis3 &+eat st+en&th0 Steche+ co*nte+e% E% hea%,oc) an% it was neve+ an iss*e0 A'te+ two ho*+s. the /atch was ca,,e% a %+aw by +e'e+ee <i,,y Roche0 The a+ena was so,% o*t an% it was sai% to be the best /atch o' the season0 So/e o' the 'ans an% +e-o+te+s in Neb+as)a we+e *-set that Steche+ ha% b+o)en his -+o/ise to not w+est,e Lewis o*tsi%e o' the state. b*t they a,so +ea,i;e that New Yo+) City was too bi& 'o+ a s/a,, city. ,i)e 9/aha. to co/-ete with0 9n May $ in Chica&o. W,a%e) :bys;)o &ot anothe+ shot at Ea+, Ca%%oc)3s wo+,% tit,e0 9nce a&ain he ,ost a two ho*+ %ecision0 Ca%%oc)3s -e+'ect -hysica, con%ition an% a s*-e+io+ w+est,in& )now,e%&e -+ove% too /*ch 'o+ the o,e. b*t

'ans we+e be&innin& to ta,) abo*t Ca%%oc)3s inabi,ity to -in the ,a+&e ?at ,east 4H -o*n%s with W,a%e)@ conten%e+s0 W,a%e). ,i)e his o,%e+ b+othe+. ha% a way o' ,yin& 'ace %own with no one ab,e to t*+n the/ o+ -*t a /a5o+ ho,% on the/0 ?Stan :bys;)o *se% this t+ic) ve+se the G+eat Ga/a in E*+o-e %*+in& the !#123s@0 Most tho*&ht the /atch was bo+in& an% the new *nsatis'yin& %ecision +*,e was %is,i)e% by 'ans0 Two %ays ,ate+. Lewis won a %ecision ove+ W,a%e) in Lo*isvi,,e0 :bys;)o won the 'i+st 'a,, in !=14=22 with a %o*b,e ha//e+,oc) an% Lewis too) the secon% in 1>=22 with the hea%,oc)0 E% was the a&&+esso+ th+o*&ho*t an% was awa+%e% the %ecision a'te+ two an% a ha,' ho*+s0 W,a%e) wo*,% a,so ,ose a %ecision to Steche+ in 9/aha on (*ne !"0 9n May !4. <i,,y San%ow t+ave,e% to Des Moines to a++an&e a /atch with Ca%%oc)0 He a+&*e% that Lewis ha% been %+a'te% into the A+/y an% i' the two we+e eve+ to /eet. now was the ti/e0 Lewis was sti,, c,ai/in& the 9,in wo+,% tit,e an% was wi,,in& to acce-t any te+/s as)e% to &et the /atch0 A&+ee/ents we+e /a%e 'o+ (*ne "!. !#!$ in Des Moines0 Ca%%oc) w+est,e% +in&s a+o*n% Lewis a,tho*&h he was. once a&ain. *nab,e to -in a ,a+&e+ conten%e+0 <*t the cha/-ion was so 'a+ ahea% on -oints that +e'e+ee E% S/ith A*it )ee-in& sco+e a'te+ two ho*+s o' the !>2 /in*te /atch0 9n,y once was E% ab,e to sec*+e his hea%,oc) an% it was b+o)en with ease0 Eve+y othe+ ho,% Lewis a--,ie% was b+o)en at Ca%%oc)3s wi,, an% ha,' the ti/e the cha/-ion wo*,% +eve+se the /ove to en% *- behin% the cha,,en&e+0 Lewis too) no chances an% staye% on %e'ense eCce-t 'o+ abo*t !> /in*tes o' the enti+e two an% ha,' ho*+ /atch0 Fo*+ ti/es it see/e% the cha/-ion was abo*t to ta)e a 'a,, b*t E%3s s*-e+io+ wei&ht he,-e% hi/ b+ea) away0 Wheneve+ the two we+e on the /at. Ca%%oc) was a,ways behin%0 The /atch was a Ca%%oc) show '+o/ sta+t to 'inish0 Ca%%oc) c,ai/e% he was the *n%is-*te% heavywei&ht w+est,in& cha/-ion0 Gate was J"".2220 The %+a'te% St+an&,e+ ente+e% the A+/y on (*,y "H. !#!$ an% was statione% at Ca/- G+ant at Roc)vi,,e I,,inois0 He was -+o/ote% '+o/ -+ivate to se+&eant be'o+e he was &iven a *ni'o+/. se+vin& as an inst+*cto+ in -hysica, e%*cation an% ath,etics0 He s-ent his o'' ti/e ente+tainin& by w+est,in& at the YMCA b*i,%in& an% at hos-ita,s0 <i,,y San%ow was a,so in the se+vice. he c,ai/e% he &ave inst+*ctions in han% to han% 'i&htin& at 'ive %i''e+ent t+ainin& ca/-s0 San%ow then atten%e% o''ice+3s t+ainin& schoo, at Ca/- Go+%on0 He was then sent to Ca/- Hancoc) an% was waitin& 'o+ his co//ission when the a+/istice was si&ne%06H!a8 (oe Steche+ 5oine% the Navy on (*,y 12 an% was statione% at the G+eat La)es T+ainin& Cente+ in Chica&o0 Tony Steche+ was t*+ne% %own beca*se he was the 'athe+ o' two twins0 A thi+% b+othe+. Lo*is. ha% &+a%*ate% '+o/ Anna-o,is an% was an o''ice+ se+vin& in <+itish wate+s0 At one -oint. Lewis3s Ca/- G+ant was to /eet Steche+3s ca/- in w+est,in& an% the+e was ta,) o' the two /eetin&. b*t nothin& ca/e o' it0 9n A*&*st 4. !#!$. Ea+, Ca%%oc)3s ei&htyFei&ht %ivision ,e't 'o+ the East Coast. with o+%e+s to sai, ove+seas with in the 'o,,owin& wee) ?A*&0 H@0 He was o'' to the wa+. ta)in& the *n%is-*te% wo+,% w+est,in& tit,e with hi/0 <y A*&*st "2. Ca%%oc) was statione% at He+ico*+t. F+ance0 The Ei&htyFEi&hth was statione% sa'e. 'a+ behin% the ,ines. b*t Ca%%oc) 'e,t a nee% to see action0 9ccasiona,,y. in the evenin&s. he wo*,% +i%e a /oto+cyc,e to visit the '+ont an% s-en% a 'ew ho*+s in the t+enches0 It was %*+in& one o' these c,an%estine visits that a &+een c+oss she,, eC-,o%e% nea+ hi/ an% so/e o' the -oisono*s -hos&ene &as +eache% hi/ be'o+e he co*,% a%5*st his &as /as)0 Ca%%oc) was not se+io*s,y in5*+e% b*t was sic) 'o+ a 'ew wee)s06H"8 A+o*n% Se-t0 !4. the Ei&htyFEi&hth +e,ieve% the TwentyFNinth Division at <e,'o+t on the ,ines o--osite to M*,,ha*s an% Ge+/any0 It was a A*iet '+ont with she,,in& bein& the /ain %an&e+0 9n 9ct0 4. !#!$. a cease'i+e was ca,,e% between A,,ie% 'o+ces an% Ge+/any0 Nove/be+ saw Ca%%oc) sent to o''ice+ t+ainin& schoo,. which he hate%0 He was t+eate% ba%,y. an% it +aine% a,, the ti/e0 The 'oo% an% his hea,th we+e -oo+ an% he s-ent J>22 o' his own /oney on 'oo%0 The con%itions 'o+ the t+oo-s in F+ance we+e a ni&ht/a+e0 9ve+ !!".41" /en %ie% in thei+ sho+t stay. 'i'ty -e+cent o' that n*/be+ '+o/ %isease0 The Ei&htyFEi&hth ha% o+%e+s to attac) Ge+/any on Nov0 !". b*t on Nov0 !! the a+/istice was si&ne% at Co/-ie&ne. F+ance an% the wa+ was ove+0 A+o*n% Nov0 "$. the Ei&htyFEi&hth ,e't <e,'o+t0

Lewis %e'eate% <ob Mana&o'' in Chica&o on Nove/be+ "#. !#!$0 In Dece/be+. Lewis was %ischa+&e% 'o+ the A+/y an% beat o,% '+ien% D+ <en Ro,,e+ at Mont+ea,0 He then went ho/e 'o+ the ho,i%ay0 9ne +e-o+t sai% he was +ecove+in& '+o/ an in5*+y s*''e+e% in the A+/y0 Steche+ was %ischa+&e% '+o/ the navy on Dece/be+ !#. !#!$. he ha% been in t+ainin& %*+in& his se+vice an% c,ai/e% to have &aine% "2 -o*n%s o' /*sc,e0 KK Contin*e to CHA TER !1 F99TN9TES 74 THE CANT9N RE 9SIT9RY (an*a+y ". !#!$ 7> THE DES M9INES REGISTER (an*a+y "1. !#!$ 77 THE DES M9INES REGISTER Feb+*a+y !2. !#!$LSan%y G+iswo,% a,so ta,)s abo*t the /eetin& in the 9MAHA W9RLDFHERALD Feb+*a+y "$. !#!$0 7H THE DES M9INES REGISTER Feb+*a+y #. !#!$ 7$ To those 'ew -eo-,e who be,ieve that -+o w+est,in& consiste% o' "shoots" o+ "contests". these i,,*sions we+e 'o+eve+ e+ase% with these a&+ee/ents an% the 'o+/in& o' this ve+sion o' a C*+,ey t+*st0 The a&+ee/ent wo*,% 'o+/ the ,ine between the shoot e+a an% the wo+)e% -e+io%0 To /any histo+ians. who have +ea% a,, the +e-o+ts. the i%ea o' a ti/e ,ine. between +ea, an% 'a)e. see/s ,i)e a 5o)e0 7# San%y G+iswo,%. one o' the best w+est,in& w+ite+s in the histo+y o' the s-o+t. w+ote this in the 9MAHA W9RLDFHERALD Feb+*a+y "H. !#!$ ?SANDY3S D9 E@= "He+e is a s-eci/en o' the st*'' so/e o' the New Yo+) w+ite+s a+e -e%%,in& to the s*c)e+s %own the+e0 This is '+o/ the ty-ew+ite+ o' Danie,. a s-o+ts w+ite+ o' /*ch ta,ent. on the Evenin& S*n. an% whi,e it -+oves that Danie, is not what /i&ht be ca,,e% a* 'ait in the +a/i'ications o' the /at &a/e. he /eans we,,. an% /*st not be w+on&,y 5*%&e%0 He+e3s Danie,3s co//ents= <0 C0 San%ow. /ana&e+ o' the St+an&,e+. cha+&es that a w+est,in& co/bination has been 'o+/e% to the %et+i/ent o' his &+a--,e+M0 The 'act is that in the cha/-ionshi- cont+ove+sy Lewis stan%s hi&he+ than any o' the othe+s an% with the "St+an&,e+" as)in& 'o+ a chance to w+est,e :bys;)o. Steche+. o+ Ca%%oc). we'ai, to seethe necessity 'o+ an i//e%iate /eetin& between the o,e an% the scisso+s eC-e+t0 Steche+ has not been in the tit,e h*nt 'o+ so/e ti/e. since his %e'eats by 9,in an% Ca%%oc). an% :bys;)o was e,i/inate% by Ca%%oc) +ecent,y0 The -*b,ic is entit,e% to the best bo*ts avai,ab,e. an% i' it is convince% that so/e 'i+stFc,ass w+est,e+ is bein& %isc+i/inate% a&ainst it /ay %eci%e to &ive the &a/e the &o by0" San%y contin*e% "Rich. isn3t itN This s,an%e+in& o' E% Lewis. -a+tic*,a+,y0 It is a,, -+obab,y A*ite t+*e that Lewis is be,,yachin& 'o+ a /atch with cha/-ion Ea+, Ca%%oc). an% +*nne+F*- (oe Steche+. an% his o,% stab,eF/ate W,a%e) :bys;)o. b*t the o-inion is that he3,, be a,,owe% to be,,yFache 'o+ /any /oons yet0 He 'o+eve+ )i,,e% his chances 'o+ a /atch with Steche+ by his cowa+%,y an% *ns-o+ts/an,i)e actions in his /atch with hi/ two yea+s a&o. an% so 'a+ as Ca%%oc) is conce+ne%. he an% his /ana&e+ Gene Me,a%y. a+e to ,on&si&hte% an% too b*siness,i)e to eve+ &ive hi/ the s,i&htest consi%e+ationLthat is. anyway. *nti, a'te+ the cont+ove+sies with a,, the ,e&iti/ate a%ve+sa+ies has been sett,e%0 No one is anCio*s to see Lewis -e+'o+/ a&ain. an% at that he wo*,% be n*ts 'o+ Ca%%oc). Steche+. o+ even :bys;)o. that is. o' co*+se. -+ovi%in& he &ave the/ a sA*a+e batt,e0 So 'a+ as his hea%,oc) is conce+ne%. that3s a,, bosh. an% nobo%y )nows it bette+ than he %oes hi/se,'0 9h no. what the -*b,ic now wants is the +et*+n &o between Ca%%oc) an% Steche+0" 9n Ma+ch !". !#!$. San%y w+ites this abo*t Lewis an% his hea%,oc) be'o+e the Ma+ch !# /atch with W,a%e)= "Now that is one co,ossa, 5o)e0 Lewis3 hea%,oc) has been one o' the co//onest ho,%s in w+est,in&. since that yo*n& <aby,onian th+ew the b*,, in Oo,tai+e3s +o/anceL:a%i&0 <*t E%%ie nee%n3t -eeveL:bys;)o is his '+ien%0 They3ve on,y w+est,e% each othe+ abo*t two %o;en ti/es. an% :ibby s*+e,y isn3t &oin& to bac) on hi/ now0" Y9HE= I thin) the /i%Fwest heat was +ea,. b*t any -+ob,e/. at this ti/e. with C*+,ey was wo+)e%0 Lewis si&ns with C*+,ey an% beco/es one o' the &an& *nti, !#""0 As 'o+ the /i%Fwest. he wo*,% a,ways be a hee,0 So/e 'ee, that E% Lewis c+eate% the hee, cha+acte+ in -+o w+est,in&. b*t I thin) his an% San%ow -e+sona,ity 'o+ce% it on hi/0 7#a THE DES M9INES REGISTER Ma+ch !2. !#!$ H2 NEW Y9RD TIMES Ma+ch "2. !#!$

H! The +e-o+t. THE CANT9N RE 9SIT9RY A-+i, 7. !#!$. c,ai/s D+0 A%a Scott Mo+ton was his wi'e with the /a++ia&e ta)in& -,ace a 'ew /onths be'o+e0 We )now Scott was 'o,,owin& Lewis a+o*n% the co*nt+y an% contin*es 'o+ so/e ti/e0 It was the on,y way the two co*,% s-en% ti/e to&ethe+0 It see/s be,ievab,e that he was -assin& he+ o'' as a wi'e in !#!$0 The %ate o' the t+*e /a++ia&e was May $. !#!#0 It sho*,% a,so be note% that the /a++ia&e %ate set in THE GN G<LISHED LEWIS <I9GRA HY was Ma+ch. !#!$0 H!a THE DANSAS CITY STAR A-+i, "#. !#"1 H" THE DES M9INES REGISTER May 1!. !#!#

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" !#!# an$ the %att&e Fo' The Tit&e In (an)a'y o* !#!#+ Lewis went to Chica,o *o' a *ew -atches an$ to t'ain *o' his co-ebac./ In Feb')a'y he w'est&e$ in %oston an$ No'*o&. 0beatin, (ohn 1&in on the !2th3/ (ac. C)'&ey then ,ot b)sy boo.in, his th'ee avai&ab&e sta's to a se'ies o* -atches/ 1ve' the ne4t yea'+ C)'&ey wo)&$ boo. the th'ee in a n)-be' o* -atch+ e4chan,in, wins an$ &oses+ which we'e $esi,ne$ to .ee5 a&& o* the- st'on, an$ ,ive -eanin, to eve'y -atch/ Lewis si,ne$ to -eet Steche' in Chica,o on Ma'ch "+ !#!#/ He co-5&ete$ his t'ainin, *o' the -atch in Chica,o/ %e*o'e he -et Lewis+ Steche' was -atche$ with W&a$e. 6bys7.o on Feb')a'y 28 at Sio)4 City/ The two ha$ w'est&e$ a $'aw on Nove-be' 29+ in Ma$ison S:)a'e Ga'$en *o' the ;nite$ Wa' Ca-5ai,n+ that was so ba$ that *ans we'e th'owin, *')it at the w'est&e's/ The 'es)&t at Sio)4 City was wo'st/ The -atch was bi&&e$ *o' the Wo'&$<s W'est&in, Cha-5ionshi5 an$ the R 5'o-ise$ the -atch wo)&$ not en$ in a $'aw/ So= the -atch en$e$ in a two ho)' $'aw/ At one 5oint+ 6bys7.o &ai$ *&at on his sto-ach an$ Steche' was )nab&e to t)'n hi- as W&a$e. win.e$ at 'in,si$e's/ Fans we'e ye&&in, "*a.e" by the ho)' -a'./ The en$ saw the *ans 'iote$ an$ chase$ Steche'+ W&a$e. an$ (ac. C)'&ey bac. to the $'essin, 'oo- whe'e they co)&$ be 5'otecte$ by an a'-y o* 5o&ice/ They we'e &ate' esco'te$ *'o- the a'ena )n$e' 5o&ice 5'otection/ The ne4t $ay+ 6bys7.o was awa'$e$ a $ecision+ b)t no one in Sio)4 City ca'e$/ They wante$ w'est&in, -atches with ove' !>8 5o)n$ 5e'*o'-e's banne$ in the city/?>"@ C)'&ey<s i$eas o* -a.in, 5'o w'est&in, &i.e bo4in, with $ecisions+ en$e$ that $ay/ The *ans ha$ s5o.en an$ they wante$ c&ean *inishes with winne's an$ &ose's/ The $ecision ')&e 'e-aine$ on the boo.s+ b)t it was 'a'e&y )se$/ (ac. C)'&ey an$ 5'o w'est&in, ha$ &ea'ne$ a &esson/ The con$itions *o' the Ma'ch " Steche'ALewis -atch ca&&e$ *o' a two o)t o* th'ee *a&& -atch+ b)t i* no *a&&s we'e 'eco'$e$ in a ho)' an$ a ha&* the -atch wo)&$ beca-e a one *a&& a**ai'/ The 5)b&ic a&so was 5'o-ise$ a winne' o' the a$-ission 5'ice wo)&$ be 'et)'ne$/ The -atch that too. 5&ace was *aste' an$ -o'e ente'tainin, than antici5ate$ by the >+BBB *ans 0c&ose to a se&&o)t3 that 5ai$ C!9+BBB to see the -atch/ The contest was -ost&y stan$ )5 *o' the *i'st "B -in)tes+ with Lewis bac. on the $e*ense/ Steche' then a55&ie$ a ,'a5evine an$ too. E$ to the -at/ E$ ,ot to his *eet b)t two -in)tes &ate' was ta.en $own a,ain/ At D> -in)tes+ Steche' t)'ne$ a ,'a5evine into a $o)b&e w'ist&oc. an$ ,ot behin$ Lewis+ b)t E$ 'e,aine$ his *eet with the two 5)&&in, on each othe' stan$in, )nti& the ho)' -a'./ They staye$ stan$in, *o' -ost o* the ne4t "B -in)te b)t Lewis was -o'e wi&&in, to -i4 than in 5ast -atches/ At one 5oint E$ was ta.en $own a,ain b)t -ana,e$ to ,et behin$ Steche'/ %)t nothin, ha55ene$/ They we'e on the -at as the ti-e.ee5e' anno)nce$ the ho)' an$ a ha&* -a'./ Lewis b'o.e a Steche' ha&* ne&son an$ bobbe$ to his *eet/ The -atch then s5ee$e$ )5 with Lewis at ti-es ta.in, the o**ense/ At two ho)'s+ Steche' went *o' the scisso' b)t E$ ,ot his a'- between (oe<s &e,s an$ b'o.e the ho&$/ What *o&&owe$ was the hi,h&i,ht o* Lewis< ca'ee'/ Lewis bac.hee&e$ (oe an$ as the two *e&& bac.wa'$+ E$ 5)t (oe into a *&yin, hea$&oc./ Steche' st')c. the -at with a &o)$ th)-5/ Lewis twiste$ the hea$&oc. an$ 5)t his &e,s a'o)n$ (oe -ovin, *o' the 5in/ Steche' atte-5te$ to s:)i'- an$ b'i$,e o)t b)t he was &oc.e$ in+ an$ Lewis ha$ his sho)&$e's on the -at/ The 'e*e'ee co)nte$ the 5ine$/?>D@ This was the *i'st c&ean &oss in Steche'<s ca'ee' an$ one o* Lewis<s bi,,est victo'ies/ The win 5)t hi- on the sa-e &eve& as Steche' an$ 5'ove$ he co)&$ beat anyone in the s5o't/ The 'es)&t a&so shows (ac. C)'&ey<s boo.in, 5owe'+ an$ it showe$ a 5'o-ote' ta.in, cont'o& o* sto'y&ines *'o- the e,os o* w'est&e's an$ -ana,e's/ It was a ,oo$ -atch an$ boo.e$ *o' the bene*it o* eve'yone/ Steche'<s wi&&in,ness to 5)t ove' Lewis E)st ,ave hi- an o55onent he co)&$ -a.e bi, -oney with *o' the 'est o* his ca'ee'/?>8@

In (an)a'y Ea'& Ca$$oc. ha$ been a$-itte$ to a hos5ita& in F'ance with what was ca&&e$ in*&)en7a/ His hea&th was *ai&in, hi- an$ he ha$ &ost wei,ht/ He ha$ been in o**ice' schoo&+ b)t on ,'a$)ation he 'e*)se$ his co--ission an$ was o'$e' ho-e/ His o'$e's we'e cance&&e$ on (an)a'y 2B+ an$ he was sent bac. to F'ance to t'ain the Secon$ A'-y Ath&etic Tea- *o' co-5etition in the A/E/F/ cha-5ionshi5s/ 1n Feb')a'y 2!+ wo'$ 'each the States that Ca$$oc. was ,oin, to 'eti'e *'o- 5'o w'est&in, an$ ta.e )5 *a'-in, when he $i$ 'et)'n *'o- E)'o5e/ 1n Ma'ch "+ (ac. C)'&ey c&ai-e$ the wo'&$ tit&e *o' W&a$e. 6bys7.o+ who was co-in, o** a win ove' Steche' an$ wo)&$ soon $e*eat Lewis/ 1n A5'i& !+ Ca$$oc.<s -ana,e' Gene Ma&a$y $enie$ the 'e5o'ts o* any 'eti'e-ent an$ sai$ Ea'& 5&ane$ to $e*en$ his tit&e on his 'et)'n+ b)t by then 6bys7.o was bein, bi&&e$ as cha-5ion/ Ma'ch > saw W&a$e. an$ Lewis w'est&e a two an$ a ha&* $'aw in No'*o&.+ FA with the tit&e on the &ine/ Th'ee $ays &ate' on Ma'ch !B+ 6bys7.o chea5en Lewis<s win ove' Steche' by $e*en$in, his tit&e a,ainst (oe an$ beatin, hi- in a 2A" *a&&s -atch/ Steche' won the *i'st *a&& in 22G28 with a scisso' an$ a'-ho&$ 5in/ W&a$e. won the secon$ *a&& in 2G!DG28 with a 'eve'se bo$y ho&$ an$ then 5ine$ Steche' in !DGB" to win the thi'$ *a&&/?>9@ 1n Ma'ch 2!+ Lewis was boo.e$ in anothe' tit&e -atch with 6bys7.o in Ma$ison S:)a'e Ga'$en+ NYC/ 1nce a,ain+ the 5'o-ote' anno)nce$ that the ,ate wo)&$ be 'et)'ne$ to the *ans i* the'e wasn<t a c&ean *inish+ an$ the Ga'$en was Ea--e$ with the bi,,est c'ow$ sense the be,innin, o* the wa'/ The c&ai- was that 8+BBB 5eo5&e we'e t)'ne$ away/ Lewis was the a,,'esso' th'o),ho)t an$ was the *avo'ite with the c'ow$ )nti& a ,'o,,y W&a$e. 5ic.e$ )5 E$ an$ th'ew hi- to the -at so vio&ent&y that the St'an,&e' &ai$ in a hea5+ e4ha)ste$ an$ $e*eate$/ 6bys7.o 5ine$ hi- with a si-5&e bo$y ho&$ in !G"DG"9/?>>@ With this win+ 6bys7.o too. away Lewis<s 1&in wo'&$ tit&e+ which San$ow ha$ a&ways c&ai-e$ *o' E$/ Eve'yone tho),ht it was a ,'eat -atch/ Lewis then beat o&$ 'iva&s *'o- his Le4in,ton $ays+ G)s "A-e'ic)s" Schoen&in 0Ma'ch 29+ No'*o&.3 an$ D' %en Ro&&e' 0A5'i& !+ Ha''isb)',3+?>H@ the on&y $i**e'ence was the wins we'e 'o)tine an$ in two st'ai,ht *a&&s/ A*te' beatin, (ohn 1&in on A5'i& D+ !#!# in Iansas City?>#@+ Lewis anno)nce$ his en,a,e-ent with D'/ A$a Scott Mo'ton/ He sai$ the we$$in, wo)&$ ta.e 5&ace *o&&owin, a 'e-atch with 6bys7.o on A5'i& 2H in Chica,o/ The win$y city saw Lewis &ose anothe' -atch to 1&in &ine cha-5ion W&a$e. 6bys7.o+ on&y this ti-e it was 'e5o'te$ that 6bys7.o ha$ o)t c&asse$ The St'an,&e' with s)5e'io' st'en,th an$ con$itionin,+ 5innin, Lewis with a bo$y scisso's in 2G!DGB#/ The -atch was he&$ )n$e' AWA ')&es which -eant that the -atch was 2A" *a&&s b)t 'eve'te$ to a one *a&& -atch i* no 5in too. 5&ace in the *i'st two ho)'s/ 6bys7.o o)t wo'.e$ Lewis *'o- the be&& an$ the'e was no *&).e o' &)c. to the win/?HB@ May ! saw ne,otiations sta't *o' a &ate May 'e-atch+ in 1-aha+ with (oe Steche'/ Lewis 5)&&e$ o)t o* the -atch when 5'o-ote' Gene Me&a$y $e-an$e$ that Lewis an$ Steche' both 5ost a C!+8BB bon$ which wo)&$ be *o'*eite$ i* the -atch $i$n<t ,o to a *inish+ two *a&&s o)t o* th'ee/ The 5eo5&e o* 1-aha sti&& 'e-e-be'e$ the ()&y D+ !#!9 $isaste' an$ want so-e ins)'ance that Lewis wo)&$ be wi&&in, to w'est&e this ti-e/ %i&&y San$ow b&oc.e$ the a''an,e-ents+ a*te' the Steche's a,'ee$/ The 5&an see-e$ to be to have the -atch ta.e 5&ace on the annive'sa'y o* the -ess+ ()&y D/ Lewis ha$ his own 5&ans/ 1n May H+ !#!# he -a''ie$ &on, ti-e ,i'&*'ien$+ D' A$a Scott Mo'ton+ at Me'ce'+ ennsy&vania/ The event too. 5&ace the sa-e $ay as the $ivo'ce *'o- D'/ An$'ew W/ Mo'ton beca-e o**icia&/ The new M's/ F'ie$'ich was a we&& .now s)',eon with 5'actices in San F'ancisco an$ San (ose/ She ha$ st)$ie$ )n$e' the *a-o)s Mayo b'othe's an$ too. ,'a$)ate st)$ies at the Roya& Co&&a,e o* hysicians an$ S)',eons at Lon$on+ En,&an$/ She sti&& atten$e$ c&inics ann)a&&y in the East+ En,&an$ an$ F'ance/ She owne$ a &a',e estate a *ew -i&es *'o- San (ose an$ &an$ in So)the'n Ca&i*o'nia/ %y the ti-e o* the -a''ia,e she ha$ a&'ea$y b)i&t a &a',e ,y- on the 5'o5e'ty *o' Lewis/ It ha$ wei,hts+ a 'in, an$ a swi--in, 5oo&+ a&& enc&ose$ by ,&ass/ She see-e$ to enEoy the i$ea that she was Lewis<s t'aine' an$ the'e was an e&ect'ic 5iano ne4t to the 'in, beca)se she be&ieve t'ainin, sho)&$ be $one with -)sic/ %i&&y San$ow $i$n<t see- to &i.e he' -)ch/ Sto'ies a'e that %i&&y &ate' 5)t a ca)se in E$<$ cont'act *o'bi$$in, any -o'e -a''ia,es/ %oth E$ an$ A$a we'e $e$icate$ to thei' 5'o*essions an$ both

contin)e$ wo'.in,/ (oe Steche' 'eJwon his wo'&$ tit&e on May #+ beatin, W&a$e. 6bys7.o in one ho)' an$ *o'tyJei,ht -in)te )sin, his *a-o)s bo$y scisso's at Lo)isvi&&e/ The -atch too. 5&ace the $ay be*o'e the *o'tyJ*i*th ')nnin, o* the Ient)c.y De'by+ with 8B+BBB s5o'ts *ans in town/ He too. whateve' c&ai- W&a$e. ha$+ inc&)$in, the 1&in &ine wo'&$ tit&e/ The 'ea& wo'&$ cha-5ion+ Ea'& Ca$$oc.+ sai&e$ into New Yo'. ha'bo' on May 2"/ His wi*e was sic. an$ he )se$ the sit)ation to 5e's)a$e the a'-y to a&&ow his 'et)'n/ The A'-y ha$ 5&ans *o' hi-+ one i$ea was to have hi- se've in 'esi$ent Wi&son<s 5e'sona& ,)a'$+ b)t he 'e*)se$ eve'ythin,/ The 5'eJwa' 5at'iot ha$ been t)'ne$ into a 5ostJwa' cynic/ He to&$ 'e5o'te's that he wo)&$ on&y *i,ht a,ain i* the ;/S/ was inva$e$ an$ neve' a,ain on any othe' nation<s te''ito'y/ It was a view he&$ by -any so&$ie's/ He was $ischa',e$ by the ;S A'-y on ()ne !+ !#!#/ He t'ave&e$ to Wa&n)t Iowa to see his wi*e an$ new bo'n chi&$/ He then c&ai-e$ his o&$ tit&e an$ be,an t'ainin, to $e*en$ it/ The sto'y be&ieve$ by -ost w'est&in, w'ite's+ is that Ca$$oc.<s 5ostJwa' 5e'*o'-ances we'e 5oo' beca)se he was wea.en *'o- bein, ,as in F'ance/ This -ay be t')e b)t he ha$ -any ,'eat -atches $)'in, this 5e'io$/ So-e ove' two ho)'s 5e'*o'-e$ at a *ast 5ace/ A*te' his 'et)'n *'o- the wa' he ta&.e$ abo)t his hea&th+ b)t $i$n<t sin,&e o)t the ,assin, inci$ent/ He ta&.e$ a &ot abo)t 5oo' *oo$ an$ he $i$ s)**e' *'o- in*&)en7a in (an)a'y !#!#/ In*&)en7a was a -aEo' $isease $)'in, the wa'+ an$ ha$ .i&&e$ ove' 8B+BBB so&$ie's/ A&so+ it<s been c&ai-e$ that Ca$$oc.+ as a chi&$+ s)**e'e$ *'o- t)be'c)&osis/ T)be'c)&osis is a ve'y se'o)s 5'ob&e-+ which wo)&$ have been ha'$ to t'eat be*o'e !#BB/ To$ay $octo' )se -onths o* antiJbiotic t'eat-ent in iso&ation to s)b$)e it an$ antiJ biotics $i$n<t e4ist )nti& Wo'&$ Wa' II/ Ca$$oc. 5'obab&y ha$ so-e othe' ty5e o* 'es5i'ato'y i&&ness+ 5ossibi&ity asth-a/ Eithe' way+ these we'e i&&nesses that wo)&$ not ,o away an$ 5e'ha5s the ,assin, o' )nhea&thy con$itions o* a wa' 7one ca)se$ a 'e&a5se/ F'o- 5'ess c&i55in,+ the'e is not any in$ication o* any $ete'io'ation in his wo'.'ate/ Sto'y&ines in so-e -atch we'e that he wo'e $own+ b)t that was be&ievab&e 5&ottin, consi$e'in, E)st abo)t eve'yone o)twei,he$ hiby "B to DB 5o)n$s/ These -atches we'e wo'.s+ not shoots+ Ca$$oc. ha$ -any -aEo' victo'ies an$ ha$ ,'eat -atches a*te' Wo'&$ Wa' I/ In *act+ his ,oo$ 'e5)tation as a w'est&e' an$ wo'.e' ca-e *'o- this 5e'io$/ Ca$$oc.+ hi-se&*+ was on 'eco'$ sayin, he $i$n<t *ee& &i.e hi-se&* *o' a&-ost a yea' a*te' his 'et)'n *'oF'ance/?H"@ Lewis was si,ne$ *o' a Chica,o -atch with W&a$e. 6bys7.o on May !#/ D)'in, May+ Lewis wo'.e$ in the t'ainin, ca-5 o* (ac. De-5sey/ De-5sey was 'ea$yin, hi-se&* *o' his tit&e winnin, victo'y ove' (ess Wi&&a'$ on ()&y D/ %o4e's in the ea'&y 5a't o* the 2Bth cent)'y )s)a&&y ha$ a w'est&e' in ca-5 to he&5 t'ain/ De-5sey an$ Lewis $eve&o5 a *'ien$shi5/ De-5sey hi-se&* was a ,oo$ w'est&e' an$ 'e-aine$ a 5a't o* the w'est&in, b)siness &on, a*te' his bo4in, ca'ee' was ove'/ His -ana,e' was the sa-e (ac. Iea'ns that 5'o-ote$ the LewisAW&a$e. -atch in San F'ancisco bac. on ()ne 8+ !#!>/ The May !# !#!# LewisA6bys7.o -atch was one o* thei' best/ W&a$e. won the *i'st *a&& in !G"9G82 with his 'eve'se bo$y &oc./ The 5o&e &oo.e$ the -aste' $)'in, the *a&&+ an$ Lewis &oo.e$ s5ent/ With $e*eat sta'in, hi- in the *ace+ Lewis c'aw&e$ th'o),h the 'o5es *o' the secon$ *a&& with a $ete'-ination that co)&$ not be $enie$/ A se'ies o* hea$&oc.s &e$ to a W&a$e. $e*eat in DHG"8/ Lewis went a*te' the ,iant o&e in a vicio)s thi'$ *a&& an$ with the )se o* anothe' hea$&oc. 5ine$ W&a$e. in !2G89/ Lewis c&ai-e$ the wo'&$ tit&e beca)se o* the ni,ht<s win an$ the win ove' Steche' in Chica,o/ The -atch $'ew 9+BBB *ans an$ C#+BBB/?HD@ 1n ()ne !!+ !#!#+ Lewis 'et)'ne$ to 1-aha+ *o' the *i'st ti-e sense the now *a-o)s *ive ho)' $'aw with Steche'+ to a,ain w'est&e the yo)n, sta' (i- Lon$os/ Lewis too. the *i'st *a&& in !G"DGD8 )sin, the hea$&oc./ Lon$os h)'t his nec.+ b)t 'et)'ne$ to *inish the -atch/ Lon$os ca''ie$ the *a&&+ ,ettin, seve'a& $an,e'o)s ho&$s an$ nea'&y 5innin, Lewis twice+ b)t *ina&&y s)cc)-be$ to anothe' hea$&oc. in !>G"B/ Lon$os+ o)t wei,he$ by DB 5o)n$s+ ,ave Lewis one o* his ha'$est -atches an$ $i$n<t &ose any *an s)55o't/ Lewis 'et)'ne$ to San (ose to t'ain *o' his ne4t bi, -atch/ ?H8@ It was not by chance that the sa-e 5'o-ote'+ boo.e$ the sa-e two w'est&e's+ in the sa-e city+ on the sa-e $ay in ()&y/ 'o w'est&in, an$ eve'yone connecte$ with it was &oo.in, *o' vin$ication o* the ()&y D+ !#!9 -ess/ Steche' ha$

5'o-ise$ the 5eo5&e o* 1-aha anothe' -atch with E$ "St'an,&e'" Lewis+ an$ on ()&y D+ !#!# the 5'o-ise was *)&*i&&e$/ The *a-o)s !#!9 -atch+ wo)&$+ at &ast+ have a *inish/ Gene Ma&a$y si,ne$ Lewis an$ Steche' on ()ne 2! an$+ to ins)'e the *ans a batt&e *'o- sta't to *inish+ it was -a$e a "winne' ta.es a&&" -atch/ 'o w'est&in, ha$ ,one th'o),h a &ot in the th'ee yea's+ an$ &i.e A&& (a5an w'est&in, in !#H#+ it &ea'ne$ that *ans nee$ c&ean *inishes/?H9@ The -atch too. 5&ace at the 1-aha A)$ito'i)-+ which was e:)i55e$ with new &a',e' seats an$ a coo&in, syste- to ins)'e the co-*o't o* the *ans/ The a'ena atten$ance was a so&$ o)t 8+BBB *ans as thei' he'o (oe Steche'+ who ha$ neve' act)a&&y 5ine$ the St'an,&e'+ ente'e$ the 'in,/ The'e was th'ee -en in the 'in, c&ai-in, the wo'&$ tit&e+ Lewis an$ Steche' 5&)s the t')e wo'&$ cha-5ion+ 'e*e'ee Ea'& Ca$$oc./ Lewis t'ie$ 'e5eate$&y to ,et his hea$&oc. a'o)n$ Steche'+ b)t was )nab&e to ,et a 5in/ Twice Ca$$oc. was *o'ce$ to b'ea. the ho&$ a*te' Lewis $'o55e$ $own into a st'an,&e/ Seve'a& ti-es Steche' E)st b'o.e the ho&$/ The 5ost wa' Steche' ha$ $eve&o5e$ new )55e' bo$y st'en,th an$ he showe$ i-5'ove-ent in the )se o* a'ho&$s/ Seve'a& ti-es he ha$ E$ in $an,e'o)s 5ositions *'o- which he was ba'e&y ab&e to wi,,&e *'ee/ At no ti-e $i$ the St'an,&e' th'eaten Steche'/ Th'ee ti-es Steche' ha$ Lewis a&-ost 5inne$+ b)t the sweaty w'est&e' was ab&e to s&i5 away/ At one ho)' an$ D> -in)tes+ (oe ca),ht Lewis in the bo$y scisso' with a w'ist &oc. to ,et the 5in an$ *i'st *a&&/ The secon$ *a&& was a&so won by (oe )sin, the sa-e ho&$ in !D -in)tes/ So Steche' ,ot his han$ 'aise by Ca$$oc. an$ too. 'even,e *o' ()&y D+ !#!9 by winnin, two st'ai,ht *a&&s ove' The St'an,&e'/?H>@ )ttin, ove' Steche' too. a &ot o* heat o** Lewis in the Mi$west+ b)t in thei' eye he wo)&$ a&ways 'e-ain the vi&&ain/ Lewis see-e$ to s5en$ the 'est o* ()&y into 1ctobe' in San (ose with his new wi*e/ 1n A),/ !#+ he &ost a han$ica5 -atch to (i- Lon$os in San F'ancisco/ He a,'ee$ to 5in both Dante et'o** an$ Lon$os in two ho)' b)t on&y 5ine$ et'o** in !G!8G"2/ Lon$os &aste$ the 'est o* the ti-e &i-it+ so it was consi$e'e$ a e4hibition &oss *o' E$/ So once a,ain we *in$ Lewis ,oin, o)t o* his way to 5)t ove' Lon$os/?HH@ In Se5te-be'+ Lewis was at his wi*e<s 'anch o' o'cha'$ nea' Santa Ana+ Ca&i*o'nia+ when an int')$e' 5)&&e$ a ,)n on hi-/ Lewis too. the ,)n away an$ then s5an.e$ the -an be*o'e sen$in, hi- on his way/?H#@ In 1ctobe' he was t'ainin, at the ,y- in San (ose with Dic. Davisco)'t *o' anothe' -atch with Steche' in New Yo'. City/?#B@ E$ was $oin, $o)b&e $)ty beca)se a'o)n$ this ti-e D' A$a beca-e 5'e,nant/ 1n 1ctobe' !B+ !#!#+ the Cincinnati Re$s $e*eate$ the Chica,o White So4s to win the !#!# Wo'&$ Se'ies/ The "wo'.e$" se'ies wo)&$ &ea$ to a nationa& scan$a& with a n)-be' o* 5&aye's banne$ *'o- the MaEo' Lea,)es/ A)tho'ities c&a-5e$ $own on antiJ,a-b&in, &aws in -ost &a',e cities/ The -aEo' 5'o-ote's 'ea&i7e$ that 5'o w'est&in,+ a wo'.e$ s5o't+ was v)&ne'ab&e to 5'osec)tion an$ wo)&$ have to s)'vive by bein, ente'tain-ent an$ c&ean itse&* o* the i$ea o* )sin, ,a-b&in, to -a.e a b)c./ Lea$in, )5 to Nove-be' o* !#!#+ (ac. C)'&ey anno)nce$ that he was ,oin, to 5'o-ote a se'ies o* -atches+ with no ti-e &i-its+ to $eci$e+ once an$ *o' a&&+ the t')e wo'&$ cha-5ion/ The th'ee -aEo' tit&e c&ai-ants+ E$ Lewis+ (oe Steche'+ an$ W&a$e. 6bys7.o wo)&$ -eet in a $o)b&e e&i-ination to)'na-ent with the winne' ,ettin, an )n$is5)te$ tit&e -atch with Ea'& Ca$$oc. in Ma$ison S:)a'e Ga'$en/ The *i'st -atch wo)&$ be between (oe Steche' an$ E$ "St'an,&e'" Lewis on Nove-be' " in the Ga'$en/ The so&$ o)t Ga'$en chee'e$ the w'est&e's as they ente'e$ the 'in,/ %oth w'est&e's ha$ ,aine$ st'en,th $)'in, the wa' an$ Lewis ha$ 5)t on so-e wei,ht/ Lewis *o'ce$ the action at the sta't an$ th'ew Steche' a'o)n$ the 'in, 'o),h&y+ b)t (oe was too a,i&e to ,et an e**ective ,'i5 on hi-/ Lewis 'e5eate$&y *&oo'e$ Steche'+ b)t the *a'- boy bo)nce$ )5 as soon as he hit the ca'5et/ At the 2B -in)te -a'.+ Steche' ,ot Lewis in a hea$ scisso' an$ a&-ost ,ot a co)nt b)t Lewis w'i,,&e$ *'ee/ Lewis too. a &ot o* 5)nish-ent *'o- a Steche' toe ho&$+ b)t his ,'eat st'en,th $i$n<t &et hi- $own as he .ic.e$ o)t an$ a&-ost th'ew Steche' o)t o* the 'in,/ Twice E$ a55&ie$ his hea$&oc. an$ the secon$ b'o),ht (oe to the -at with the c'ow$ ye&&in, *o' a 5in+ b)t the cha-5ion twiste$ *'ee/ At the ho)' -a'. both w'est&e's be,an to ti'e/ Steche' t'ie$ so-e E)Eits) th'ows+ b)t Lewis 'e*)se$ to be ca),ht )nawa'e/ Lewis too. the o**ence an$ twice a55&ie$ the hea$&oc. with his a'- c&)tche$ a'o)n$ his o55onent<s hea$ &i.e a stee& ban$/ %)t

the ho&$ was b'o.en an$ Steche' 'a5e$ his &e,s a'o)n$ his o55onent &i.e a ,'a5evine/ The two c'ashe$ to the -at+ with Lewis s&ow&y t)'ne$ on his bac./ He b'i$,e$ to *i,ht o** the event)a& b)t Steche' c&inche$ both o* his w'ists as his .nees 'o$e the St'an,&e'<s sho)&$e's to the -at with the wei,ht o* his own bo$y/ The (oe Steche' win &aste$ !G"!G28/?#!@ (oe Ca''o&& Ma'sh was the &ast o* the Fa'-e' %)'ns ,'o)5 that once ')&e$ 5'o w'est&in,/ His 'ea& na-e see-e$ to be Geo',e M/ Ma'sh 0a&so .now as (oe Ca''o&& o' 1&e Ma'sh3/ Ma'sh was one o* the -en who c&ai-e$ to be the -ana,e' o* F'an. Gotch/ In !#B# he was 5'o-otin, w'est&in, in Seatt&e an$ en,a,e$ in a w'est&in, wa' with (ac. C)'&ey/ In !#!B+ he was in$icte$ by a)tho'ities as bein, 5a't o* the Mayb'ay Gan,/ This ,an, was a nation wi$e ,'o)5 o* swin$&e's that sca--e$ 5eo5&e by *i4in, ho'se 'aces+ bo4in, an$ even w'est&in, -atches/ Ma'sh 5&ea$e$ ,)i&ty an$ se've$ a yea' in Leavenwo'th 5'ison/ M)ch o* his 5'ob&e-s he b&a-e$ on C)'&ey+ who ha$ -ove$ on to New Yo'. City an$ bi,,e' thin,s/ In !#!#+ he was -ana,in, Ma'in &estina+ the &ast o* Fa'-e' %)'ns<s ,oo$ heavywei,ht w'est&e's/ &estina was bi, an$ co)&$ w'est&e+ b)t nothin, on his 'eco'$ -a.es hi- see&i.e a s)5e'sta' hoo.e'/ He &ost -aEo' -atches to Steche' 0"J28J!D3 an$ Ca$$oc. 0!2J!J!83+ ea'&y in thei' ca'ee's when a t')e shoot was 5ossib&e+ an$ &ate' he 5'ove$ nothin, in -atches with (ohn ese. an$ (i- Lon$os/ He $i$ have an ea'&y win ove' Lewis+ b)t it see-e$ to eve'yone &i.e a wo'.e$ -atch/ In !#!#+ Ma'sh was -a.in, a &ot o* noise in the 5'ess c&ai-in, that the'e was a w'est&in, t')st co-5ose$ o* C)'&ey+ San$ow+ Me&a$y an$ the Steche's cont'o&&in, the s5o't an$ a&& we'e 'e*)sin, to -eet &estina+ who swo'e he neve' wo'. a $ishonest -atch/ He e45ose$ the wo'.e$ nat)'e o* the s5o't )n$e' C)'&ey an$ ,ave away *)t)'e 'es)&ts an$ sto'y&ines/ Ma'sh was *'ien$s with %e't Co&&ye'+ who 5)b&ishe$ a 'acin, 5)b&ication ca&&e$ C1LLYER"S EYE+ so Ma'sh ha$ a *o')- *o' his e45osK/ Ma'sh a&so *&oo$e$ the -aEo' news5a5e's with &ette's e45osin, the s5o't whi&e c&ai-in, &estina co)&$ $e*eat a&& the tit&e c&ai-ants in one ni,ht/ At one 5oint+ Ma'ch 'evea&e$ that C)'&ey was ,oin, to ')n a to)'na-ent an$ the *ina& wo)&$ be Ca$$oc. ve'ses Steche'+ with Steche' winnin,/ None o* his ta&. ha$ -)ch o* an e**ect in !#!# b)t it e-ba''ass C)'&ey an$ the othe' 5'o-ote's/ These 'e5o'ts we'e in the news5a5e's as Lewis 5'e5a'e$ *o' his secon$ to)'na-ent -atch+ this ti-e with W&a$e. 6bys7.o in %oston on Nove-be' 2>/ W&a$e.+ a*te' &osin, his tit&e c&ai-+ see-e$ to be on the $own si$e/ %esi$es &osses to Steche' an$ Lewis+ he was )5set by (ohn ese. on ()ne !D+ !#!# at Go'$on+ N%/ ese.+ who wo)&$ 'iva& Ca$$oc. as the best 5o)n$ *o' 5o)n$ hoo.e' in histo'y+ beat 6bys7.o with a w'ist &oc. in 2GB"G!8/ Goin, into the %oston -atch+ Lewis see-e$ to be a bi, *avo'ite/ The 9+8BB *ans c'a--e$ into %oston<s Mechanie<s %)i&$in, witness a $i**e'ent 'es)&t/ Lewis was the a,,'esso' th'o),h o)t the -atch+ b)t a*te' *o)' atte-5ts to 5)t on the hea$&oc.+ 6bys7.o th'ew hi- an$ 5)t hi- into a bo$y ho&$ with a hea$ chance'y to 5in E$ in "H -in)tes/ The &oss was Lewis<s secon$ in the to)'na-ent an$ he was e&i-inate$/ Steche' won his 'et)'n -atch with Ca$$oc. by 5innin, 6bys7.o with a hea$ scisso's an$ w'ist &oc. in 2G2DG!9 in Ma$ison S:)a'e Ga'$en on Dec/ H/ %e*o'e -eetin, Ca$$oc. he a&so beat tit&e c&ai-ants in (ohn 1&in 0!2J!8J!# in S5'in,*ie&$3 an$ (ohn ese. 0!J!9J2B at 1-aha3/ LL Contin)e to CHA TER !D F11TN1TES >" SI1;M CITY TRI%;NE Feb')a'y 28+ !#!# >D CHICAG1 TRI%;NE Ma'ch D+ !#!# >8 CHICAG1 TRI%;NE Ma'ch D+ !#!#NLewis an$ St'etche' s5&it a 5)'se o* C>+2BB/ 'o-ote' in Chica,o was act)a&&y bi&&e$ as (ac. He'-an+ who -ost &i.e&y wo'.e$ *o' C)'&ey/ O)ote by 'e5o'te' Ha'vey T/ Woo$')**G "Lewis+ by his victo'y+ has 5&ace$ hi-se&* in a 5osition to ea'n bi, -oney in his 5'o*ession/ Whi&e not *&ashy in 5e'*o'-ance an$ whi&e his $e*ensive tactics -ay not a&ways 5&ease the c'ow$+ he showe$ a coo&ness an$ st'en,th co-bine$ with a- i-5'ove-ent since his &ast a55ea'ance he'e which wi&& -a.e hi- a -ost *o'-i$ab&e o55onent *o' Cha-5ion Ea'& Ca$$oc. when ;nc&e Sa- 'e&eases the &atte' *'o- se'vice/" >9 CHICAG1 TRI%;NE Ma'ch !!+ !#!# >> NEW Y1RI TIMES Ma'ch 22+ !#!# >H Lewis w'est&e$ %en Ro&&e' b)t I see no 'eason to w'ite abo)t eve'y one o* thei' -atches/ %y A5'i& !#!#+ the 'eco'$ ha$ Lewis winnin, the &ast ten -atches in st'ai,ht *a&&s/ In THE ;N ;%LISHED LEWIS %I1GRA HY+ Lewis c&ai-e$ eve'y one

o* the Ro&&e' -atches we'e shoots/ I* yo) want to be&ieve that+ ,o ahea$/ ># %eatin, (ohn 1&in was no &on,e' a bi, $ea&/ He ha$ &ost -atches to Lewis 0D ti-es3+ W&a$e. 0" ti-es3 an$ Ca$$oc. 0twice3/ 1&in<s *&).e win ove' Steche' ha$ a$$e$ )5 to -any 5ay$ays/ In !#22+ 1&in 'et)'ne$ to his native co)nt'y with a ban. 'o&& o* C8B+BBB/ He sett&e$ $own on a &ove&y estate with a new wi*e b)t in !#29 his &)c. 'an o)t when he $ie$ a*te' a hea't attac./ 1N THE MAT AND 1FFG MEM1IRS 1F A WRESTLER by HEa&-a' L)n$in a,e !"8 HB LINC1LN DAILY STAR A5'i& 2#+ !#!# H! LINC1LN DAILY STAR+ LINC1LN NENMay 2+ !#!# H2 THE C1;RIERJ(1;RNAL+ L1;ISFILLENMay #+ !#!# H" This section canniba&i7e$ *'o- -y EARL CADD1CIG "THE MAN 1F A TH1;SAND H1LDS" by Steve Yohe The Ca$$oc. :)otes we'e *'o- THE DES M1INES REGISTER May "!+ !#!# HD CHICAG1 TRI%;NE May !#+ !#!# H8 THE DES M1INES REGISTER ()ne !2+ !#!# H9 THE DES M1INES REGISTER ()ne 22+ !#!# H> THE DES M1INES REGISTER ()&y 8+ !#!# HH SAN FRANCISC1 CR1NICAL A),)st 2B+ !#!# H# 1AILAND CA TRI%;NE Se5te-be' !"+ !#!# #B 1AILAND CA TRI%;NE 1ctobe' 2>+ !#!# #! NEW Y1RI TIMES Nove-be' D+ !#!#NThe 5&ay by 5&ay o* the -atch was sto&en wo'$ *o' wo'$ *'o- the Ti-es/ Lewis<s 'eco'$ ve'ses Steche' at that 5oint was one win+ *o)' &oses+ an$ two $'aws/

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" !#$% with &oe Steche' as Cha()ion A*te' the W+a,e- +oss. Lewis hea,e, bac- to San &ose a*te' *i'st w'est+in/ a *ew (atches in the Chica/o a'ea0 He was in San &ose *o' the ho+i,ays. then w'est+e, his way th'o1/h 2ansas an, Misso1'i an, ha, a *ew (atches in 3tica an, 4oston0 He was )'esent at the Ca,,oc-5Steche' tit+e 1ni*ication (atch on &an1a'y 6%. !#$%0 Many o* )'o w'est+in/7s /'eatest events. s1ch as the Gotch5Hac-ensch(i,t (atches. the *i'st two Steche'5Lewis (atch an, yo1 (i/ht even say the *i'st Steche'5Ca,,oc- (atch. en,e, 1) as scan,a+o1s ,isa))oint(ents. b1t this (atch between w'est+in/7s best +ive, 1) to its *1++ )otentia+0 It ,'ew a so+, o1t !%.%%% an, ha, a 89:.%%% /ate with the cities best sittin/ in seats /oin/ at 8$$ a s)ot0 It was )'o(ote, as an 1))e' c+ass a**ai'0 Ca,,oc- was the a//'esso' *o' the *i'st ho1' b1t the )hysica+ an, e(otiona+ st'ain see(e, to wea' hi( ,own ,1'in/ the one *a++ *inish (atch. an, he en,e, 1) in Steche'7s bo,y scisso's. bein/ )inne, a*te' two ho1's an, *ive (in1tes0 It was consi,e'e, a c+assic (atch in which both (en showe, a++ thei' s)ee, an, s-i++0 Steche' an, Ca,,oc- we'e )ai, 86%.%%% *o' the (otion )ict1'e 'i/hts an, *o'ty (in1tes o* the (atch 'e(ains on ta)e to,ay0 Even in to,ay7s a/e o* (oonsa1+ts an, chai'shots. the wo'- ho+,s 1) an, (any even consi,e' the (atch a shoot0 A*te' the )in. Steche' +i*te, Ca,,oc- to his *eet an, Ea'+7s han,sha-e *o++owe,0 The two +i()e, to the ,'essin/ 'oo(. b1t neithe' (an wo1+, be *o'/otten by the New Yo'- *ans0 They wo1+, 'et1'n to w'est+e a/ain. b1t neve' a/ainst each othe'0;#$< With the win. &oe Steche' beca(e the *i'st 1n,is)1te, wo'+, cha()ion sense F'anGotch0 His )1'se was 8$:.%%% )+1s his c1t o* the (ovie (oney0 A 'e)o't in the FREM=NT E>ENING TRI43NE o* Feb'1a'y 6. c+ai(e, that Steche' was )a't o* a syn,icate o* *ive s)o'ts /a(b+e's. an, that /'o1) ha, cove'e, a++ Ca,,oc- bets in Do,/e be*o'e the tit+e (atch0 Steche'7s sha'e in the syn,icate )oo+ was $%? o* the /'oss a(o1nt "an, then a sha'e o* what was +e*t"0;#6< In &an1a'y !#$% ca(e a 'e)o't that Stanis+a1s @bysA-o was 'et1'nin/ to A(e'ican0 4ac- in !#!" he was )'obab+y the best w'est+e' in A(e'ica an, the on+y ,e*eat on his 'eco',. that *ans wo1+, -now o*. was a &1ne $. !#!% +oss to F'an- Gotch in Chica/o0 He 'et1'ne, ho(e in !#!". an, was he+, 1n,e' ho1se a''est in E1'o)e th'o1/h !#!#0 In the )'ocess he ha, +ost his *o't1ne an, was h1n/e' to w'est+e any o* the to) w'est+e's0 &ac- C1'+ey 'ec'1ite, &i( Lon,os abo1t the sa(e ti(e an, the G'ee- +e*t Canton in &an1a'y *o' the bi/ ti(eB New Yo'- City0 C1'+ey not on+y sto+e Canton )'o(ote' Mi-e Mc 2inney7s bi//est sta'. b1t a+so sto+e the (atch he ha, been )'o(otin/ *o' (onths0;#"< =n &an1a'y :. !#$% &i( Lon,os ,e*eate, Wi++ia( De(et'a+ *o' the G'ee- w'est+in/ tit+e at the 9!st Re/t0 A'(o'y in Manhattan0 A*te' the (atch. *ans an, o+, ti(e's c+ai(e, that it was. witho1t ,o1bt. one o* the (ost /'1e+in/ bo1ts they ha, eve' witnesse,0 Lon,os won with a ,o1b+eCa'( scisso's a*te' ! ho1' "# (in1tes an, $% secon,s o* vicio1s w'est+in/0 The win /ave Lon,os a tit+e (atch with Steche'0;#:< 4oth Lewis an, Lon,os we'e wo'-in/ in No'*o+-. >i'/inia0 Hee+ (ana/e' 4i++y San,ow was (a-in/ c+ai(s that Lewis co1+, th'ow the s(a++ sta' th'ee ti(es in two ho1's. an, Lon,os too- hi( 1) on the cha++en/e0;#D< The (atch too- )+ace on Feb'1a'y ". !#$% at No'*o+- C+1b. Lewis nee,e, to )in Lon,os th'ee ti(es in two ho1's to win the han,ica) (atch0 Lon,os. o1twei/he, by ": )o1n,s. was neve' in t'o1b+e an, the contest went the *1++ two ho1's witho1t a *a++0 In *act. Lewis was o1t w'est+e, an, at one )oint even ca++e, a ti(e o1t to save hi(se+* *'o( bein/ s1b(itte,0 The ho1se was *1++ an, the (atch was the best seen that yea'0 ;#9< A +ot in the yea's that *o++ow is (a,e o* the 'iva+'y between E, Lewis an, &i( Lon,os. b1t it is ve'y c+ea' that 1) 1nti+ !#$D. the estab+ishe, sta' Lewis was ,oin/ eve'ythin/ he co1+,. neEt to a c+ean Fob. to )1t Lon,os ove'0 It7s a+so ve'y c+ea' that Lewis was ve'y /oo, at )+ayin/ the s1bt+e hee+B00an, (ost o* the ti(e. he wasn7t too s1bt+e0

Lewis then t'ave+e, to 2ansas City whe'e he ,e*eate, W+a,e- @bysA-o on Feb'1a'y !D0 Lon,os /ot his tit+e (atch with &oe Steche' at the 9!st Re/i(ent A'(o'y on Feb'1a'y $%. !#$%0 It was )'inte, that &i((y /ave Steche' the ha',est batt+e o* his ca'ee' b1t he was sti++ )ine, in $ ho1's !6 (in1tes an, 6" secon,s with a w'ist +oc-0 The a'ena was so+, o1t with no stan,in/ 'oo(. so the )o+ice ha, to +oc- the ,oo's to -ee) tho1san,s o1tsi,e0 The on+y thin/ between &i((y an, a cha()ionshi) victo'y was wei/ht0;#G< Ten ,ays +ate'. Ma'ch $. !#$%. &ac- C1'+ey. 'ea+iAin/ he nee,e, a bi//e' b1i+,in/. boo-e, Lon,os to (eet St'an/+e' Lewis in Ma,ison SH1a'e Ga',en an, it att'acte, a ca)acity c'ow, with eve'y noo- an, c'anny *i++e,0 The )o+ice we'e 'ea,y this ti(e an, the'e was no ,iso',e' o1tsi,e in the st'eets0 The LewisC Lon,os (atch was a st1bbo'n+y conteste, a**ai'. in which b'1te st'en/th was the '1+in/ *acto'0 The /'a))+e's went at each othe' in vio+ent '1shes which ca1se, the( to t1(b+e into the )'ess 'o++ *'eH1ent+y0 Lon,os was a/i+e. eEt'e(e+y c+eve' on the ,e*ense. s1ccess*1+ in his attac- an, seve'a+ ti(es ha, Lewis on the ve'/e o* ,e*eat0 In the en,. howeve'. the St'an/+e's c'1shin/ a'( )owe' an, hea,+oc-s *o'ce, Lon,os to s1b(it0 At the twoCho1' (a'- Lewis a))ea'e, to be ti'in/ an, Lon,os +oo-e, *'esh0 Th'ee ti(es Lon,os b'o-e o1t o* Lewis7s hea,+oc-0 In the *i'st. Lewis he+, the ho+, *o' so(e ti(e as the G'ee- twiste, into )osition. the )owe'*1+ Lon,os 'ose e'ect with Lewis c+in/in/ to his hea,0 The St'an/+e' was then F1st sha-en o**0 Lon,os ,1)+icate, the *eat (o'e that once whi+e the c'ow, ye++e, +o1,+y0 The e**o'ts. howeve'. sa))e, Lon,os7s st'en/th an, when. at the $ ho1's $ (in1tes (a'-. Lewis a/ain sec1'e, his ho+,. the G'ee- was *o'ce, to s1b(it0 Lewis /ot the win whi+e Lon,os /ot the a,o'ation o* the c'ow,0;##< Less than two wee-s +ate' on Ma'ch !:. !#$%. C1'+ey boo-e, Lewis in a (atch that wo1+, have to be consi,e'e, one o* the hi/h+i/hts o* his ca'ee'0 E, was to w'est+e Ca,,oc-. the eECcha()ion an, n1(be' one conten,e' *o' Steche'7s c'own0 Lewis was n1(be' two on the +ist an, C1'+ey bi++e, the contest as an e+i(ination (atch *o' a tit+e (atch0 Ca,,oc- ha, on+y one -nown +ost. to Steche'. on his 'eco', an, ve'y *ew co1+, say they ha, eve' )ine, the Iowan *o' a *a++0 As cha()ion Ca,,oc- ha, beaten Lewis via ,ecision an, was a h1/e *avo'ite in New Yo'- City0 o1n, *o' )o1n,. the !G: )o1n, Ca,,oc- was consi,e'e, the *inest technica+ w'est+e' in the wo'+,0 With his wa' 'eco', an, w'est+in/ sty+e. the'e was no (o'e )o)1+a' baby*ace in the s)o't0 =n Ma'ch !:. !#$%. the two (aFo' conten,e's sH1a'e, o** in *'ont o* anothe' so+, o1t Ma,ison SH1a'e Ga',en o* !!.%%%0 The c'ow, ha, )ic-e, Ca,,oc- to win an, chee'e, the wa' vete'an7s eve'y (ove0 3nti+ the *inish. Ca,,oc- ha, F1sti*ie, the c'ow,7s s1))o't by o1t )ointin/ Lewis in eve'y way0 A+tho1/h +i/hte' an, s(a++e'. he ha, ,is)+aye, a s)ee, an, a//'essiveness that (o'e than co1nte'e, The St'an/+e'7s wei/ht0 The *i'st in,ication that Ea'+ was wea-enin/ ca(e a*te' ! ho1' an, 66 (in1tes. when E, th'ew the Iowan to the (at heavi+y an, a+(ost )inne, hi( with a *ace +oc- an, +e/ ho+,0 Ca,,oc- b'o-e *'ee a*te' a to't1o1s st'1//+e0 Lewis then 'es1(e, the attac- with the s1,,enness an, H1ic-ness o* a +i/htnin/ *+ash0 A hea, +oc- an, hi) th'ow s+a((e, Ca,,oc- to the (at an, Lewis s+ow+y t1'ne, the eECcha() ove' on his sho1+,e's *o' a th'ee co1nt by 'e*e'ee Geo'/e 4othne'0 Ti(e was !I6:I":0;!%%< In the 'in/. Ca,,oc- was eEa(ine, by a ,octo'. an, it was anno1nce, that his co++a' bone was b'o-en0 Ea'+ wo1+, +ate' te++ 'e)o'te's that it was E,7s *ace +oc- that inF1'e, hi(. b1t eve'y *an in the b1i+,in/ be+ieve, it was Lewis7s hea,+oc- that ,i, the ,a(a/e0 Lewis7s victo'y was 1n)o)1+a'. b1t he ha, won his chance to (eet Steche'0 E, was on a bi/ win st'ea- in !#$%. beatin/ Lon,os. W+a,e- an, then Ca,,oc-. an, (any 'e)o'te's an, insi,e's *e+t that The St'an/+e' wo1+, soon ta-e Steche'7s tit+e0 C1'+ey boo-e, the event into the SeventyC*i'st A'(o'y on A)'i+ !D. !#$%0 The ,ays o* Lewis an, Steche' w'est+in/ *ive ho1's witho1t to1chin/ each othe' we'e +on/ /one0 The two now -new an, t'1ste, each othe' an, the *act that both ha, the sa(e boss in &ac- C1'+ey s(ooth o1t any b1()s in the 'e+ationshi)0 Steche' ha, 'et1'ne, *'o( his t'ainin/ ,1'in/ WWI a bi//e' st'on/e' w'est+e' in )e'*ect con,ition. who no +on/e' base, his sty+e so+e+y on the scisso's0 In !#$%. his sty+e was we++ 'o1n,e, an, he see(e, the (aste' o* eve'y ho+,0 Lewis on the othe' han,. ha, /'own in siAe an, wei/ht with his *ea'e, hea,+oc- beco(in/ (o'e an, (o'e the too+ he 1se, to b'in/ eEcite(ent to his (atches0 In *act the

hea,+oc- was ta-in/ on a +i*e o* it7s own0 So(eti(es ove'sha,owin/ Lewis hi(se+*0 Lewis was a /ent+e(an o1tsi,e the 'in/. we++ +i-e, by eve'yone0 He w'est+e, c+ean b1t his hea,+oc- was ta-in/ on hee+ ,i(ensions a++ its own with *ans an, s)o'ts w'ite's0 It was seen as a b'1ta+ ho+, that ca1se, inF1'y0 So(e o* the o+, ha',co'e *ans tho1/ht it was too b'1ta+ *o' the scienti*ic s)o't o* w'est+in/. that 1se, to be a contest o* )innin/ a *oe. not h1'tin/ the(0 The inF1'y to Ca,,oc- ha, +i*te, the Lewis hea,+oc-. ove' Gotch7s toe ho+,. as the (ost *a(o1s ho+, in )'o w'est+in/ histo'y0;!%%a< The (ost 'e(e(be'e, Steche'5Lewis (atches a'e eithe' the : ho1' ,'aw in =(aha in !#!6 o' the Lewis tit+e wins. b1t (y *avo'ite (atch between the two is the A)'i+ !D0 !#$% (atch0 Steche' ha, been consi,e'e, the cha()ion w'est+e' *o' so(e ti(e an, was co(in/ o** o* two (aFo' wins ove' Lewis0 In &ac- C1'+ey7s boo-in/ sty+e. he ,i,n7t +i-e +on/ te'( wo'+, cha()ions an, his abi+ity to /et 'es1+ts *'o( )e'*o'(e's ca(e *'o( the *act it was his boo-in/ sty+e was to -ee) eve'yone st'on/0 =* the bi/ *o1' w'est+e's o* !#!: to !#$!. Lewis was the on+y one not to have been )'o(ote, by C1'+ey as 1n,is)1te, wo'+, cha()ion0 It see(e, +i-e his t1'n ha, co(e0 I thin- that the s(a'ts o* A)'i+ !#$%. saw Lewis beatin/ Steche' *o' the tit+e. an, so(e (oney was )'obab+y bet that way0 It see(e, +i-e the s(a't (ove by boo-e' C1'+ey. b1t it wasn7t0 &ac- was s(a'te' than they tho1/ht0 The 9!st Re/i(ent A'(o'y was C1'+ey7s choice as the site0 It he+, 6.%%% +ess than the Ga',en an, it ,i,n7t have the )'esti/e that was associate, with Ma,ison SH1a'e Ga',en. b1t its 'ent was +owe' an, it ha, a bette' +ocation in the city0 C1'+ey a+so ,i,n7t have to ,ea+ with his 'iva+ TeE Ric-a',. who (ana/e, the Ga',en an, ha, ,'ove C1'+ey o1t o* the s)o't o* boEin/0 Yo1 wi++ *in, that the /ates )'eC!#$# an, the ,e)'ession. we'e +a'/e' that +ate'. beca1se C1'+ey an, othe's co1+, cha'/e as (1ch as 8$% *o' a 'in/si,e seat0 The'e (ay have been +ess *ans in the a'ena. b1t the'e we'e (o'e ,o++a's0 I have no /ate o' atten,ance *o' the A)'i+ !#$% (atch b1t they (a,e /oo, (oney0 The bo1t t1'n o1t to be a te''i*ic (atch o* /'1e+in/ en,1'ance an, s-i++. that +aste, th'ee ho1's. *o1' (in1tes an, *i*teen (in1tes0 The'e was action tho1/ht o1t the (atch0 The ea'+y )o'tion saw Lewis /et in c+ose to the cha()ion to ta-e hi( ,own to the (at in a bo,y +oc-0 At one )oint he )1t on the hea,+oc- b1t &oe b'o-e the ho+,0 Lewis 1se, the +oc- (any ti(es ,1'in/ his (atches an, w'est+e's we'e ab+e to b'ea- it o' /et +ose. b1t it was 1se, to wea' ,own his *oes an, it on+y nee,e, to wo'- once *o' victo'y0 4oth hit the (at in the ea'+y /oin/. with both sc'a(b+in/ to /et o1t o* ha'(s way0 At one )oint both *e++ tho1/ht the 'o)es to the *+oo'0 4oth the hea,+oc- an, the scisso's we'e wo'-e, ,1'in/ the (atch0 Fo' th'ee ho1's the'e was nothin/ to choose between the two0 Eve'y -now s1b(ission ho+, was 1se, an, b'o-en0 At that )oint. Steche' see(e, to wea-en an, *o1' ti(es he was a+(ost )inne, by hea,+oc-s0 =n Lewis7 *i*th t'y. the cha()ion (a,e a s)ectac1+a' co(ebac-. with a(aAin/ st'en/th he +i*te, Lewis o** his *eet whi+e sti++ in the hea,+oc-0 He then th'ew the h1/e h1+- o* the cha++en/e' to the (at with Lewis +an,in/ on his hea,0 JSo1n,e, +i-e Steche' -new ThesA7s si,e s1)+eE0K0 He then 'a)e, his +e/s a'o1n, E, an,. 1sin/ an a'( ba'. )inne, Lewis *+at *o' the )in0 The c'ow, sto'(e, the 'in/ to con/'at1+ate Steche' on ,e*en,in/ his tit+e0;!%!< A++ we have to,ay is a news)a)e' 'e)o't. b1t it see(s +i-e a s)ectac1+a' w'est+in/ (atch that sho1+, be 'e(e(be'e, as one o* w'est+in/7s /'eatest contests0 At that )oint. Lewis7s 'eco', ve'se Steche' was one win. two ,'aws an, *o1' (aFo' +oses0 Lewis wo1+, ,o bette' in the *1t1'e0 =n May $%. !#$% the &a(es &0 Wa+-e' 4i++ was si/ne, into +aw by the New Yo'Gove'no' A+ S(ith0 The bi++ +e/a+iAe, boEin/ in the state an, set 1) a th'ee (an co((ission to cont'o+ boEin/ an, w'est+in/ in the state0 The Co((ission. which sti++ eEists to,ay. '1+e, that anyone connecte, with 'in/ s)o'ts ha, to be +icense, by the state0 The (i,Cwest was sti++ so'e ove' Lewis7s New Yo'- win ove' Ea'+ Ca,,oc- an, a +ot o* ta+- was bein/ (a,e in a b1i+, 1) to anothe' (atch0 4i++y San,ow c+ai(e, that Ca,,oc- was a*'ai, o* Lewis7s hea,+oc- an, wo1+, neve' have the ne've to /et bac- into the 'in/ with E,0 Gene Ma+a,y. (ana/e' o* Ca,,oc-. c+ai(e, that Ea'+ ha, Lewis )inne, at the 6% (in1te (a'- o* the New Yo'- (atch. b1t the 'e*e'ee was ,ist'acte, by San,ow an, no co1nt was (a,e0 He a+so ca++e, the hea,+oc- a st'an/+e an, co()+aine, abo1t the (atch bein/ on+y one *a++0 Ca,,oc'e*1se, anothe' New Yo'- (atch an, the'e was no way Lewis wo1+, w'est+e in =(aha0 =ne o* the (aFo' )'o(ote's. =sca' Tho'son o* Des Moines Iowa. t'ave+e, to

4oston in May an, was ab+e to si/n the (atch0 The ,ate wo1+, be &1ne G in Des Moines an, it wo1+, be a two o1t o* th'ee *a++ (atch to a *inish0 That ni/ht saw the Des Moines Co+ise1( *i++e, with D.:%% Iowans +oo-in/ *o' 'even/e ove' Lewis0 Ca,,oc- 'eve'se, a hea,+oc- into his *avo'ite ho+,. the hea, scisso's. to win the *i'st *a++ in "6I6%0 Lewis ca(e bac- to win the secon, *a++ with the hea,+oc- in $9I%%0 Lewis ha, a "% )o1n, a,vanta/e ove' Ca,,oc- b1t he was a+(ost as *ast. an, the (atch was F1,/e, by the 'e)o'te' as eEcitin/ an, s)ectac1+a' as any eve' he+, in the city0 Ca,,oc- t1'ne, ,e*eat into victo'y in the thi', *a++ with a toe ho+, an, w'ist +oc- that )inne, the "St'an/+e'7s" sho1+,e's to the canvas in 9I%%0 Ca,,oc-7s *ine con,ition ha, won ove' Lewis7s vicio1s hea,+oc- an, the c'ow, ,e)a'te, sho1tin/ )'aise *o' thei' eECcha()0;!%$< This is a H1ote *'o( the &1ne !%. !#$% DES M=INES REGISTER7S by 'e)o'te' Sec Tay+o'I "B*'o( the D.%%% o' (o'e )e'sons who saw it one hea's tho1san,s o* wo',s o* )'aiseBB0with the occasiona+ wo', o* c'iticis( *'o( those who stea,*ast+y be+ieve that a++ o* the (at contests o* the )'esent ,ay a'e coo-e, 1) *o' the *ans0 The cha'/e that the w'est+e's whis)e'e, to each othe'. that the 'es1+t was )'ea''an/e, an, si(i+a' ta+- is a+ways hea', a*te' the bi/ (atches. b1t the *act 'e(ains that even those who (a-e these acc1sations a'e a+ways a(on/ the s)ectato's an, a))a'ent+y *ea' they wi++ (iss so(ethin/ /oo, i* they stay away0 Even the *ew who a'e s-e)tica+ a,(it that T1es,ay ni/ht7s (atch was the best they eve' saw an, that it was wo'th the )'ice o* a,(ission0 It was *1++ o* ha', w'est+in/. c+eve'. an, *ast wo'- by both contestants. eEcitin/ (o(ents when the iss1e was in ,o1bt an, s)ectac1+a' an, th'i++in/ (oves on the )a't o* both (en0" In &1+y Lewis 'et1'ne, to San &ose to be )'esent at the bi'th o* his ,a1/hte'0 A,a an, E, ,eci,e to na(e the )oo' /i'+ 4oba,a. a con/+o(e'ation o' co(bination o* the *i'st na(es o* both *athe' an, (othe'0;!%6< In &1+y &oe Steche'. wo'-in/ o1t with the (ino' +ea/1e Steche' C+1b o* Do,/e Neb'as-a. inF1'e, his +e*t a'(0 The baseba++ inF1'y too- hi( to EEce+sio' S)'in/s Misso1'i *o' t'eat(ent0 =n =ctobe' $9. Lewis t'ave+e, to Mont'ea+ Cana,a to ,e*eat W+a,e- @bysA-o0 E,7s o+, 'iva+ was +osin/ his nationa+ )1sh an, this was his thi', ,e*eat to Lewis in !#$%0 This ,i,n7t sto) &ac- C1'+ey *'o( boo-in/ the two bac- into the 9!st A'(o'y on Nove(be' $6 in anothe' conten,e's (atch with the winne' /ettin/ a tit+e shot0 Lewis once a/ain )inne, W+a,e- @bysA-o with the 1se o* the hea,+ocin !I$:I": in *'ont o* !%.%%% *ans0 W+a,e- c+ai(e, that Lewis ha, chan/e, his hea,+oc- an, that the (ove ha, beco(e even (o'e ,ea,+y0 This wo1+, be the +ast (atch between the two *oes 1nti+ !#6!0;!%"< A 'e(atch between Steche' an, Lewis was set *o' the SeventyC*i'st Re/i(ent A'(o'y on Dece(be' !6. !#$%0 =n Dece(be' :. both Lewis an, the cha()ion be/an t'ainin/ in New Yo'- City0 Lewis ,i, his 'oa,wo'- in Cent'a+ a'- whi+e both w'est+e's t'aine, at Geo'/e 4othne'7s /y(nasi1( 1) 1nti+ the ,ay o* the (atch0 It7s inte'estin/ that 4oEin/ cha()ion &ac- De()sey was a+so in Cent'a+ a'-. ,oin/ his '1nnin/ *o' a Dece(be' !" tit+e (atch at the Ga',en with 4i++ 4'ennan0 ;!%:< The ei/hth Steche'5Lewis (atch *i++e, the A'(o'y with a+(ost #.%%% )eo)+e0 The b1i+,in/ was so ove' *+owe,. with )eo)+e stan,in/ on the (ain *+oo' an, in the /a++e'y. that the Fi'e De)a't(ent o',e'e, the ,oo's c+ose, an, +ate co(e's. even with tic-ets. we'e t1'ne, away0 =nce the (atch sta'te,. the'e was +itt+e to choose between the two w'est+e's. they t1//e, . )1++e,. )1she,. an, (a1+e, each othe' *o' ove' an ho1' witho1t eithe' bein/ ab+e to a))+y a *inishin/ ho+,0 Lewis t'ie, a'( ba's. ha+*Cne+sons. toe ho+,s an, s+a(s in the ea'+y /oin/ to wea' Steche' ,own so he co1+, wo'- hi( into the hea,+oc-. b1t the Neb'as-an inva'iab+e s+i))e, the ho+, witho1t any +oss o* st'en/th0 Ti(e an, a/ain Steche' t'ie, to c+1tch Lewis in his )owe'*1+ +e/s. b1t E, was too st'on/ to be he+, *o' any /'eat )e'io, o* ti(e0 A*te' one ho1' an, thi'tyC*ive (in1tes. Steche' see(e, to be the st'on/e' o* the two. b1t the +ast seven (in1tes saw Lewis b'ea- +ose with s)ee, an, a/i+ity to ta-e cont'o+ o* the (atch0 Re)o'ts c+ai( that those seven (in1tes we'e w'est+in/7s (ost ,'a(atic0 Lewis +oc-e, on a hea,+oc- an, th'ew &oe to the canvas0 Fo' :" secon,s Steche' sH1i'(e,. twiste,. F1()e, an, so1/ht by eve'y (eans to eEt'icate hi(se+*B0 be*o'e b'ea-in/ *'ee0 The cha()ion ha, ha',+y 'e/aine, his *eet an, was totte'in/ an, swayin/ with the ,iAAiness that 'es1+te, *'o( the 1se o* the St'an/+e'7s *inishin/ ho+,. when Lewis F1()e, on hi( +i-e a +ion )+ayin/ with a sic- ,ee'0 Anothe' vice +i-e /'i) saw &oe *i/htin/ *o' anothe' 6: secon, be*o'e )1++in/ hi(se+* *'ee0 He 'ose to his *eet

+i-e a boEe' who ha, ta-en a # co1nt0 Lewis. with a +1st *o' victo'y an, the tit+e. +ea)e, in a/ain with the +e*t a'( +oo)in/ ea/e'+y *o' the ho+, which wo1+, *inish his )'ey0 A thi', hea,+oc- th'ew Steche' to the (at with the c'ow, stan,in/ -nowin/ the en, was nea'0 41t the e**o't was ta-in/ its e**ect on Lewis too an, &oe b'o-e *'ee in on+y 9 secon,s0 With both nea'+y eEha1ste,. Lewis '1sh in *o' a *o'th hea,+oc- b1t Steche' co1nte'e, an, th'ew E, to the *+oo'0 Li-e a *+ash. Steche' was on hi( as the c'ow, +et o1t a ,ea*enin/ ye++0 Tony Steche' an, 4i++y San,ow sc'ea(e, enco1'a/e(ent to the (en that co1+,n7t )ossibi+ity be hea' tho1/ht the noise an, the eEcite(ent o* the (o(ent0 Steche' s+i))e, on his *a(o1s scisso's an, a))+ie, so (1ch )'ess1'e that the sweat ooAe, *'o( both (en0 The veins o* Steche's 1))e' eEt'e(ities stoo, o1t +i-e his hea, was /oin/ to eE)+o,e. b1t Lewis wo1+,n7t /ive 1) o' a++ow hi(se+* to be t1'ne, *o' a )in0 Fo' two (in1tes &oe a))+ie, the -i++in/ )'ess1'e in a +ast atte()t to 'etain his hono'. b1t Lewis *o1/ht sava/e+y to 'e+ease hi(se+*0 Fina++y. Steche'7s st'en/th s+ow+y /ave way an, Lewis. with one t'e(en,o1s +1n/e. )1++e, hi(se+* *'ee0 Steche' co1+, ba'e+y stan, as the eEha1ste, Lewis ,ove at hi( *o' a *i*th hea,+oc-0 It +oo-e, +i-e the en, an, the c'ow,. sensin/ the 'es1+t. chan/e, its ye++s to sho1ts o* enco1'a/e(ent *o' the toi+in/ Lewis0 E, he+, the ho+, *o' 6% secon,s b1t Steche' so(ehow )1++e, *'ee0 41t bac- on his *eet he sta//e'e, ,'1n-en+y abo1t the 'in/ 1nti+ Lewis +ea)e, in with anothe' ho+,. which was a+so b'o-en0 The ho+, 'obbe, the cha()ion o* the +itt+e he ha, +e*t so Lewis +1'che, *o'wa', an, c+a()e, on the seventh an, +ast hea,+oc-0 The hi)+oc- th'ow *o++owe, with Steche' c'ashin/ on the (at0 Lewis )inne, Steche' with the +itt+e st'en/th he ha, +e*t0 The /'ace*1+ cha()ion ha, *ina++y been ,e*eate,0 Lewis +et /o o* the /'i) a*te' he *e+t the victo'io1s s+a) on the bac-0 A(i, a ,i( which th'eatene, to +i*t the 'oo* o** the a'(o'y. Lewis sta//e'e, wea-+y a/ainst the 'o)es0 4i++y San,ow F1()e, into the 'in/ to ho+, hi( 1)'i/ht an, he was )+ace, on a stoo+0 The han,+e's o* Steche' 'an to the *a++en (an an, assiste, hi( to anothe' stoo+ *acin/ Lewis0 Fo' so(e ti(e. the han,+e's wo'-e, to 'evive the two (en who ha, batt+e, *o' !I"!I:D0 Steche' nee,e, the (ost attention b1t he was the *i'st to his *eet0 He swaye, ,'1n-en+y towa', his co'ne'. as i* to +eave the 'in/. b1t sto))e,0 Then. as i* in an a*te'tho1/ht. sta//e'e, on wea'y +e/s bac- ac'oss the 'in/ to whe'e Lewis was sittin/ an, c+as)e, the St'an/+e'7s han,0 Many ti(es ove' the )'ece,in/ yea's E, ha, be+ieve, he was wo'+, cha()ion an, sai, soB00now eve'yone be+ieve, it0 J!%:K LL Contin1e to CHA TER !: F==TN=TES #$ NEW Y=R2 TIME &an0 6!. !#$% THE 4EL=IT DAILY NEWS &an 6!. !#!# 43FFAL= &an0 6!. !#!# >IRINIANC IL=T N=RF=LF &an0 6!. !#!# #6 FREM=NT E>ENING TRI43NE Feb'1a'y 6. !#$% #" CANT=N E>ENING RE =SIT=RY Dece(be' $$. !#!# #: NEW Y=R2 TIMES &an1a'y D. !#$% #D >IRINIANC IL=T N=RF=L2 Feb'1a'y !. !#$% #9 >IRINIANC IL=T N=RF=L2 Feb'1a'y :. !#$% #G NEW Y=R2 TIMES &an1a'y $!. !#$% ## The (atch ,esc'i)tion co(es a+(ost ,i'ect+y *'o( THE NEW Y=R2 TIMES Ma'ch 6. !#$%0 !%% NEW Y=R2 TIMES Ma'ch !D. !#$% !%%a DETR=IT FREE RESS Dece(be' $6. !#!#CM1ote *'o( a'tic+e tit+e, ISTRANGLER LEWIS7 HEADL=C2 LI2ED T= 2N=C2=3T 3NCHCCC"Lewis with Yan-ee in/en1ity has a))+ie, a new twist to o+, (etho,s. i()'ovin/ by the 1se o* his b'ain a ho+, that has been in vo/1e a(on/ /'a))+e's *o' seve'a+ yea's. (a-in/ it (o'e *o'ce*1+ an, *ea'e,0 Hence the atte()t to c+ass it with the now eEtinct "st'an/+e" ho+,B00Lewis7 hea,+oc- is sec1'e, *'o( the stan,in/ )osition0 Lewis )1++s ,own the o))onent7s hea,. 'eachin/ ove' his hea, with the +e*t han, an, /ettin/ hi( into the chance'y0 With his 'i/ht han, he 'eaches 1n,e' the hea, o* his o))onent an, /'as)s his own +e*t han, *ittin/ into the Faw o* the ,e*ensive w'est+e' on the 'i/ht si,e0 The hea, is ,'awn in an, +oc-e,0 Then the twist is a))+ie, an, the o))onent is *+1n/ to the (at with a c'oss b1t+oc-0 Lewis then *a++s on his victi( with a++ his wei/ht an, twists his *ist into the Faw0 The +atte' is ,one so H1ic-+y that by the ti(e the 'e*e'ee is on the Fob. the ho+, is a chinC+oc-BBLewis7*+yin/ hea,+oc- is as /oo, an anesthetic as eithe' o' /as0 The twistin/ )'ocess which is one o* te''i*ic *o'ce. acts +i-e a -noc- o1t

)1nch. ca1sin/ the 1))e' )a't o* the Fawbone to Fa' the b'ain0 W'est+e's who have been th'own with Lewis7 hea,+oc- state that they -new nothin/ 1nti+ they be/an to 'ecove'B0The hea,+oc- is a ,eve+o)(ent o* (o,e'n w'est+in/ (etho,s0" !%! NEW Y=R2 TIMES A)'i+ !9. !#$%NIt sho1+, be note, that &ac- C1'+ey be+ieve, in one *a++ (atches an, this one an, a++ the othe' (atches o* !#$% an, be*o'e in NYC we'e one *a++ to a *inish. with no ti(e +i(it0 The WWF o' WWE o' WWWF o* o1' ti(e see(s to have *o++owe, his eEa()+e0 !%$ THE DES M=INES REGISTER &1ne #. !#$% !%6 SAN FRANCISC= CHR=NICLE Dece(be' $$. !#$% !%" NEW Y=R2 TIMES Dece(be' !6. !#$% !%: NEW Y=R2 TIMES Dece(be' !". !#$%CCCMost o* the ,esc'i)tion an, wo',s 1se, ca(e ,i'ect+y *'o( the TIMES sto'y0 I have /'eat 'es)ect *o' the ta+ent o* whoeve' w'ote the TIMES 'e)o'ts0 I ho)e this )a)e' (a-es his wo'- +ast a +itt+e +on/e'0 I ,on7t be+ieve anyone o* to,ay co1+, (atch the w'ite's. s1ch as this. *'o( the ea'+y $%th cent1'y0 So(e who 'ea, this (ay thin- I7( a (a'- *o' /ivin/ so (1ch ,etai+ in ,esc'ibin/ these (atches. b1t I 'ea++y ,on7t ca'e0 I ,on7t be+ieve in shoots b1t I be+ieve they we'e /'eat )'oCw'est+in/ (atches0 The eH1a+ o* (any o* the A++ &a)an (atches o* the !##%7s an, I want to /ive that *ee+in/ to the 'ea,e' i* )ossib+e0 A+so THE 4R==2LYN EAGLE Dece(be' !". !#$% an, THE ARI@=NA RE 34LICAN J H=ENIOK Dece(be' !". !#$%0 The'e see(s to be so(e cont'ove'sy ove' how (any hea,+oc-s we'e 1se, by Lewis in the +ast /'eat seven (in1tes0 THE TIME sai, seven. othe' )a)e's sai, ei/ht o' nine0

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The St#an$%e#&s Fi#st Tit%e Rei$n Soon a'te# Lewis %e't New Yo#( 'o# ho)e by t#ain* b+t it see)s a,,#o,#iate that he wo+%- have ,#esent the ne.t ni$ht at Ma-ison S/+a#e Ga#-en to watch '#ien0ac( De),sey -e'en- his Heavywei$ht bo.in$ tit%e ve#ses 1i%% 1#ennan2 It was a ba- ni$ht 'o# De),sey2 1#ennan $ave hi) a ve#y to+$h 'i$ht an- the batt%e was even +nti% 0ac( 'inish 1#ennan with bo-y ,+nches in the twe%'th #o+n-2 The wo#st ,a#t o' the ni$ht was the booin$ De),sey #eceive- '#o) the New Yo#( 'i$ht 'ans 'o# bein$ a "s%ac(e#" -+#in$ WWI2 E- )+st have been $%a- he ha-n&t )a(e the sa)e )ista(e2 E- -i- see) i),#esse- with De),sey&s ,+#se 'o# the ni$ht an- i' )a-e Lewis an- 1i%%y San-ow won-e#e- i' so)e o' that bo.in$ )oney co+%- be within thei# #each2 Gene T+nney was a%so ,#esent that ni$ht an- he was i),#esse- with the way De),sey )isse- #i$ht han-s* %eavin$ hi)se%' wi-e o,en 'o# a co+nte#2 0oe Steche# #et+#ne- to Neb#as(a2 3n Dece)be# 45 he was a-)itte- to 3)aha&s Fen$e#6Danis$ Hos,ita% with ne+#itis in his %e't a#)2 Whi%e the#e he a%so haso)e ba- teeth #e)ove- by -entists2 His 'i#st )atch as e.6cha), was on Ma#ch 7* !84! in 3)aha* beatin$ 0ohn 3%in in st#ai$ht 'a%%s2 Lewis&s t#ain a##ive- in San F#ancisco on Dece)be# 4!* to be )et by A-a Scott an- 'ive )onth o%- -a+$hte# 1oba-a2 The co+,%e c%ai)e-* even with hi) bein$ on the East Coast 'o# two )onths* that the baby sti%% #eco$ni9e- he# 'athe#2 The )ost i),o#tant #eve%ation* in that news,a,e# #e,o#t* was the co),%aint Lewis )a-e abo+t his eyes2 He ca%%e- his t#ain #i-e the %on$est o' his ca#ee# beca+se he co+%-n&t #ea- an- ha- to wea# -a#( $%asses2 His vision was so ba- that a '#ien- ha- to #ea- a%o+- to hi)2 This was the 'i#st acco+nt we have o' Lewis&s %i'e %on$ batt%e with T#acho)a2 He c%ai)s he $ot the a%i)ent be'o#e t#ainin$ sta#te- 'o# Steche#* then it went away* b+t #et+#ne- by )atch ti)e2 T#acho)a is an eye in'ection that co)es '#o) contact with the bacte#i+) Ch%a)y-ia t#acho)atic2 It was hi$h%y conta$io+s an- ca)e '#o) -i#ect contact with eye* nose* o# th#oat sec#etions '#o) a''ecte- in-ivi-+a%s o# '#o) in'ecteob:ects s+ch as towe%s o# w#est%in$ )ats2 M+%ti,%e e,iso-es o' the in'ection co+%- an- -i- %ea- to b%in-ness2 Sca##in$ in the eye%i- %ea- to a -isto#tion o' the vision with b+c(%in$ o' the %i- so that the %ashes #+b on the co#nea o' the eye2 The c#eation o' antibiotic in the %ate !8;<&s en-e- the t#eat in )a:o# co+nt#ies an- to-ay it e.ists on%y in the ,oo#est ,a#ts o' the wo#%-2 Sanitation stan-a#-s a%so he%,e- ,+t a sto, to the ,#ob%e) an- to-ay it wo+%- be consi-e#e:+st ",in( eye"2 In !84< the#e was an e,i-e)ic o' T#acho)a in New Yo#( City an- it ,%a$+e eve#yone in the w#est%in$ wo#%-2 The#e is a sto#y in THE =NFINISHED LEWIS 1I3GRA HY c%ai)in$ that the w#est%e# Ch#is 0o#-an b#o+$ht the -isease to w#est%in$ a'te# a to+# o' In-ia2 I -on&t (now i' that is t#+e b+t it was in the A)e#ica way be'o#e !84< an- by !8!5 e)i$#ants $oin$ th#o+$h E%%is Is%an- we#e bein$ teste- 'o# it an- #esi-ent Woo-#ow Wi%son ha- -esi$nate- '+n-s 'o# the e#a-ication o' the -isease2 The yea# !84< saw :+st abo+t eve#y )a:o# an- )ino# w#est%e# in New Yo#( City* inc%+-in$ 0i) Lon-os* Ea#% Ca--oc(* Dic( Davisco+#t* Wi%%ia) De)et#a%* 0ohnny Meye#s* an- W%a-e( >bys9(o* beco)e in'ecte-2?!<@A Eve#yone 'o+n- a c+#e b+t E"St#an$%e#" Lewis2 See)s st#an$e beca+se he was )a##ie- to one o' the co+nt#ies best an- #ichest -octo#s The -isease wo+%- stay with hi) 'o# the #est o' his %i'e* an- the#e is no way to te%% how )any ,eo,%e Lewis hi)se%' in'ecte-2 In his bio$#a,hy* he sai- that i' anythin$ in his %i'e 'ai%e- to )a(e sense o# nee-e)o#e e.,%ainin$* the answe# ,#obab%y ha- to -o with the c+#se o' T#acho)a2 Lewis& 'i#st tit%e -e'ense was in 1oston 'o# ,#o)ote# Lo+ Da#o on 0an+a#y @* !84! a$ainst Renato Ga#-ini2 Ga#-ini was a $oo- ,e#'o#)e# in the !84<&s an- a )a:o# -#aw in towns with a %a#$e Ita%ian ,o,+%ation2 Lewis won with the hea-%oc( which set o'' a s)a%% #iot in the c#ow- o' @*<<<2 The hea-%oc(&s 'a)e contin+e to $#ow when Lewis beat Dic( Davisco+#t in Rocheste# on 0an+a#y 4!2 The #e,o#t in news,a,e#s was that Davisco+#t s+''e#e- -is%ocate- ve#teb#ae '#o) the ho%-2 Lewis& 'i#st show 'o# 0ac( C+#%ey was on 0an+a#y 4; ve#ses Ea#% Ca--oc( in the Seventy6'i#st A#)o#y2 Ca--oc(* the bi$ 'avo#ite with the New Yo#( w#est%in$

c#ow-* was consi-e#e- the to, conten-e# -+e to his c%ean win ove# The St#an$%e# in Des Moines2 At the wei$h in* Lewis #e$iste#e- 44B to Ca--oc(&s !BB* a -i''e#ence o' ;< ,o+n-s2 The )atch -#ew a c#ow- o' a%)ost B*<<<2 As the )atch ,#o$#esse- the c#ow- showe- in +n)ista(ab%e te#)s :+st whe#e its senti)ents #este-2 Eve#y Lewis atte),t at a ho%- was booe- an- eve#y Ca--oc( )ove sent the c#ow- into ecstasies2 In eve#y )ove)ent the Iowan #e'%ecte- the easy $#ace that went with ,e#'ect ,hysica% con-ition2 He was 'ast on his 'eet* a$i%e as a :+n$%e cat* wo#(e- /+ic(%y an- va#iab%y with his han-s an- 'eet an- ca##ie- c#+shin$ ,owe# in his we%%6-eve%o,e- a#)s2 The 'o#)e# cha), ha- a va#iety o' ho%-s an- a co),#ehensive (now%e-$e o' eve#y t#ic( in the w#est%in$ a#t2 Lewis was %+)be#in$ an- #e%ie- a%)ost so%e%y on his hea-%oc(2 Fi'teen ti)es Ca--oc( b#o(e the ho%o# :+st eva-e- it2 1+t a'te# one ho+# an- a ha%'* Lewis $ot to Ca--oc( an- the Iowan be$an to tie#2 In the %ast 'o+# )in+tes o' the )atch* Lewis hit 'ive hea-%oc(s2 The %ast one $ave Lewis the victo#y* b+t Ca--oc( %ay sti%% an- ine#t on the )at* con/+e#e- in a )anne# which %e't not the s%i$htest #oo) 'o# -o+bt as to the ,+nishin$ e''ect o' the ho%-2 It %oo(e- to eve#yone that the 'avo#ite Ca--oc( was t#+%y in:+#e- as he %ai+nconscio+s in the cente# o' the )at2 The c#ow- then went into a '#en9y o' e.cite)ent* with a )a:o# #iot abo+t to ta(e ,%ace2 With Ca--oc( %oo(in$ %i(e a -ea- )an* the $athe#in$ t#ans'o#)e- into a s,ectac%e which ha- se%-o) been seen in New Yo#( w#est%in$2 The c#ow- was th#own into a '+#y an- #+she- the #in$* t#a),in$ chai#* #ai%in$s an- hi$h ,#ice- society )e)be#s in #in$si-e bo. seats2 3''ice#s $+a#-e- the insi-e o' the #in$* as Ca--oc(&s han-%e#s* %ea- by )ana$e# Gene Me%a-y* #+she- to wo#( on %i), Ca--oc(* as Lewis stoo% ove# watchin$2 The c#ow- c#ie- "(i%% the )+#-e#e#2" A'te# two )in+te* it see)e- his senses we#e #esto#e- an- he was ,%ace- on a stoo%2 A'te# a '+#the# #est* he #ose to his 'eet an- shoo( Lewis& han-2 That see)e- to ca%) so)e in the c#ow-* b+t when Lewis %e't the #in$ he ha- to have $+a#-s s+##o+n- hi) as they 'o#ce- thei# way th#o+$h the c#ow- to the -#essin$ #oo)2 A'te# bein$ away '#o) the East Coast 'o# two )onths* Lewis* the new wo#%- cha),ion* ,#obab%y tho+$ht he wo+%- be t#eatebette# than 0ac( De),sey* b+t it see)s the two we#e in the sa)e boat2?!<7A 3n 0an+a#y 47* Lewis beat a G+stav S+%9o in Cansas City an- %e't hi) +nconscio+s a'te# a hea-%oc(2 Anothe# 'an #iot 'o%%owe-2 The -ays o' ,o,+%a# cha),ions* %i(e Steche# an- Ca--oc(* see)e- ove#2 0oe Steche# (e,t his tit%e be%t a'te# %osin$ the cha),ionshi,2 So Lewis nee-e- a be%t o' his own2 In 0an+a#y !84!* St#an$%e# Lewis was awa#-e- a D!<*<<< cha),ionshi, be%t by the Cent#a% Ath%etic C%+b o' Cansas City2 Sto#y%ine says it was set with 58 -ia)on-s an- ,%ate- in $o%-2 Histo#ians have ca%%e- this be%t* the "Lewis 1e%t"2 0ac( C+#%ey anno+nce-* on 0an+a#y 5<* !84!* that the 'ea#e- hea-%oc( wo+%- be banne- in any )atch ,#o)ote- by hi) in New Yo#( City2 C+#%ey was the boo(e# who ha- he%, ,#o)ote Lewis& hea-%oc(* b+t he )+st have been +n-e# $#eat ,#ess+#e '#o) the new Co))ission an- by the c%assi%y hi$h ,ayin$ 'ans* who $ot sto),e- on by the )ob2 He co+%-n&t a''o#- anothe# #iot an- he was atte),tin$ to ,+t a%% the heat on Lewis* 1i%%y San-ow an- the ho%-2 Lewis* bein$ ,owe#'+% b+t %ess s(i%%ethan the %i$hte# sta#s* was so)eone that 'ans #esente- )o#e than hate-* b+t I thin( they neve# ha- any %ove 'o# San-ow2 So what they ha- at the ti)e* was the 'i#st t#+e hee% wo#%- cha),ion2 C+#%ey* %i(e F#an(enstein* ha- c#eate- a )onste#* an- it was a new eno+$h conce,t that he -i-n&t (now what to -o with it2 ?!<BA The 'i#st #eaction '#o) Lewis& ca), was ne$ative* b+t they soon #ea%i9e- they nee- C+#%ey2 A'te# a 'ew -ays Lewis anno+nce- that he ha- consente- to no %on$e# +sin$ the hea-%oc(2 3n 0an+a#y 5!* Lewis #et+#ne- to Lo+ Da#o&s 1oston Mechanics Ha%% an- a$ain beat Renato Ga#-ini* this ti)e with the hea-%oc( banne-2 A-a Scott was #in$si-e2 3n Feb2 5* !84!* 0ac( C+#%ey )ai%e- te%e$#a)s* to the to, "< ,#o)ote#s in A)e#ican* as(in$ the) to )eet in Cansas City* a#o+n- Ma#ch 4<* to -isc+ss the )a(in$ +, o' new #+%es an- the bannin$ o' -an$e#o+s ho%-s %i(e the hea-%oc(2 This co+%- have been ,+#e ,+b%ic #e%ation to ta(e heat o'' hi)se%'* an- I -on&t (now i' the )eetin$ eve# too( ,%ace2 The state %e$is%at+#e in A%bany was wo#(in$ on a bi%% to ba# not on%y the hea-%oc(* b+t a%so othe# -an$e#o+s ho%-s %i(e the St#an$%e* toe ho%- an- the bo-y scisso#s2?!<8A It see)e- that the ne.t s+,e# )atch was $oin$ to be with Stanis%a+s >bys9(o* who on Ma#ch !;* !84! beat e.6cha), 0oe Steche# at the 7!st A#)o#y2 A'te# s+''e#in$

'#o) Steche#&s scisso#* >bys9(o bo-y s%a))e- 0oe an- $ot the ,in with a c#otch ho%- in 4E!@E!<2 Atten-ance was 7*<<<2 3n Ma#ch !"* Lewis ,+#chase- an ai#,%ane Fa Lai#- S,a##owG so he an- San-ow too( %esions* %ea#nin$ how to '%y2 This was !84! an- ai#,%anes we#e 'a# '#o) sa'e* b+t the two can ta(e c#e-it as the 'i#st w#est%in$ insi-e#s to '%y '#o) ca#- to ca#-2 At %east whi%e E- was wo#%- cha),ion2 I -on&t be%ieve that E- o# 1i%%y eve# #ea%%y %ea#n to '%y the ,%ane the)se%ves* b+t hi#e- a ,i%ot to $et the) '#o) city to city in one ,iece2 Lewis %ove- to '%y* San-ow hate- it2?!!<A 0ohn ese( was in the ,#ocess o' beco)e the ne.t bi$ sta#2 He was the best w#est%e# to co)e o+t o' the shoot wo#%- o' Neb#as(a a'te# Steche#2 He ha- wins ove# W%a-e( >bys9(o* Lon-os an- was in the ,#ocess o' his 'i#st )a:o# East Coast ,+sh2 ese( wasn&t )+ch bi$$e# than Ca--oc( an-* th#o+$h histo#y* 'ans have a#$+e- ove# who was the best w#est%e# ,o+n- 'o# ,o+n-2 ese(* +n%i(e Ca--oc( anSteche#* wasn&t :+st a hoo(e#2 He was what was ca%%e- a "#i,,e#"* which )eant in w#est%in$ te#)s that he %i(e- to h+#t ,eo,%e2 It was C+#%ey an- San-ow&s i-ea to +se hi) as a ,o%ice)an 'o# Lewis2 3n the +n-e# ca#- o' a Feb#+a#y 4B Stan >bys9(o )ain event in New Yo#(* ese( w#est%e- a new %e$iti)ate w#est%e# '#o) Fin%an- na)e- A#o)as Lateen* who was ta%(in$ abo+t )a(in$ t#o+b%e 'o# Lewis2 ee( a%)ost b#o(e his a#) an- the Lateen ,#ob%e) was so%ve-2 This co)in$ -+#in$ the +,#oa# ove# "#o+$h w#est%in$"* ,#obab%y -i-n&t he%, C+#%ey2?!!<aA C+#%ey -i- si$n Lewis to w#est%e 0ohn ee( on A,#i% ;* !84! at the 7!st A#)o#y with the hea-%oc( banne- an- the tit%e on the %ine2 Lewis see)e- +,set with ese( an- sai- he wo+%- #eti#e i' beaten by hi)2 Lewis wei$hte- 454 to ese(&s !8"2 Lewis ha- s%ow%y been $ainin$ wei$ht ove# the %ast yea# an- it -i-n&t he%, that he (ee, $ettin$ boo(e- with t#+e w#est%e#s* s)a%% b+t a%ways in to, con-ition* %i(e Ca--oc(* Lon-os* ese( an- Steche#2 The#e we#e so)e #e,o#ts that -esc#ibe- E- as a "wha%e" o# "co#,+%ent" b+t he sti%% wasn&t the 'at Lewis that he&- beco)e in the %ate !84<&s2 The bo+t was '+%% o' action '#o) the sta#t b+t it soon beca)e a,,a#ent that the %oss o' the hea-%oc( c#a),e- the cha),ion&s sty%e2 As in a%% these )atch* ese( w#est%e- #in$s a#o+n- hi)2 With in two )in+tes* ese( ha- a nea# ,in +sin$ a -o+b%e w#ist %oc(2 Lewis see)e- to nee- his hea-%oc( whi%e ese( ha- eve#y ho%in the boo( to +se-2 When Lewis -i- $et ese( in a -an$e#o+s ,osition* ese( wo+%- twist o+t -oin$ a hea- stan- %an-in$ on his 'eet2 At one ,oint Lewis 'o#$ot an- ,+t on a hea-%oc(* that was 'o%%owe- by a c#y '#o) eve#yone in the ho+se* an- the ho%- was b#o(en by #e'e#ee Geo#$e 1othne#2 1+t as he +s+a%%y -i-* Lewis )a-e his co)ebac(* E- $ot a $oo- w#ist %oc( on that %aste- two )in+tes* b+t :+st when it %oo(e- %i(e ese( wo+%- be t+#ne- 'o# a ,in* he twiste- o+t o' the ho%-2 1+t ese(&s #i$ht a#) was -ea-2 Lewis c%a),e- on the ho%- a$ain anese( ha- %ost the st#en$th to #esist any %on$e#2 Lewis switche- to a ba# anha))e# %oc( 'o# the ,in in !E5;E542 So the $oo- news was that E- ,#ove- he co+%beat a )a:o# !8" ,o+n- w#est%e# witho+t the hea-%oc(* b+t ba- news was that the atten-ance was a ,oo# ;*<<<2?!!!A 3n A,#i% !4* !84!* Lewis an- Ea#% Ca--oc( we#e si$ne- 'o# a #e)atch at Des Moines co%ise+)* which ha- a--e- new seats* 'o# ,#o)ote# 3sca# Tho#son2 It was sai- that the )atch +,* -#ew the %a#$est in-oo# c#ow- in histo#y* o+t si-e o' New Yo#( City2 In the )atch* the hea-%oc( was %e$a%2 Lewis ha- one o' his best )atches beatin$ the s)a%% Ca--oc( in two st#ai$ht 'a%%s2 The 'i#st 'a%% %aste!E5;E<< an- the secon- 7E5BE<<* both won with Lewis& hea-%oc(2 The victo#y -i-n&t sto, the boos o# the ins+%tin$ #e,o#te#s who ca%%e- hi) 'at2 A'te# the victo#y* a 'an th#ew a #oc( at Lewis b+t 'o# the )ost ,a#t the c#ow- see)est+nne- by the Ca--oc(&s -e'eat2 They %in$e#e- 'o# a sho#t ti)e a'te#wa#- be'o#e 'i%%in$ s%ow%y o+t o' the Co%ise+)2?!!4A The ne.t -ay A,#i% !5* Lewis an- San-ow '%ew to Chica$o to w#est%e 0i) Lon-os2 It was ca%%e- a s,ectac+%a# )atch with both +sin$ eve#y (now ho%- in w#est%in$2 Si. hea-%oc(s 'inishe- Lon-os* who was o+twei$he- by 5" ,o+n-s* in !E"4E<<2 3n the +n-e#ca#-* Stanis%a+s >bys9(o -e'eate- 0ohn ese( with a c#otch an- ha%' ne%son in !E44E<<2?!!5A The Chica$o Secon- Re$i)ent A#)o#y was so%- o+t2 HH Contin+e to CHA TER !@ F33TN3TES !<@ THE DES M3INES REGISTER A,#i% !* !84! !<7 NEW Y3RC TIMES 0an+a#y 4"* !84! !<B NEW Y3RC TIMES 0an+a#y 5!* !84! !<8 NEW Y3RC TIMES Feb#+a#y ;* !84!

!!< THE DES M3INES REGISTER A,#i% !!* !84! !!<a In A#)as Laitenen&s A)e#ican -eb+t* he w#est%e- a one an- ha%' ho+# -#aw with Stanis%a+s >bys9(o2 The )atch with ese( en-e- with hi) c%ai)in$ an a#) in:+#y2 ese( t#ie- eve#y ho%- a$ainst hi)* %e$a% an- non6%e$a%* to beat hi)2 Yea#s %ate# 1i%%y San-ow* in an inte#view* ca%%e- the shoot "the )ost i),#essive" he&- eve# seen an- went on to #e%ate how ese( nea#%y to#e the bi$ Finn&s a#) '#o) his sho+%-e#2 Laitenan wo#(e- )atches as he was to%- a'te# that2 He ha- a b#ie' ca#ee# in A)e#ica an- then #et+#ne- to Fin%an- to beco)e a )a:o# %aw en'o#ce)ent o''icia%2 My (now%e-$e o' this an- )ost eve#ythin$ e%se ca)e '#o) )y '#ien- an- $#eat w#est%in$ histo#ian Ma#( Hewitt who w#ote the boo( CATCH WRESTLING in 4<<"2 The ese(ILaitenen )atch is on ,a$e !""2 CATCH WRESTLING is one o' the 'ew t#+e )a:o# w#est%in$ histo#y boo(s an- it&s not ta%(e- abo+t eno+$h2 !!! NEW Y3RC TIMES A,#i% "* !84! The LewisI ese( )atch was a wo#( b+t ese( hi)se%' $ave c#e-it to E-* a%ways sayin$ that Lewis was his )aste# on the )at2 J+oteE "The St#an$%e# (new how to +se his he't e.,e#t%y2" F#o) CATCH WRESTLING by Ma#( Hewitt* ,a$e !""2 !!4 DEM SEY 1y 0ac( De),sey with 1a#ba#a iatte%%i De),sey a$e !5! !!5 THE DES M3INES REGISTER A,#i% !;* !84!

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" Stanis#a$s %bys&'o (ac' C$)#ey anno$nce* that he ha* boo'e* St)an+#e) Lewis to *e,en* his tit#e ve)ses Stanis#a$s %bys&'o at the Twenty-secon* Re+i.ent A).o)y on May "/ !01!2 %bys&'o was o#*2 He was bo)n in o#an* on A3)i# !/ !4452 So.e say he6s bi)th *ate was !4742 8$t by !01!/ he was between 95 an* 9: yea)s o#* an* #oo'e* the 3a)t2 ;New Yo)' 3a3e)s c#ai.e* 912< A,te) the )eti)e.ent o, F)an' Gotch/ he was consi*e)e* the best w)est#e) an* bi++est sta) in the s3o)t2 8$t in !0!=/ he #e,t the co$nt)y an* +ot tie* $3 with wa)s in R$ssia an* E$)o3e an* *i*n6t )et$)n to A.e)ica $nti# !0152 His yo$n+e) b)othe) was W#a*e' %bys&'o2 He was s.a## = ,oot 4 inches b$t 3owe),$# with a 11 inches nec' an* == inch chest2 His .a>o) att)ib$tes we)e +)eat st)en+th an* en*$)ance2 Stan was a#so s.a)t an* so3histicate* b$t he wasn6t a technica# w)est#e)2 The sa.e co$#* be sai* abo$t .ost ,o).e) G)eco-)o.an sty#e 3e),o).e)s2 He was a +oo* ,)ien* o, (ac' C$)#ey/ who .ana+e* his b)othe)/ an* when San*ow an* Lewis ,o$n* o$t C$)#ey6s intentions/ it *i*n6t sit we##2 At one 3oint #ea*in+ $3 to the .atch/ a )e3o)t was o$t that Lewis 3#ane* to )eti)e a,te) the .atch/ a#tho$+h the )e3o)t was #ate) ca##e* a .is$n*e)stan*in+2 Stan wei+hte* 11" ,o) the .atch to Lewis6 1:=2 %bys&'o ha* #ost =5 3o$n*s sense his )et$)n to w)est#in+ an* ha* ta'en on the #oo' o, a shave* hea* 2 So.e ,e#t the new ba#* sty#e was to be $se* as a *e,ense a+ainst the Lewis hea*#oc'2 !5/555 ,ans we)e 3)esent the ni+ht o, May "2 The .atch was ,ast an* s3ectac$#a) with Lewis the a++)esso)2 8ein+ .o)e a+i#e/ ?$ic'e) an* )eso$)ce,$# than Stan/ he 3$she* hi. a## ove) the )in+ with %bys&'o wi##in+ to stay on the *e,ense $nti# a .ista'e was .a*e2 E* see.e* to be t)yin+ to ti)e o$t his o#* )iva#/ b$t it *i*n6t wo)'2 Stan sweaty ba#* hea* an* 11 inches nec' see.e* the 3e),ect .atch ,o) The St)an+#e)6s hea*#oc'2 Lewis >$.3e* to a33#y the ,ea)e* ho#* a,te) 15 .in$te/ b$t %bys&'o h$nche* his sho$#*e)s Lewis .isse* his ta)+et2 E* ,#ew th)o$+h the ai) an* #an*e* ,at on his bac'2 Stanis#a$s #$)che* ,o)wa)* an* ?$ic'#y enci)c#e* the st$nne* Lewis in a nec' ho#*/ which 3ine* the St)an+#e)6s sho$#*e)s to the .at an* +ave the wo)#* tit#e to the o#e2 Ti.e was 1: .in$tes an* !7 secon*s2@!!:aA The ,ans )$she* the )in+/ this ti.e to chee) ,o) the new cha.3ion2 So E* Lewis6s ,i)st tit#e )ei+n en*e* a,te) 9 .onths an* 19 *ays2 I6ve a#ways ,e#t that the 3oo) c)ow* ,o) the ese' .atch was the ,acto) ,o) C$)#ey ta'in+ the tit#e o,, Lewis/ b$t in w)itin+ this it >$st see.s that C$)#ey was ,e* $3 with a## the 3)ess$)e he6s +otten ,)o. o,,icia#s/ 3o#iticians an* a)ena .ana+e.ent ,)o. havin+ a hee# wo)#* cha.3ion a,te) yea)s o, )es3ectab#e cha.3ions #i'e Geo)+e Hac'ensch.i*t/ F)an' Gotch/ (oe Steche) an* Ea)# Ca**oc'2 e)ha3s it was >$st a )es$#t o, C$)#ey6s boo'in+ sty#e/ who #i'e* to switch tit#e ho#*e)s/ 'ee3in+ eve)yone in his co.3any st)on+2 C$)#ey saw Stan %bys&'o as a so3histicate* c$#t$)e* .an who the 3$b#ic wo$#* s$33o)t2 He was w)on+2 8$t in #oo'in+ at Lewis6 ,i)st sho)t tit#e )ei+n/ yo$6* have to say he ,ai#e* as a .a>o) cha.3ion2 At so.e 3oint in !01!/ (ac' C$)#ey #ost o) +ave $3 his cont)o# ove) )o w)est#in+2 I6ve neve) )ea##y ,i+$)e* o$t why2 The tho$+ht has been that he ha* so.e so)t o, t)o$b#e with the new Ath#etic Co..ission an* co$#*n6t +et a #icense ,)o. the New Yo)' License co..ittee2 I *on6t 'now i, that6s t)$e any.o)e an* can6t ,in* that in 3)int2 I thin' now/ that C$)#ey was ,e* $3 with 3)o w)est#in+ an* saw ba* ti.es ahea*2 F)o. inte)views it6s c#ean that he ,e#t that w)est#in+6s b$siness went in cyc#es o) waves2 The +oo* ti.es we)e a#ways ,o##owe* by the ba*2 As a $3 an* *own thin+ an* his inte)view a#ways say he be#ieve !011 to !01" we)e *own ti.es2 !0!= to !01! ha* been +)eat ,o) w)est#in+ an* C$)#ey/ so it was ti.e ,o) thin+s to chan+e2 C$)#ey wasn6t >$st a w)est#in+ 3)o.ote)/ he sta)te* with 3)o boBin+ an* investe* in othe) a)eas #i'e tennis an* 8)oa*way shows2 I thin' it was C$)#ey6s 3#an to sit o$t a ,ew yea)s $nti# 3)o w)est#in+ beca.e a .oney winnin+ 3)o3osition a+ain2 The)e a#so was a 3)ob#e. with the $se o, the Nationa# G$a)* a).o)ies in New Yo)'2 C3 $nti# #ate !01!/ w)est#in+ an* boBin+ bo$ts in New Yo)' a).o)ies we)e

$n*e) the s$3e)vision o, the State Nationa# G$a)*/ an*/ $n*e) the Wa#'e) Law/ the co..ission ha* no a$tho)ity ove) these .atch2 So (ac' C$)#ey was ab#e to )$n ca)*s in the 7!st A).o)y witho$t a #icense ,)o. the co..ission/ b$t at so.e 3oint in the yea)/ the A*>$tant Gene)a#6s o,,ice investi+ate* 3)o.ote)6s $se o, a## o, its b$i#*in+ as w)est#in+ an* boBin+ a)enas2 Res$#tin+ )$#e chan+es +ave the co..ission .o)e >$)is*iction2 A )$#in+ was .a*e that a).o)y 3)o.ote)s wo$#*/ the)e a,te)/ nee* to be #icense*2 C$)#ey ha* no #icense beca$se he *i*n6t nee* one $3 to that ti.e2 Dn Dece.be) :5 !01!/ the co..ission anno$nce* that C$)#ey ha* a33#ie* ,o) a #icense to 3)o.ote in the Seventy-,i)st Re+i.ent A).o)y/ b$t nothin+ .o)e was w)itten2 It *oes eB3#ain why C$)#ey sto33e* $sin+ Ma*ison S?$i)e Ga)*en in ea)#y !01!2@!!9A C$)#ey was ve)y c#ose to #i+ht-heavywei+ht boBe) Geo)+e Ca)3entie) an* even 3)o.ote* a bo$t between hi. an* 8att#in+ Levins'y on Dct2 !1/ !0152 Ca)3entie)6s win in that .atch set hi. $3 ,o) a heavywei+ht tit#e .atch with (ac' De.3sey2 C$)#ey atte.3te* to 3)o.ote the tit#e .atch b$t was o$t bi* by his )iva# boBin+ 3)o.ote)/ TeB Ric'a)*2 Ric'a)* 'new ve)y #itt#e abo$t act$a# boBin+/ b$t was a bo#* investo) who was wi##in+ to ta'e chances2 To +et the De.3seyECa)3entie) .atch an* ho$se the bo$t/ Ric'a)* was wi##in+ to b$i#* a a)ena in (e)sey City at the cost o, ha#, a .i##ion !01! *o##a)s2 The ,i+ht en*e* $3 as boBin+6s ,i)st .i##ion *o##a) +ate/ *)awin+ 45/555 ,ans an* F!/740/1:42 It is a ,act that C$)#ey a**e* Ca)3entie)6s .ana+e)/ Ma)ce# Descha.3s/ in ne+otiations with Ric'a)* an* eve)ythin+ e#se )i+ht $3 to the ,i+ht *ate on ($#y 1/ !01! ;!!1<2 The)e was .$ch .o)e .oney in boBin+ that 3)o w)est#in+/ an* I be#ieve eve)yone inc#$*in+ C$)#ey an* San*owELewis we)e ban+in+ thei) hea*s on the wa## to thin' o, a way to +et a c$t o, it2 It6s ve)y 3ossib#e that C$)#ey s3ent .$ch o, his ti.e with Ca)3ente) in !01! an* #et the w)est#in+ b$siness ,a## a3a)t2@!!9aA C$)#ey o) his 3eo3#e *i* 3)o.ote w)est#in+ in 8oston an* New (e)sey *$)in+ this ti.e2 Ca)3entie) was too s.a## an* no one eve) tho$+ht he ha* a chance a+ainst De.3sey2 He was boB-o,,ice an* that6s a##2 So C$)#ey hi* Geo)+e ,)o. the 3)ess/ by #oc'in+ o$t visito)s ,)o. the t)ainin+ cha.32 At the ,i+ht/ Ric'a)* .a*e De.3sey a+)ee to ca))y Ca)3entie) ,o) ,o$) )o$n*s to ins$)e eno$+h ,i+ht ,oota+e to show in .ovie theate)2 So (ac' won by GD in the 9th )o$n*2 It was "wo)'e*" as we## as any w)est#in+ .atch2 (oe Steche) was sti## w)est#in+ an*/ on May 1"/ he 3$t ove) the new cha.3ion Stan %bys&'o in Gansas City2 (oe then t)ave#e* to San F)ancisco to beat A* Sante# on Se3te.be) 14 ;o) 17<2 San F)ancisco 3)o.ote) F)an' Sch$#e) was then ab#e to boo' eB-cha.3 Steche) with ho.e town eB-cha.3 St)an+#e) Lewis on Dctobe) !5/ !01!2 It was a two o$t o, th)ee ,a## .atch with a two ho$) ti.e #i.it2 The .atch went the ,$## ti.e #i.it with (oe Steche) winin+ a )e,e)ee6s *ecision2 The .atch was anothe) +oo* one an* c#ose b$t Steche)6s con*ition won the .atch ,o) hi. an* the)e was no ?$estion it was the )i+ht *ecision2 D) A*a Scott F)ie*)ich )in+si*e even shoo' he) hea* in con,i).ation2 Lewis6 con*ition was o,, an* he co$+he* th)o$+h .ost o, the .atch/ so he 3)obab#y was sic'2 So Steche) ha* anothe) victo)y ove) Lewis2 This .atch ha* (ac' C$)#ey6s boo'in+ w)itten a## ove) it2 He was 'ee3in+ his .en st)on+ an* 3ayin+ (oe bac' ,o) the two >obs to %bys&'o2 Dve) the neBt yea)s we see that San*ow wants nothin+ to *o with Steche)/ an* it ha* to have been C$)#ey that +ot the two in the )in+ that ni+ht2 I thin' it6s )i+ht a,te) this .atch that C$)#ey #oses cont)o# ove) the s3o)t2 8i##y San*ow an* Lewis b)o'e away to ,o). thei) own co.3any2 So.ehow they ta#'e* cha.3ion Stan %bys&'o into >oinin+ $3 with the.2 The co.3any a#so inc#$*e* San*ow6s b)othe)s MaBwe## an* ($#es 8a$.an2 TeB Ric'a)* 8eco.es a W)est#in+ )o.ote) Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en/ .ana+e* by boBin+ 3)o.ote) TeB Ric'a)*/ wante* 3)o w)est#in+ bac' into the b$i#*in+/ so Ric'a)* *eci*e* to b)in+ in his own +)o$3 o, w)est#e)s .a*e $3 o, those avai#ab#e an* not $n*e) cont)act2 Dne he 3ic'e* was Ma)in #estina/ who6s .ana+e) (oe Ca))o## Ma)sh ha* ,o) ove) two yea)s ha* been ho$n*in+ C$)#ey6s w)est#e)s ,o) .atches2 The two wo$#* show $3 be,o)e .a>o) .atches in 3#aces #i'e 8oston an* Des Moines an* +et sto)ies 3)inte* sayin+ C$)#ey6s .en we)e ,a'es an* #estina co$#* beat +$ys #i'e Ca**oc'/ Steche) an* Lewis in one ni+ht2 Ma)sh a#so sent #ette)s to s3o)ts e*ito)s a## ove) the nation eB3osin+ sto)y#ines be,o)e they ha33ene*2 He a#so was hate* by San*ow an* Lewis2

Fo) Ric'a)*6s ,i)st ca)* in the Ga)*en on Nove.be) !9/ !01!/ he boo'e* Ma)in #estina to .eet (ohn ese'/ who ha* e.3#oy.ent as a "3o#ice.an" in the C$)#ey 3)o.otion b$t was now 3a)t o, the San*ow +)o$32 The sto)y#ine was that %bys&'o wo$#* .eet the winne)2 It was the "t)$stb$ste)" #estina6s chance to show that he was a t)$e conten*e) an* that his c#ai.s we)e t)$e2 Most ,ans ,e#t they we)e +oin+ to see one o, the )a)e "shoot" in 3)o w)est#in+2 )esent )in+si*e was Lewis/ San*ow/ To. (en'ins/ E)nest Roebe)/ an* D)2 Ro##e) The co..ission )$#e* that a## the ho#*s that ha* been $se* in the 3ast in the city wo$#* be #e+a# as #on+ as they we)e $se* ,o) 3in ,a##s an* not to 3$nish2 It was a#so bi##e* as a two o$t o, th)ee ,a## .atch2 8i##y San*ow ha* .a*e his o)*e)s c#ea) to ese'/ he wasn6t #oo'in+ ,o) a 3in/ he wante* #estina h$)t an* h$.i#iate*2 ese' went to wo)' as soon as the .atch sta)te*2 His ,avo)ite t)ic' was +o$+in+2 ese' wo$#* *i+ his th$.b into #estina6s )i+ht eye ove) an* ove)2 The )e,e)ee ca$tione* hi. with in the ,i)st ,ive .in$tes/ b$t ese' ha* his o)*e)s an* he wasn6t +oin+ to sto32 The on#y ho#* atte.3te* by ese' was a )eve)se hea*#oc' b$t #astina b)o'e it with o$t *i,,ic$#ty2 When he wasn6t +o$+in+/ ese' was hea* b$ttin+2 At !!H!0 he was *is?$a#i,ie* ,o) the ,i)st ,a## by the )e,e)ee2 Des3ite wa)nin+s by the )e,e)ee an* the co..ission/ ese' contin$e* to eye +o$+e/ st)an+#e/ hea*-b$tt an* 3$nch the "t)$stb$ste)"2 At one 3oint they went to the .at with the Ti+e).an on to3/ b$t the #a)+e #estina >$st stoo* $3 an* shoo' hi. o,, #i'e he was nothin+2 At 19H51/ ese' was *is?$a#i,ie* ,o) the secon* ,a##2 With the ,ans #oo'in+ #i'e they we)e +oin+ to )iot ove) the #ac' o, a contest/ the co..ission )$#e* that they wo$#* +o one .o)e ,a## to a ,inish2 This was #i'e a tonic to ese'/ who beca.e even .o)e *a)in+ in his ,o$#s/ whi#e #estina *i*n6t say a wo)*2 With the b$ttin+ an* +o$+in+ contin$in+ an* the c)ow* )$shin+ a)o$n* the )in+ #i'e a )iot was co.in+/ the )e,e)ee *is?$a#i,ie* ese' ,o) a thi)* ti.e at 7H5=2 It was a *is+$stin+ s3ectac#e with #estina #e,t b#ee*in+ ,)o. the nose/ .o$th/ an* c$ts on va)io$s 3#aces on his ,ace2 8oth his eyes we)e c#ose* ,)o. a## the +o$+in+2 He was ta'en to an* t)eate* at the Manhattan Eye an* Ea) Hos3ita#2 #estina was *ec#a)e* the winne) *$e to ,o$#s an* (ohn ese'6s .oney was he#* $3 with the co..ission bannin+ hi. ,o) "#i,e" ,)o. 3a)tici3atin+ in bo$t $n*e) the New Yo)' Co..ission6s >$)is*iction2 ese' *i* w)est#e a ,ew ti.e in New Yo)' in the ,o##owin+ yea)s b$t he was neve) a .a>o) *)aw on the East Coast a+ain2 San*ow an* his ,o##owe)s wo$#* twist the sto)y ove) the yea)s to .a'e ,ans be#ieve that ese' too' #estina a3a)t in a shoot/ b$t nothin+ nea) that ha33ene*2 At the ti.e/ it was ca##e* the .ost $nsatis,acto)y .atch in the cities histo)y/ an* it en*e* $3 a )e3$+nant .ess2@!!=A ese'6s .ana+e)/ La)ney Lichtenstein/ an* (oe Ma)sh ha* thei) #icenses s$s3en*e* 3en*in+ an investi+ation2 Lichtenstein c#ai.e* he 'new nothin+ an* ?$it as ese'6s .ana+e)2 MaB 8a$.an/ San*ow6s b)othe)/ 3ai* hi. F11/555 ,o) the Ti+e).an6s cont)act2 #estina )e3$tation was eB3ose* in the .atch an* he was neve) ta'en se)io$s#y by ,ans a+ain2 The New Yo)' Ath#etic Co..ission was beco.e st)an+e) by the wee'2 It ,i)st banne* a## 3$nishin+ ho#*s/ b$t by Nove.be) !9/ !01!/ was a##owin+ a## the o#* ho#* as #on+ as they we)e $se* to 3in ,oes an* not $se* to in>$)e o) ,o)ce s$b.issions2 It then .a*e a## .ain events two o$t o, th)ee ,a##s b$t i, no ,a##s we)e )eco)*e* in two ho$)s/ the .atch wo$#* beco.e one ,a##s2 I, the one ,a## #aste* anothe) ho$) witho$t a 3in/ the )e,e)ee co$#* then +ive a *ecision2 8$t the wo)st )$#in+ was the )et$)n to the o#* way o, *ete).inin+ bo$ts/ ca## )o##in+ ,a##s o) ,#yin+ ,a##s2 Cn*e) this syste./ a w)est#e) was 3ine* as soon as his sho$#*e)s to$ch the .at2 So they e#i.inate* the th)ee co$nt/ an* both sho$#*e)s *i*n6t have to be on the .at at the sa.e ti.e2 A .an co$#* >$st )o## th)o$+h on his bac' an* be consi*e)e* 3ine*2 ;Wish I co$#* eB3#ain this bette)/ b$t I *on6t )ea##y $n*e)stan* it .yse#,2< What the co..ission *i* was )et$)n 3)o w)est#in+ bac' to the )$#es o, G)eco-Ro.an w)est#in+ o, 3)e-!0552 The )es$#t was/ +ivin+ the ,ans o, New Yo)' City 3)o w)est#in+/ one .o)e thin+ to hate2 TeB Richa)* then boo'e* a )e.atch between Lewis an* %bys&'o into Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en ,o) Nove.be) 14/ !01! $n*e) the new )$#es2 To a** to the eBcite.ent o, the new )$#es/ Richa)* *onate* a F=/555 *ia.on* st$**e* be#t to be 3)esente* to the winne)2 This was so.ethin+ he *i* with his boBin+ cha.3ions an* the be#ts we)e a## ca##e* "Richa)* be#ts"2 D$)in+ Lewis6 ,i)st )ei+n/ he $se* his "Lewis

be#t" an* it ha* been 3asse* on to %bys&'o the ni+ht o, the tit#e #oss2 So the winne) o, the )e.atch wo$#* have two be#ts2 The two be#ts *i* not #oo' a#i'e2 With a heavy )ain o$tsi*e/ the %bys&'oELewis )e.atch *)ew on#y 7/555 to the Ga)*en2 Lewis won the ,i)st ,a## in !7H:! with a hea*#oc' an* 3in to a th$n*e)o$s ovation ,)o. the c)ow*2 Lewis ,o)ce* the a*vanta+e in the secon* ,a##/ b$t Stan was *ec#a)e* the winne) when he see.e* to have ,o)ce* E*6s sho$#*e)s to the .at whi#e the cha##en+e) was st)ivin+ to ,)ee hi.se#, ,)o. a nec' an* c)otch ho#*2 The c)ow* booe* the )e,e)ee6s ca## on the )o##in+ ,a## an* a )iot was on#y he#* *own by the ,ive-.in$te inte).ission between ,a##s2 The thi)* ,a## saw Lewis th)ow %bys&'o with a bo*yho#* an* as the 3ai) went *own with the st)an+#e) on to3/ E* atte.3te* to a33#y his hea*#oc'2 8ein+ $ns$ccess,$#/ he shi,te* an* so$+ht to +)ab %bys&'o6s w)ist/ b$t the o#e t$)ne* s$**en#y/ ,o)cin+ Lewis c#ea) o, the .at by shee) st)en+th as he w)i++#e* $3wa)*/ %bys&'o c)ashe* his )iva# *own an* then c#$tche* Lewis in a *o$b#e a).#oc' ,o) the *ecisive ,a## ;!9H="<2 So.e )e3o)ts say it was a#so a )o##in+ ,a##2 %bys&'o was then 3)esente* with the new cha.3ionshi3 be#t an* the Lewis 8e#t to the a33#a$se o, the c)ow*2 @!!=aA Lewis s3ent ea)#y Dece.be) w)est#in+ in Gansas be,o)e )et$)nin+ ho.e to San (ose to s3ent the ho#i*ay with the ,a.i#y2 A*a Scott he#* a bi+ 3a)ty on Ch)ist.as Eve ,o) the 3oo) an* nee*y o, the city2 An e#abo)ate t)ee was e)ecte* in E*6s ho.e +y.nasi$./ an* it was )$.o)e* that Lewis 3#aye* Santa C#a$s/ +ivin+ can*y/ toys/ an* othe) 3)esents to chi#*)en/ .any o, which ha* been *onate* by the city2 The ho.e was #ocate* on A#$. Roc' Aven$e2@!!"A Dn (an$a)y "/ Lewis *e,eate* Dic' Davisco$)t in one o, thei) .any .atches in Wichita/ an* then t)ave#e* to Havana C$ba ,o) a .atch2 San*ow t$)ne* *own a 8oston )e.atch with Stan %bys&'o ;(an$a)y !0</ thin'in+ Lewis wo$#* have a bette) chance w)est#in+ hi. in Wichita o) Gansas City/ whe)e he wo$#*n6t have to *ea# with st)an+e )$#es #i'e )o##in+ ,a##s2 Dn (an$a)y 11/ !011/ Lewis was in New Yo)' City t)ainin+ ,o) a Feb)$a)y " Renato Ga)*ini .atch in the Ga)*en when he awo'e to )ea* news3a3e) hea*#ines sayin+ that TeB Ric'a)* ha* been a))este* on cha)+es o, havin+ seB$a##y ab$se* a n$.be)/ #ate) set at seven/ o, yo$n+ +i)#s )an+in+ ,)o. a+e e#even to ,i,teen2 Dve) the neBt ,ew .onths sto)ies we)e 3$b#ishe* ,)o. the testi.ony o, a +)an* >$)y investi+ation an* #ate) ,)o. a t)ia#2 It was c#ai.e* that Ric'a)*/ who was .a))ie* an* #ivin+ on Ma*ison Aven$e/ 3ic'e* $3 the yo$n+ +i)#s at a swi..in+ 3oo# in Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en an* ha* seB/ o) t)ie* to )a3e the./ at his s$ite in the Ga)*en Towe)2 Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en was 'nown ,o) it6s )is?$I n$*e stat$e o, the +o* Diana ove) #oo'in+ the city an* ,o) )$.o)s o, wi#* 3a)ties in it6s )oo,to3 caba)et2 The t)ia# too' 3#ace in Ma)ch o, !011/ an* the)e we)e othe) #itt#e 3ieces o, *)a.a in the *ays #ea*in+ $3 to the event2 Dne o, the +i)#s/ bein+ ?$estione* by the 3o#ice/ was 'i*na33e* on (an$a)y 17 by a ,o).e) boBe) na.e* Nathan on*2 Dn a ti3/ the 3o#ice ,o$n* he) on a ,a). two wee's #ate)2 on* was a##e+e* to have o,,e)e* the +i)# ;Ne##ie Gas'o< a b)ibe not to testi,y a+ainst Ric'a)* a,te) she ha* a#)ea*y si+ne* 3a3e)s sayin+ that TeB ha* attac'e* he) on th)ee occasions2 Dthe) 3eo3#e c#ai.e* to have been b)ibe* an* so.e othe)s >$st *isa33ea)e*2 Sto)ies we)e 3$b#ishe* abo$t Ric'a)*6s ea)#y #i,e as a +a.b#in+ casino an* b)othe# owne) in the wi#* west2 Dne sto)y ha* TeB se*$cin+ a yo$n+ +i)# an* then bein+ whi33e* by the +i)#6s .othe)/ who then co..itte* s$ici*e2 ;I *on6t 'now i, the *ea* one was the +i)# o) the .othe)2< At the t)ia#/ the +i)#s a## t$)ne* o$t to be o#*e) than ,i)st )e3o)te*/ the !! yea) o#* beca.e !=/ an* .ost ha* been a))este* ,o) the,t/ )obbe)y/ ,o)+in+ chec's/ be++in+/ an* a va)iety o, othe) o,,enses2 Ric'a)*6s #awye) 3)o*$ce* an i.3)essive #ist o, cha)acte) witnesses to vo$ch ,o) TeB/ even the son o, ,o).e) 3)esi*ent Theo*o)e Rooseve#t ;Ge).it Rooseve#t<2 A## c#ai.e* his )e3$tation was i.3eccab#e2 Ric'a)* testi,ie* that on the *ay o, one o, the .a>o) )a3es/ he was at the Nove.be) !1 Da)t.o$th- ennsy#vania ,ootba## +a.e with witnesses2 TeB eB3#aine*/ why he co$#*n6t )e.e.be) who won o) what the co#o) o, the tea.6s $ni,o).s we)e/ by sayin+ he *i*n6t #i'e ,ootba## an* it was the ,i)st +a.e he ha* eve) +one to2 Dn Ma)ch 17/ !011/ it too' the >$)y an ho$) an* a ha#, to )et$)n a not +$i#ty ve)*ict2 Re+a)*#ess o, the ve)*ict/ Ric'a)*6s )e3$tation was ta)nishe* an* c#ai.s we)e .a*e that he was th)o$+h as a s3o)ts 3)o.ote)/ b$t a,te) a ,ew

.onths/ Richa)* )et$)ne* to his 3osition o, 3)o.otin+ boBin+ at the Ga)*en2 8$t the yea) !011 was a ba* an* b$sy one ,o) Richa)*/ an* the )es$#t ha* 8i##y San*ow an* (ac' De.3sey )$nnin+ ,)ee2@!!7A Dn Feb)$a)y "/ Lewis *e,eate* Renato Ga)*ino on the $n*e) ca)* o, a Stan %bys&'o *e,ense a+ainst the 3o3$#a) Ea)# Ca**oc' in Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en2 The ca)* was sai* to have *)awn !1/555 ,ans/ b$t eve)yone #e,t the a)ena $3set a,te) Ca**oc' #ost both o, his ,a##s by )o##in+ ,a##s2 In both/ Ca**oc'6s sho$#*e)s to$che* the .at ,o) the "s#i+htest ,)action" o, ti.e an* Ca**oc'6s winnin+ ,a##/ the secon*/ was conventiona# an* the)e was no *o$bt ove) its #e+iti.acy2 Dnce a+ain a bi+ ca)* ha* been )$ine* by the )$#es o, the Co..ission2@!!4A Lewis6 Secon* Tit#e Rei+n an* the Dbsession with (ac' De.3sey A)o$n* Feb)$a)y !:/ news3a3e)s a## ove) the co$nt)y )an the sto)y o, (ac' De.3sey cha##en+in+ w)est#in+ cha.3ion Stanis#a$s %bys&'o to a .iBe* .atch2 De.3sey was ?$ote*H "I6## 'noc' o$t %bys&'o an* a ha#, *o&en othe) cha.3ion w)est#e)s in the sa.e ni+ht2" Fo##owin+ the Ca)3entie) .atch/ which *)ew ove) 45/555 an* the ,i)st .i##ion J*o##a) +ate with a tota# o, F!/740/1:4/ De.3sey ha* ha)*#y been b$sy/ shootin+ .ino) .ovies in Ho##ywoo* an* to$)in+ with va$*evi##e shows2 Lewis an* De.3sey we)e ,)ien*s an* 8i##y San*ow 'new (ac'6s .ana+e) "Doc" (ac' Gea)ns ,)o. San F)ancisco2 TeB Ric'a)* an* Gea)ns ,e#t that a #ot o, tit#e *e,enses ,o) De.3sey wo$#* h$)t his boB o,,ice/ so De.3sey was >$st 3#ayin+ a)o$n* in Ho##ywoo* #oo'in+ ,o) so.ethin+ to *o2 8i##y San*ow #oo'e* at the .ath an* ,i+$)e* that a +oo* boBin+ +ate was .o)e that Lewis co$#* .a'e in yea)s o, w)est#in+2 A "wo)'e*" .iBe* .atch between cha.3ions wo$#* be an easy way ,o) both si*es to .a'e so.e +oo* .oney witho$t ta'in+ any )is's2 8$t the cha.3ion was Stanis#a$s %bys&'o/ an* i, San*ow an* Lewis we)e to +et thei) ,$## c$t o, the boBin+ .oney/ a chan+e wo$#* have to be .a*e2 Dn Feb)$a)y 1!/ W#a*e' %bys&'o *e,eate* (oe Steche) in Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en $sin+ a )o##in+ ,a##2 The bo+$s 3in once a+ain $3set the now s.a## an* a3athetic c)ow*2 Dn the $n*e) ca)*/ Lewis *e,eate* C#i,, 8inc'#ey a#so $sin+ a )o##in+ ,a##2 Fo) W#a*e'/ he was awa)*e* the A.e)ican tit#e ,o) the win/ b$t a,te) that ni+ht I can ,in* no ,$)the) .ention o, the new tit#e2 In ,act/ yo$ wo$#* not ,in* Lewis/ Steche)/ o) W#a*e' to+ethe) on the sa.e ca)* ,o) a #on+ ti.e2@!!0A It a#so was the #ast w)est#in+ ca)* in Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en $nti# Ma)ch !0142 TeB Ric'a)* *i* atte.3t to 3)o.ote a h$+e Ga)*en w)est#in+ show in Dece.be) !01:/ b$t his )e?$est ,o) a #icense was t$)ne* *own by the New Yo)' #icense co..ittee/ who c#ai.e* the)e was on#y eno$+h w)est#e)s an* +oo* .atches in New Yo)' City ,o) one .a>o) 3)o.ote)/ an* that 3)o.ote) was (ac' C$)#ey2@!15A So TeB Ric'a)* #e,t the w)est#in+ b$siness an* *ie* at a+e =0 on (an$a)y =/ !010 in a Mia.i Hos3ita# ,)o. an in,ection ,o##owin+ s$)+e)y on a +an+)eno$s a33en*iB2 Dn Ma)ch :/ !011/ E* "St)an+#e)" Lewis )e+aine* his $n*is3$te* wo)#* tit#e beatin+ Stanis#a$s %bys&'o in a two o$t o, th)ee ,a## .atch in Wichita/ Gansas $n*e) t)a*itiona# )$#es that *i*n6t inc#$*e ")o##in+ ,a##s"2 %bys&'o won the ,i)st ,a## in 9!H15 with a bo*y scisso)s an* a). #oc'2 %bys&'o was sai* to be ove)con,i*ent in the secon* ,a##/ he wo)'e* on Lewis a). an* was atte.3tin+ anothe) win+#oc'/ b$t E* sw$n+ a)o$n* to 3$sh o) "3$nch" the cha.3ion in the ,ace2 %bys&'o ,e## ac)oss the )in+ an* #an*e* on his bac'2 The St)an+#e) >$.3e* on hi. to a33#y the hea*#oc' an* 3in in !4 .in$tes2 Stan6s .ana+e) c#ai.e* a ,o$# b$t it wasn6t a##owe* by the )e,e)ee a$# Sic'ne)2 Stan was *a&e* an* was an easy victi. to Lewis6 hea*#oc' *$)in+ the th)ee .in$te thi)* ,a##2 Stan6s .ana+e) (ac' He).an c)ie* ,o$#/ b$t Lewis #e,t that ni+ht the cha.32 In winnin+ the .atch/ Lewis was awa)*e* two be#ts2 Dne was his o)i+ina# be#t ;the Lewis be#t< an* the be#t %bys&'o won on Nove.be) 14/ !01! in Ma*ison S?$a)e Ga)*en ;the %bys&'o be#t o) Ric'a)* be#t<2 The .atch was atten*e* by a c)ow* o, 9/01=/ an* the +ate was be#ow F!7/5552 Stan was 3ai* F7/555 ,o) the #oss an* E* .a*e F=/555/ so 3)o.ote) To. Law *i*n6t *o so we##2 8a* weathe) an* .$**y )oa*s we)e a ,acto)2@!1!A The t)$e )eason ,o) sta+in+ the .atch in Wichita is $n'nown/ b$t +a.b#in+ was sti## a ,acto) in that a)ea an* it .ay have been a +oo* 3#ace ,o) an $3set tit#e win2 R$.o)s a)e that this was the ,i)st w)est#in+ .atch eve) )eco)*e* by netwo)' )a*io2 I be#ieve that/ beca$se !011 was a bi+ yea) in the *eve#o3.ent o, netwo)' )a*io an* ,o) the eB3ansion o, the .e*i$. in A.e)ica2 ;The ,i)st boBin+ .atch on )a*io was the De.3seyECa)3entie) .atch on ($#y 1/ !01!2< This ha* the sa.e e,,ect on 3)o s3o)ts that TK wo$#* have on w)est#in+ in !0942 Ra*io *i*n6t see. to he#3 the 3o3$#a)ity o, 3)o w)est#in+ in !011/ b$t it *i* c)eate a .a>o) sta)

in "St)an+#e) Lewis" who6s na.e )eco+nition wo$#* )an' with the othe) .a*e sta)s o, the twenty #i'e 8abe R$th/ De.3sey/ 8i## Ti#*en/ 8obby (ones/ (i. Tho)3e// an* .any othe)s that a)e sti## #e+en*a)y to*ay2 8y !019/ na.es #i'e Steche)/ W#a*e' %bys&'o/ an* even F)an' Gotch see. .ino) when co.3a)e* with the 3o3$#a)ity o, St)an+#e) Lewis6s na.e that ha* been c)eate* by the $se o, )a*io2 T)yin+ to not waste too .$ch ti.e/ Ma)ch !" saw 8i##y San*ow anno$ncin+ that new cha.3ion St)an+#e) Lewis ha* 3oste* a F=/555 bon* with the s3o)ts e*ito) o, the Nashvi##e 8anne) as a cha##en+e to boBin+ cha.3ion (ac' De.3sey2 San*ow c#ai.e* that E* wo$#* beat the boBin+ cha.3ion in #ess than 15 .in$tes o) ,o),eit the F=/5552 In New Yo)' City (ac' Gea.s state* that De.3sey was wi##in+ to .eet Lewis in a .iBe* .atch o) in a w)est#in+ .atch2 Lewis as cha.3ion too' on a b$sy sche*$#e2 W)est#in+ ,ive ni+hts a wee' *$)in+ Ma)ch/ he t)ave#e* tho$+ht the So$th/ Gansas/ Iowa an* Misso$)i2 He was ha.3e)e* by a ba* case o, ca)b$nc#es that ca$se hi. to .iss two .ino) shows/ b$t he )ecove)e* we## eno$+h to *e,eat Yo$si,, Mah.o$t on Ma)ch 17 in Wichita2@!11A Dn Ma)ch !:/ !011/ Lewis .a*e his ,i)st a33ea)ance in St Lo$is beatin+ the A$st)a#ian w)est#e) ($)'a ($)'a2 St Lo$is ha*n6t yet achieve* it6s )e3$tation as the cente) o, A.e)ican w)est#in+/ b$t Lewis was b)o$+ht bac' on Ma)ch 10/ !011 ,o) a bi+ .atch with the town6s ,avo)ite w)est#e)/ E*6s o#* 3)ote+e/ (i. Lon*os2 The .atch *)ew the #a)+est c)ow* in St Lo$is histo)y/ esti.ate* at =/5552 Lewis won the ,i)st ,a## in !H!7H!5 with the hea*#oc'2 Lon*os s$)3)ise* eve)yone in the b$i#*in+ by winnin+ the secon* ,a## in !9H9= with his (a3anese a).#oc' co$3#e* with a w)ist #oc'2 The hea*#oc' ,inishe* Lon*os in the thi)* ,a## in 11H952 It was an inte)estin+ .atch a## the way/ with Lewis the a++)esso)/ b$t he co$#* not t)ic' the G)ee'2 Lon*os on .o)e than one occasion b)o$+ht the c)ow* to its ,eet by +ettin+ his a).#oc' on the cha.3ion2 Lon*os was ,aste) an* a .o)e o, a c#eve) +)a33#e)/ b$t he co$#*n6t ove)co.e E*6s 95 3o$n* wei+ht a*vanta+e2 Lon*os winnin+ a ,a##/ ove) the .ost ,a.o$s w)est#e) in the wo)#*/ co$#* on#y have he#3e* his ca)ee)2@!1:A A,te) WWI/ 8i##y San*ow #ive* in Che))yva#e/ Gansas/ in Mont+o.e)y Co$nty/ nea) Gansas City2 He beca.e ,)ien*s with his +)oce)/ a .an na.e* Sa. Avey2 San*ow b)o$+ht Avey into 3)o w)est#in+/ whe)e he was $se* as a )e,e)ee2 In !011/ San*ow set $3 Avey as the 3)o.ote) in T$#sa/ D'#aho.a2 D$)in+ that yea)/ Lewis w)est#e* at #east ,o$) ti.es in T$#sa an* ove) the yea)s it beca.e one o, Lewis6 st)on+est city2 Late in E*6s #i,e/ he even #ive* in D'#aho.a2 Avey *eve#o3e* T$#sa into a .a>o) w)est#in+ town an* beca.e a )ich .an ownin+ a 3)o hoc'ey tea. an* a )a*io station2 He a#so 3#aye* a .a>o) 3a)t in the *eve#o3.ent o, the ca)ee)s o, w)est#in+ sta)s Le)oy McG$i)' an* Dic' H$tton2@!1:aA Lewis )e.aine* active tho$+ht the )est o, !011 $3 $nti# ($#y 92 So.e o, his bi+ .atches we)eH Dn A3)i# !:/ he *e,eate* Ea)# Ca**oc' in Wichita/ winnin+ two o$t o, the th)ee ,a##s2 Dn A3)i# !0/ Lewis beat Dic' Davisco$)t in 8oston in two st)ai+ht ,a##s $sin+ the hea*#oc' ;!st ,a## !H!:H:!/ the 1n* ,a## !9H!5<2 Dn A3)i# 1=/ Stanis#a$s %bys&'o +ot his ,i)st )e.atch a+ainst Lewis in Gansas City2 He #ost two o$t o, th)ee ,a## to the cha.3ion2 Dn ($ne 7/ E* )et$)ne* to 8oston an* a+ain beat Ea)# Ca**oc' two o$t o, th)ee ,a##s2 Lewis too' the ,i)st in 11H51 with a hea*#oc'/ Ca**oc' won the secon* with his hea* scisso)s an* w)ist#oc' in 7H54/ an* the cha.3 won the thi)* with the hea*#oc' in !5H::2 Lewis6 3o#ice.an (ohn ese' *e,eate* Dic' Davisco$)t on the $n*e) ca)*2@!19A The to$) sto33e* on ($#y 9 in Wichita/ whe)e Lewis beat A#an E$stace2 The othe) w)est#e)s he .et an* *e,eate* ;.ost .o)e than once< *$)in+ the yea) we)e (at)in*a Goba)/ Geo)+e Hi##/ C#i,, 8inc'#ey/ (ohn F)ebe)+/ (ohn G)an*ovich/ Fa).e) Geo)+e 8ai#ey/ an* (ac' Sa.3son2 LL Contin$e to CHA TER !7 FDDTNDTES !!:a NEW YDRG TIME JMay 7/ !01! !!9 NEW YDRG TIMESMDece.be) :5/!01! !!9a THE (ACG CCRLEY 8ID by Steve Yohe !!= CATCH WRESTLING by Ma)' Hewitt/ 3a+e !=4 to !"5/ an* THE NEW YDRG TIMES Nove.be) !9/ !01!MHewitt o,,e)s the theo)y that C$)#ey was in on the ese' shoot beca$se he .i+ht have been inte)este* in .a'in+ a .ess o, )iva# TeB Ric'a)*6s ,i)st w)est#in+ ca)* in the Ga)*en2 I thin' C$)#ey saw the .ess as anothe)

)eason to stay away ,)o. New Yo)' City w)est#in+2 Fo) .oney )easons/ C$)#ey wante* to beco.e 3a)t o, the cities $33e) society an* .esses #i'e ese'E #estina h$)t his 3#ans2 )o w)est#in+ ha* #ost its )e3$tation as a 3#ace ,o) the $33e) c#ass/ so C$)#ey .ove* away ,)o. it in New Yo)' City2 !!=a NEW YDRG TIMES Nove.be) 10/ !01! an* THE CDLCM8CS DIS ATCH Nove.be) 10/ !01!--- It was the Co#$.b$s 3a3e) that note* both ,a##s we)e )o##in+ ,a##s2 I6ve seen )e3o)ts whe)e Lewis .a*e eBc$ses ,o) this ,i)st $n*is3$te* tit#e #oss by ta#'in+ abo$t this )e.atch/ with the two )o##in+ ,a##s2 See.s to be a .ista'e o) 3ossib#y/ anothe) #ie2 He was 3ine* .issin+ a hea*#oc' in the tit#e chan+e2 !!" DAGLAND TRI8CNE/ Dece.be) 4/ !01! !!7 TCNNEY by (ac' Cavana$+h/ 3a+e 1:4 to 191/ a boo' that sets a stan*a)* ,o) w)est#in+ histo)y boo's to ,o##ow2 DEM SEY by (ac' De.3sey with 8a)ba)a iatte##i De.3sey 3a+e !912 !!4 ST LDCIS GLD8E Feb)$a)y 7/ !011 !!0 NEW YDRG TIMES Feb)$a)y 11/ !011 !15 THE HISTDRY DF RDFESSIDNAL WRESTLINGH MADISDN SNCARE GARDEN !445 to !000 3$b#ish by Scott Tea# ; 2D2 8oB 174!/ Hen*e)sonvi##e/ TN :7577-174!< an* )esea)che* by F)e* Ho)nby2 NEW YDRG TIMESH TEO RICGARD IS DENIED WRESTLING ERMIT/ Dece.be) 10/ !01: !1! THE WICHITA EAGLE Ma)ch 9 an* =/ !011 !11 THE WICHITA EAGLE Ma)ch 17/ !011 !1: ST LDCIS DAILY GLD8E-DEMDCRAT Ma)ch !9/ !011 an* Ma)ch :5/ !011 !1:a NATIDNAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEH THE CNTDLD STDRY DF THE MDND DLY THAT STRANGLED RD WRESTLING by Ti. Ho)nba'e) ;3a+es 145 to 14!< !19 8DSTDN GLD8E ($ne 4/ !011

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" Toots Mon#t ente$s Lewis an# San#ow then s%ent a wo$&in' vacation at Co(o$a#o S%$in's) t$ainin' *o$ a E+$o%ean to+$) that neve$ too& %(ace o$ was ve$y sho$t, Mo$e that one histo$ian thin&s its %ossib(e that Lewis was bein' t$aine# at the S%$in's by -oe "Toots" Mon#t) who was coachin' w$est(in' .. /i(es away at the Co(o$a#o A'$ic+(t+$e Co((a'e 0(ate$ $ena/e# Co(o$a#o State 1nive$sity2, Mon#t was a *ea$e# shoote$ an# a wi((in' %e$*o$/e$) who ha# so/e ve$y 'oo# w$est(in' i#eas, It3s ve$y (i&e(y that a *$ien#shi% was *o$/e# between Toots) E#) an# San#ow) so a'$ee/ents we$e /a#e *o$ hi/ to 4oin the '$o+% (ate$ in the yea$ as ta(ent an# as a t$aine$ *o$ Lewis, I #on3t &now how M$s A#a Scott F$ie#$ich *e(t abo+t this vacation b+t /y '+ess is that 5i((y San#ow wasn3t ha%%y with the t$ainin' E# was 'ettin' in San -ose, Lewis was %+ttin' on wei'ht an# 5i((y) who too& %$i#e in bein' a t$aine$) neve$ (i&e# the a##e# %o+n#s an# na''e# his w$est(e$ to (ose wei'ht, The '$o+% was in Co(o$a#o on -+(y 67) !866 b+t Lewis w$est(e# at Ma#ison) Wisconsin on A+'+st 6!, The$e was a (ot o* ti/e o** in this %e$io#) an# I won#e$ why E# went bac& ho/e to Wisconsin,9!6:a; e$ha%s 4+st to visit the *a/i(y an# visit his s+//e$ $anch) b+t the events o* the ne<t yea$ /a&es /e thin& he was +nha%%y an# seein' (awye$s, He then went ho/e to San -ose an# #e*eate# Renato Ga$#ini in San F$ancisco on Se%te/be$ 6=, Lewis an# San#ow then went bac& to wo$&, >n >ctobe$ !7) !866) E# #e*eats Goho Goba$ at Eaton) Co(o$a#o on a ca$# %$o/ote# by Toots Mon#t3s b$othe$) Ra(%h Mon#t, Many histo$ians) /ain(y /e) thin& that Toots Mon#t 4oine# the Lewis?San#ow '$o+% at this ti/e, He beco/es a t$aine$ *o$ Lewis an# a(so acts as one o* E# %o(ice/en) %$otectin' the cha/%ion *$o/ t$+stb+ste$ ty%e w$est(e$s o$ anyone +n#e$c+ttin' the c$e#ibi(ity o* the wo$(# tit(e, He was a(so %+she# as a conten#e$ an# /a4o$ sta$ with the s&i((e# Toots) havin' no t$o+b(e 'ettin' ove$ with the *ans, Toots) hi/se(*) tho+'ht he was a bette$ w$est(e$ than Lewis,9!6@; Lewis sta$te# +% *+(( ti/e in Nove/be$) w$est(in' th$ew Misso+$i) Iowa) an# Co(+/b+s beatin' -at$in#a Goba$) De/et$i+s To*a(os) Anton 5o$sa) an# C(i** 5inc&(ey, >n Nove/be$ !7) Lewis #e*eate# Toots Mon#t in 5oston with %$o/ote$ Geo$'e To+hey as $e*e$ee, To 'et Toots ove$ he was boo&e# to win the *i$st *a(() %innin' E# in .7A!@, Lewis then ca/e bac& to beat Mon#t in the ne<t two *a((s 0.6A!@ an# 6A7@2, At one %oint in (ate !866) Mon#t beat Lewis in a han#ica% /atch at Bi$&svi((e) Bansas, Lewis ha# a'$ee# to %in two /en in "@ /in+tes) with Mon#t the secon# w$est(e$ in, E# beat the *i$st w$est(e$ b+t *ai(e# to #o anythin' with Toots *o$ the (ast :6 /in+tes, Re%o$ts say that Lewis C+it the /atch with *ive /in+tes (e*t beca+se boi(s on his nec& an# a$/ we$e annoyin' hi/,9!6=; Within a *ew wee&s) San#ow ha# t+$ne# Mon#t into a /a4o$ sta$, Lewis #e*en#e# the tit(e a'ainst Geo$'e Botsona$os in 5oston on Nove/be$ !", >n Nov, 6=) Lewis whi(e w$est(in' in Nashvi((e) $e(ease# a state/ent to the nationa( %$ess sayin' that he was wi((in' to wa'e$ D6@)777 that he co+(# #e*eat -ac& De/%sey in a /i<e# /atch, >n Dece/be$ !:) he #e*eate# e<Echa/% Stanis(a+s FbysG&o in St Lo+is, FbysG&o won the *i$st *a(( in :!A!@ with the +se o* the *(yin' /a$e) b+t #is(ocate# his $i'ht sho+(#e$ in the secon# *a((, Lewis won the secon# *a(( with the hea#(oc& 06:A6@2 b+t +se# seve$a( ty%es o* a$/ an# w$ist (oc&s to win the thi$# in !:A@7, The 'ate was D!=):77 an# Lewis3 %+$se was D")@77,9!6"; 5y this victo$y) Lewis) a*te$ th$ee wins in th$ee contests with the be(t at sta&e) won %e$/anent %ossession o* the Ric&a$# 5e(t, >n Dece/be$ 6@) Lewis $et+$ne# to his ho/e on A(+/ Roc& Aven+e in San -ose to eat Ch$ist/as #inne$ with D$, A#a Scott, Lewis was s+**e$in' *$o/ an in*ecte# a$/) which he in4+$e# in a Dece/be$ H /atch in Bansas City ve$se Wa((ace D+'i#, As soon as the Ch$ist/as *estivities we$e ove$) Lewis was a#/itte# into a (oca( hos%ita( whe$e D$, A#a %e$*o$/e# an o%e$ation, I won#e$ i* she was (ancin' one o* E#3s /any boi(s *$o/ which he s+**e$e# *$o/ th$o+'h o+t his ca$ee$, A#a /+st have been so/e Docto$ beca+se it was $evea(e# in the $e%o$t that she ha# a(so

a/%+tate# he$ "@ yea$ o(# *athe$3s (e') $e/ove# he$ b$othe$3s a%%en#ices an# ha# o%e$ate# on !@ othe$ b(oo# $e(atives, Dece/be$ 6H) saw the $ecove$e# Lewis beat -ac& T+$ne$ 0-oe Fi'/+n#2 in San F$ancisco, The atten#ance was sai# to be "*ai$) tho+'h by no /eans (a$'e",9!6H; 5o<in' cha/%ion -ac& De/%sey ha# s%en# /ost o* !866 /a&in' /ino$ *i(/s in Ho((ywoo#) a%%ea$in' on va+#evi((e shows) an# to+$in' En'(an#) F$ance an# Ge$/any, When De/%sey an# Doc Bea$ns $et+$ne# to New Yo$& City on May !8) they we$e $ea#y *o$ a tit(e #e*ense) b+t *o+n# Te< Ric&a$# tie# +% in his scan#a(, With thei$ bi' /oney %$o/ote$ tie# +%) they /ay have $et+$ne# to the i#ea o* *oo(in' a$o+n# with the w$est(e$) St$an'(e$ Lewis, These st$an'e /atches we$e not new to De/%sey) who ha# #one e<hibition *i'hts a'ainst both Do+'(as Fai$ban&s an# A( -o(son) *o$ a (ot (ess /oney, The sto$y(ine at this ti/e was that D$, A#a was t$ainin' Lewis at the ho/e 'y/ *o$ the /atch with -ac& De/%sey, He #i# /a&e a sho$t t$i% to Los An'e(es to visit with De/%sey an# a$$an'e *o$ a w$est(in' /atch in Ho((ywoo#, >n Dece/be$ .7) Lewis anno+nce# to the %$ess that a$$an'e/ents ha# been co/%(ete# *o$ a /i<e# /atch with the bo<in' cha/%ion to be he(# at Wichita, In Los An'e(es) De/%sey sai# that nothin' ha# been si'ne# b+t he was $ea#y *o$ the /atch, To/ Law) w$est(in' %$o/ote$ in Wichita) c(ai/e# to &now nothin' abo+t the /atch o$ the %+$se o* D.77)777) b+t on -an+a$y " state# the bo+t was on an# the $+(es we$e a'$ee# on, No #ate was even $evea(e# an# the /atch neve$ ha%%ene#, In the ea$(y %a$t o* !86.) De/%sey an# /ana'e$ Doc Bea$ns acce%te# an o**e$ o* D.77)777 to #e*en# his tit(e ve$ses To//y Gibbons on -+(y :) by She(by) Montana a s/a(( oi( town) #es%e$ate to /a&e a na/e *o$ itse(*, I #on3t &now i* the o**e$ was se$io+s o$ 4+st a R st+nt) b+t it bac&*i$e# as Bea$ns ha# the/ si'n a cont$act be*o$e they co+(# thin& twice, The *i'ht has been ca((e# "The Sac& o* She(by" in bo<in' boo&s, To//y Gibbons ha# been a 'oo# *i'hte$ b+t was consi#e$e# washe# +% by !86., He en#e# +% 'ivin' De/%sey a ha$# *i'ht an# (astin' !@ $o+n#s /a&in' the cha/%ion (oo& ba# in his *i$st tit(e #e*ense in two yea$s, So/e o* the ban&s o* She(by en#e# +% 'oin' ban&$+%te# at a $es+(t) b+t Doc Bea$ns #i#n3t ca$e as he /a#e D6"6)777, When that *i'ht was ove$) Te< Ric&a$# was bac& at wo$& in Ma#ison SC+a$e Ga$#en an# o**e$e# De/%sey an# Bea$ns D@77)777 to *i'ht L+is An'e( Fi$%o) the "Wi(# 5+(( o* the a/%as", So De/%sey #i#n3t nee# a Lewis /atch an# Ric&a$# %$obab(y &new it was a ba# i#ea, >ve$ the yea$s) as they both '$ew o(#e$) De/%sey an# Lewis wo+(# contin+e thei$ ta(& o* a /i< /atch) b+t it neve$ ha%%ene#) an# 5i((y San#ow neve$ 'ot his bi' %ay#ay, !86. In !86.) Los An'e(es) a *ew yea$s into the %$o#+cin' o* Ho((ywoo# *i(/s) was beco/in' wo$(# *a/o+s as a hi% %(ace to (ive, F$an& Gotch ha# s%ent a (itt(e ti/e) (ate in his ca$ee$) in Los An'e(es b+t the town ha# a ve$y (i/ite# histo$y as *a$ as %$o w$est(in' was conce$ne#, Lewis #e*en#e# the tit(e in Los An'e(es at the Ho((ywoo# A/e$ican Le'ion Sta#i+/ on -an+a$y !7) !86. a'ainst De/et$i+s To*a(os, To*a(os was a *a/o+s G$ee& w$est(e$?st$on'/an) who %$obab(y was the /ana'e$ o* -i//y Lon#os at the ti/e, Lon#os was on the +n#e$ca$# beatin' a An'e(o Ta$a/asc&i, The ca$# #$ew ")777 an# beca/e the (a$'est c$ow# eve$ see a w$est(in' /atch in Los An'e(es,9!6H; Nat en#(eton) was a /a4o$ a/ate+$ w$est(e$ who ha# /a#e a nationa( na/e *o$ hi/se(* by winnin' the Si(ve$ /e#ia( at the !867 >(y/%ics) was bein' #eve(o%e# as a %$o w$est(e$ by -ac& C+$(ey, C+$(ey was (ayin' (ow in New Yo$& City b+t he was en'a'e# in a 5oston w$est(in' wa$ with %$o/ote$ Geo$'e E, T+ohey an# w$est(e$ a+( 5owse$, It was a *+nny &in# o* wa$ that ha# c$oss %$o/otiona( ca$#s at one %oint, A (ot o* noise was 'oin' on abo+t a /atch between Nat en#(eton an# 5owse$, At one %oint 0Nove/be$ 6!) !8662) en#(eton3s /ana'e$) St+a$t Robson) /a#e a c(ai/ that Nat co+(# beat 5owse$) Geo$'e Ca(Ga 0a bi' sta$ in 5oston2 an# E# Lewis in one ni'ht, 5i((y San#ow %$obab(y #i#n3t ca$e abo+t any o* the na/es b+t Lewis) b+t he co+(#n3t have been too ha%%y with C+$(ey3s new sta$ th$owin' E#3s na/e a$o+n#, a+( 5owse$ beca/e the /a4o$ 5oston %$o/ote$ by !86.) an# a*te$ a (ot o* ta(& he 'ot Nat en#(eton to co/e to 5oston to w$est(e an "+n&nown" on -an+a$y 6@) !86., en#(eton wante# to /eet 5owse$) b+t the "+n&nown" t+$n o+t to be none othe$ than Lewis3 %o(ice/an) -ohn ese&, The "shoot" han#ica% /atch nee#e# ese& to ta&e two *a((s in "@ /in+tes to win) b+t ese& /a#e sho$t wo$& o* the >(y/%ic /e#a((ist by b$ea&in' his an&(e 0act+a((y a to$n (i'a/ent2 in the *i$st *a(( an# winnin' the secon# *a(( in a tota( ti/e

0both *a((s2 o* :! /in+tes, en#(eton neve$ /a#e it as a /a4o$ %$o w$est(in' sta$) b+t #i# beco/e a bi' ti/e s+%%o$tin' acto$ in Ho((ywoo# *i(/s, a+( 5owse$ went on to beco/e a Lewis?San#ow a((y an# one o* the /a4o$ %$o/ote$s in the histo$y o* the s%o$t,9!6Ha; Lewis $et+$ne# to Misso+$i an# /et Toots Mon#t on a Gabe Ba+*/an ca$# in Bansas City on -an+a$y 6., The /atch was two o+t th$ee *a((s with a two ho+$ ti/e (i/it, D+$in' the two ho+$s) Mon#t showe# he ha# a #e*ense a'ainst the hea# (oc& an# b$o&e the ho(# at (east !@ ti/es, Eve$y ti/e Lewis hoo&e# Toots hea#) he was c$otche# by the cha((en'e$ an# s(a//e#, Mon#t ca$$ie# the /atch to Lewis b+t E# beat hi/ with a toe ho(# to win the *i$st *a(( in !A6@A!@, Fo$ the $est o* the /atch) the two went a*te$ each othe$ (i&e a %ai$ o* b+((#o's in a %it *i'ht, They $o((e#) t+/b(e#) &ic&e#) an# b$o&e ho(#s with (i'htnin' $a%i#ity, When the ti/e (i/it e<%i$e#) Lewis was $+(e# the winne$ by ta&in' the on(y *a(( b+t Lewis (oo&e# ti$e# at the en# whi(e Mon#t (oo&e# *$esh, Most o* those %$esent *e(( that Mon#t wo+(# win in a *inish /atch, The atten#ance was a$o+n# H)777, The i#ea was *o$ Lewis to /eet -ohn ese& ne<t in the city) b+t Mon#t3s showin' /a#e %$o/ote$ chan'e his %(ans,9!6Hb; So the $e/atch too& %(ace on Feb$+a$y !@ with Lewis winnin' two o+t th$ee *a((s *$o/ Mon#t in a *inish /atch, Mon#t won the *i$st *a(( in a(/ost two ho+$s b+t the st$en+o+s w$est(in' wo$e hi/ o+t) an# he was on(y a toy in the han#s o* Lewis whi(e (osin' the ne<t two *a((s, The Bansas City atten#ance was /o$e than !7)777, 0This is the *i$st ti/e that I have a $e%o$t o* Lewis $eachin' the !7)777 /a$& #+$in' his secon# tit(e $+n,2 It sho+(# be note# that the on(y two a$enas ca%ab(e o* ho(#in' that a/o+nt o* %eo%(e we$e Ma#ison SC+a$e Ga$#en an# Bansas City3s Convention Ha((, Bansas City was an o(# cow town an# a /a4o$ connectin' %oint *o$ a(( the /i#Ewest $ai( (ines, It wasn3t ha$# *o$ *ans a(( th$o+'h the connectin' states to +se the t$ains to co/e to Bansa City *o$ a /a4o$ /atch, It was a /a4o$ w$est(in' city #+$in' this %e$io# 'oin' bac& to F$an& Gotch3s tit(e $ei'n, Gotch c(ai/e# that) *o$ hi/) on(y Chica'o was a bette$ city, -i/ Lon#os ha# beco/e a sensation in St, Lo+is an# a tit(e $e/atch with E# Lewis was boo&e# *o$ the St, Lo+is Co(ise+/ *o$ the ni'ht o* Feb$+a$y 67) !86., 5oth Lewis an# Lon#os ha# s%ent /+ch o* the %$ece#in' wee& in town t$ainin' at the Nationa( Ath(etic Association 'y/, 5oth /en we$e bi''e$, Lon#os c(ai/e# he ha# 'aine# ei'ht %o+n#s o* /+sc(e an# was /+ch /o$e con*i#ent, Lewis wei'ht in at 6.@ %o+n#s,9!68; Lewis won the *i$st *a(( in !A:=A.: a*te$ +sin' ten hea#(oc&s to wa$e #own an# %in Lon#os, In /ost o* E#3s /atches his o%%onent3s wo+(# %(ay #ea# an# a C+ic& *inishin' *a(( wo+(# *o((ow b+t Lon#os wasn3t a no$/a( o%%onent, The secon# *a(( saw Lon#os s+$%$ise Lewis by $eve$se an atte/%t at a hea#oc& into a 4i+E4its+ w$ist an# then a$/ba$, With %ain*+( an# %+nishin' twists) Lon#os *o$ce# the .@ %o+n# heavie$ St$an'(e$3s sho+(#e$s to the /at, The %in ca/e at !.A!@, A*te$ hea#(oc&3s *ai(e# hi/) Lewis ca%t+$e# the thi$# *a(( with a ha//e$(oc& in !8A!7, 9!.7; The ca$# see/e# to have been a se((o+t) b+t no n+/be$s we$e $e(ease#, In !86.) Lewis $et+$ne# to Chica'o, >n Ma$ch =) Lewis #e*en#e# the tit(e a'ainst A(an E+stace at the Chica'o Co(ise+/ on a -oe Co**ey %$o/otion which #$ew =)@77 in his *i$st a%%ea$ance in the city #+$in' his secon# $ei'n as +n#is%+te# wo$(# cha/%ion, >n the sa/e ni'ht) a -ohn B$one %$o/otion #$ew 6)!77 +sin' Geo$'e Ca(Ga in the /ain event an# (on' ti/e (oca(s) (i&e Cha$(ey C+t(e$) 5i(( De/et$a() an# 5ob Mana'o** on the +n#e$ca$#,9!.!; >n Ma$ch ") Lewis $et+$ne# to St Lo+is to 'et an easy win ove$ Dan Bo(o**,9!.6; A%$i( . saw E# bac& in Chica'o in *$ont o* ")777 beatin' Renato Ga$#ini, >n A%$i( !@) he #e*eate# an# in4+$e# Wa((ace D+'+i# at Nashvi((e, The $e%o$t ha# D+'+i# s+**e$in' th$o+'h nineteen hea#(oc& an# a hos%ita( stay a*te$ s+stainin' a conc+ssion with a nec& st$ain, He ha# been +nconscio+s *o$ .7 /in+tes a*te$ the /atch was sto%%e#,9!..; >n A%$i( !6) -ohn ese& #e*eate# e<Echa/% Stanis(a+s FbysG&o in Bansas City As a $es+(t) ese& won hi/se(* a tit(e /atch with Lewis on May 6,9!.:; Lewis t$aine# in Bansas City (ea#in' +% to the /atch) whi(e ese& wo$&e# o+t on his Ravenna Neb$as&a *a$/, The /atch was bi((e# as a "shoot" /atch an# so/e /ay have been thin&in' "tit(e chan'e" beca+se it was &nown that Lewis was %(annin' on to+$in' E+$o%e in /i#E-+ne, The %$o/ote$ Gabe Ba+*/an an# 5i((y San#ow went o+t o* thei$ way to #isco+$a'e bettin' on the /atch, No o##s we$e %oste# by boo&/a&e$s) who as a $+(e C+ote#

o##s on any s%o$t an# one $e%o$t sai# "The w$est(in' 'a/e has so /any &noc&s an# so o*ten has the *in'e$ o* s+s%icion %ointe# at it) that boo&/a&e$s wi(( not C+ote o##s o$ /a&e bets on w$est(in' /atches,"9!.@; I thin& w$est(in' %$o/ote$s ha# aban#on the 'a/b(in' wo$(# an#) as a "wo$&e# s%o$t") wo$$ie# abo+t the (aw e<%osin' what (itt(e (e'iti/acy it ha# (e*t, The May 6) !86. /atch in Bansas City en#e# with Lewis #est$oyin' ese& in two st$ai'ht *a((s, Lewis) t$aine# #own to 6!H %o+n#s) ha# the s&i((s o* a $in' 'ene$a( an# too& no chances, He eva#e# ese&3s w$ist(oc& an# o+t $o+'he# ese& whi(e /atchin' the Neb$as&an3s s%ee#, Lewis won both *a((s with the toeho(#) the *i$st in one ho+$ an# two /in+te an# the secon# in two /in+tes an# .7 secon#s, 9!.=; The c$ow# was esti/ate# at !@)777, They *i((e# Convention Ha(( with eve$y seat occ+%ie# with h+n#$e#s stan#in', It see/e# to be the (a$'est c$ow# in Bansas City histo$y) b+t eve$yone #i#n3t co/e o+t o* the /atch in bette$ sha%e, -ohn ese&3s $e%+tation was #est$oye# by his showin', I+ote *$o/ the Bansas City Sta$A "-ohn ese& *oo(e# the *o(&s a$o+n# he$e, A (ot o* the/) anyway, They tho+'ht he was a '$eat w$est(e$) b+t his showin' a'ainst Lewis was a thin' o* so$$ow to those who (i&e# the Neb$as&an, He ha# been ca((e# the "Ti'e$ Man", Fo$ Lewis he was a ta/e ti'e$, itte# a'ainst othe$ w$est(e$s ese& ha# been a $ea( #e/on at w$est(in' with st$en'th) s&i(() an# *+$y, Matche# a'ainst the cha/%ion he %$esente# a so$$y %(i'htJ,,He /ay be ab(e to 'o e(sewhe$e an# sta'e a "co/e bac&") b+t it wi(( have to be in 5oston o$ so/e othe$ *avo$e# city, It wi(( not be Bansas City,"9!."; So in one ni'ht) San#ow?Lewis too& one o* thei$ best conten#e$s an# a /atch ca%ab(e o* #$awin' !@)777 an# #est$oye# any chance o* it /a&in' /oney a'ain, >n May 66) Lewis a'ain beat Stan FbysG&o, This ti/e it was a one *a(( !A.8A77 victo$y in Minnea%o(is,9!.H; Lewis then $et+$n to Ne&oosa an# staye# *o$ so/e ti/e with his %a$ents, >n -+ne 6!) !86.) the Associate# $ess iss+e# an anno+nce/ent statin' that w$est(in' cha/%ion St$an'(e$ Lewis ha# obtaine# a #ivo$ce *$o/ his wi*e at Stevens oint) Wisconsin, The #e'$ee was si'ne# by -+#'e 5y$on 5, a$&s o* the ci$c+it co+$t o* Wisconsin an# the #ivo$ce cha$'e was "c$+e(ty," Lewis then (e*t *o$ the East Coast, D$ A#a Scott Mo$ton F$ie#$ich (ea$ne# o* he$ #ivo$ce *$o/ $e%o$te$s, She state# that she #i#n3t be(ieve "5obby" was 'one *o$ 'oo#, He was, >n -+(y 6) the #ivo$ce was (iste# in TIME MAGAFINE,9!.8; A *ew yea$s (ate$) on Feb, 66) !86=) D$, A#a Scott Mo$ton anno+nce# she ha# /a$$ie# a We((s C(a$&) wea(thy $ea( estate o%e$ato$ wo$&in' o+t o* San F$ancisco an# Washin'ton D,C, They /et an# we$e /a$$ie# on the East Coast,9!:7; No one has any &now(e#'e o* what ha%%ene# to Lewis3 #a+'hte$ 5oba#a) a(tho+'h she #oes see/s to /a&e an a%%ea$ance in T+(sa) (ate in Lewis3 (i*e, 5e*o$e ai$ con#itione# a$enas) %$o w$est(in' was seasona() +s+a((y the ti/e o** too& %(ace #+$in' the S+//e$ an# the baseba(( season, In /i#E-+ne) Lewis an# San#ow too& a to+$ o* E+$o%e, It was /ain(y a vacation *o$ both) b+t Lewis #i# w$est(e in si< /ino$ /atches, He see/e# to have sta$te# in En'(an# an# then /ove# on to F$ance, In a$is on -+(y 6") his t$i% to Ge$/any was #e(aye# 6: ho+$s when his (a+n#$y *ai(e# to show +% at his hote(, The$e we$e no shi$t co((a$s in a$is ove$ a siGe !" an# none o* the othe$s *it E#3s nec&, He (e*t *o$ 5e$(in the ne<t #ay, The two then t$ave(e# th$o+'h Ita(y) 5e('i+/) Ho((an#) an# SwitGe$(an#, See/s they $et+$n to A/e$ican a$o+n# Se%te/be$ !) !86.,9!:!; Toots Mon#t) who ha# s%ent the s+//e$ h+ntin' an# *ishin' in the >Ga$&s nea$ S%$in'*ie(# Misso+$i) /et +% with the/ an# they sett(e# into a t$ainin' ca/%, Lewis ha# %+t on /o$e wei'ht #$in&in' bee$ an# havin' a 'oo# ti/e in Ge$/any) so he nee#e# a (ot o* t$ainin', At va$ie# ti/es in >ctobe$) Lewis anno+nce# an en'a'e/ent to a /e/be$ o* the R+ssian nobi(ity) a $incess Ma$ia T$aivas&a 0o$ T$awas&i2, She c(ai/e# to have *(e# R+ssia #+$in' the 5o(shevi& +%$isin' an# was (ivin' at Wiesba#en Ge$/any when she /et E#, The $e%o$t was that the two wo+(# be /a$$ie# a$o+n# Ch$ist/as an# the honey/oon wo+(# be in E+$o%e, Anothe$ $e%o$t sai# the site wo+(# be Chica'o, Nothin' co/es *$o/ this an# I #on3t thin& the we##in' too& %(ace, I3ve $ea# $e%o$ts that sai# the $e(ationshi% was b$o&e +% by 5i((y San#ow, A*te$ a co+%(e o* /onths) Lewis neve$ /entions the $incess a'ain, Wheneve$ I $ea# abo+t the $incess T$aivas&a?St$an'(e$ Lewis $o/ance) I thin& o* Hen$y Fon#a an# 5a$ba$a Stanwyc& in $eston St+$'es3 !8:! /ovie "The La#y Eve",9!:6;

A$o+n# Nove/be$ !=) Lewis $et+$ne# to San -ose to e**ect a %$o%e$ty sett(e/ent with the #ivo$ce# A#a Scott an# he too& /ost o* the /onth o**, A#a wasn3t the on(y t$o+b(e E# wo+(# have at the en# o* !86.) -oe Steche$ ha# ta&en o** /ost o* !866 an# !86. in an atte/%t to sta$t +% a baseba(( ca$ee$) 9!:6a; b+t he ha# co/e to his senses) an# was beco/in' /o$e active an# a''$essive as a w$est(e$) see/in' wantin' his tit(e bac&, He ha# beco/e a *eat+$e# /ain evente$ *o$ the new St Lo+is %$o/ote$) To/ ac&s) an# hea#(ine# ac&s3 *i$st th$ee ca$#s in (ate !86., >n Dece/be$ ") Lewis $et+$ne# to Bansas City to win anothe$ bi' $e/atch with Stanis(a+s FbysG&o, E# an# San#ow then t$ave(e# to St Lo+is *o$ a tit(e #e*ense a'ainst -ose* G+$&eweic& on Dece/be$ !., Lewis was o+t w$est(e# by the yo+n' o(e) G+$&eweic&) (i&e he was in /ost /atches) b+t sti(( won two st$ai'ht *a((s, The sto$y o* the ni'ht was -oe an# Tony Steche$3s a%%ea$ance at $in'si#e, 5e*o$e the /atch wo+(# sta$t) 5i((y San#ow $e*+se# to w$est(e i* the Steche$s we$e a((owe# to ente$ the $in' to cha((en'e the cha/%ion, This $es+(te# in an a$'+/ent) $eso(ve# by havin' -oe ente$ his %+b(ic cha((en'e to Lewis #+$in' the b$ea& between *a((s) when E# an# San#ow we$e in the #$essin' $oo/, The con*(ict with the Steche$s $es+(te# in Lewis an# 5i((y bein' booe# the who(e /atch, A*te$ the Lewis3 win) San#ow sai# that he wo+(# be '(a# to /eet Steche$) i* -oe) the e<Ewo$(# cha/%ion) wo+(# *i$st %$ove hi/se(* by beatin' Stan FbysG&o) Toots Mon#t an# then -ohn ese&, Tony Steche$ then o**e$e# D!@)777 *o$ a tit(e /atch) b+t he ha# been 'iven his answe$,9!:.; -oe Steche$ an# the Lewis o(ice/en I3ve o*ten won#e$e# why Lewis an# San#ow nee#e# the +se o* o(ice/en, Gotch ha# +se# one o$ two %o(ice/en) b+t why #i# the '$eat shoote$) St$an'(e$ Lewis) +se a who(e stab(e o* the/ in FbysG&o) Toots) an# ese&, Yo+ wo+(# thin& E# co+(# han#(e his own %$ob(e/s) b+t then yo+ $e/e/be$ -oe Steche$ was sti(( a$o+n#, E# /ay have ha# an i#ea that he was bette$) b+t he wasn3t s+$e) an# it was *a$ *$o/ a s+$e thin' with eve$yone e(se, Steche$ ha# no #o+bt that he co+(# beat Lewis, He a(ways ha#) an# was co/in' o** a #ecision win ove$ Lewis in his ho/etown o* San F$ancisco 0>ctobe$ !) !86!2, Te((in' so/eone to /eet yo+$ %o(ice/en) is the stan#a$# (ine a wea& o$ nonE w$est(e$ ty%e cha/%ion #oes when he3s cha((en'e# by so/eone he &nows he can3t beat, It was a too( +se# by w$est(e$s (i&e M+nn) Sonnenbe$' o$ >3Mahoney (ate$ on in w$est(in' histo$y, The i#ea is to #i$ect the cha((en'e$ to a st$on'e$ shoote$) so the '+y wi(( #isa%%ea$Jan# it +s+a((y wo$&s, 5+t this was -oe Steche$ an# he wo+(#n3t bac& o**, Fo((owin' the state/ent by San#ow) Steche$ cha((en'e# a(( th$ee %o(ice/en, He then ha# t$o+b(e 'ettin' the/ in the $in') so he '+a$antee# FbysG&o D!7)777 to /eet hi/ in St Lo+is, That was a (ot o* /oney) so Stan a'$ee# an# the /atch was boo&e# *o$ -an+a$y 66, >n Dece/be$ !@) !86.) Steche$ t$ave(e# to Bansas City to $e%eats his D!@)777 cha((en'e to Lewis an# say he was $ea#y to /eet anyone to 'et to the cha/%ion, It see/ o##) b+t in the cities (i&e Bansas City an# St Lo+is) which we$e two o* the st$on'est cities *o$ the Lewis?San#ow '$o+% #+$in' his secon# $ei'n) Steche$ was %o$t$aye# as the *ace by the $e%o$te$s an# *ans) whi(e Lewis %(aye# hee(, 9!::; A(so on Dece/be$ !@) Lewis beat Ta$o Miya&e at Wichita in a w$est(in' wo$(# tit(e ve$ses a -i+E-its+ wo$(# tit(e /atch, Lewis was na/e# the new -i+E-its+ wo$(# cha/%ion a*te$ the victo$y,9!:@; Then eve$yone *o$'ot abo+t it, >n Dece/be$ 6H) Lewis was bac& in Wichita winnin' a /atch ove$ Dic& Davisco+$t, The cha((en'e$ won the *i$st *a(( +sin' Lewis3 hea#(oc& in !A7=A77, Lewis ca/e bac& to win the ne<t two *a((s in *o+$ /in+tes an# then one /in+te, A*te$ the /atch) Lewis was a$$este# by %o(ice on cha$'es o* assa+(t an# batte$y on a Wi((ia/ Goo#/an, See/s that a*te$ the *i$st *a(( (ost) by his own hea#(oc&) he was booe# by 4+st abo+t eve$yone, >n the way to the #$essin' $oo/ between *a((s) so/eone hoote# in E#3s *ace) an# he %+nche# Goo#/an, Late$ at the %o(ice station) Goo#/an sai# he wasn3t the '+y an# E# %+nche# the w$on' '+y, E# sai# he was so$$y *o$ %ic&in' the w$on' *an to batte$) an# eve$ythin' was *ine with the %o(ice, Cha$'es we$e #$o%%e#,9!:=; In (ate Dece/be$) Toots Mon#t was in the Bansas City news%a%e$ sayin' that he sho+(# 'et the tit(e /atch with Lewis) not Steche$) an# he was wi((in' to beat the *o$/e$ cha/%ion to %$ove his %oint, The a$'+/ent $es+(te# in Lewis si'nin' to w$est(e Mon#t in Bansas City on -an+a$y !7,9!:";

>n Dece/be$ .!) !86.) the NEW Y>RB HERALD %$inte# a sto$y that sai#) o* a(( the %$o s%o$ts) w$est(in' att$acte# the (east attention in !86., It sai# the s%o$t was #ea# in New Yo$& an# this con#ition was the sa/e th$o+'h o+t the co+nt$y with (itt(e activity o* /a4o$ i/%o$tance, It sai# St$an'(e$ Lewis was a cha/%ion that #e*en#e# his tit(e on(y in*$eC+ent(y beca+se o* the #eath o* s+itab(e o%%osition an# (+&ewa$/ inte$est, It sai# *ans we$e waitin' *o$ a /atch to $enew thei$ enth+sias/,9!:H; This $e%o$t 'oes a'ainst eve$ythin' that was %$inte# abo+t the %e$io# in the boo& FALLS G1YSA THE 5ARN1MS >F 5>1NCE in !8.") which %o$t$aye# the ti/e as a 'o(#en a'e $+n by a "Go(# D+st T$io" 0San#ow) Mon#t an# Lewis2, Toots Mon#t ha# a(ways 'iven Lewis a ha$# ti/e in tit(e /atches in Bansas City b+t) on -an+a$y !7) !86:) it was #i**e$ent, E# won the *i$st *a(( in !A::A76 an# the secon# in 6HA.7) both with the +se o* a toe ho(#, So Toots (ost two st$ai'ht *a((s, The $es+(t %$obab(y ha# so/ethin' to #o with Toots3 co/in' /atches with Steche$, >n -an+a$y !H in Wichita) -oe Steche$ an# Toots Mon#t w$est(e# a han#ica% /atch in which no *a(( was $eco$#e# in 87 /in+tes, Steche$ ha# a'$ee# to %in Mon#t twice be*o$e the ti/e (i/it $an o+t) so Mon#t was $+(e# the winne$, Han#ica% /atches we$e consi#e$e# e<hibitions) so the $es+(t wasn3t (oo&e# +%on (i&e a $ea( (oss by *ans, They we$e 4+st a way to b+i(# +% to a bi''e$ /atch an# 'ive c$e#ibi(ity to (esse$ w$est(e$s) witho+t a sta$ act+a((y 'ettin' beat, Bansas City %$o/ote$) Gabe Ba+*/an was %$esent an# sai# the /atch was '$eat) so he si'ne# a $e/atch *o$ a Feb$+a$y !! /atch with no ti/e (i/it, Steche$ bein' in with Lewis3 %o(ice/an /a#e "s/a$ts" thin& it was 'oin' to be a "shoot" with the winne$ 'ettin' a tit(e /atch with Lewis,9!:8; >n -an+a$y 6@) Steche$ w$est(e# a #$aw with Dic& Davisco+$t in Rocheste$) NY, This was a ca$# %$o/ote# by -+(ies 5a+/an) b$othe$ o* 5i((y San#ow) an# E# Lewis sat $in'si#e *o$ the /atch, This wo+(# /a&e it see/ (i&e Lewis was he(%in' in the %$o/otion o* a /atch with Steche$, >n -an+a$y 6") Steche$ /et Stan FbysG&o in St Lo+is, As was the con#ition o* the /atch) FbysG&o was %$esente# his %+$se o* D!7)777 be*o$e the /atch, The atten#ance was =)@77 an# the 'ate was D!!)777, The w$est(e$s c+t was D=)=77) so Steche$ en#e# +% 'ivin' FbysG&o D.):77 *o$ the /atch an# a chance to w$est(e Lewis) i* he won,9!@7; A*te$ (osin' the *i$st *a(( to Stan in 66A@@) Steche$ too& the ne<t two +sin' the scisso$ in !.A:7 an# .@A!@, Lewis (ate$ a'$ee# to w$est(e Steche$) b+t he wante# D.7)777 to ste% into the $in', That was way too /+ch /oney an# /atch #i#n3t ha%%en,9!@!; The Steche$?Mon#t /atch too& %(ace in Bansas City on Feb$+a$y !!, The $e%o$t in the *o((owin' #ay3s news%a%e$ was s(i/, A(( we &now is that Mon#t) a*te$ winin' the *i$st *a(() %+nch Steche$ with a c(ose# *ist an# (ost the /atch on a #isC+a(i*ication, 5a$e &n+c&(e# *i'hts we$e a'ainst the (aw +n#e$ state $+(es an# the $e%o$te$ tho+'ht that Mon#t wo+(# be banne# in Bansas City 0he wasn3t2, 9!@6; So) i* yo+ be(ieve in "shoots") it sho+(# be note# that the '+y who 'ets #isC+a(i*ie# *o$ %+nchin' is a(ways the '+y who thin&s he3s (osin' an# has to save *ace, -en&ins %+nche# Gotch in a "shoot" when he was (osin' an# Ray Stee(e wi(( (ate$ ba(e o+t in a Lewis shoot by %+nchin' E#, I* Toots was &ic&in' Steche$3s ass) why wo+(# Mon#t b(ow the victo$y by *o+(in' o+t an# 'ettin' hi/se(* banne#, WhyK It #oesn3t a## +%, I* yo+ #o be(ieve the$e was heat between Mon#t an# Steche$) it s+$e see/s (i&e Steche$ is not a*$ai# o* Lewis o$ his a$/y o* %o(ice/en, He w$est(es FbysG&o an# then Mon#t twice) an# is ste%%in' into t$a%s (e*t an# $i'ht, -oe a(so was %+shin' *o$ a -ohn ese& /atch as %a$t o* the sto$y(ine in St Lo+is, Lewis #e*en#e# the tit(e in St Lo+is on Feb$+a$y @ beatin' Renato Ga$#ini in two st$ai'ht *a((s, Ga$#ini ha# ea$ne# his shot by beatin' -i/ Lon#os, The c$ow# was ca((e# "*ai$", >n Feb$+a$y !.) E# Lewis $et+$ne# to New Yo$& City to beat at McGi(( in *$ont o* .)777 in !A!@A.=, The ca$# was at the "!st A$/o$y an# ca((e# a w$est(in' $eviva(, No /ention was /a#e o* -ac& C+$(ey o$ who the %$o/ote$ was) b+t Mc Gi(( was a a+( 5owse$ w$est(e$, >n the +n#e$ca$#) Wayne M+nn #e*eate# 5i' 5eth in "A!7, M+nn was a *o$/e$ co((a'e *ootba(( %(aye$) who ha# '$eat siGe with 'oo# %$o%o$tions an# /+sc+(a$ #eve(o%/ent, He ha# a($ea#y *ai(e# as a %$o bo<e$) b+t 5i((y San#ow was in the %$ocess o* %+shin' hi/ (i&e he was H+(& Ho'an,9!@.;

Lewis was s%en#in' /o$e ti/e in 5oston wo$&in' *o$ %$o/ote$ a+( 5owse$, >n Feb$+a$y !: E# beat G$ee& w$est(e$ Geo$'e Botsona$os in the city, This was the thi$# /atch o* the yea$) in 5oston an# the *ans we$e ve$y +%set ove$ 5i((y San#ow3s coachin' o* Lewis) so 5owse$ $+(e# that the /ana'e$ co+(# no (on'e$ stay $in'si#e #+$in' the /atch, Steche$ t$ave(e# to T+(sa to (ose a han#ica% /atch to C(i** 5inc&(ey on Feb$+a$y !:) winnin' on(y one *a(( a*te$ %$o/isin' two with in two ho+$s, He then $et+$ne# to Bansas City an# w$est(e# an e<hibition at an ath(etic show, The $e%o$t sai# that -oe wo+(# $et+$n the ne<t /onth *o$ a /atch, The ne<t #ay) both Tony an# -oe Steche$) ha# a con*e$ence with %$o/ote$ Gabe Ba+*/an, To%ic was "the /atch", Ba+*/an a(so ta(&e# with 5i((y San#ow the sa/e #ay, Nothin' /entionin' Steche$ o$ the "/atch" *o((ows, Lewis w$est(es Ta$o Maya&e on Ma$ch . in Bansas City with both Wayne M+nn an# Mon#t on the +n#e$ca$#, Re%o$ts sai# that the *inish to the Steche$?Mon#t /atch was +n*o$t+nate an# Toots was so$$y an# $e'$ette# it #ee%(y, They a(so %$o/ise# that a *o+( in an ea$(y *a(( wo+(#n3t en# a /atch in the *+t+$e, The o**en#e# w$est(e$ wo+(# be 'iven a $est an# then have to contin+e, It3s *+nny how this set +% the *inish o* the Lewis?M+nn tit(e chan'e the ne<t yea$, Steche$ neve$ 'ot his tit(e /atch with E# Lewis in !86:) an# he /ay have t$ie# o+t with the hi(a#e(%hia Nationa(s baseba(( an# went so+th *o$ s%$in' t$ainin' *o$ a %e$io# o* ti/e) be*o$e $ea(iGin' the /oney in %$o w$est(in' was too 'oo# to %ass +%Jo$ /aybe he 4+st 'ot c+t, I thin& the who(e sto$y(ine was a wo$& an# that both si#es we$e wi((in' to #o a /atch in Ma$ch !8!: in Bansas City, I #on3t &now i* 5i((y San#ow $ea(iGe# that Steche$ ha# been %$o/ise the tit(e an# e<%ecte# Lewis to 4ob it bac&J,at (east *o$ a sho$t %e$io#, Lewis ha# b(own o** a(( his /a4o$ conten#e$s an# (i&e# the i#ea o* a bi' /oney /atch with Steche$) b+t San#ow wo+(# neve$ (et Lewis #$o% the tit(e beca+se the$e was no way to 'et it bac&) i* -oe #i#n3t &ee% his wo$#, I thin& San#ow 'ot the i#ea to %+sh Wayne M+nn in the /i##(e o* the Steche$ sto$y(ine an# #eci#e# to 'o in that #i$ection, M+nn wo+(# be +n#e$ his cont$o() so/ethin' he co+(#n3t co+nt on with Steche$, The tit(e was the %owe$ an# he *e(t sa*e$ with a *ootba(( %(aye$, The Steche$?Mon#t bo+t) o* Feb$+a$y !!) see/e# to be a wo$&e# *i$st *a(() *o((owe# by a %otato to the e<Echa/%, Bin# o* a wa&eE+% ca(( an# San#ow3s way o* te((in' Tony an# -oe the #ea( was o**,9!@:; LL Contin+e to CHA TER !H F>>TN>TES !6:a Lewis #i# own a (a$'e s+//e$ ho/e o$ $anch in Wisconsin, Most city a$enas we$e ve$y hot o$ +se# by the %+b(ic o$ o+t o* schoo( chi(#$en #+$in' the s+//e$, The St Lo+is A$ena was b+i(# ove$ a %+b(ic swi//in' %oo() so the city ha# ve$y *ew w$est(in' shows #+$in' the s+//e$) +n(ess an o+t#oo$ sta#i+/ co+(# be *o+n#, Most o* the ba((%a$&s we$e bein' +se# by the #i**e$ent (eve(s o* %$o baseba(() so %$o/ote$s nee#e# to boo& thei$ ca$#s a$o+n# the (oca( baseba(( tea/s ho/e 'a/es, It wasn3t easy, So %$o w$est(in' was seasona( in /ost %(aces an# Lewis too& /ost o* the s+//e$s o**, !6@ In a "s/a$t" w$est(in' boo& %+b(ishe# in !8.H) FALLS G1YSA THE 5ARN1MS >F 5>1NCE) a+tho$ Ma$c+s G$i**in na/e# the '$o+% o* 5i((y San#ow?E# Lewis?-oe "Toots" Mon#t the "Go(# D+st T$io", I wi(( not be +sin' the na/e Go(# D+st T$io in this %a%e$ beca+se it was a te$/ c$eate# by G$i**in an# +se# on(y *o$ his boo& an# was not +se# by *ans o$ insi#e$s be*o$e the boo& was %+b(ishe#, Yo+ cannot *in# the na/e in %$int be*o$e !8.H, G$i**in +se# a w$itin' sty(e that c$eate# a n+/be$ o* na/es in Fa(( G+ys *o$ '$o+%s an# in#ivi#+a(s, The boo& is *i((e# with the/ 0Fa(( G+ys 0w$est(e$s2) The ee$(ess Cha/%ion 0F$an& Gotch2 The 5i' Fo+$ 0C+$(ey) Tony Steche$) Stan FbysG&o) M Ca##oc&2 The T$+st 0#i**e$ent %eo%(e at #i**e$ent ti/es in the boo&2) The 5$ain 05i((y San#ow2) T$i//e$ -i/ 0Lon#os2) Ha(itosis Bi# 0-ac& *e*e$2) The Roya( Fa/i(y o* +'i(is/ 0The -ohnson 5$othe$s2) The Wi(# I$ish Rose 0Danno >3Mahoney2 an# /any /o$e 2) b+t it is on(y the "Go(# D+st T$io" tit(e that has st+c& th$o+'h ti/e, To#ay it3s constant(y +se# by %eo%(e) who base thei$ &now(e#'e on so/ethin' othe$ than $esea$ch, Fa(( G+ys was a bias an# a *(awe# boo& with /o+ntains o* e$$o$s, G$i**in states in the boo& that Toots Mon#t was a %a$tne$ with San#ow an# Lewis, I can3t see how that can be t$+e, Lewis) San#ow) an# the othe$ 5a+/an b$othe$s ha# been to'ethe$ sense !8!., They wo+(#n3t (et a yo+n' w$est(e$ 4+st ste% into

the co/%any as a %a$tne$, Not %ossib(e in /y /in#, Mon#t /ay have ha# a '$eat /in# *o$ w$est(in') which he %$ove# (ate$) b+t in !866 he was hi$e# as w$est(e$ an# coach) an# he wo+(#n3t have ha# as /+ch in%+t as San#ow3s b$othe$s Ma< an# -+(es, Fa(( G+ys a(so says that #+$in' Lewis3 secon# $ei'n 0!866 to !86@2) Mon#t c$eate# a new sty(e o* w$est(in' an# that b+siness %$os%e$e#, The *acts a$e that !866 to !86@ was a ba# ti/e *o$ %$o w$est(in' in /ost o* the co+nt$y an# /ost a$eas ha#n3t even #eve(o%e# as te$$ito$ies, New Yo$& City was #ea#, The So+th) Te<as) hi(a#e(%hia) Mont$ea() To$onto) Los An'e(es) St Lo+is we$e #ea# o$ 4+st #eve(o%in', Most o* the netwo$& o* st$on' %$o/ote$s ca/e into the s%o$t a$o+n# !86@) when new a$enas we$e b+i(# a(( ove$ the co+nt$y, The Lewis?San#ow '$o+%3s /a4o$ a$eas we$e Chica'o) Bansas City) Wichita) 5oston) T+(sa) an# cities %$o/ote# by the 5a+/an '$o+%, They he(%e# o%en Los An'e(es an# St Lo+is) an# so/e s%ots we$e hit *o$ sho$t %e$io#s +nti( the /oney #$ie# +%, Fo$ Lewis hi/se(* an# his conten#e$s) they #i# '$eat) b+t yo+ can3t see the $est o* the co+nt$y #oin' /+ch at a((, Fa(( G+ys a(so c(ai/s that the$e we$e @77 %eo%(e in the San#ow co/%any an# a(( the w$est(e$s we$e +n#e$ cont$act, The$e wasn3t any whe$e nea$ that n+/be$ o* %eo%(e wo$&in' with the/ an# I wi(( 'ive the na/es in this %$o4ect, -+st abo+t a(( o* the /a4o$ w$est(e$s 4+/% to the Steche$ '$o+% a*te$ Lewis (osses the wo$(# tit(e) so i* the cont$act e<iste#) they we$en3t w$itten ve$y we((, Fa(( G+ys is abo+t ten yea$s behin# on /ost thin's ta(&e# abo+t in the boo&) inc(+#in' the *ive ho+$ #$aw between Lewis an# Steche$, What G$i**in c(ai/s ha%%enin' in !86.) #esc$ibes !8.6 bette$, The %e$io# *$o/ !86H to !8.@) is the '$eat %e$io# *o$ w$est(in' in A/e$ica, !6= THE BANSAS CITY STAR -an+a$y .) !86.) -an+a$y ") !86. an# -an+a$y !8) !86. !6" NEW Y>RB TIMES Dece/be$ !@) !866 !6H L>S ANGELES TIMES -an+a$y !!) !86. !6Ha CATCH WRESTLING by Ma$& Hewitt a'e !=: to !==NThe on(y othe$ inte$estin' /atch in Nat en#(eton3s ca$ee$ was a $e/atch with the /an who beat hi/ in the cont$ove$sia( *ina( o* the !867 >(y/%ics) Robe$t Roth o* SwitGe$(an#, The %$o /atch too& %(ace -+(y 6=) !86: in a$is F$ance, A*te$ .7 /in+tes with no %in*a((s the 4+#'es *i$st awa$#e# the #ecision to en#(eton) then chan'e# it to a #$aw, !6Hb THE BANSAS CITY STAR Dece/be$ .7) !86. !68 ST L>1IS GL>5E Feb+a$y !8) !86. !.7 ST L>1IS GL>5E Feb+a$y 6!) !86. !.! CHICAG> TRI51NE Ma$ch ") !86. !.6 ST L>1IS GL>5E Ma$ch H) !86. !.. SAN FRANCISC> CHR>NICLE A%$i( !") !86. !.: ST L>1IS GL>5E A%$i( !.) !86. !.@ THE BANSAS CITY STAR A%$i( 6.) !86.NThe C+ote co/es *$o/ the sta$, !.= ST L>1IS GL>5E May .) !86. !." THE BANSAS CITY STAR May .) !86. !.H NEW Y>RB HERALD May 6.) !86. !.8 ASS>CIATED RESS -+ne 6!) !86. !:7 SAN FRANCISC> Feb$+a$y 66) !86= !:! WISC>NSIN RA IDS DAILY TRI51NE >ctobe$ !) !86. an# >ctobe$ .) !86. !:6 FRESN> CA 5EE >ctobe$ 66) !86. !:6a The NEW Y>RB TIMES $e%o$te# that -oe Steche$ %(aye# *i$st base *o$ the Sa(t La&e 5ee a'ainst the >a&(an# baseba(( tea/ on Se%te/be$ .7) !86., -oe went one *o$ *o+$ b+t #$ove in two $+ns with a sin'(e in the @th, He /a#e 8 %+to+ts at *i$st base witho+t an e$$o$, I be(ieve Steche$ staye# with the tea/ *o$ a wee& o$ two $e%(acin' an in4+$e# sta$ *i$st base/an, -oe Steche$ a(so owne# a /ino$ (ea'+e tea/ in Do#'e an# wo+(# s%en# /oney to b$in' in $in'e$ ty%e %itche$s) catche$s an# hitte$s to s+%%o$t (oca( %(aye$s, !:. ST L>1IS DAILY GL>5EE DEM>CRAT Dece/be$ !:) !86. !:: THE BANSAS CITY STAR Dece/be$ !=) !86. !:@ THE BANSAS CITY STAR Dece/be$ !=) !86. !:= ASS>CIATED RESS Dece/be$ 68) !86. !:" THE BANSAS CITY STAR Dece/be$ !8) !86.

!:H NEW Y>RY HERALD Dece/be$ .!) !86. !:8 THE BANSAS CITY STAR -an+a$y 67) !86: !@7 ST L>1IS DAILY GL>5EE DEM>CRAT -an+a$y 6") !86: !@! THE BANSAS CITY STAR Feb$+a$y :) !86: !@6 THE BANSAS CITY STAR Feb$+a$y !!) !86: !@. THE BANSAS CITY STAR Feb$+a$y !:) !86: !@: Most o* the in*o on 5oston co/es *$o/ histo$ian an# /a4o$ $esea$che$ Ma$& Hewitt,

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" Anothe# $a##ia%e as E& thins his conten&e#s Lewis w#est'e& Stanis'a(s )bys*+o a%ain on Feb#(a#y ,- this ti$e in Chica%o. Lewis won the /i#st /a'' (sin% the hea&'oc+ in ,01,2 whi'e Stan too+ the secon& with a sho#t a#$ scisso#s in 3145. In the thi#&6 Stan +e7t tyin% the cha$7ion (7 with a#$ 'oc+s (nti' E& #each (7 an& 7(nche& )bys*+o. The o'e /e'' bac+wa#& an& his hea& hit the $at with a th(&. Lewis then 8($7e& on hi$ /o# the 7in. Re/e#ee w#est'e# at McGi'' #('e& that Stan wasn9t 7(nche& b(t "hee'e&" an& Lewis was &ec'a#e& the winne#. The /ans then went n(ts ove# the ve#&ict an& both Lewis an& #e/e#ee McGi'' ha& to be esco#te& to the &#essin% #oo$ by 7o'ice. Fans we#e so (7set by Lewis that the city co$$ission #('es that Lewis co('&n9t w#est'e in Chica%o (nti' )bys*+o %ot a #e$atch. #o$ote# :oe Co//ey an& E& White we#e ha77y to 7#ovi&e one.;!<<= The #e$atch &#ew !,6555 /ans an& a %ate o/ >,46555 on Ma#ch ,< at Chica%o9s De?te# a#+ 7avi'ion. )bys*+o (se& a win% 'oc+ sec(#e& in a stan&in% 7osition6 an& too+ Lewis &own to 7in hi$ with a #eve#se bo&y 'oc+ in 4,15<. Lewis ca$e bac+ with ven%eance in the secon&6 an& a/te# in8(#in% Stan6 7inne& hi$ (sin% a toe ho'& in "105. With Stan in8(#e&6 Lewis (se& a &o(b'e toe ho'& to win the $atch in 21!<. A/te# yea#s witho(t &oin% a 8ob6 Stan )bys*+o then ha& seven st#ai%ht 'oses to Lewis an& othe# 'osses to Steche#6 Mon&t6 ese+ an& Hans Stein+e.;!<-= A/te# A&a Scott Mo#ton an& #incess Ma#ia T#aivas+a 6 @i''y San&ow c'ai$e& that he ha& a #('e w#itten into Lewis9 cont#act6 witch the two a'ways c'ai$e& was (nw#itten6 that E& co('& not %et $a##ie& a%ain. So on Ma#ch ,36 !2,06 San&ow was 'oc+e& in his hote' #oo$ whi'e The St#an%'e# $a##ie& his secon& wi/e6 Miss @essie McNea# o/ Aansas City. The 7hotos I9ve seen o/ @essie show a nice 'oo+in% %i#' who see$e& the ty7e to 'i+e "/(n". San&ow was (7set an& c'ai$e& "it was the /i#st ti$e E& eve# &o(b'eBc#osse& hi$" b(t he %ot ove# it. It a'' was 7#obab'y 8(st sto#y'ine anyway.;!<3= Lon&os9 si*e staye& the sa$e b(t in !2,0 his 7(sh +e7t %ettin% bi%%e# an& bi%%e# in St Lo(is. Cn A7#i' !6 he %ot anothe# tit'e $atch with Lewis. E& won the /i#st /a'' with his thi#& hea&'oc+ in !15,155. Lon&os ca$e bac+ to ta+e the secon& /a'' with a ste7ove# toe ho'& in ,,14<. The St#an%'e# then too+ the &eci&in% /a''6 a/te# esca7in% anothe# 7ain/(' toe ho'&6 by +noc+in% Lon&os o(t with a "+nee th#(st". :i$$y was (nconscio(s /o# /i/teen $in(tes an& ha& a "t($o#" the si*e o/ a wa'n(t be'ow his 'e/t ea#. The $atch too+ 7'ace in /#ont o/ one o/ the 'a#%est o/ the season.;!<"= hi'a&e'7hia %ot its /i#st tit'e $atch (n&e# its state co$$ission on A7#i' "6 !2,06 when the Stan )bys*+o coache& Renato Ga#&ini w#est'e& Lewis to a two ho(# &#aw. They s7'it two /a''s an& Ga#&ini wo#+e& E& ove# &(#in% the 'ast ,0 $in(tes b(t the be'' save& the cha$7ion. At one 7oint Lewis b#o+e a ho'& by %oin% to the #o7es6 an& then #e/(se& to co$e to #in% cente# to w#est'e /o# a ha'/ $in(te. The 7#o Ga#&ini c#ow& went c#a*y th#owin% 8(n+ an& even a +ni/e into the #in%. A ha#& 7iece o/ %'ass shatte#e& in the #in%6 an& the $atch was he'& (7 (nti' an& the 8(n+ was #e$ove& /#o$ the #in%. A/te# the $atch6 it too+ two $en to ca##y the cha$7ion o(t o/ the #in%. It so'& o(t the hi'a&e'7hia A&e'7hia an& set the %ate #eco#& /o# the city. #o$ote# A(#e''o Fabiani ha& been in hi'a&e'7hia /o# si? $onths an& ha& been (sin% /e''ow co(nt#y$an Ga#&ini to b#in% Ita'ian /ans to the a#ena. I/ the#e was a hi'a&e'7hia Ha'' o/ Fa$e to&ay6 Renato Ga#&ini wo('& have to be in it.;!<2= It see$s st#an%e6 consi&e#in% how $any ti$es they w#est'e& /#o$ !2!0 to !2,56 b(t once Lewis too+ cont#o' o/ the tit'e he neve# w#est'e& W'a&e+ )bys*+o. In !2,06 it see$e& W'a&e+ was %oin% to %et his shot when he was $atche& with the a(' @owse# w#est'e# Stan'ey Stasia+ in @oston on Ma#ch !46 with the winne# to $eet Lewis /o# the wo#'& tit'e. We'' W'a&e+ neve# %ot his $atch beca(se Stasia+ beat hi$. I &on9t +now a %#eat &ea' abo(t Stan'ey Stasia+6 b(t I envision hi$ as a bi% b#aw'e# with a bo?e# bac+%#o(n&. @owse# was %ivin% hi$ a h(%e 7(sh in !2,0. Stasia+ w#est'e& in othe# a#eas o/ the co(nt#y6 b(t I &on9t consi&e# hi$ a

nationa' sta#. That bein% sai&6 he was ove# h(%e in @oston. Cn A7#i' !46 Lewis a%#ee& to $eet Stasia+6 a/te# @owse# o//e#e& a 'a#%e# bi& o# 7(#se ove# a b(nch o/ $a8o# 7#o$ote#s in a /a+e a(ction. The $atch too+ 7'ace on May ". So$e o/ the 7#o$ote#s $entione& in the a(ction we#e S. E. Avo#y DSt :ose7hE6 Geo#%e "Fa#$e#" @ai'ey D@att'ebo#o6 FTE6 Cha#'ey Donne'' DNo#woo&E6 :oe T(#ne# DWashin%ton DCE6 :ac+ McG#ath DWo#ceste#E6 E& White DChica%oE6 To$ Law DWichitaE6 an& even :ac+ C(#'ey. Fa#$e# @ai'ey6 was sai& to be #ea&y to o//e# >!56555. The "bi%" s(#7#ise was that a(' @owse# won by %ivin% Lewis an& San&ow a >!,6555 7ay&ay. Lewis w#est'e& Mi+e Ro$ano /o(# ti$es in Chica%o &(#in% !2,0 an& a'' the $atches &#ew we'' an& we#e $a8o# batt'es in the city. Ro$ano wasn9t what I9& ca'' a $a8o# sta#6 $o#e o/ a $i&Bca#& wo#+e# who &i& so$e $ain events6 an& these !2,0 tit'e $atches with Lewis see$e& to be the hi%h 7oint o/ his ca#ee#. A /i#st $atch too+ 7'ace on :an(a#y !< an& Lewis won6 b(t they wo#+e& so$e ty7e o/ %i$$ic+ /inish6 so the #e$atch &#ew !56555 on A7#i' 45 at the Chica%o9s Co'ise($. Mi+e Ro$ano (se& the hea&'oc+ an& the $atch was bi''e& as a batt'e o/ /inishin% ho'&s. A/te# bein% 7(nishe& by Ro$ano9s hea&'oc+s6 Lewis won the /i#st /a'' in 0!1,5 with a vicio(s toe ho'&. Ro$ano 'i$7e& a#o(n& b(t Lewis ha& to be ca##ie& to the &#essin% #oo$ &(#in% the #est 7e#io& between /a''s. Ro$ano th#ew Lewis a#o(n& the #in% in the secon& /a'' (sin% E&9s hea&'oc+ an& 7inne& hi$ in !,1<5. @e/o#e Lewis6 cha$7ionshi7 w#est'e#s &i& not %o to the #o7es to b#ea+ ho'&s. It was consi&e#e& (ns7o#ts$en 'i+e behavio# an& yo( co('& %et &isG(a'i/ie& &oin% it. The o'& #('e (se& to be that6 a/te# a #o7e b#ea+6 the two w#est'e#s ha& to #et(#n to the cente# o/ the #in% be/o#e #esta#tin% the $atch. In the thi#& /a''6 Lewis was sti'' s(//e#in% /#o$ the 7(nish$ent %iven in the /i#st two /a''s an& he sta#te& han%in% on to the #o7es. Ro$ano6 with victo#y in si%ht6 %#abbe& Lewis a#o(n& the waist an& t(%%e& ha#&. E& 'et %o an& Ro$ano /e'' bac+wa#& 'an&in% on his bac+ with Lewis on to7. It was #('e& a 7in /a'' win /o# Lewis. An (7#oa# /o''owe& an& the c#ow& #iote&6 how'in% an& b#ea+in% (7 chai#s. The 7o'ice ha& to be ca''e& to &is7e#se the #iote#s.;!-5= This /inish has been (se& a $i''ion ti$es sense !2,0 an& $aybe it ha& been &one be/o#e6 b(t San&owHLewis we#e %ettin% $o#e an& $o#e c#eative in +ee7in% &e/eate& #iva's st#on%. Toots Mon&t6 who &i&n9t t#ave' with Lewis6 $ay have 7'aye& a 7a#t in c#eatin% i&eas6 b(t othe# than hi$ ta+in% c#e&it6 we have no 7#oo/. Cn May !6 Lewis6 @i''y San&ow an& his new wi/e a##ive& in @oston to set (7 a t#ainin% ca$7 with :oe A'va#e* at the Ty'e# St#eet Gy$ /o# the May " $atch with Stan'ey Stasia+. Lewis9 now /a$o(s >!56555 be't was &is7'aye& in the win&ow o/ a 'oca' 8ewe'e# to b(i'& inte#est in the ca#&. Cn May 46 Lewis an& s7a##in% 7a#tne# Geo#%e "Fa#$e#" @ai'ey %ot into ba#eB+n(c+'e b#aw' &(#in% a wo#+ o(t. @ai'ey was /i#e& an& I won&e# i/ the a#%($ent ha& anythin% to &o with the Fa#$e# bein% connecte& to :ac+ C(#'ey. Stan'ey was %ivin% 7(b'ic wo#+ o(ts at Co$bination a#+ at Me&/o#&. So$e o/ the wo#+B o(ts we#e &#awin% c#ow&s o/ ,6555. Cn May <6 Lewis t#ave'e& to Rocheste# to &e/eat Toots Mon&t when he won the on'y /a'' be/o#e the ti$e 'i$it #an o(t. The :('ies @a($an ca#& &#ew 46555. The LewisHStasia+ $atch too+ 7'ace at @oston A#ena on May "6 !2,0 an& &#ew 26555 /ans6 which was a city #eco#&. Stasia+ won the /i#st /a'' in 02 $in(te (sin% a bo&y scisso#s an& w#ist'oc+. In the secon& /a''6 Lewis #eso#te& to cho+e ho'&s an& a'so 'an&e& a 7(nch to the 8aw. Stasia+ #eta'iate& by hea&Bb(ttin% an& +ic+in% Lewis. The #in% e?7'o&e& in 7an&e$oni($ as the #e/e#ee6 secon&s6 $ana%e#s6 7o'ice an& even (she#s #(she& into the #in% to b#ea+ the$ (7. Re/e#ee Sa$ Ave#y o/ St :ose7h &isG(a'i/ie& Stasia+. The c#ow& went n(ts an& booe& the &ecision6 as they we#e &oin% at a'' o/ Lewis9 $atches. A #e$atch wo('& be nee&e&. Lewis #et(#ne& to hi'a&e'7hia on May ,! to &e/eat Renato Ga#&ini when the Ita'ian was (nab'e to contin(e. The $atch &#ew -6<55. A thi#& $atch in Chica%o with Stanis'a(s )bys*+o too+ 7'ace on May ," at the Co'ise($. Lewis won the /i#st /a'' with the hea& 'oc+ in ,015<. In the secon& /a''6 Stan hea& b(tte& E& +noc+in% hi$ &own. Then he 7ic+e& hi$ (7 an& s'a$$e& hi$ an& %ot the 7in in !,1<<. The St#an%'e# too+ the thi#& in 21<5. The cha$7ion o(t w#est'e& Stan an& beat hi$ &ecisive'y. Chica%o an& Stanis'a(s was #(nnin% o(t o/ stea$6 with the news7a7e# ca''in% hi$ "7oo# o'& Stan". The atten&ance was &own to <6-55 an& the %ate was >26<55. It was at 'east Lewis9 ei%ht st#ai%ht win ove# )bys*+o an& he see$e& to have 7#ove& his 7oint.;!-!= Lewis beat :i$ Lon&os in St Lo(is a%ain on :(ne !,. :i$$y won the /i#st /a'' an&

'ost the 'ast two with the hea& 'oc+ an& E&9s e?t#a 45 7o(n&s bein% the &i//e#ence. The %ate was >!060!5. The c#ow& was hosti'e6 b(t Lewis see$e& (n$in&/(' o/ the ta(nts an& boos. Lon&os was %a$e an& ha& The St#an%'e# in t#o(b'e $any ti$e b(t so$e tho(%ht the cha$7ion was ho'&in% bac+.;!-,= Lewis an& San&ow then #et(#ne& to the East Coast /o# a Toots Mon&t #e$atch /o# @i''y9s b#othe# :('ies @a($an in Rocheste#. Cn :(ne ,-6 whi'e t#ainin% at Cones(s La+e6 Lewis an& San&ow ha& the /i#st o/ a se#ies o/ ca# acci&ents when thei# a(to s+i&&e& on a wet #oa& an& 'an&e& in a &itch. Da$a%e was $ino# an& no one was h(#t. San&ow see$e& to be &#ivin%. Cn :(ne ,"6 the cha$7 &e/en&e& the tit'e in Rocheste# beatin% Mon&t. Dyo( won&e# i/ Toots a'so was in the ca#.E A #e$atch with Lewis6 was set (7 by havin% Stan'ey Stasia+ beat 7oo# o'& Stan )bys*+o in @oston on :(ne !,. Lewis &e/eate& Stasia+ in @oston on :('y !6 !2,06 winnin% the 'ast two /a''s o/ the tit'e &e/ense. The victo#y was booe& by those in atten&ance an& E& was attac+e& by seve#a' /ans as he 'e/t the #in%.;!-4= A/te# beatin% Mi+e Ro$ano in a Chica%o #e$atch on :('y !! in two st#ai%ht /a''s6 the San&ow t#oo7 o/ w#est'e#s 'e/t /o# new te##ito#y6 the west coast an& Los An%e'es. Lewis in Los An%e'es D!2,0E Lo( Da#o was a si&e show st#on% $an an& 7#o w#est'e# who went (n&e# the na$e The G#eat Da#o. @y !2,! he ha& t(#ne& 7#o$ote# an& was #(nnin% ca#&s in @oston /o# :ac+ C(#'ey. He ca$e o(t secon& best in a w#est'in% wa# with @oston9s Geo#%e T(ohey an& set o(t /o# hi$se'/ in !2,4 to &eve'o7 Los An%e'es into a w#est'in% e$7i#e. @y !2,46 Da#o was #(nnin% wee+'y ca#&s in Lon% @each6 Ca'i/o#nia (sin% :i$ Lon&os6 Ray Stee'e6 an& @('' Montana. He ha& 'ease 7#ob'e$s an& by !2,0 was concent#atin% on wo#+in% in Los An%e'es. Fo# an A#ena6 Da#o (se& the hi'ha#$onic A(&ito#i($6 an i$7#essive b(i'&in% at <th an& C'ive St#eet. It was a nineBsto#y Gothic b(i'&in% b(i't in !25-6 that at one ti$e6 was the 'a#%est conc#ete b(i'&in% in A$e#ica. A 'ot o/ it was o//ice b(i'&in% b(t the a#ena section he'& <6<55 /o# w#est'in%. It was the ho$e o/ c'assica' $(sic in Los An%e'es an& be%innin% in !2,5 was (se& /o# conce#ts by the hi'ha#$onic C#chest#a. At ti$es it was (se& as a $ovie theate# an& in !2!< he'& the wo#'& 7#e$ie#e o/ D. W. G#i//ith9s /i'$ THE @IRTH CF A NATICN. An occasion #e$e$be#e& /o# the 'on% 'ine o/ A( A'(? A'an $e$be#s #i&in% ho#ses in the st#eets o/ &owntown Los An%e'es. It ove#'oo+e& e#shin% SG(a#e an& was ac#oss the st#eet /#o$ the @i't$o#e Hote'6 which was b(i'& in !2,46 beco$in% the $a8o# hote' in town. A hote' whe#e 7#esi&ents an& /o#ei%n #oya'ty staye&. The /i#st Aca&e$y awa#&s too+ 7'ace the#e an& it was 'abe'e& "Hote' Ca'i/o#nia" on a /a$o(s Ea%'e9s A'b($. A/te# the M(sic Cente# was b(i't in !2-06 the hi'ha#$onic A(&ito#i($ 'ost it9s 7(#7ose an& was to#n &own. To&ay it is an e?7ensive 7a#+in% 'ot6 that I 7ass on the way to &o w#est'in% #esea#ch at the &owntown 'ib#a#y. @e/o#e Da#o6 the 7#o w#est'in% activity co('& on'y be /o(n& at the Los An%e'es Ath'etic C'(b. It was a %y$6 an& socia' c'(b /o# 7#o$inent #ich $en an& th#ew the ea#'y yea# ha& in/#eG(ent w#est'in% an& bo?in% ca#&s. The %y$ ha& a w#est'in% section an& $any /a$o(s 7#o w#est'e#s coach the#e. Dan Mc Leo& he'& the 7osition in !2!, an& Wa'te# Mi''e#6 Mi&&'eBWei%ht cha$76 wo#+e& at the c'(b /o# yea#s. Late in his ca#ee#6 Lewis wo('& wo#+ the#e as a coach an& %#eete#. Many /a$o(s 7#o w#est'e#s have wo#+e& o(t the#e6 inc'(&in% F#an+ Gotch6 :oe Steche#6 an& Antonio Ino+i. G(s Sonnenbe#% was once $(%%e& on a st#eet a b'oc+ away. The Ath'etic C'(b 7'aye& a $a8o# #o'e in b#in% s7o#ts to the city an& /o# yea#s owne& The C'y$7ic A(&ito#i($ 'easin% it to the 'oca' w#est'in% 7#o$ote#s6 'i+e Lo( Da#o6 Ca' Eatons6 an& Mi+e Le@e''6 /o# ve#y 'itt'e #ent. The %y$ is sti'' a %#eat 'oo+in% b(i'&in% 'ocate& so(th o/ e#shin% SG(a#e. Stan )bys*+o was the /i#st o/ San&ow9s w#est'e#s to #each the West Coast6 wo#+in% in both San F#ancisco an& Los An%e'es. Cn :('y 26 !2!06 Lo( Da#o #an a show at The hi'ha#$onic with )bys*+o beatin% Y(ssi/ H(ssane6 &#awin% a c#ow& o/ 46<55. Da#o then &#ew a "'a#%e" c#ow& on :('y ,4 /o# Toots Mon&t winnin% a han&ica7 $atch ove# )bys*+o. Lewis was in the a#ea an& on :('y ,26 &#ew the 'a#%est c#ow& in San F#ancisco sense Steche#HSante'6 /o# a win ove# Stanis'a(s. The #e7o#t was +in& o/ a co$ica' #eview b(t it sai& that Lewis ha& t#ave' ac#oss the co(nt#y by ca#.;!-0= Ho''ywoo& was in its 7#i$e6 with %#eat weathe# an& 7a#ties eve#y ni%ht. To the #est o/ the wo#'&6 Los An%e'es see$e& 'i+e the %#eat 7'ace to 'ive in !2,0. News7a7e#s an& $ovie theate#s ac#oss the co(nt#y we#e /i''e& with 7hotos o/ beaches an& bea(ti/(' 7eo7'e. Eve#yone wante& to $ove the#e an& the 7o7('ation

was %#owin% by the &ay. E& Lewis an& @i''y San&ow 'ove& the 7'ace6 b(t it nee&e& a $oney $a+in% w#est'in% 7#o$otion. The sto#y'ine was that E& was t#ainin% /o# an A(%(st !4 tit'e &e/ense a%ainst his $a8o# #iva' Toots Mon&t6 b(t on A(%(st !!6 he6 M#s. Lewis an& his b#othe#B inB'aw C. @. G'enn we#e havin% a %oo& ti$e in Ti8(ana6 Me?ico. Cn the &#ive bac+6 Lewis c#ashe& into a ca# &#iven by a M#s. Daisy Haynes. Daisy was ve#y (7set an& /o#ce& Lewis o(t o/ his ca# so he co('& ins7ect the $ess he ha& $a&e o(t o/ he# a(to. Wo#&s went bac+ an& /o#th6 so$e o/ which we#e ins('tin% to Daisy. These #e$a#+s we#e #esente& by Cha#'es Haynes6 he# son6 so Lewis 7(nche& hi$ o(t. Then E& 7(nche& anothe# son6 Leo Haynes6 an& the 'ast %(y in Daisy9s ca# Cha#'es Fathe#ios. Daisy %ot #o(%he& (7 too beca(se he# c'othes we#e to#n an& she 'ate# showe& b'ac+ an& b'(e $a#+s on he# a#$. Lewis an& his 7a#ty &#ove away6 b(t 'ate# in the &ay6 the hi%hway 7at#o' 7(''e& hi$ ove# /o# s7ee&in%. E& #e/(se& to %et o(t o/ the ca# when o#&e#e&6 so "bac+ (7" was ca''e&. With two $o#e state t#a//ic o//ice#s 7#esent6 Lewis was a##este& an& cha#%e& by the San Die%o :(stice Co(#t with /o(# se7a#ate cha#%es o/ batte#y an& one o/ &ist(#bin% the 7eace. Lewis 7'ea&e& not %(i'ty an& was #e'ease& on ><55 bai'.;!-<= @(t Lewis $a&e it to the hi'ha#$onic on A(%(st !46 &e/eatin% Toots Mon&t by winnin% the on'y /a'' in a two ho(# $atch. Mon&t 'oo+e& /it whi'e E& see$e& /at an& ha& a ba& eye. E?ce7t when Lewis ca$e a'ive to win the /a'' at the 25 $in(te $a#+ with a hea& 'oc+6 the $atch was &o$inate& by Toots. Re7o#te# @#aven Dye# o/ the TIMES c'ai$e& both %#a77'e#s ha& she& %a''ons o/ sweat. "Ha& the 7e#s7i#ation 'ost by both %iants been tan+e& an& shi77e& to the o#an%e be't6 #e%ion #anches wo('&n9t have to wo##y abo(t i##i%ation wate# /o# the ne?t si? $onths." The a#ena was so'& o(t with <6<55 in the b(i'&in% an& ove# ,6<55 /ans t(#ne& away. Da#o was ve#y ha77y6 b(t he was thin+in% that Los An%e'es nee&e& a bi%%e# a#ena.;!--= Da#o &#ew anothe# se''o(t D<6<55E on A(%(st ,36 with Lewis &e/en&in% Da%ainE a%ainst Stanis'a(s )bys*+o. Lewis won the /i#st /a'' a/te# a se#ies o/ hea&'oc+s in ,! $in(tes. Stan too+ the secon& with a toe ho'& in !0 $in(tes. In the thi#& both w#est'e#s /e'' to the $at b(t E& was on to7. The #e/e#ee6 #('e& a 7in D0 $in(tesE an& Lewis was the winne#. )bys*+o went c#a*y6 c'ai$in% the#e was no 7in6 an& the c#ow& was in a #a%e. The 7o'ice ha& to be ca''e& to #esto#e o#&e#. Eve#yone 'ove& the show an& c'ai$e& it was the best in the histo#y o/ the city. The news7a7e#s a'' 7#aise& Da#o.;!-3= Cn Se7te$be# ,6 Lewis beat at McGi'' in San F#ancisco. The hea&'oc+ +noc+e& McGi'' o(t at the en& o/ the /i#st /a'' an& the cha''en%e# ha& to s7en& the ni%ht in the hos7ita'. A/te# the $atch6 Lewis was se#ve& a wa##ant cha#%in% hi$ with s7ee&in% th#o(%h the town o/ San :(an.;!-"= Cn Se7te$be# 46 !2,06 a #e7o#t ca$e /#o$ @oston that a news7a7e# $an na$e& A#th(# D(//ey ha& #e7o#te& that E& "St#an%'e#" Lewis wo('& soon #eti#e /#o$ active w#est'in% &(e to eye t#o(b'e. It was c'ai$e& that &(e to his eye in/ections Dt#acho$aE6 he ha& been nea# b'in& /o# $ost o/ !2,0. Eve#yone in Los An%e'es tho(%ht Stan )bys*+o &ese#ve& a #e$atch with the cha$7ion an& Lo( Da#o %ave it to the$ on Se7te$be# 0. The $atch was to a /inish an& /ans we#e to'& to b#in% the#e own /oo& beca(se the hi'ha#$onic #e/(se& to a''ow Da#o to set (7 a hot &o% stan& in the 'obby. A con&ition set /o#th in the cont#act state& that the $atch ha& to ta+e 7'ace in a #o7e& #in%6 an& not 8(st on an (nenc'ose& 7'at/o#$. That #('e $a+es $e thin+ that Se7te$be# 06 !2,0 was the /i#st ti$e a no#$a' #o7e& w#est'in% #in% was (se& in Los An%e'es. )bys*+o won the /i#st /a'' with a /'yin% $a#e in ,015!6 b(t Lewis 7#ove& the o'e9s $aste# winnin% the ne?t two /a''s in 4210< an& 01!3 with the hea&'oc+. It was an easy win /o# the cha$7ion. Cnce a%ain Da#o so'& o(t an& it was ca''e& the %#eatest c#ow& in Los An%e'es w#est'in% histo#y6 b(t it was a'so w#itten that Da#o c#ie& ove# the seve#a' tho(san& 7ayin% c(sto$e#s t(#ne& away. Cn Se7te$be# ,<6 Da#o 7#o$ote& a LewisHMon&t #e$atch at the hi'ha#$onic. It was anothe# %#eat show that so'& o(t at <6<55. The two ho(# ti$e 'i$it #an o(t with both $en havin% won a /a''6 so the $atch was ca''e& a &#aw.;!35= A #e$atch was boo+e& /o# Cctobe# !46 !2,0. Da#o was /e& (7 with %oo& c(sto$e#s bein% t(#ne& away6 so he #ente& the Washin%ton @a'' a#+ to ho(se the event. The sto#y'ine was that Lewis was wante& bac+ East an& &i&n9t 'i+e the i&ea o/ a /inish $atch6 so Da#o ha& to o//e# hi$ a 7(#se o/ >!36<55 to w#est'e. Mon&t %ot >,6<55 o# !<I o/ the %ate. A 'ot o/ s$a#t /ans we#e hea#in% the #e7o#ts an& thin+in% that St#an%'e# Lewis9

ti$e as cha$7ion was co$in% to a c'ose. So$e o/ the$ /e't Toots Mon&t ha& been 7ic+e& to #e7'ace E&. He was /ive yea#s yo(n%e# an& Lewis was %ettin% /atte# by the wee+. So an o(t &oo# show in Los An%e'es wo('& be a %oo& 7'ace /o# the tit'e chan%e. Lewis was shown in the news7a7e# with his bi%%est /an an& $ascot. @i''y San&ow :#6 the /o(# yea# o'& son o/ his $ana%e#6 who ha& been 7#esent6 with M#s. San&ow6 at a'' o/ Lewis $atches a'' ove# A$e#ica an& E(#o7e. A 7hoto o/ Lewis an& the +i& was shown in the news7a7e#. I neve# hea#& anythin% abo(t :(nio# a%ain.;!3!= Cn Cctobe# !46 !56555 /ans /i'e& into the Washin%ton @a'' a#+ an& 7ai& >4!6555 to watch a b#(ta' batt'e. Mon&t won the /i#st /a'' in 40152 with his 8ac+ +ni/e scisso#s. hotos o/ the /inishin% $ove $a+e it 'oo+ 'i+e a #o''in% sho#t a#$ scisso#s that en& with c#a&'in% his /oe /o# a 7in. Lewis ha& to be ca##ie& /#o$ the #in% by two secon&s &(#in% the !5 $in(te #est 7e#io&6 b(t he ca$e bac+ /i%htin%. The secon& /a'' was b#(ta'6 an& at one 7oint the two e?chan%e& 7(nches in the $i&&'e o/ the #in%. Lewis ove#ca$e a 'ot o/ 7(nish$ent to #eve#se the 8ac+ +ni/e scisso#s an& $a&e Mon&t s(b$it a/te# a Lewis9 toe ho'& D0!1<!E. Mon&t #et(#ne& in8(#e& an& Lewis /inishe& hi$ with anothe# toe ho'& in 01!2. Re7o#te#s a%#ee&6 the ne?t &ay6 that the s(7e#io# w#est'e# was St#an%'e# Lewis.;!3,= As 'ate as the !2359s6 7#o$ote#s have a'ways be'ieve& an& state& that the#e was on'y !56555 #ea' w#est'in% /ans in Los An%e'es. They $ay not have +nown it6 b(t that be'ie/ $ay %o bac+ to Cctobe# !46 !2,0 an& this #eco#& c#ow&. It $ay a'so e?7'ain why Los An%e'es b(i't Lo( Da#o6 in !2,<6 an C'y$7ic A(&ito#i($ that he'& !56055. With a'' the $a8o# conten&e#s beaten an& (se& (76 the San&ow co$7any hea&e& bac+ to Chica%o. Lewis ha& two $atches in Chica%o in 'ate Cctobe# !2,0 an& then see$s to ta+e the $onth o/ Nove$be# o//. Cn Dece$be# !6 it was anno(nce& that Lewis was %oin% to to(# E(#o7e6 sta#tin% on Dece$be# !- an& 'astin% /o# si? $onths. Cn Dece$be# !"6 the sto#y was chan%e& to E& sai'in% on :an(a#y !-6 !2,<. San&ow c'ai$e& that Lewis was %oin% to $a+e >456555 a wee+ $eetin% a'' co$e#s. Cn Dece$be# !!6 Lewis &e/eate& Hassa'in C. Gi'es in two st#ai%ht /a''s in Aansas City. The on'y thin% that $a+es this $atch note wo#thy we#e the #('es. The#e we#e none an& the#e was no #e/e#ee in the #in%. Lewis won both /a''s with the st#an%'e ho'&. The atten&ance6 /o# what see$e& 'i+e a &eath $atch6 was esti$ate& at !56555.;!34= Dece$be# !- saw Lewis /inish o// Mi+e Ro$ano in Chica%o. E& won two o(t th#ee /a''s on a ca#& that &#ew !!6555.;!30= A/te# two wea+ yea#s6b(siness ha& 7ic+ (7 /o# the San&ow %#o(7 in !2,0. They ha& &#awn ve#y we'' in Aansas City an& Chica%o6 an& othe# cities 'i+e St Lo(is6 @oston6 Los An%e'es6 an& hi'a&e'7hia we#e ta+in% /o#$ as $a8o# w#est'in% 7#o$otions. @(t the cente# o/ the w#est'in% wo#'&6 New Yo#+ City was &ea&. San&ow9s cha$7ion6 E& Lewis6 ha& beco$e a /a$o(s s7o#ts ce'eb#ity &(e to #a&io6 i$7#ove& s7o#ts sections in the news7a7e#s an& the 7(b'ic9s new obsession with 7#o/essiona' s7o#ts6 b(t E& was 40 yea#s o'&6 /at an& 'osin% his &esi#e# to t#ain. His eyes we#e so ba& that he was a'$ost b'in& at ti$es6 an& his 7e#/o#$ances we#e %ettin% wo#st as a #es('t. He was the /i#st t#('y hee' wo#'& cha$7ion6 an& so$e o/ that was beca(se o/ 7'annin%6 b(t the 7'an $ay have been nee&e& beca(se he #ea''y wasn9t 'i+e& by /ans. As an act(a' 7e#son6 he %ot a'on% %#eat with the 7#ess an& othe# insi&e#sJ. an& he &#esse& an& 'oo+e& 'i+e a t#(e cha$7ionJ b(t Lewis #ea''y wasn9t 7o7('a# in any o/ the $a8o# cities. He ha& no ho$e base. @oo9s an& #iots /o''owe& eve#y $atch. KK Contin(e to CHA TER !2 FCCTNCTES !<< CAS ER DAILY TRI@LNE Feb#(a#y ,36 !2,0 !<- CHICAGC TRI@LNE Ma#ch ,-6 !2,0 !<3 @ELCIT DAILY NEWS Ma#ch ,36 !2,0 an& MIDDLES@CRC AY DAILY NEWS A7#i' !6 !2,0 !<" ST LCLIS DAILY GLC@EBDEMCCRAT A7#i' ,6 !2,0 !<2 HILADEL HIA INMLIRER A7#i' 26 !2,0 !-5 @ELCIT DAILY NEWS A7#i' 456 !2,0 !-! CHICAGC TRI@LNE May ,26 !2,0 !-, ST LCLIS DAILY GLC@EBDEMCCRAT :(ne !46 !2,0 !-4 A 'ot o/ the Chica%o in/o co$es /#o$ Chica%o T#ib(ne #es('ts #esea#che& by Don L(ce6 who is the +in% o/ w#est'in% histo#ians. !-4a Lo( Da#o was bo#n in New Yo#+ City a#o(n& !""<. His 7a#ents we#e

7e#/o#$e#s. At the a%e on 36 Da#o wo#+e& a t#a7e*e act with @a#n($ an& @ai'ey. Da#o6 whi'e sti'' a +i&6 to(#e& E(#o7e with the ci#c(s6 visitin% A(st#ia6 Ge#$any6 F#ance6 an& Ita'y. Cn his #et(#n to A$e#ica6 he was &oin% a st#on%$an act an& w#est'in%. A#o(n& !25<6 he a77ea#e& at the New Yo#+ Hi77o&#o$e. In !2!<6 he w#est'e& in the bi% to(#na$ent at the New Yo#+ C7e#a Ho(se. He ha& st#on% ties with :ac+ C(#'ey. C(#'ey even visite& Los An%e'es /o# ove# a $onth a#o(n& :('y !2,< to set (7 the 7#o$otion at the new C'y$7ic A(&ito#i($. DThis is in/o /#o$ Don L(ce #esea#ch o/ Los An%e'es Ti$es !2,<.E !-0 SAN FRANCISCC CHRCNICLE :('y 456 !2,0 !-< FRESNC @EE A(%(st !!6 !2,0 an& SAN FRANCISCC CHRCNICLE A(%(st !!6 !2,0 !-- LCS ANGELES TIMES A(%(st !06 !2,0 !-3 LCS ANGELES TIMES A(%(st ,"6 !2,0 !-" SAN FRANCISCC CHRCNICLE Se7te$be# 46 !2,0 !-2 LCS ANGELES TIMES Se7te$be# <6 !2,0 !35 LCS ANGELES ENAMINER Se7te$be# ,-6 !2,0 !3! LCS ANGELES HERALD Cctobe# "6 !2,0 !3, LCS ANGELES ENAMINER Cctobe# !06 !2,0 an& LCS ANGELES HERALD Cctobe# !06 !2,0 !34 WICHITA EAGLE Dece$be# !,6 !2,0 !30 @ELCIT DAILY NEWS6 Dece$be# !-6 !2,0

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" Wayne M#nn an$ the %i& %'#n$e( o) !"*+ %y the en$ o) !"*,- eve(yone o) Lewis. /a0o( conten$e(s ha$ been b'own o))1 2'$ Stan 3bys45o ha$ been beaten at 'east !! st(ai&ht ti/es in 6#b'ici4e$ /atchesin eve(y /a0o( city1 Toots Mon$t- Dic5 Davisco#(t- Renato Ga($ini- an$ Mi5e Ro/ano ha$ been beaten to $eath an$ we(e then bein& #se$ to 6#t ove( 'esse( w(est'e(s- who co#'$n.t $(aw1 7i/ Lon$os- a'tho#&h beaten- ha$ &ain in 6o6#'a(ity b#t he ha$ i$eas o) his own an$ San$ow $i$n.t have co/6'ete cont(o' ove( hi/1 Ea(' Ca$$oc5 (eti(e$ in 7#'y !"8*1 7ohn ese5 wasn.t t(#ste$- $i$n.t 'i5e to $o 0obs- an$ ha$ been $est(oye$ in his st(on&est town by Lewis1 San$ow was a)(ai$ o) 7oe Steche(- who ha$ been 'ie$ to an$ 6(o/ise$ his tit'e bac5- an$ W'a$e5 3bys45o- ha$ been )o(&otten by 0#st abo#t eve(yone1 The(e was no new s#6e( sta( to $(aw a h#&e ho#se a&ainst91#n'ess San$ow c(eate$ one1 San$owLewis an$ Ma: an$ 7#'ies %a#/an &ot to&ethe(- an$ the i$ea they ca/e #6 with was Wayne M#nn1;!<+= Wayne M#nn was bo(n at Co'by >ansas in !?""1 Late( his )a/i'y /ove$ to Fai(b#(yNeb(as5a an$ he 6'aye$ on the )ootba'' tea/ at The @nive(sity o) Neb(as5a )(o/ !"!A to !"!?1 He was the )i(st o) )o#( ath'ete b(othe(s an$ a sta( 'ine/an on a tea/ that $e)eate$ Not(e Da/e < to B in a )a/o#s !"!< &a/e1 He /a0o(e$ in /e$icine b#t 'e)t the schoo' to 0oin the A(/y $#(in& WWI1 Li5e /ost ath'etes $#(in& the wa(- he neve( 'e)t statesi$e an$ instea$ to#(e$ as a sta( on a a''C sta( )ootba'' tea/- o#t o) Ca/6 i5e- that beat eve(y othe( so#the(n a(/y ca/61 He atten$e$ o))ice(s t(ainin& ca/6 an$ was $ischa(&e$ as a Lie#tenant1 A)te( the wa(- he wo(5e$ as a teache(- 6(eache( an$ even too5 a t#(n on the va#$evi''e sta&e1 %#t by !"*8- he was se''in& ca(s in a $ea'e(shi6 in 2/aha- which 'e$ hi/ to Sio#: City an$ a 0ob in the oi' b#siness1 %ein& A.A.. an$ ove( 8!+ 6o#n$s- he atte/6te$ to sta(t a ca(ee( as a 6(oCbo:e(1 %y Nove/be( !A- !"*8- M#nn ha$ 'ost ++ 6o#n$s in t(ainin& b#t was 5noc5e$ o#t by 7ac5 C'i))o($ in the secon$ (o#n$ in Sio#: City1 C'i))o($.s (eco($ was 8C** at the ti/e1 2n Dece/be( ?- !"*8- he )o#&ht a Cha('ey a#'son DBCBE in Sio#: City an$ was 6#t away in the ,th (o#n$1 ;!<A= Wayne ha$ he'6e$ 6#t two b(othe(s- Wa$e an$ Mont- th(o#&h co''a&e an$ both beca/e 6(os6e(o#s 'awye(s1 Mont beca/e a /e/be( o) the Neb(as5a State Le&is'at#(e1 A thi($ b(othe(- G'enn- was $oin& we'' as a ath'ete at the #nive(sity whi'e Wayne was cha/6ion an$ wo#'$ )o''ow his b(othe( into 6(o w(est'in&1;!<Aa= %i''y San$ow tho#&ht he wo#'$ $o bette( in a "wo(5e$" s6o(t an$ s6ent /ost o) !"*, havin& hi/ t(aine$ as a 6(o w(est'e(1 He was h#&e- &oo$ 'oo5in& )o( the !"*B.s an$ 6owe()#'- b#t a te((ib'e w(est'e(1 The on'y (ea' ho'$ he co#'$ be ta#&ht- was his )inishe(- the bo$y s'a/1 He co#'$ 6ic5.e/ #6 an$ s'a/ the/9b#t that.s abo#t a''1 H#'5 Ho&an- as a wo(5e(- wo#'$ 'oo5 'i5e Fo'5 Han ne:t to hi/b#t the(e a(e a 'ot o) si/i'a(ities between the two sta(s1 He see/e$ to be a nice &#y an$ a &oo$ 6e(son- so San$ow wo#'$n.t have to wo((y abo#t a w(est'in& e&o1 %y the en$ o) !"*,- %i''y San$ow an$ 6(o/ote( Gabe >a#)/an ha$ /ana&e$ to &et hi/ ove( in >ansas City1 He ha$ been &iven wins ove( Toots Mon$t an$ Wa''ace D#&#i$- showin& 'itt'e w(est'in& abi'ity b#t a 'ot o) 6owe(1 A /atch was boo5e$ between the cha/6ion E$ Lewis an$ the &iant M#nn )o( 7an#a(y ?- !"*+ at the >ansas City Convention Ha''1;!<Ab= The !+-BBB )ans 6(esent chee(e$ Wayne M#nn )(o/ the /o/ent he ente(e$ the (in& an$ a'' Lewis co#'$ &et- a)te( /any bo#ts in >ansas City- we(e boos1 Lewis.s wei&ht was anno#nce$ as *8+ 6o#n$s an$ M#nn wei&hte$ *AB 6o#n$s o) /#sc'e1 The two s6a(e$ a(o#n$ )o( /ost o) the )i(st )a''1 E$ atte/6te$ to #se the hea$'oc5b#t the &iant 0#st shoo5 hi/ o))1 At the *! /in#te /a(5- M#nn 6ic5e$ Lewis #6 in the c(otch ho'$ an$ s'a//e$ E$ th(o#&h the /at- an$ 6inne$ hi/1 The )ea(e$ St(an&'e( 0#st w(ithe$ an$ &(oane$ in a&ony1 His !B /in#te (est 6e(io$ between )a''s en$e$ #6 bein& *B1 Two /in#te into the secon$ )a'' M#nn 6ic5e$ Lewis #6 a&ain an$ th(ew hi/ hi&h ove( the to6 (o6e- c(ashin& on to the a6(on an$ then )a''in& on to the )'oo(1 %i''y San$ow 0#/6e$ into the (in& ye''in& ")o#'" an$

)o( a 6e(io$ o) ti/e it see/e$ 'i5e he an$ M#nn was &oin& to have a )i&ht o) thei( own1 The c(ow$ (#she$ the (in&- thin5in& M#nn wo#'$ 'ose the /atch on a )o#'- b#t a (iot was ave(te$ when (e)e(ee Wa'te( %ates (#'e$ M#nn ha$ 'ost the secon$ )a'' on the )o#' b#t Lewis ha$ to (et#(n in )i)teen /in#tes (ea$y to w(est'e o( 'ose the /atch an$ tit'e1 Lewis was ca((ie$ to the $(essin& (oo/ at the bac5 o) the ha'' as )ans booe$ an$ th(ew 6a6e( ba''s at his 'i/6 )o(/1 This (#'in& &oes bac5 to the Steche(GMon$t /atch o) Feb(#a(y !!- !"*,- whe(e the 6(o/ote( chan&e$ the >ansas City (#'es an$ state$ that a )o#' in a ea('y )a'' wo#'$ on'y 'ose that )a'' an$ not the co/6'ete /atch1 The )ans sat with watch in han$ waitin& )o( the cha/6ion.s (et#(n1 *B /in#tes 6asse$ with no Lewis an$ at one 6oint a $octo( was ca''e$1 When Lewis (et#(ne$his bac5 was ban$a&e$ an$ he ha$ to be he'6e$ into the (in&1 %i''y San$ow state$ that Lewis was w(est'in& the (est o) the /atch #n$e( 6(otest an$ that the $ecision wo#'$ be conteste$1 At the be''- the two w(est'e(s /et at the cente( o) the (in&1 Lewis t(ie$ )o( a hea$'oc5 b#t was once a&ain /anhan$'e$ by M#nn an$ s'a//e$1 Lewis $i$n.t /ove as he was 6inne$ at +B secon$s o) the thi($ )a''1 The c(ow$ chee(e$ an$ (#she$ the (in& as the (e)e(ee %ates (aise$ M#nn.s a(/ as new wo('$ cha/6ion1 The )ans 0#/6e$ into the (in&- 6asse$ the 6o'ice- as they 6(aise$ the new he(o1;!<<= Lewis 'ai$ )o(&otten by eve(yone in the b#i'$in&- 0#st as his 6ast )oes ha$ been )o(&otten a)te( bein& c(#she$ by his hea$'oc5s1 Fo( a whi'e he watche$ as the )ans 6a(a$e$ a(o#n$ M#nn1 He 'ate( was ta5en )(o/ the (in& to boos an$ a a/b#'ance $(ove hi/ to St L#5es hos6ita'1 E$ was a$/itte$- b#t by /o(nin& his in0#(ies ha$ sti'' not been $ete(/ine$1 R#/o( we(e 6#t o#t that he wo#'$ have to be 6#t into a )#'' bo$y cast91which was a 0o5e1 In the $ays that )o''owe$- it was c'ai/e$ he ha$ an in0#(e$ bac5 b#t no )(act#(e was seen on any :C(ay1 The Docto(.s state/ent was that "his con$ition is ve(y )avo(ab'e to a s6ee$y (ecove(y1" %i''y San$ow contin#e$ to 6(otest the /atch an$ (e)#se$ to &ive Wayne M#nn Lewis. two cha/6ionshi6 be'ts1 2ne was the Lewis be't- that was awa($e$ to hi/ in !"*! by Cent(a' Ath'etic C'#b o) >ansas City- an$ the othe( was the 3bys45o.s Ric5e($ be't that ha$ been awa($e$ to Stanis'a#s in New Yo(5 City1 San$ow.s an$ Lewis. a(&#/ent was that the M#nn )o#' in the secon$ )a'' sho#'$ have &iven the/ the /atch- th#s they we(e sti'' the (i&ht)#' tit'e ho'$e(1 San$ow cance''e$ a'' en&a&e/ents- inc'#$in& the E#(o6ean to#(1 San$ow 6(o/ise$ to ta5e his case to co#(t1 Lewis staye$ in the hos6ita' )o( a sho(t 6e(io$ an$ was bac5 in the &y/ by /i$C/onth1 2n 7an#a(y !,- M#nn anno#nce$ he ha$ si&ne$ a H*-+BB a wee5 cont(act to 0oin the va#$evi''e to#(- that wo#'$ 'ast )(o/ Feb(#a(y ! to /i$CA6(i'1 I) the 6'an with M#nn was anythin& 'i5e a#' %owse( 6#sh o) Danno 2.Mahoney in !"*+- San$ow an$ Toots Mon$t was wo(5in& o#t M#nn eve(y $ay- t(yin& to $eve'o6 hi/ into a 6e()o(/e( that )it the stan$a($s o) a no(/a' 6(o w(est'in& wo(5e(1 The 'oca' va#$evi''e to#(- 6(obab'y was a way to not e:6ose hi/ in the (in& #nti' he was (ea$y1 His "wo(5e$" /ana&e(- Gabe >a#)/an- sai$ he /i&ht be ab'e to w(est'e a )ew /ino( /atches $#(in& that ti/e- b#t nothin& with Lewis was 6'anne$1 To 5ee6 the sto(y'ine in the 6(ess- San$ow ha$ both si$es t(eatin& to ta5e each othe( to co#(t to sto6 the othe( w(est'e( )(o/ c'ai/in& the tit'e1 In 'ate 7an#a(y- M#nn )i''e$ a 6etition to sto6 Lewis an$ San$ow )(o/ c'ai/in& the cha/6ionshi61 So- in e))ect- %i''y was s#in& hi/se')1 Thei( was a 'ot o) 6(int abo#t how Wayne M#nn.s victo(y ha$ b(o5en #6 the t(#st that ha$ $o/inate$ 6(o w(est'in& sense !"!+ with Steche(- Lewis- Ca$$oc5 an$ the 3bys45o b(othe(s ta5in& t#(ns with the tit'e- b#t anothe( a(tic'e was 6(inte$ in the Wichita Ea&'e on 7an#a(y !! that b'ew eve(yone.s cove(1 It state$ that %i''y San$ow owne$ Wayne M#nn cont(act an$ was the act#a' /ana&e( o) the )ootba'' 6'aye(1 The (e6o(te( a'so c'ai/e$ that the news6a6e( (eceive$ a 'ette( )(o/ a w(est'in& insi$e( in >ansas City in the wee5 be)o(e the LewisGM#nn /atchstatin& that Lewis was &oin& to $(o6 the tit'e to M#nn1 He a'so c'ai/e$ that Wichita )ans ha$ 'ost inte(est in 6(o w(est'in&1;!<? I 'ease (ea$ this )ootnote1= 2n 7an#a(y *!- Wayne M#nn was 6(esente$ to the Ho#se o) Re6(esentatives at Linco'n Neb(as5a by his b(othe( Monte M#nn- who was an e'ecte$ /e/be(1 Monte &ave a s6eech an$ Wayne was con&(at#'ate$ )o( his victo(y ove( Lewis by the ho#se1 The b(othe( state$ the(e was nothin& "sha$y" abo#t the tit'e win1 Each

/e/be( was &iven tic5ets to see M#nn.s va#$evi''e a66ea(ance that ni&ht at a 'oca' theate(1;!<"= A sto(y'ine was c(eate$ whe(e M#nn si&ne$ to /a5e a tit'e $e)ense a&ainst Stanis'a#s 3bys45o in Chica&o on Feb(#a(y 8- b#t San$ow sto66e$ the /atch by c'ai/in& he ha$ )i'e$ an in0#nction s#it1 So Wayne M#nn.s )i(st /atch as cha/6ion was /ove$ to >ansas City an$ the $ate was set )o( Feb(#a(y !!1 Lewis too5 the Feb(#a(y 8 boo5in& at the Chica&o Co'ise#/ an$ a&(ee$ to /eet anyone the 6(o/ote( se'ecte$- who t#(ne$ o#t to be 7oe "Toots" Mon$t1 Lewis beat Mon$t in two o#t o) th(ee )a''s whi'e c'ai/in& the wo('$ tit'e1 2n the #n$e(ca($- Wayne M#nn &ave an e:hibition o) the ho'$s Do( ho'$E he #se$ to $e)eat Lewis in >ansas City1 This was 6(obab'y his va#$evi''e act1 The ca($ $(ew "-BBB )o( a &ate o) a(o#n$ H*!-BBB1;!?B= M#nn /a$e it to >ansas City )o( the Feb(#a(y !! /atch with the e:Ccha/6 Stanis'a#s 3bys45o1 M#nn easi'y beat Stan in st(ai&ht )a''s1 Stan 'oo5e$ sho(to'$- an$ )at an$ was no /atch )o( the &iant cha/6ion1 M#nn was eve( in t(o#b'e1 3bys45o was 6#she$ an$ th(own a'' ove( the (in&1 Wayne bo$y s'a//e$ Stan with a c(ash to win the )i(st )a'' in !AJ,B an$ then (e6eate$ the (es#'t in !*J,+1 M#nn &(ew we'' with !*-BBB in the Convention ha''1 M#nn $(o66e$ the va#$evi''e 0ob abo#t this ti/e an$ sta(te$ acce6tin& w(est'in& $ates1 7oe Steche( an$ 7ac5 C#('ey we(e beco/in& /o(e active in !"*+ D!?BaE1 Steche( was wo(5in& )#'' ti/e bein& boo5e$ in St Lo#is- Wichita- Me/6his an$ New Yo(51 2n Feb(#a(y !"- he 6(esente$ a w(itten (e6#$iation o) an 2/aha inte(view to the New Yo(5 Ath'etic Co//ission1 In the inte(view Steche( was K#ote$ a$/ittin& he ha$ en&a&e$ in )i:e$ /atches1 He $enie$ he ha$ a#tho(i4e$ the inte(view an$ s#&&este$ so/e ene/y was (es6onsib'e1 He a66ea(e$ in )(ont o) the co//ission that F(i$ay when an investi&ation was con$#cte$1 Nothin& (es#'te$ )(o/ it1;!?!= Tony an$ 7oe atte/6te$ to )o(ce a 7ohn ese5 /atch in Wichita $#(in& the )i(st two /onths o) the yea(1 ese5 was the on'y one o) Lewis. 6o'ice/en- he ha$n.t beaten an$ 7oe see/e$ obsesse$ with w(est'in& hi/1 He o))e(e$ a si$e bet o) H!B-BBB to ese5 an$ the Ti&e( see/e$ wi''in& b#t his /ana&e( Ma: %a#/an neve( see/e$ to be in town the sa/e $ay as Tony Steche(1 A H*B-BBB bet was a'so o))e(e$ to Toots Mon$t- with nothin& ha66enin& othe( than ta'51 Most o) it /e(e'y #se$ in an e))o(t to K#iet Steche(- whose $e/an$s )o( a tit'e /atch we(e &ettin& /o(e an$ /o(e e/ba((assin& to the Lewis &(o#61;!?*= Ea('ie( in the yea(Steche( ha$ $e)eate$ anothe( San$ow w(est'e( in Dic5 Davisco#(t twice1 2ne o) the/ in St Lo#is on Feb(#a(y +- saw Davisco#(t $isK#a'i)ie$ )o( )o#' tactics in the thi($ )a''1 Davisco#(t ca/e o#t o) it with a swo''en eye1 2n Ma(ch A- !"*+Steche( won two o#t o) th(ee )a''s )(o/ A$ Sante' in Wichita1;!?8= 7i/ Lon$os was a'so showin& #6 in New Yo(5 on 7ac5 C#('ey ca($s1 2ne won$e(s i) Lon$os ha$ 0#/6e$ shi6 )(o/ San$ow &(o#6 at this ti/e- 6e(ha6s beca#se he wasn.t consi$e(e$ )o( the Wayne M#nn 6a(t in the sto(y'ine1 %i''y San$ow.s 6'an- )(o/ the be&innin&- was )o( the M#nnGLewis (e/atch to ta5e 6'ace on the Deco(ation Day ho'i$ay- May 8B- at a o#t $oo( sta$i#/ in Michi&an City- In$iana1 His 6'an wo#'$ b#i'$ to a s#6e( /atch that wo#'$ be the )i(st H!BB-BBB &ate in 6(o w(est'in& histo(y1 2ne won$e(s i) that wo#'$ have been the site an$ $ate )o( the LewisGDe/6sey /atch- i) thin&s ha$ wo(5e$ o#t1 Lewis an$ M#nn both wo(5e$ /ain events in Chica&o $#(in& Feb(#a(y an$ Ma(ch1 %oth bi''e$ as wo('$ cha/6ion1 Lewis beat 7oe 3ic5/an twice an$ To/ D(aa51 M#nn beat Mi5e Ro/ano on Feb(#a(y !? $(awin& <-+BB an$ on Ma(ch 8! he beat his t(aine( Toots Mon$t in )(ont o) ?-BBB )ans with a &ate o) H**-BBB1 Mon$t &ot his shot at the tit'e by beatin& Stanis'a#s 3bys45o on Ma(ch 81 M#nn a'so beat at McGi'' in Rocheste( an$ Wa''ace D#&#i$ in C'eve'an$1 A bo:in& 6(o/ote(- na/e$ 7ohn C#('ey- was (#nnin& w(est'in& ca($s in hi'a$e'6hia a&ainst A#(e''o Fabiani1 This 7ohn C#('ey- not 7ac5 C#('ey- was a'i&ne$ with San$ow an$ he boo5e$ a (e/atch between M#nn an$ Stan 3bys45o )o( A6(i' !+- !"*+ at the hi'a$e'6hia A(ena1 Act#a''y- the choice o) Stan 3bys45o as the cha''en&e(- was /a$e by the ennsy'vania State Ath'etic Co//ission- not the 6(o/ote(1 Wayne M#nn went th(o#&h the /otions o) t(ainin& in hi'a$e'6hia $#(in& the wee5 'ea$in& #6 to the /atch1 2n the ni&ht be)o(e- M#nn- Mana&e( Gabe >a#)/an an$ 6(o/ote( 7ohn C#('ey atten$e$- as a &#est o) Connie Mac5- the season o6ene( o) the hi'a$e'6hia baseba'' tea/1 That sa/e ni&ht- A6(i' !,- 7oe Steche( was w(est'in& )o(/e( Ha(va($ coach F(an5 7#$son at the hi'a$e'6hia A$e'6hia )o( 6(o/ote( A#(e''o Fabiani1 Steche( won

the /atch1 The (e6o(te( c'ai/e$ the bo#t was ")(ee o) 6'ay actin& which $a/a&es so /any /atches an$ ha$ no e:a&&e(ate$ &(oans o( w(ithin&- eithe( )acia' o( othe(wise1" It was a c'ean test o) st(en&th an$ was "c'ean as a tooth o) a ho#n$1";!?,= Steche( was sti'' 6'ayin& the 6a(t o) a 'e&iti/ate cha/6ion w(est'e( an$ ha$n.t a$a6te$ to the new sty'e o) %i''y San$ow1 Stanis'a#s 3bys45o was in hi'a$e'6hia that ni&ht too1 His bi(th$ay on A6(i' ! ha$ 6(obab'y /a$e hi/ won$e( how /#ch 'on&e( he wo#'$ 'ast as a w(est'e(1 %e)o(e !"**- he ha$ &one yea(s witho#t $oin& a 0ob- b#t by !"*+ he ha$ &one )(o/ bein& cha/6ion to to6 conten$e( to settin& #6 'esse( w(est'e(s1 He ha$ $(o66e$ !! st(ai&ht /a0o( /atches- a'' ove( A/e(ica- to Lewis an$ then $i$ 0obs )o( ese5Mon$t- Stein5e- Lon$os an$ now the )ootba''e( Wayne M#nn1 A 'ot o) w(est'in& 6#(ists hate$ San$ow new &i//ic5 an$ hate$ the t#(nin& o) the s6o(t into a ci(c#s with b(aw'in& an$ /en )'yin& o#t o) the (in&1 They be'ieve the )ans wo#'$ ti(e o) the sty'e an$ the s6o(t wo#'$ $ie1 F(o/ his state/ents 'ate in 'i)e- I be'ieve Stanis'a#s 3bys45o )e't the sa/e1 Stan was an inte''i&ent /an- he 5new 6#ttin& ove( a "6e()o(/e(" wo#'$ /ean the en$ o) his ca(ee(1 %i''y San$ow ha$ no /o(e #se )o( hi/ an$ he wo#'$ be 'oo5in& )o( wo(5 soon1 He c'ai/e$ in the 6a6e( that he no 'on&e( ha$ a /ana&e( an$ I./ s#(e that he ta'5e$ to 7ac5 C#('eyA#(e''o Fabiani an$ Tony Steche( in the $ays 'ea$in& #6 to the /atch1 C#('ey ha$ a'ways been a )(ien$- who ha$ /ana&e$ his b(othe( an$ he'6e$ b(in& hi/ to A/e(ica1 He a'so 6(obab'y ta'5e$ to W'a$e5- who.s )e#$ with Lewis ha$ b#i'$ the St(an&'e( into a sta(- b#t ha$ neve( &ot any bi& /oney tit'e /atches once San$ow cont(o''e$ the be't;!?,a=1 This contin#e$ even a)te( W'a$e5 went to wo(5 )o( San$ow a''y a#' %owse(1 Rea''y a'' %i''y San$ow ha$ to (e'y on was 3bys45o.s cha(acte( an$ 6(o)essiona'is/91 it was a /ista5e1 Stan /#st have ha$ a 'ot to thin5 abo#t as ti/e (an $own be)o(e the /atch1 2n A6(i' !+- !"*+- the hi'a$e'6hia A(ena was )i''e$ with a "stan$in& (oo/ on'y" c(ow$ o) ?-BBB- sai$ to be the city.s s6o(ts in$oo( (eco($1 The #n$e( ca($ saw 7ohn ese5 6in F(an5 %(#no )ive ti/es in a han$ica6 /atch that 'aste$ 'ess than 8B /in#tes1 Stanis'a#s ente( the (in& with a bo:e( na/e$ Lew ">i$" a'/e( as his on'y secon$1 Wayne M#nn ente(e$ with his /ana&e( Gabe >a#)/an1 The /atch itse') wasn.t /#ch1 In the !8 /in#tes- the two we(e not on the /at )o( /o(e than a ha') $o4en ti/es1 3bys45o showe$ co/6'ete /aste(y an$ a'' M#nn co#'$ $o was ho6e Stan wo#'$ )a'' into his bo$y s'a/1 The )i(st )a'' 'aste$ ?J!!- with 3bys45o showin& 'i&htnin& /ove/ent be'yin& his see/in& co(6#'ence- he $#c5e$ #n$e( M#nn.s (each an$ &ot bac5 cont(o'1 He then 'i)te$ the A.A" &iant #6 an$ s'a//e$ hi/ on to the /at1 With M#nn st#nne$- Stan a66'ie$ a )o(ea(/ ho'$ an$ a hatch 'oc5 to 'owe( the cha/6ion on to his bac5 )o( the th(ee co#nt1 M#nn an$ >a#)/an 0#/6e$ )(o/ the (in& an$ (#she$ to the $(essin& (oo/1 3bys45o (e)#se$ to 'eave the (in& $#(in& the (est 6e(io$1 He 6#t on his (obe an$ sat in his co(ne( 'oo5in& o#t ac(oss the (in&1 >i$ a'/e( staye$ on the )'oo( watchin& his bac51 A n#/be( o) a''e&e$ (e6(esentatives o) M#nn ca/e to the (in& to ta'5b#t 3bys45o 0#st shoo5 his hea$ an$ they 'e)t1 Then Ma: %a#/an- b(othe( o) %i''y San$ow an$ /ana&e( o) 7ohn ese5- ca/e to the (in& an$ &ot so c'ose to Stan that he co#'$ whis6e( in his ea(1 No one 5nows what Ma: sai$ to Stan b#t one (#/o( is that he th(eatene$ to sent ese5 o#t to (e6'ace M#nn )o( the secon$ )a''s1 Whateve( he sai$ it was answe(e$ by a ne&ative no$ o) 3bys45o hea$- as he sta(e$ o#t ac(oss the (in& waitin& )o( M#nn.s (et#(n1 Wayne M#nn ha$ the &#ts to (et#(n b#t he $i$n.t have the s5i'' to $o any bette(1 The )a'' 'aste$ ,J+8 with a'/ost the sa/e winnin& /ove1 M#nn once a&ain (eache$ o#t on'y to have Stan $#c5 #n$e( his a(/s to &et bac5 cont(o'1 M#nn )'ew th(o#&h the ai(- 'an$in& on his bac51 A 3bys45o.s )o(ea(/ ho'$ was conve(te$ into a ha//e('oc5 an$ the cha/6ion.s sho#'$e(s we(e )o(ce$ $own )o( a co#nt o) th(ee1 Stanis'a#s 3bys45o was once a&ain cha/6ion an$ on to6 o) the w(est'in& wo('$1 Stan was s#((o#n$e$ by a$/i(e(s an$ 'e$ to his co(ne(- whe(e he 6ose$ )o( 6hoto&(a6he(s1 >i$ a'/e( 'e$ a 'ine o) 6o'ice into the (in& an$ 3bys45o was esco(te$ by co($on o) 6o'ice to his $(essin& (oo/1 They &#a($e$ hi/ 'i5e a 5in& whose assassination ha$ been 6'ane$- #nti' he chan&e$ an$ then was 'e$ o#t o) the a(ena to a ta:icab an$ a (i$e to his hote'1 >i$ a'/e( staye$ with Stan in his (oo/ &#a($in& his $oo(- b#t the new cha/6ion co#'$n.t s'ee61 At *JBB- he &ot #6 to wa'5 the st(eets by hi/se') #nti' /o(nin& ca/e1;!?+= Wayne M#nn wa'5e$ )(o/ the (in& an$ bac5 sta&e then into his sta(.s $(essin& (oo/1 R#/o(s we(e s6(ea$ that he )ainte$ once insi$e1 Mana&e( >a#)/an c'ai/e$ he was sic5 an$ ha$ a te/6e(at#(e o) a !B,1 The co//ission Docto( sai$ he $i$n.t

ha$ a te/6 be)o(e the /atch- b#t was s#))e(in& )(o/ tonsi''itis1 The ne:t $ay- 3bys45o was /et in his hote' by (e6(esentatives o) eve(y /a0o( 6(o/ote( in w(est'in&1 F'oy$ Fit4si//ons- 6(o/ote( o) the Michi&an City ca($o))e(e$ H8B-BB to 3bys45o to (e6'ace M#nn a&ainst Lewis1 Ma: %a#/an went on (eco($ o))e(in& Stan H!B-BBB )o( a /atch with 7ohn ese51 It wo#'$ see/ that 3bys45o a'so (eceive$ o))e(s )(o/ A#(e''o Fabiani- To/ ac5- 7ac5 C#('ey- an$ Tony Steche( wo(5in& as a &(o#61 Wayne M#nn $e)ense was that he ha$ been sic5 )(o/ Tonsi''itis an$ anyone co#'$ have beaten hi/ that ni&ht1 He c'ai/e$ he wante$ a (e/atch1 2n A6(i' *?- M#nnbi''e$ in the >ansas City (e6o(t as e:Ccha/6- went th(o#&h an o6e(ation to (e/ove his tonsi's1 San$ow.s an$ Lewis.s (eaction was that M#nn was neve( cha/6ion to be&in with1 So 3bys45o.s win /eant nothin&1 2n A6(i' !?- !"*+- Fabiani /et with Stan 3bys45o an$ 7ac5 C#('ey in New Yo(5 City1 He (et#(ne$ c'ai/in& that eve(yone ha$ a&(ee$ that Stan wo#'$ $e)en$ his tit'e ve(ses 7oe Steche( at a hi'a$e'6hia o#t$oo( ba'' 6a(t in 7#ne1 Stanis'a#s ha$ a&(ee$ to a 6#(se o) H+B-BBB1;!?A= Late( the 'ocation was /ove$ to St Lo#is an$ the $ate was set )o( Deco(ation Day- May 8B91the sa/e $ay as the LewisGM#nn (e/atch at Michi&an City1 Lewis.s (e/atch with M#nn beca/e o))icia' on A6(i' *8- when both si&ne$ cont(acts an$ 6oste$ H+-BBB a66ea(ance bon$s1 The 6#(se was sai$ to be ABL o) the &ate an$ Lewis wo#'$ (eceive ABL o) that1 Lewis.s H!B-BBB be't D!?AaE wo#'$ be at awa($e$ to the winne(1 Lewis was bi''e$ as cha/6ion an$ it was then bi''e$ as a Lewis tit'e $e)ense- even as so/e )ans sti'' consi$e(e$ it a tit'e #ni)ication /atch1 A)te( the /ess in hi'a$e'6hia- M#nn c'ai/e$ he was sic5 an$ cance''e$ a'' /atches1 The ne:t ni&ht- A6(i' !A- in %oston- Lewis s#bbe$ )o( hi/ an$ $e)eate$ A'e: L#n$en1 E$ then beat To/ D(aa5 in hi'a$e'6hia DMay !E )o( Dic5 C#('eybe)o(e a (et#(n to %oston an$ anothe( win ove( L#n$en on May <1 He was bi''e$ as cha/6ion whi'e $oin& as /#ch 1R1 )o( the May 8B /atch as 6ossib'e1 A)te( that both Lewis an$ M#nn went into t(ainin&- )i(st in Chica&o an$ then Michi&an City1 Stan 3bys45o was an active cha/6ion- w(est'in& /ost'y in the No(th East b#t he $i$n.t se'' /any tic5et1 His (et#(n to hi'a$e'6hia )o( a win ove( 'oca' sta( Renato Ga($ini $(ew on'y ,-+BB on A6(i' *8- an$ a /atch in %oston- )o( 6(o/ote(s A'e: Mac'ean D7ac5 C#('ey.s /an in the city- who was &oin& #6 a&ainst the a#' %owse( 6(o/otionE- $(ew the "s/a''est ho#se eve( )o( a wo('$ cha/6ion in the city" on May ! ve(se 2(este Fa$a')i1 The 3bys45o &(o#6 )i''e$ an in0#nction a&ainst E$ Lewis in an atte/6t to sto6 hi/ )(o/ ca''in& hi/se') wo('$ cha/6ion- b#t on May *A the a66'ication was t#(ne$ $own by 7#$&e H#&o F(ien$- a )o(/e( @nive(sity o) Chica&o ath'ete1;!?<= F'oy$ Fit4si//ons ha$ been 'osin& /oney 6(o/otin& s6o(ts at the %'#e S5y A(ena in Michi&an City- In$iana- 'ocate$ AB /i'es )(o/ $owntown Chica&o on the othe( si$e o) La5e Michi&an )o( a 'on& ti/e1 So he was 'oo5in& )o( a h#&e 6ay$ay with the LewisGM#nn (e/atch1 He $i$n.t &et a H!BB-BBB ho#se- b#t he see/e$ ha66y to /a5e so/e /oney )o( a chan&e1 The /atch $(ew between !8-BBB an$ !,-BBB- an$ too5 in HA,-BBB1 It was c'ai/e$ that ,-BBB no shows en$e$ #6 /a(oone$ on the con&este$ hi&hways 'ea$in& )(o/ Chica&o to the A(ena1 %i''y San$ow &ot his +BL )(o/ both Lewis an$ M#nn- so he /a$e /oney- b#t no one /a$e the )o(t#ne that ha$ been 6'ane$ at the be&innin& o) the yea(1 The May 8B- !"*+ /atch too5 6'ace #n$e( a b(i&ht s#n an$ b'iste(in& heat1 Wayne M#nn ente(e$ )i(st- s6o(tin& a c#t ove( his 'e)t eye a)te( t(ainin& )o( wee5s with Toots Mon$t1 The cha/6ion Lewis- 'oo5in& in &oo$ sha6e- )o''owe$ an$ the(e was a 'on& con)e(ence with (e)e(ee Wa'te( %ates- the sa/e /an who o))iciate$ the )i(st /atch1 Most o) the )i(st !+ /in#tes was a'' stan$ #61 Th(ee ti/es Lewis atte/6te$ to c'a/6 on the hea$'oc5 b#t the h#&e M#nn was ab'e to sha5e hi/ o)) with o#t any 6(ob'e/s1 M#nn too5 Lewis $own at one 6oint b#t was #nab'e to ho'$ hi/ an$ E$ b(o5e 'ose1 E$ 5e6t away )(o/ M#nn.s c(otch ho'$ by &oin& $own on one 5nee o( han&in& on to the (o6es1 At ti/es- Lewis see/e$ to be havin& t(o#b'e seein& an$ 'ate( c'ai/e$ to have so(e eyes )(o/ &ettin& (esin in the/ $#(in& a /atch in %oston1 It /ay have been a (es#'t o) T(acho/a1 At *,J++- M#nn b(o5e a /in#te 'on& hea$'oc5 an$ s'a//e$ Lewis to the /at )o( a 6in an$ the )i(st )a''1 At the en$ o) the (est 6e(io$- /ana&e( >a#)/ann anno#nce$ that M#nn wo#'$n.t contin#e #n'ess Lewis.s cha/6ionshi6 be't was 6'ace$ in the han$s o) 6(o/ote( Fit4si//ons1 A ha') $o4en 6o'ice b(o#&ht the H!B-BBB be't (in&si$e an$ the /atch

contin#e$1 M#nn was )#'' o) hi/se') an$ he (ace$ ac(oss the (in& to &et at Lewis1 He chase$ E$ $own an$ )o( *B /in#te the two t#&&e$ an$ /a#'e$ each othe( in the cente( o) the (in&1 M#nn )a$e$ an$ by the en$ o) the )a'' D8*J!*E ha$ been the victi/ o) *B hea$'oc5s an$ a h#&e s'a/ be)o(e he was 6inne$ by Lewis1 M#nn 'ai$ sti'' in the (in& )o( a /in#te be)o(e he was he'6e$ by his secon$s to the $(essin& (oo/1 M#nn sti'' 'oo5 beat when he (et#(ne$ )o( the 'ast )a''1 Lewis $(a&&e$ hi/ a'' ove( the (in& an$ a)te( < /o(e hea$'oc5s an$ seven /in#tes- he was 6inne$1 Lewis was anno#nce$ as cha/6ion an$ the be't was 6'ace$ a(o#n$ his waist1;!??= 2n the sa/e $ay in St Lo#is- 7oe Steche( (e&aine$ the wo('$ tit'e ta5in& two st(ai&ht )a''s )(o/ Stanis'a#s 3bys45o1 The /atch- he'$ on the St Lo#is @nive(sity Ath'etic Fie'$- $(ew !8-+BB an$ a &ate o) H,8-8!+1 A /otion 6ict#(e co/6any a'so 6ai$ H!+-BBB to )i'/ the event1 Fo( 'osin& the tit'e- 3bys45o was 6ai$ H+B-BBB1 Steche( hi/se') 6ai$ H!B-BBB to Stan an$ w(est'e$ the /atch )o( )(ee1 To /ost o) the w(est'in& wo('$- the t(#e wo('$ cha/6ion was then 7oe Steche(1;!??= The Wayne M#nn &i//ic5 t#(n o#t to be a $isaste( )o( the San$ow &(o#6 an$ it /i&ht be consi$e(e$ the &(eatest b'#n$e( in the histo(y o) the 6(o w(est'in&1 In 'osin& cont(o' o) the wo('$ tit'e- at 'east in the eyes o) /ost o) the co#nt(ySan$ow 'ost /ost o) his 6owe(1 3bys45o- Lon$os- Ga($ini- ese5- Davisco#(t- an$ othe(s a'' 0#/6e$ to the Steche( si$e- which was st(en&then by the c(eation o) new te((ito(ies- a(enas- an$ ta'ent1 (o w(est'in& beca/e bi& ti/e #n$e( Steche( an$ (ea''y too5 o)) a)te( the e'evation o) 7i/ Lon$os1 E$ Lewis wo#'$ co/e bac5b#t othe( than )o( a co#6'e o) sho(t 6e(io$s- he wo#'$ neve( be the cent(a' )i&#(e in the s6o(t a&ain1 %i''y San$ow was a ve(y s/a(t w(est'in& insi$e( an$ wo#'$ ca((y on bein& a 6owe(- b#t he neve( wo#'$ (e&ain the cont(o' he ha$ )(o/ !"** to !"*+1 E$ Lewis. &(eat 6e(io$ has to be his )i(st an$ secon$ tit'e (ei&n )(o/ the en$ o) !"*B to the be&innin& o) !"*+1 It was the 6e(io$ when he beca/e a nationa' sta(- $#e to (a$io- i/6(ove$ s6o(t 6a&es an$ the 6#b'ic awa(eness o) 6(o s6o(ts1 F(o/ a bo: o))ice stan$ 6oint- !"** an$ !"*8 $i$n.t see/ 'i5e /#ch D6(obab'y co#'$ be $esc(ibe$ as 6oo(E b#t it 6ic5e$ #6 in !"*,1 So what wo#'$ have been the (es#'t o) the LewisGM#nn (e/atch- i) 3bys45o ha$ $one the 0ob in hi'a$e'6hia1 No one 5nows anythin& )o( s#(e- b#t )o( yea(s I )e't Lewis- with his ba$ eyes- was 'oo5in& )o( a vacation an$ wo#'$ wait a yea( o( so be)o(e (e&ainin& the tit'e1 %#t now I a&(ee with othe(s- 'i5e histo(ian 7ohn Wi''ia/s1 Lewis wo#'$ have beaten M#nn- 6(etty /#ch as he $i$- an$ then t(ie$ to )o(&et the )ootba'' 6'aye( ha$ eve( been cha/6ion in thei( sto(y'ines1 DLoo5 #6 Antonio Ino5i an$ the WWF Tit'e )o( an e:a/6'e o( E$ Ca(6entie( an$ the NWA tit'e in !"+<1E1E I a'so have to be'ieve that it b#&&e$ the he'' o#t o) Toots Mon$t that he was neve( consi$e(e$ by San$ow to be the cha/6ion1 What was 'e)t )o( the San$ow &(o#6 was Chica&o- >ansas City- %oston- T#'saTe:as- an$ the towns (#n by the %a#/an b(othe(s1 A'' the (est o) the /a0o( 6(o/otions o( te((ito(ies bac5e$ the Steche(s- an$ as w(est'in& &(ew in the 'ate !"*B.s- so $i$ the Steche(s si$e in the wa(1 When Lewis $i$ a66ea( in /a0o( cities- 'i5e Los An&e'es- it was )o( the /ino( o#t'aw &(o#6s- not the /a0o( 6(o/ote(s1 In !"*+- the San$owGLewis &(o#6 was neve( /o(e c(eative with thei( 'ies #se$ to $isc(e$it Steche(.s tit'e c'ai/s1 In ea('y 7#ne;!?"=- San$ow ho#se (e)e(ee Wa'te( %ates- who was the o))icia' o) both M#nn /atches- ca/e o#t in an atte/6t to ove( t#(n his $ecision in the )i(st /atch an$ (#'e$- beca#se he ha$ chan&e$ his /in$ )ive /onths a)te( the event- that Lewis ha$ act#a''y won the /atch on a )o#' an$ was sti'' cha/6ion1 To/ Law- 6(o/ote( o) Wichita- co#nte(e$ this San$ow /ove- by havin& the (e)e(ee o) the Ma(ch 8- !"** Lewis tit'e win ove( Stan 3bys45o- a#' Sic5ne(- c'ai/ that he a'so /a$e a /ista5e- an$ E$ was act#a''y $isK#a'i)ie$ )o( 6#nchin& Stan- so 3bys45o was the cha/6ion when he 'ost to Steche(1;!?"= The s/a'' 6a(t o) the 6o6#'ation- who ha66ene$ to be s/a(t an$ 6ayin& attention- tho#&ht it was a'' ve(y )#nny1 The Lewis 6eo6'e t(ie$ othe( t(ic5s1 D#(in& ea('y !"*A- %oston 6(o/ote( a#' %oswe( be&an 6(o/otin& w(est'e( 7oe Ma'cewic4 as the #nc(owne$ wo('$ cha/6ion1 He c(eate$ a sto(y that Ma'cewic4 ha$ w(est'e$ cha/6ion Ea(' Ca$$oc5 in Dec1 !"!"- be)o(e the )a/e$ Ea(' Ca$$oc5 tit'e 'oss to 7oe Steche( in Ma$ison SK#a(e Ga($en- an$ been &iven a $ecision win at @tica- NY1 They c'ai/e$ the cha/6ion.s 'oss was h#she$ #6 by 7ac5 C#('ey- an$ Ma'cewic4 was too st#6i$ to /a5e any

tit'e c'ai/s #nti' !"*A1;!"B= This #nt(#e sto(y (e/aine$ with Ma'cewic4 )o( the (est o) his ca(ee(1 The )acts a(e that the /atch $i$n.t ha66en in !"!"- b#t on 7an1 !,- !"*!- 'on& a)te( Ca$$oc5 ha$ $(o66e$ the tit'e1 Steche( a'so $e)eate$ Ma'cewic4 in a tit'e /atch on Feb1 !!- !"*B at @tica1 2ve( the yea(s- Lewis a'so chan&e$ the )inish o) the )i(st M#nn /atch- 'eavin& o#t the 6a(t abo#t bein& 6inne$ in the thi($ )a''1 His $esc(i6tion ha$ hi/ bein& #nab'e to contin#e a)te( bein& th(own o#t o) the (in&1 He a'so avoi$e$ the )act he was 6inne$ in the )i(st )a''1 That is the ve(sion that en$e$ #6 in the boo5 FALL G@YS in !"8?- Dwith the Ma'cewic4 tit'e win sto(yE an$ has been (e6eate$ ove( the yea(s1 Thei( isn.t a 'ot o) i/6o(tant Lewis /atches in the (est o) !"*+1 He see/e$ to be on'y w(est'in& a )ew /atches a /onth an$ on'y the (e/atches with Wayne M#nn ha$ any i/6o(tance1 He w(est'e$ Wayne M#nn at 'east th(ee ti/es1 The )i(st one was in T#'sa on 2ctobe( ? an$ Lewis won two o#t o) th(ee )a''s1 2n Nove/be( !Ahe beat M#nn in Ho#ston an$ on Dece/be( "- !"*+- Lewis too5 two o#t o) th(ee )a''s )(o/ M#nn in Denve(1 Two wee5s 'ate(- Wayne M#nn (et#(ne$ to 6(o bo:in& )o( a /atch with An$(e An$e(son D!+C**C8E1 An$e(son 5noc5e$ o#t M#nn in the )i(st (o#n$1 M#nn.s co//ents )o''owin& the soCca''e$ )i&ht we(eJ "I &#ess I wasn.t c#t o#t )o( bo:in&1 I.'' stic5 to w(est'in&1" An$e(son.s K#ote was "I./ th(o#&h th(owin& )i&hts an$ 'ayin& $own wheneve( they want /e toM" Th(ee /onths 'ate( An$e(son was shot $ea$ by a &an&ste(1 Acco($in& to 6o'ice it was beca#se An$(e (e)#se$ to 0ob )o( M#nn1 Wayne to'$ the 6(ess- that he wo#'$ s6en$ /oney an$ )in$ the 5i''e( b#t the M#nn.s (#se neve( ca/e #6 with a na/e1;!"!= M#nn w(est'e$ E$ Lewis at 'east ten ti/es in nine $i))e(ent cities- each ti/e $(awin& 'ess1 2n May !!- !"*?- M#nn 'ost at Wo(ceste( to the ne:t &(eat )ootba'' sta( to t(y 6(o w(est'in&- G#s Sonnenbe(&1 That.s abo#t a'' I 5now abo#t Wayne M#nn.s w(est'in& ca(ee(1 A)te( 'eavin& s6o(ts- he &ot bac5 into the oi' b#siness1 In !"8B- he /ove$ to San Antonio Te:as to be nea( (e'atives an$ beca/e sic51 He (e)e(ee$ a )ew /atches an$ s6o5e be)o(e schoo's an$ c'#bs- b#t his con$ition &(a$#a''y )ai'e$1 He $ie$ )(o/ %(i&ht.s $isease on 7an#a(y "- !"8! at the Fo(t Sa/ Ho#ston A(/y Hos6ita' at a&e 8+1;!"*= NN Contin#e to CHA TER *B F22TN2TES !<+ I a'so be'ieve that the San$ow &(o#6- o( the Go'$ D#st T(io- as they a(e w(on&'y ca''e$ by /any to$ay- was not as st(on&'y in cont(o' as they we(e 6#t ove( in the boo5 FALL G@YS1 They ha$ a 'ot o) st(on& in$e6en$ent 6(o/ote(s to $ea' with91 a#' %owse( D%ostonE- E$ White DChica&oE- 7oe Co))ey DChica&oE- To/ Law DWichitaE- Lo# Da(o DLos An&e'esE- To/ ac5 DSt Lo#isE- Ray Fabiani D hi'a$e'6hiaE an$ Gabe >a#)/an D>ansas CityE1 San$ow $e6en$e$ on the/ an$ a'' o) the/ cont(o''e$ thei( own cities1 San$ow an$ Lewis a'so ha$ 7ac5 C#('ey in hibe(nation 0#st waitin& )o( the/ to )ai'1 !<A FR2M MIL2 T2 L2ND2S by A1 D1 hi''i6s 6a&e **? an$ 6#b'ishe$ by Nat F'eische( an$ THE RING /a&a4ine in !"8A1 !<Aa HILADEL HIA INO@IRER- A6(i' !*- !"*+IMonte M#nn- a sta( at the @nive(sity o) Neb(as5a in )ootba''- baseba''- an$ t(ac5- 'i5e Wayne- &(a$#ate$ in !"**1 %eca/e a 6(o bo:e( an$ was bette( than Wayne1 A 'awye(- he beca/e a /e/be( o) the state 'e&is'at#(e- an$ a b#siness /an1 Move$ to In$iana an$ (an a coa' b#siness1 In !"8* (an an #ns#ccess)#' ca/6ai&n )o( the In$iana senate1 S#))e(e$ a hea(t attac5 in !"88- an$ a)te( bein& i'' )o( on'y a )ew $ays- $ie$ on Ma(ch ?- !"881 He was 8*1 In)o(/ation ca/e )(o/ %2PREC %2PING ENCYCL2 AEDIA on 'ine1 !<Ab A (e6o(t 6#b'ishe$ in !"*" ha$ 7ohn ese5 an$ Toots Mon$t in a a(&#/ent $#(in& the t(ainin& in >ansas City1 The two hoo5e(s ha$ a &y/ /atch which was won by ese51 This #6set %i''y San$ow an$ he ha$ Ma: %a#/an ta'5 to ese51 This (es#'te$ in ese5 K#itin& the San$ow co/6any1 !<< >ANSAS CITY TIMES 7an1 "- !"!+ !<? WICHITA EAGLE 7an#a(y !!- !"*+IThe(e was a bi& /ove/ent to /atch 7oe Steche( with 7ohn ese5 in Wichita $#(in& this ti/e1 It was a sto(y'ine that (an ove( into !"*A an$ I wi'' cove( it 'ate(1 The news6a6e( ca''e$ the WICHITA EAGLE ha$ a s/a(t (e6o(te( D0#st ca''e$ " a'"E o( e$ito(- who was 6(intin& "s/a(t" in)o1 2n Feb(#a(y !- !"*+- he inte(viewe$ Ma: %a#/an- b(othe( o) %i''y San$ow an$ sti'' /ana&e( o) 7ohn ese5- an$ (ea''y wo(5e$ hi/ ove( with to#&h K#estions1 In it %a#/an c'ai/e$ the(e was no w(est'in& t(#st1 Then %a#/an sai$ that Wayne M#nn was &(eat an$ )#''y entit'e$ to the hono( o) bein& wo('$ cha/6- $es6ite his

b(othe(.s co#(t s#it to sto6 M#nn )(o/ c'ai/in& the tit'e1 %a#/an sai$ the "s#it was /e(e b#n5 an$ 0#st a 6#b'icity /ove"1 The (e6o(te( as5e$ why he was t(yin& to &et ese5 a /atch with Steche( instea$ o) M#nn- %a#/an sai$ that ese5 wasn.t entit'e$ to a /atch with M#nn- that he ha$ 'ost to Lewis an$ Mon$t1 So he co#'$n.t &et the /atch )o( ese51 The (e6o(te( then sai$- "then the(e /#st be a w(est'in& t(#stQ" %a#/an a&ain sai$ the(e wasn.t1 When as5e$ who sho#'$ &et the /atch with M#nn- %a#/an sai$ "Lewis o( Stan 3bys45o"1 The (e6o(te(- who 5new his (es#'ts- state$ that Stanis'a#s ha$ 'ost ten st(ai&ht /atches to Lewis- so why sho#'$ he &et a /atch1 The (e6o(t then sai$ that the on'y thin& in 3bys45o )avo( is the )act that he is a "t(#st" w(est'e(1 %a#/an then be'itt'e$ Steche(Sante'- 'estina- Stein5e- an$ othe(s not in the "t(#st"1 He sai$ that the b#nch co#'$n.t $(aw- so sho#'$n.t be cha/6ions1 The (e6o(te( as5e$J sho#'$ the cha/6ionshi6 be $eci$e$ on w(est'in& abi'ity o( $(awin& abi'ity1 %a#/an (e6'ie$ )(an5'y that w(est'e(s we(e in the &a/e )o( the /oney1 So a /an who can.t $(awcan.t be cha/6ion- no /atte( whethe( he can w(est'e o( not1 The on'y (eason why Lewis- 3bys45o- Mon$t- McGi''- ese5- M#nn- E#stace an$ othe(s w(est'e each othe( contin#a''y is beca#se they $(aw the )ans1 The )ans $i$n.t want a LewisGSteche( /atch an$ they co#'$n.t /a5e any /oney w(est'in& Steche(1 Acco($in& to %a#/an- the )ans we(e to b'a/e )o( the con$ition o) the s6o(t o) w(est'in&1 The 6#b'ic 'i5e$ the ci(c#s st#))- the th(owin& o) /en o#t o) the (in&- (et#(n /atches- etc1 Ma: sai$ that the 6#b'ic $i$n.t ca(e abo#t w(est'in& wa(s an$ $i$n.t ca(e who the cha/6ion was- o( whethe( the cha/6ion was a (ea' one o( not1 I) the cha/6ion was a (ea' show/an- that was s#))icient1 The (e6o(te( then w(ote at the sto(y.s en$J "Ti/e an$ a&ain the w(ite( has been as5e$ why the news6a6e(s $o not o6en'y o66ose the w(est'in& t(#st1 I) the )ans $o not ca(e eno#&h abo#t it to 6(otest- i) they contin#e to s#66o(t the t(#st w(est'e(s- i) they t#(n o#t in tho#san$s )o( s#ch an event as the LewisCM#nn a))ai(- an$ &o away a'' enth#se$- i) they $e/an$ ya($s an$ ya($s an$ ya($s o) news o) s#ch a))ai(s- then why sho#'$ the 6a6e(s 5ic5Q" !<" CHICAG2 TRI%@NE 7an#a(y *8- !"*+ !?B The Don L#ce (esea(ch on Chica&o an$ the %EL2IT DAILY NEWS Feb(#a(y +- !"*+ !?Ba MIDDLET2WN 2HI2- Feb(#a(y !"- !"*+I7ac5 C#('ey ha$ a nation wi$e news (e'ease on Feb(#a(y !"- !"*+- $esc(ibin& the Sha$owGLewis co/6any in his own wo($s1 He 'a#&h at the i$ea that M#nn.s win ha$ b(o5en #6 a w(est'in& "t(#st"1 C#('ey cha(&e$ that a b#nch o) thi($ (ate(s we(e ho&&in& the w(est'in& &a/e in the /i$$'e west- (e)#sin& to 'et any one o#tsi$e o) thei( cha(/e$ ci(c'e &et into a bi& /oney /atch with M#nn1 O#oteJ "%i''y San$ow- /ana&e( )o( Lewis-" sai$ C#('ey to$ay- "is a b(othe( o) Ma: an$ 7#'es %a#/ann1 Ma: /ana&es 7ohn ese5 an$ 7#'es is &oin& a(o#n$ the co#nt(y a((an&in& /atches )o( M#nn1 M#nn is 6'ayin& a(o#n$ with Toots Mon$t- Stanis'a#s 3bys45o- Mi5e Ro/ano Dwho/ M#nn th(ew twice within ten /in#tes 'ast ni&ht at Chica&oE- St(an&'e( Lewis- at McGi''- 7ohn ese5 an$ othe( thi($ (ate(s1 M#nn is not even a &oo$ thi($C(ate(1 I 5now o) ten w(est'e(s who can beat hi/1 I 5now o) ten w(est'e(s who wi'' &ive M#nn H!B-BBB to /eet the/ an$ they wi'' $onate an e:t(a H+-BBB to cha(ity i) they $o not th(ow hi/ twice in 8B /in#tes1 The ten cha''en&e(s a(e 7i/ Lon$os- 7oe Steche(W'a$e5 3bys45o- Hans Stein5e- 3ai5in- Cha('es Hansen- Ma(in 'estina- 7ac5 She((y- A$ Sante' an$ Nat en$'eton1 Not one o) these w(est'e(s can &et an en&a&e/ent with the new cha/6ion1 His c(ow$ as5s that cha''en&e(s show thei( (i&ht to a /atch by beatin& ese5- thei( stan$Co)) /an1" !?! THE 72E STECHER %I2 by Steve Yohe an$ THE %EL2IT DAILY NEWS Feb(#a(y !"!"*+ !?* THE WICHITA EAGLE Feb(#a(y "- Feb(#a(y !!- an$ Feb(#a(y !?- !"*+ !?8 THE WICHITA EAGLE Ma(ch <- !"*+ !?, THE HILADEL HIA INO@IRER A6(i' !A- !"*+ !?,a @NITED RESS- Ma(ch !?- !"*+I2n Ma(ch !<- !"*+ Wayne M#nn was &ivin& what 6(obab'y was his va#$evi''e act at a w(est'in& /atch in Nashvi''e- when W'a$e5 3bys45o c'i/be$ into the (in& to cha''en&e hi/1 He then too5 o)) his coat- whi'e te''in& M#nn he was "(ea$y to &o"1 M#nn then 'e)t the (in&1 The 6(o/ote(Gbo:e( %i''y Haac5 then sta(te$ th(owin& 6#nches at W'a$e5 an$ his )(ien$ Geo(&e >otsona(os1 !?+ THE HILADEL HIA INO@IRER A6(i' !A- !"*+- HILADEL HIA LEDGER A6(i' !A- !"*+ an$ HILADEL HIA INO@IRER A6(i' !<- !"*+I3bys45o.s a&e was 'iste$ as ++ o( a(o#n$ +B in 6ostC/atch (e6o(ts1 I be'ieve he was bo(n A6(i' !- !?<? o( !??B1 So he was eithe( ,< o( ,+1

!?A THE HILADEL HIA INO@IRER- A6(i' !?- !"*+ !?Aa When Wayne M#nn co/6'aine$ o) not (eceivin& his cha/6ion shi6 be't- a)te( beatin& Lewis- it see/s the be't in K#estion was 3bys45o.s Ric5a($ be't1 Whi'e w(itin& this 6a6e(- I bo#&ht a 6hoto o) Lewis. Ric5a($ be't )(o/ the Chica&o T(ib#ne1 2n the bac5 o) the 6hoto- it (ea$ that it was the be't bein& #se$ on Deco(ation Day in Michi&an City1 So it see/s the Lewis %e't was stayin& with The St(an&'e( (e&a($'ess o) who was cha/6ion1 The two be'ts 'oo5e$ nothin& 'i5e each othe(1 A)te( the /atch- the Ric5a($ %e't $isa66ea(s )(o/ w(est'in& histo(y an$ the Lewis %e't is a'ways #se$ by San$ow an$ 'ate( a#' %owse(1 Anothe( notecha/6ionshi6 be'ts we(e a'ways $esc(ibe$ as bein& wo(th H!B-BBB1 A'' o) the/ it see/s1 The Ric5a($ be't was sai$ to be wo(th H+-BBB the ni&ht it was awa($e$ to 3bys45o- so it.s va'#e ha$ inc(ease$ +BL in th(ee yea(s1 I &#ess the n#/be( H!B-BBB so#n$s &oo$1 !?< ASS2CIATED RESSIChica&o- May *B- !"*+I"7#$&e F(ien$ hea($ no witnesses $ec'a(in& that the(e was no 6(ece$ent on which to base the 6etition )o( in0#nction an$ that it was not the 6(ovince o) the co#(t to $eci$e s#ch a K#estion1" !?? ST L2@IS DAILY GL2%ECDEM2CRAT IMay 8!- !"*+ !?" THE WICHITA EAGLE 7#ne 8- !"*+ !"B %2ST2N 2ST- 7an#a(y !B- !"*AIFo( yea(s histo(ians 'oo5e$ )o( the Ca$$oc5GMa'cewic4 !"!" /atch b#t it too5 the 'e&en$a(y Don L#ce to )in$ it91in !"*!1 !"! I )o#n$ the sto(y at %2PING REC2RDS on 'ine an$ the sto(y was a'so to'$ in FR2M MIL2 T2 L2ND2S by A1 D1 hi''i6s- 6a&e **<1 !"* ASS2CIATED RESS- 7an#a(y "- !"8! an$ ST L2@IS 2STCDIS ATCH 7an#a(y "- !"8!

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The Steche# Rei$n o% &'!( an) &'!* A%te# beatin$ +bys,-o. Steche# )e%en)e) his tit/e in Wichita a$ainst /oca/ %avo#ite Dic- Davisco0#t 120ne (34 Then he t#ave/ to Los An$e/es to $et away %#o5 the Mi)west heat an) wo#- one 5atch4 6n 20ne &". &'!(. Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e a$ainst Dan 7o/o%%. who was a 8owe#%0/ /oo-in$ R0ssian w#est/e# an) tho0$ht o% as a ve#y $oo) wo#-e#. b0t was neve# 80she) o0t o% the conten)e# /eve/ %o# so5e 0n-nown #eason4 The 5atch too- 8/ace at the E98osition a#-:s 6ne H0n)#e) an) Si9tieth Re$i5ent A#5o#y4 2oe won the 5atch4 The 8#o5ote# was Lo0 Da#o. who to/) Steche# o% the city:s 8/ans to b0i/) a &".""" seat a#ena nea# )owntown Los An$e/es4 In &'!(. in a ti5e when on/y two cities 1New Yo#- City an) 7ansas City3 ha) in)oo# a#enas with seatin$ o% ove# &".""". it wo0/) be bi//e) as the /a#$est s8o#ts 8a/ace in A5e#ica4 The city was $#owin$ %aste# than any 8/ace in A5e#ica an) he 8#o5ise) 2oe that his 8ayo%%s wo0/) $#ow with it4 Tony an) 2oe both /ove) the beach an) the 5ovie sta#s so they 5a)e 8/ans to #et0#n %o# the o8enin$ o% The 6/y58ic A0)ito#i054 Steche# was in Lewis: town. Chica$o. to )e%en) the tit/e a$ainst F#an- 20)son on 20ne !* at the Co/ise054 He )#ew *.""" an) ;<.("". which 5ay have been a nea# se// o0t at the ti5e4 Lewis an) San)ow see5e) to be /ivin$ in 7ansas City with a /ot o% ti5e bein$ s8ent in Chica$o an) T0/sa4 =oth w#est/e#s we#e bi//e) as cha58ion in Chica$o an) the batt/e between the two 5a)e 5o#e news than in any othe# city4 The win)y city was Lewis: ho5e. b0t Steche# wasn:t a%#ai) to visit4 Steche# w#est/e) a #e5atch with Stan +bys,-o in Wichita 120/y &3 an) then t#ave/e) th#o0$h the so0th. into 6hio an) %inishe) 08 in Minnea8o/is4 The Steche#s #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es on 20/y &'4 They both b#o0$ht thei# %a5i/ies an) 5ove) into new ho0ses in Lon$ =each. a /a#$e #eso#t town so0th o% the 5ain city. -nown %o# its beaches an) /a#$e a50se5ent 8a#-4 At the ti5e. it was /i-e /ivin$ ne9t to Disney/an)4 Steche# si$ne) to a88ea# as the %i#st 5ain event on a w#est/in$ ca#) at the new 6/y58ic A0)ito#i05. which o8ene) with a bo9in$ ca#) on A0$0st (. &'!(4 The b0i/) 08 consiste) o% Steche# t#ainin$ with bo9in$ cha58 2ac- De58sey at the Manhattan $y5 120/y !<3 an) an a88ea#ance at the Ho//ywoo) Ath/etic C/0b 1A0$0st <3. which ha) a 5e5be#shi8 o% eve#y 5a>o# 5ovie sta# in town4 6n A0$0st &". &'!(. Steche# o8ene) the new 6/y58ic A0)ito#i05 by )#awin$ <.<"" in )e%eatin$ Renato Ga#)ini4 The News8a8e#s c/ai5e) that the b0i/)in$ was the /a#$est in the co0nt#y with a ca8acity o% &(.""". b0t that was a /ie4 The #ea/ ca8acity was a#o0n) &".""" in those yea#s. with &!.""" 8ossib/e. with stan)in$ #oo5 on/y4 This 5eans 8eo8/e sittin$ in the ais/es4 The <.<"" was an in)oo# Ca/i%o#nia state #eco#)4?&'@A 6n the 0n)e#ca#) was Los An$e/es:s %avo#ite w#est/e#. 2i5 Lon)os an) e9Bcha58. Stan +bys,-o4 The %ans /ove) the $#eat /oo-in$ an) ha#) wo#-in$ Lon)os an) the Steche#s wo0/)n:t ho/) hi5 bac-. /i-e =i//y San)ow4 Lon)os wasn:t a 8#o5ote#. b0t he ha) a who/e /ine 08 o% G#ee- 8#o5ote#s behin) hi5. a stab/e o% w#est/in$ %#ien)s 1Ray Stee/e. Ga#)ini. an) Davisco0#t3 on his tea5. an) he was 8o80/a# in eve#y city he a88ea#e) in4 The on/y thin$ not in his %avo# was si,e4 Lon)os an) the Steche#s $ot a/one we// an) 5atches we#e boo-e) to a)vance both o% the54 6n the %i#st 6/y58ic ca#). Lon)os beat 2i5 =#ownin$ in ((C!*4 A #e8o#t in the T0/sa news8a8e# on A0$0st !<. &'!(. sai) that Lewis an) San)ow ha) investe) in an oi/ we// /ocate) at D0incy. 7ansas4 The #e8o#t >0st sai) they we#e )#i//in$ %o# oi/. it )i)n:t say they %o0n) any4 At the new 6/y58ic. Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e a$ainst Goho Goba# 1A0$0st !E3. an) e9Bcha58 Stan +bys,-o 1Se8te5be# !<34 6n Nove5be# '. Steche# won the on/y %a// be%o#e the two ho0# /i5it e98i#e) a$ainst 2i5 Lon)os. $ivin$ hi5 anothe# win at the 6/y58ic4 The cha58ion then )e%en)e) in San F#ancisco. Chica$o. Co/05b0s an) C/eve/an)4 He #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es on Dece5be# &E %o# a two ho0# )#aw with Lon)os4 The on/y city whe#e Lewis co0/) ho/) his own with Steche# was Chica$o. b0t on 2an0a#y &&. &'!*. Lewis )i) )#aw a c#ow) o% &!."" beatin$ Wayne M0nn in Denve#4 2an0a#y !( saw Steche# beatin$ F#an- 20)son in Chica$o in %#ont o% !."""4 Fo0#

)ays /ate#. on 2an0a#y !'. Lewis beat Stan/ey Stasia- )#awin$ F."""4 C0#/ey b#o0$ht the cha58ion. 2oe Steche#. bac- into New Yo#- City on Feb#0a#y & an) )#ew a se//o0t &".""" 0sin$ (F yea# o/) E0#o8ean /e$en) Ivan o))0bny as a cha//en$e#4 Steche# then )e%eate) 2i5 Lon)os in St Lo0is on Feb#0a#y &". )#awin$ a se//o0t &!.""" an) ;@<.""" with tho0san)s t0#ne) away4?&'EA In hi/a)e/8hia he beat Geo#$e Ca/,a. who I be/ieve is one o% the 5ost 0n)e##ate) w#est/e#s in histo#y4 San)ow was ab/e to $et 8hotos o% Lewis 8osin$ with &! yea# o/) F#an- Gotch 2# in news8a8e#s a// ove# the nation on Feb#0a#y !"4 The St#an$/e# c/ai5e) that Gotch senio# ha) ta0$ht hi5 5any thin$s ea#/y in his ca#ee# an) he was $oin$ to 8ass the -now/e)$e on to 20nio#4 Lewis 8#o5ise) to ta-e 20nio# "in tow" an) 5a-e a w#est/in$ cha58ion o0t o% hi5. >0st /i-e his Da)4 It was b#i//iant R by San)ow b0t. !" yea#s /ate#. 20nio# was wo#-in$ as a %inancia/ ana/yst in Ho0ston4 I a/so %o0n) it %0nny that the #e8o#t ca//e) Lewis the e9Bcha58ion4?&'(A Lewis an) Steche# went a$ainst each othe# in Chica$o on Ma#ch &. &'!*4 Steche# was to w#est/e Geo#$e Ca/,a at the Co/ise05. b0t Ca/,a no showe) an) Renato Ga#)ini was 0se) as a #e8/ace5ent4 Fans we#e 0se) to seein$ Ga#)ini >ob in tit/e 5atches. so the ca#) )#ew on/y &.(""4 Lewis )e%eate) Stan/ey Stasia- at De9te# a#- avi/ion with his tit/e on the /ine an) )#ew '.""" an) ;&<."""4 So Lewis won the ni$ht4 It sho0/) be note) that Steche# was in the Co/ise05. whi/e Lewis: 5atch was at the Chica$o stoc- ya#)4 a0/ =owse# was in Chica$o that ni$ht /oo-in$ %o# one o% the two cha58ions to w#est/e 2oe Ma/cewic, in =oston4 He #et0#ne) ho5e with an a$#ee5ent with the Steche#s that 2oe wo0/) w#est/e in =oston on Ma#ch &&. &'!* a$ainst a 0n-nown w#est/e# %o# a 80#se o% ;&!.(""4 Tony Steche# was /e) to be/ieve the 8#o5ote) "0n-nown" wo0/) be 2a-e =#iss/e# an) he co0/) b#in$ his own #e%e#ee4 =owse# wei#) sty/e o% 8#o5otin$ ca#)s 5a)e the =oston %ans thin- 2oe Ma/cewic, wo0/) be in the 5ain event4?&'*A Steche# a/so wante) his 80#se 8ai) be%o#e the 5atch4 6n the )ay o% the 5atch. =owse# to/) Steche# he co0/)n:t 8ay hi5 the ;&!.("". b0t o%%e#e) hi5 a 8e#centa$e o% the ho0se4 Since the $0y he was w#est/in$ wasn:t 5a>o#. 2oe a$#ee). b0t wante) his 5oney be%o#e the 5atch sta#te)4 =owse# a$#ee). an) the )ea/ was 5a)e that Tony wo0/) be $iven a chec- be%o#e the sta#t o% the 5atch4 The Steche#s 50st have s0s8ecte) a )i#ty t#ic- be%o#e even $oin$ to the a#ena4 2ac- =#iss/e# was the %i#st in the #in$ %o//owe) by 2oe an) Tony Steche#4 Then the Steche#G2ac- C0#/ey #e%e#ee. Lo0 G#ace. was not a//owe) into the #in$ an) he was #e8/ace) with a =owse# #e%e#ee. Leon =0#ban-4 A $#o08 o% 5en %o#5e) a#o0n) =#iss/e#. an) he was h0st/e) o0t o% the #in$4 2oe Ma/cewic,. who ha) been sittin$ #in$si)e in st#eet c/oths. >058e) into the #in$. 0n)#esse). an) was )ec/a#e) by the #in$ anno0nce# to be the "Hn-nown"4 Face) with the obvio0s )o0b/eBc#oss. the Steche#s >058e) %#o5 the #in$ an) #et0#ne) to the )#essin$ #oo5 as the anno0nce# 8#oc/ai5e) Ma/cewic, "the new heavywei$ht cha58ion o% the wo#/) by %o#%eit4"?&'FA As Ma/cewic, w#est/e) s0b Ne) McG0i#e. the Steche#s he/) a 8#ess con%e#ence in the )#essin$ #oo5 e98/ainin$ thei# si)e o% the 5ess4 They state) they we#e wi//in$ to 5eet Ma/cewic, at any ti5e %o# a si)e bet o% ;&".""" an) state) that the wo##y was the =owse# #e%e#ee =0#ban-4 The 8#ess #e8o#te) the 5ess %o# what it was. a %ai/e) )o0b/eBc#oss. an) the w#est/in$ 80b/ic. 0se) to )o0b/e c#osses a%te# the +bys,-oGM0nn 5atch. neve# 8ai) 50ch attention to it4 Ma/cewic,:s )i) c/ai5 the tit/e in =oston. an) 0se) the 5atch as R ove# the #est o% his ca#ee#. b0t no one tho0$ht Steche# was a%#ai) o% hi54 Steche# was banne) by the New Yo#Ath/etic Co55ission 1Ma#ch !*3 %o# a sho#t 8e#io) o% ti5e whi/e the cha58ion was on the West Coast. b0t that was /i%te) when 2oe #et0#ne) to the East to w#est/e 2i5 Lon)os in May &'!*4?&'<A 6n Ma#ch *. &'!*. a news #e/ease sai) that =i//y San)ow ha) 80#chase) the cont#act o% 2oe "Toots" Mon)t. which ha) th#ee yea#s to #0n. %#o5 Ra/8h Mon)t 1Toot:s 8#o5ote# b#othe#34 Yo0 won)e# what that was abo0t. i% boo-s /i-e FALL GHYS we#e #i$ht that Toots was a 8a#tne# with San)ow an) Lewis4 I thin- San)ow. an) 5ost o% the w#est/in$ wo#/) in &'!*. 0se) ve#ba/ cont#acts an) Toots was >0st "ta/ent"4 Most o% San)ow:s 5a>o# w#est/e#s ha) >058e) to the C0#/eyGSteche# $#o08 an) 5aybe San)ow was wo##ie) abo0t Mon)t. so he wante) the cont#act on 8a8e#4?&''A Fo# the %i#st ten 5onths o% his tit/e #ei$n. Steche# ha) #e%0se) to w#est/e Lewis4 He c/ai5e) it was "8ay bac-" beca0se Lewis ha) #e%0se) to w#est/e hi5

whi/e cha58ion4 It was so5ethin$ that cha58ions )i) an) wo0/) a/ways )o when %ace) with a t#0st b0ste# ty8e shoote#4 2oe Steche# wasn:t a $#eat thin-e# an) a// he #ea//y wante) to )o was w#est/e4 He wasn:t a%#ai) o% St#an$/e# Lewis o# 2ohn ese-4 6ve# the %i#st ten 5onths. thei# ha) been 5any o%%e#s by 8#o5ote#s %#o5 both si)es %o# anothe# Steche#GLewis 5atch4 Chica$o 8#o5ote# a))y Ha#5on o%%e#e) ;(".""" 120ne @. &'!(3. St Lo0is: To5 ac- o%%e#e) ;(".""" 120ne !'. &'!(3. Denve#:s Ra/8h Mon)t o%%e#e) ;@"."" 12an0a#y <. &'!*3 an) the#e we#e 5any 5o#e o%%e#s that )i)n:t 5a-e the news8a8e#s4 A%te# the 5ess with Ma/cewic, in =oston. 2oe chan$e) his tactics4 He be$an to acce8t the cha//en$es o% Lewis an) ese- an) it was Lewis an) San)ow who bac-e) )own4 ese-. o% co0#se. was o0t o% a >ob an) $a5e %o# anythin$4 6n Ma#ch !*. &'!*. a// the 5a>o# 8#o5ote#s o% the Steche# $#o08 5et in 65aha %o# a con%e#ence4 #esent the#e we#e 2ac- C0#/ey o% New Yo#-. To5 ac- o% St Lo0is. Lo0 Da#o o% Los An$e/es. 2oe Co%%ey o% Chica$o. To5 Law o% Wichita. Gene Me/a)y o% 65aha. an) A0#e//o Fabiani o% hi/a)e/8hia 8/0s o%%icia/s %#o5 Me58his an) At/anta4 The 5eetin$ /aste) into A8#i/4 It wo0/) see5 that the $#o08 )isc0sse) the 5ove5ent o% ta/ent between te##ito#ies an) c#eate) a %o#50/a %o# the to0#in$ o% the cha58ion between cities4 I be/ieve this was a 8owe# 8/ay by the 8#o5ote#s to cont#o/ nationa/ sto#y/ines an) the wo#/) cha58ion4 They wante) the choice o% cha58ions to be in the han)s o% a// the 8#o5ote#s an) not cont#o//e) by in)ivi)0a/ 5ana$e#s /i-e Tony Steche#. =i//y San)ow o# a Fa#5e# =0#ns4 I be/ieve that Tony Steche# $ave in. at /east in 8a#t. to thei# )e5an)s4 The syste5 wo0/) be /ess wo#- %o# hi5. he:// have a// the 8#o5otiona/ 8#ob/e5s ta-en ca#e o%% with conten)e#s ove# with the %ans be%o#e he eve# $ot to a town4 A// he an) his cha58ion wo0/) have to wo##y abo0t wo0/) be t#ans8o#tation to the ne9t city4?!""A We -now abo0t this con%e#ence beca0se a sto#y/ine in St Lo0is ca5e o0t o% it4 2oe Steche# to/) the 5e5be#s that he wante) a 5atch with 2ohn ese- an) wo0/) sto8 w#est/in$ on A8#i/ F an) be$in intensive t#ainin$ at Hot S8#in$s. A#-ansas4 The sto#y/ine. in St Lo0is. was that a// the 8#o5otions we#e bi))in$ on the Steche#G ese- 5atch an) that To5 ac- o% St Lo0is won4 6n A8#i/ &*. both esean) Steche# si$ne) %o# an St Lo0is 5atch on A8#i/ !'4 6n A8#i/ &. Lewis $ot hi5se/% into anothe# a0toBacci)ent4 This one #es0/te) in a %ist %i$ht with a (! yea# o/) Cha#/es Whee/e# in %#ont o% an a8a#t5ent ho0se at E@" S0#% St#eet in Chica$o4 The b#aw/ too- 8/ace in a snow )#i%t an) was b#o-en 08 by the 8o/ice4 They %o0n) Whee/e# in a cho-e ho/) an) Lewis b/ee)in$ %#o5 his /i84 The two a88ea#e) to$ethe# in %#ont o% M0nici8a/ 20)$e a))en4 A%te# both 5en shoo- han)s an) sai) they we#e so##y. the cha#$es we#e )#o88e)4 Whee/e# was I0ote) as sayin$C "I% I ha) -nown who that bi$ $o#i//a was. I wo0/)n:t have t#ie) it4" Lewis then beat M0nn in =oston on A8#i/ ( an) #et0#n to Chica$o 1A8#i/ &'3 to 8in Ra%a//e G#enna in %#ont o% anothe# $oo) c#own o% <.""" %o# 8#o5ote# a))y Ha#5on4 Sho#t/y a%te# 1May &&3. a new =o9in$ an) W#est/in$ Co55ission in Chica$o banne) a// w#est/in$ an) a5ate0# bo9in$ shows 0nti/ they co0/) iss0e /icenses to 8#o5ote#s4 6n 20ne &'. a #e8o#t ha) the co55ission )#awin$ 08 new #0/es to $ove#n w#est/in$4 e#ha8s this #es0/te) in neithe# Lewis o# Steche# a88ea#in$ in Chica$o %o# the #est o% &'!*4 6n A8#i/ !'. &'!*. E) Lewis was #in$si)e at the St Lo0is Co/ise05 to watch Steche# )e%en) the tit/e a$ainst 2ohn ese-4 ese- won the %i#st %a// in th#ee ho0#s an) %i%teen secon)s with a )o0b/e w#ist /oc-4 Steche# #et0#ne) to ta-e the secon) %a// with a )o0b/e win$ /oc- in @@ 5in0te an) (* secon)s4 When the thi#) %a// ha) #each E" 5in0tes an) @( secon)s. Steche# 8ic-e) ese- 08 %o# a s/a5. b0t 2ohn wi$$/e) a#o0n) %o#cin$ the wo#n o0t cha58ion to )#o8 hi54 ese- %e// th#o0$h the #o8es an) /an)e) on his hea). to be co0nte) o0t o% the #in$4 eseha) a conc0ssion an) was ta-en to a /oca/ hos8ita/4 Steche# was he/) 0n)e# technica/ a##est by the 8o/ice 0nti/ it was #evea/e) that ese- in>0#y wasn:t se#io0s4 The )ecision by the #e%e#ee was that the %a// on to the %/oo# wasn:t the %a0/t o% the cha58ion. so the winne# was Steche#4?!"&A 2i5 Lon)os contin0e) to be Steche#:s to8 conten)e# an) on 20ne &" the two )#ew &(.""" 8eo8/e to the %i#st event at the new hi/a)e/8hia M0nici8a/ Sta)i054 Steche# )e%eate) Lon)os in &C("C!*4 Lon)os. who ha) t#aine) %o# the 5atch with 2ac- De58sey. ha) an 0n0s0a/ abi/ity to $ain 8o80/a#ity with each /oss. was beco5in$ one o% s8o#t:s bi$$est )#aws4?!"!A The Steche#s then #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es to )#aw 5o#e than &".""" at the so/) o0t 6/y58ic A0)ito#i05 on 20ne&*

a$ain beatin$ Ivan o))0bny4?!"@A =owse# contin0e) his 80sh o% 2oe Ma/cewic, in =oston an) on 20/y &. &'!* sta$e) a s08e# 5atch between two tit/e c/ai5ants. St#an$/e# Lewis an) Ma/cewic,. at the o0t)oo# =#aves Fie/)4 The 5atch )#ew ove# &".""" %ans an) en)e) 08 a )#aw4 The two s8/it %a//s in a contest that /aste) th#ee ho0#s. twentyBtwo 5in0tes an) thi#)/y secon)s4 To 5e it was the hi$h/i$ht o% Lewis: yea#4 A 5onth /ate# 1A0$0st !3. Lewis 5et Ma/cewic, in T0/sa in %#ont o% a c#ow) o% <."""4 The St#an$/e# was bi//e) as the cha58ion b0t the 8#o5ote#. Sa5 Avey. )i) bi// Ma/cewic, as havin$ a tit/e c/ai5 on the East Coast4 a0/ =owse# was 8#esent an) bi//e) as Ma/cewic,:s 5ana$e#4 In a %i#st %a//. that /aste) one ho0# an) twentyBth#ee 5in0tes. Ma/cewic, b#o-e Lewis: hea)/oc- @" ti5es. b0t E) /oo-e) /i-e a s0#e winne#. when the cha//en$e# catch E) co5in$ in an) hit the St#an$/e# with a si)e s08/e9 1#eve#se %/yin$ 5a#e3 an) $ot a 8in4 A%te# a !( 5in0te #est 8e#io). the two #es05e) with Lewis once a$ain atte58tin$ to wea# )own Ma/cewic, with hea)/oc-s4 A%te# a thi#) hea)/oc-. Ma/cewic, )a,e) by the s/ee8e# e%%ect o% the ho/). th#ew Lewis o0t o% the #in$4 Hn)e# the #0/es a$#ee) 08on be%o#e the 5atch. #e%e#ee Te) Tonne5an )isI0a/i%ie) Ma/cewic,4 San)ow c/ai5e) Lewis ha) in>0#e) his si)e an) #e%0se) to /et the cha58ion #et0#n to the #in$. so Lewis won beca0se o% the %o0/ witho0t a thi#) %a//4 This 5a)e the c#ow) 0nha88y an) whi/e booin$ Lewis they /in$e#e) a#o0n) #in$si)e %o# !" 5in0tes. ye//in$ %o# a thi#) %a//. 0nti/ the 8o/ice b#o-e the5 084 Los An$e/es an) the &'!* Fo#%eit In A0$0st &'!*. =i//y San)ow an) E) Lewis too- the w#est/in$ wa# an) thei# co58any to Los An$e/es to batt/e the Steche#s an) Lo0 Da#o %ace to %ace4 It was anothe# 5ista-e4 6n 20/y &E Steche# )e%eate) /oca/ %avo#ite Nic- L0t,e at The 6/y58ic4 A wee/ate# 2ohn ese- )e%eate) L0t,e in the sa5e #in$4 Lo0 Da#o then anno0nce) that he ha) si$ne) a Steche#G ese- 5atch %o# A0$0st !E4 Je#non is a s5a// city /ocate) on the Easte#n bo#)e# o% Los An$e/es4 It:s an in)0st#ia/ city an) the ho5e o% #ai/#oa) /ines an) t#0c- ya#)s4 The 5ost %a5o0s b0siness in the city is Fa#5e# 2ohn. 5a-e# o% the Do)$e# Do$4 City ta9es )on:t e9ist an) 5an0%act0#es a#e %#ee to #0n thei# co58anies as they see5 %it4 No one #ea//y /ives in Je#non. the !""" cens0s co0nte) '& 8eo8/e. a// /easin$ b0i/)in$s owne) by the city4 Je#non has its own 8owe# 8/ant an) cha#$es ve#y b0siness in town %o# thei# 8owe#4 To)ay. it:s c/ai5e) that the city has a s0#8/0s o% &"" 5i//ion )o//a#s4 In the bi$ city o% the an$e/s. the sa/e o% a/coho/ was i//e$a/ an) the s8o#t o% bo9in$ was cont#o//e) by a ton o% #0/es4 In &'"F an ent#e8#ene0# 2ac- Doy/e o8ene) what was ca//e) the "/on$est ba# in the wo#/)" in Je#non4 It ha) @F ba#ten)e#s4 Ne9t )oo#. Doy/e o8ene) the s5a// Je#non Aven0e =o9in$ A#ena in &'"< an) c/ai5s a#e that !" cha58ionshi8 5atches too- 8/ace in the s5a// b0i/)in$4 I be/ieve the a#ena he/) a#o0n) E.""" %ans4?!"EA 6n A0$0st @. &'!* a 8#o5ote# na5es 2ohn De a/5a he/) his %i#st ca#) at the Je#non A#ena4 The 5ain event ha) /oca/ Los An$e/es Ath/etic C/0b coach. Wa/te# Mi//e#. 5eetin$ 2oe a#e//i. b0t the 0n)e# ca#) was %i//e) with =i//y San)ow w#est/e#s /i-e =i// De5et#a/?!"(A an) Toots Mon)t4 My $0ess is that Toots Mon)t was the boo-e#4 Whi/e Steche# was in t#ainin$ %o# the ese- 5atch at the 6/y58ic. Lewis an) San)ow showe) 08 in town ba//yhooin$ a 5atch with Steche#4 The two 8oste) a ;(.""" chec- with the State Ath/etic Co55ission %o# a 5atch with Steche# an) went so %a# as to o%%e# to "5eet Steche# in so5e te/e8hone booth" to "sett/e this 5atte# once an) %o# a//"4 Now. th#o0$h o0t histo#y. the no#5a/ 5ove %o# a w#est/in$ cha58ion. is to te// a "t#0stb0ste#" ty8e cha//en$e# /i-e Lewis. to $et a #e80tation by beatin$ a "8o/ice5an"4 2oe Steche# )i)n:t )o that4 The cha58ion si$ne) a cont#act with Lo0 Da#o to 5eet E) Lewis at any ti5e an) 8oste) his own ;(.""" chec- with the co55ission4 This 5ove ca//e) Lewis: b/0%%4?!"*A Ca8t4 Seth St#e/in$e#. chai#5an o% the Ca/i%o#nia State Ath/etic Co55ission. then state) that he ha) )eci)e) to act as 5atch5a-e# an) o#)e#e) both 8a#ties to 5eet in his o%%ice4 He 8#o5ise) a Steche#GLewis 5atch o# so5eone wo0/) /ose ;(."""4 6n A0$0st !@. Lo0 Da#o. with Tony Steche#. an) Je#non 8#o5ote# 2ohn De a/5a. with =i//y San)ow. 5et in St#e/in$e#:s o%%ice4 A%te# an a#$05ent. St#e/in$e# $ave Da#o the 5atch an) De a/5a #eceive) a 8ay5ent %#o5 The 6/y58ic to a//ow Lewis to w#est/e at the /a#$e# a#ena whe#e 5o#e %ans co0/) see the 5atch an) 5o#e ta9es wo0/) be 8ai) to the state4 St#e/in$e# an) Da#o wante) to

sta$e the 5atch two wee-s a%te# the bi$ Steche#G ese- 5atch an) Steche# a$#ee)4 San)ow #e%0se) an) c/ai5e) he nee)e) ove# a 5onth to $et Lewis in con)ition an) wo0/)n:t be #ea)y 0nti/ a%te# Se8te5be# !<4 A// this ca5e a%te# Lewis ha) been c/ai5in$ in town %o# a 5onth that he wo0/) w#est/e Steche# "any 8/ace. any ti5e4" A )ate %o# the s08e# show)own was set %o# 6ctobe# *. &'!*. at the 6/y58ic4?!"FA 2ohn ese-. /i-e 5ost o% San)ow:s othe# w#est/e#s. ha) /e%t the ca58 o% San)ow an) co0/)n:t. at the ti5e. be consi)e#e) Lewis: 8o/ice5an b0t he sti// was ve#y in)e8en)ent an) 8ose) a 5a>o# 8#ob/e5 %o# any cha58ion4 o0n) %o# 8o0n). he is consi)e#e) by 5any histo#ians as a conten)e# %o# the tit/e o% "best shoote# in w#est/in$ histo#y"4 Most cha58ions wo0/) avoi) 5eetin$ hi5 in a tit/e 5atch. beca0se he ha) 5oney o% his own an) was ve#y ca8ab/e o% a )o0b/eBc#oss4 Steche# -new ese- an) %e/t si,e 5a)e hi5 the bette# w#est/e# b0t the two we#e a/so %#ien)s an) ha) t#aine) to$ethe# in Do)$e 5any ti5es4 ese- was not a st#an$e# to 2oe4?!"<A 6n A0$0st !(. Steche# an) ese- w#est/e) to a two ho0# )#aw4 Now the #es0/t was 8#e)icte) in /oca/ news8a8e#s. so that wo0/) 5a-e the 5atch see5 /i-e a "wo#-"4 =0t the 5atch was )esc#ibe) as an 0ninte#estin$ 5atch with /ots o% bo#in$ stan) 08 an) Steche# s8en)in$ a /ot o% ti5e on the )e%ensive4 The #e8o#ts we#e a/so 8#etty ba#e. with o0t 50ch )etai/4 This 5a-es 5e won)e# i% ese- was 8/ayin$ a#o0n) an) the 5atch was a "shoot"4 I chec-e) 5ost o% the /oca/ news8a8e#s an) the on/y c/0es I saw was one #e8o#t that the #e%e#ee see5e) to #e%0se to co0nt a %a// on Steche# when ese- ha) hi5 in a >a5 at the ho0# an) a ha/% 5a#-4 e#ha8s the two w#est/e#s. who we#e both consi)e#e) the best shoote#s in the s8o#t. ha) so5e a$#ee5ent to )o a "contest". o# I:5 >0st seein$ so5ethin$ that wasn:t the#e4 Eithe# way. we wi// neve# -now4 This 5atch is the /east #e5e5be#e) o% the th#ee Steche#G ese- 5atches o% &'!* an) 5ost/y ove#/oo-e) consi)e#in$ the events that %o//ow4?!"'A Lewis )e%eate) o/) %#ien) Mi-e Ro5ano in Je#non on A0$0st @&4 Ro5ano was b/ee)in$ %#o5 the nose an) 5o0th. so the #in$si)e )octo# sto88e) the 5atch be%o#e the secon) %a// co0/) sta#t4 6n the 0n)e# ca#). Wayne M0nn beat Howa#) Cantonwine an) Toots Mon)t beat =i// De5et#a/4?!&"A 6n Se8te5be# &E. Lewis )e%eate) Wayne M0nn in Je#non two st#ai$ht %a//s4 Toots Mon)t beat Mi-e Ro5ano in the se5iB5ain event4?!&&A 6n Se8te5be# !(. it was anno0nce) that the 6ctobe# * Steche# show )own with Lewis was o%% beca0se the St#an$/e# ha) b#o-e a bone in his /e%t e/bow t#ainin$ with Toots Mon)t at thei# Ga#)en G#ove $y54 The co55ission Docto# state) that Lewis wo0/) not be ab/e to 8e#%o#5 %o# si9 wee-s4?!&!A Mo#e ba) news %o//owe) when Lewis:s i//0sions o% a 5i9e) 5atch with 2ac- De58sey we#e c#0she) when De58sey /ost eve#y #o0n) o% a ten #o0n) tit/e %i$ht with Gene T0nney in hi/a)e/8hia on Se8te5be# !@. &'!*4 The #0/es in ennsy/vania on/y a//ow &" #o0n) %i$hts b0t it was a $oo) thin$ %o# De58sey beca0se it /oo-e) /i-e T0nney wo0/) have 76:e) hi5 i% the bo0t ha) /aste) any /on$e#4 Da#o c/ai5e) a// the seats in the 6/y58ic we#e so/) o0t an) a 5a>o# o88onent was nee)e) to %i// the ho/e /e%t by Lewis: no show4 =i//y San)ow o%%e#e) Toots Mon)t b0t Da#o went with a #e5atch 0sin$ 2ohn ese- a$ainst Steche#4 This ti5e the 5atch wo0/) be to a %inish4?!&@A The 6ctobe# *. &'!* Steche#G ese- 5atch en)e) 08 as one o% the 5ost cont#ove#sia/ 5atches in w#est/in$ histo#y4 The so/) o0t 6/y58ic %ans saw Steche# win the %i#st %a// in E& 5in0tes an) &" secon)s with a )o0b/eBa#5 ba# 8in4 ese- evene) the co0nt with a hea) scisso#s an) w#ist /oc- in !& 5in0te an) E( secon)s4 The %i#st %a// was sai) to be 0ne9citin$ $#a88/in$ whi/e the secon) %a// was a wi/) e9hibition o% the w#est/in$ science4 At so5e 8oint. 5ost thinthe /ast %a//. b0t %#o5 the #e8o#t it 5ay have been ea#/ie#. ese- )o0b/e c#osse) the cha58ion4 ese- is sai) to have to#n into Steche# an) at one 8oint the #e%e#ee b#o-e a %inishin$ ho/) %o# no $oo) #eason4 Then. with the c#ow) in a %#en,y. ese- ha) Steche# s0b5it a%te# what /oo-e) /i-e a w#ist /oc-4 At %i#st the c#ow) tho0$ht the #e%e#ee ha) #0/e) ese- the winne#. so5e even state) that ese-:s a#5 was #aise). b0t then the #e%e#ee. To55y T#ave#s. #0/e) ese-:s ho/) an i//e$a/ a#5 st#an$/e an) )isI0a/i%ie) ese-4 The c#ow) hisse) an) booe) the )ecision as they th#ew ob>ects into the #in$ in 8#otest4 C/ai5s by the ese-:s #e/atives have Steche# c#yin$ in the #in$ b0t Do)$e histo#ians c/ai5 it was ese- c#yin$4?!&EA A hea#in$ was con)0ce) two )ays /ate# with a// si)e 8#esent with the #e%e#ee4

See5s no two 8eo8/e co0/) a$#ee on what act0a//y ha88ene)4 It was a//e$e). by so5e. that ese- ha) th#own Steche# with a// so#ts o% ho/)s. #an$in$ %#o5 "%i$0#e %o0#s" to ha55e#/oc- c#a)/es an) c#otch. w#ist/oc-s. st#an$/e ho/)s an) >0st 8/ain 50sc/e w#enchin$4 Nothin$ ca5e o0t o% the hea#in$ an) #e%e#ee To55y T#ave#s )ecision was 08 he/)4 Le$en) says that 2oe Steche# $ave the winne#:s sha#e o% the 80#se to ese-4 It 5ay be that 2ohn ese- sti// ha) a cont#act with Ma9 =a05an. b0t 2ohn ha) s8/it %#o5 the San)ow $#o08 by the en) o% &'!* a%te# an a#$05ent with Toots Mon)t in a 7ansas City $y5 )0#in$ the t#ainin$ %o# the %i#st Wayne M0nn 5atch4 The#e was a $y5 1shoot3 5atch between the two an) ese- won4 San)ow was 08set an) a ta/- with Ma9 =a05an #es0/te) in 2ohn I0ittin$ the co58any4 In &'!*. ese-:s a%%ai#s we#e bein$ han)/e) by a co0sin na5e) 2oe D0s. b0t To5 ac- was a/so he/8in$ the "Ti$e# Man"4 So5e c/ai5 that ese-:s )o0b/e c#oss o% Steche# was a 8/ot by =i//y San)ow4 That San)ow o# Ma9 =a05an ha) 8ai) o%% ese- o# sti// ha) so5e ty8e o% cont#o/ ove# the e9B8o/ice5an4 I )on:t -now. b0t it see5s to %it ese-:s e$o an) I %ee/ he was on his own4 I #es8ect 2ohn ese- as a t#0e hoo-e# b0t as a "8#o w#est/e#". his con)0ct a$ainst Steche# an) Ma#in /estina was a )is$#ace4 The ese- )o0b/eBc#oss was a/so a 5a>o# b/otch on Steche#:s ca#ee#4 H8 0nti/ that ni$ht. his histo#y an) #eco#) 5a)e hi5 see5 /i-e the best w#est/e# in the s8o#t an) he be/ieve) it4 The ese- a%%ai# see5e) to h0#t hi5 8e#sona//y an) 8#o%essiona//y. an) chan$e his o8inion o% hi5se/%4 He beca5e >0st anothe# 8#o w#est/e# wo#-in$ 5atches an) these %ee/in$ 5i$ht have been a 5a>o# %acto# in his #eti#e5ent a yea# /ate#4 =i//y San)ow ha) act0a//y /e%t Los An$e/es on Se8te5be# @". havin$ to t#ave/ east beca0se o% the )eath o% his %athe#BinB/aw4 6n 6ctobe# <. &'!*. Lewis went into the co55ission o%%ice an) to/) Ca8t St#e/in$e# that the Steche# 5atch was o%% an) he wante) to $o ho5e4 He sai) he hate) Los An$e/es so 50ch that he was wi//in$ to %o#%eit the ;(."""4?!&(A In ea#/y Nove5be#. the#e we#e #e8o#ts co5in$ o0t o% Chica$o that a b0siness5an ha) o%%e#e) ;&"".""" %o# a tit/e show)own between Steche# an) Lewis4 The ne9t )ay. Nove5be# *. Chica$o 8#o5ote# 2ohn "Doc" 7#one o%%e#e) a ;F(.""" 80#se %o# the 5atch4 Lo0 Da#o ha) sche)0/e) the Steche#GLewis 5atch %o# Dece5be# & at the 6/y58ic b0t on Nove5be# !! =i//y San)ow sent wo#) to the Ca/i%o#nia co55ission that he #e%0se) to have St#an$/e# Lewis w#est/e Steche# in Los An$e/es an) wante) the ;(.""" t#ans%e##e) to anothe# state4 Da#o then #e8/ace) Lewis with 2i5 Lon)os. an) the two sta#s w#est/e) to a two ho0# )#aw in %#ont o% anothe# so/) o0t 6/y58ic4 6n Dece5be# !. the Steche#s an) Lo0 Da#o we#e awa#)e) Lewis: ;(.""" a88ea#ance bon)4 =oth si)es $ot ;!.("" o% =i//y San)ow:s 5oney4?!&*A A%te# San)ow an) Lewis /e%t town. the#e a#e no 5o#e w#est/in$ ca#)s in Je#non an) 8#o5ote# 2ohn De a/5a )isa88ea#s4 In ea#/y 20/y &'!F. a %i#e b0#ne) the Je#non A#ena 1o# Co/ise053 to the $#o0n)4 At so5e ti5e )0#in$ &'!*. San)ow 80b/ishe) ei$ht han)boo-s on con)itionin$. se/%B)e%ense. an) how to w#est/e4 It was si5i/a# to the Fa#5e# =0#ns an) F#anGotch boo-s w#itten whi/e he was cha58ion4 The boo-s we#e %i//e) with 8hotos o% Lewis. Mon)t an) San)ow )e5onst#atin$ ho/)s an) t#ainin$ e9e#cises4 They we#e ca//e) THE SAND6WBLEWIS LI=RARY an) can be bo0$ht to)ay th#o0$h ALADIN RESS4 ?!&FA Steche# went o0t on to0# w#est/in$ th#o0$h the So0th an) Wichita. into hi/a)e/8hia an) New Yo#- City be%o#e hittin$ St Lo0is4 The East ha) #eo8ene) its )oo# to 8#o w#est/in$ an) it ha) a new h0n$e# %o# ente#tain5ent with new a#enas bein$ b0i/) %o# the s8o#tin$ 80b/ic4 New sta#s we#e c#eate) an) sty/es chan$e) to %it a 80b/ic who )i)n:t see 8#o w#est/in$ as a t#0e s8o#t b0t so5ethin$ to have %0n with an) be ente#tain by4 The#e was a nee) %o# w#est/e#G8e#%o#5e#s. an) the i)ea o% on/y t#0e shoote#s bein$ the sta#s when o0t the win)ow4 The n05be# o% ca#)s in each city. an) the n05be# o% 5atches on each ca#) inc#ease)4 Mo#e w#est/e#s we#e nee)e). b0t the n05be# o% act0a/ shoote#s #e5aine) at a stab/e n05be#. so ove# ti5e. the n05be# o% 8e#%o#5e#s be$an to )o5inate the t#0e w#est/e# ty8es4 The cha58ionshi8 5atches. %o# the 5ost 8a#t. we#e sti// 8#esente) in a se#io0s way. b0t the 0n)e#ca#)s we#e %i//e) with b#aw/in$ an) w#est/e#s %/yin$ o0t o% the #in$ into the a0)ience4 The 8#o5ote#s $aine) in cont#o/. an) they wante) the 8owe# to say who wo0/) be cha58ion in the#e own s5a// co58any4 The )ays o% Gotch. Steche#. an) Lewis cont#o//in$

w#est/in$ we#e co5in$ to an en)4 The i)ea in &'!F was that the 8#o5ote#s wo0/) wo#- to$ethe# to 5a-e a$#ee5ents an) 8#o5ote a nationa/ sto#y/ine that wo0/) bene%it eve#yone. b0t as the s8o#t 8#o$#esse) into the &'@":s. it %o0n) that satis%yin$ the nee)s an) i)eas o% the 5any $#o08s wasn:t that easy4 W#est/in$ wa#s we#e c#eate) that 5a)e the Steche#GLewis t#o0b/es in the &'!":s /oo- s5a// ti5e4 A st#an$e event too- 8/ace on Dece5be# &'. &'!*4 St#an$/e# Lewis )e%eate) Mi-e Ro5ano in hi/a)e/8hia4 Now the#e is nothin$ st#an$e abo0t E) beatin$ Ro5ano. he beat hi5 a// the ti5e4 The wei#) 8a#t is the 8#o5ote# bein$ Ray Fabiani an) 2i5 Lon)os w#est/in$ on the 0n)e#ca#)4 A 5a>o# 5e5be# o% the Steche# 8#o5otion boo-in$ Lewis 5i$ht show that the ice between both $#o08s was 5e/tin$4?!&<A Lewis then was in =oston on 2an0a#y &@ to w#est/e a two an) a ha/% ho0# )#aw with at McGi// %o# 8#o5ote# a0/ =owse#4 6n 2an0a#y !&. &'!F. a #e8o#t 8o8s 08 sayin$ that a%te# Toots Mon)t /ost to 2oe Ma/cewic, in T0/sa. he an) =i//y San)ow ha) a heate) a#$05ent in the )#essin$ #oo54 So5e be/ieve that the two b#o-e o%% thei# b0siness 8a#tne#shi8 at that 8oint4 I )on:t -now4 It 5ay have >0st been a wo#-e) sto#y/ine. a%te# a// the #e8o#ts o% Toots t#ainin$ with Lewis in &'!*4 Steche# )e%eate) Nic- L0t,e in hi/a)e/8hia on 2an0a#y F. &'!F4 6n the 0n)e# ca#). a new 5a>o# sta# na5e) Ray Stee/e 1 ete Sa0e#3 )e%eate) 2i5 Lon)os by )ecision4 In the %o//owin$ yea#s. Stee/e wo0/) beco5e Lon)os: $#eatest o88onent. w#est/in$ each othe# in eve#y 5a>o# city in the co0nt#y4 =oth we#e wo#-in$ %o# Steche# at the ti5e an). on 2an0a#y &<. Steche# $ot a win ove# Stee/e at At/anta4 Stee/e. who was bi//e) 0n)e# his #ea/ na5e ete Sa0e# in the So0th an) Los An$e/es. was a 5a>o# hoo-e# an) a %ine 8e#%o#5e#4 Fans see5e) to /ove hi5 win o# /ose an) he was a 5a>o# )#aw ac#oss the co0nt#y4 6n 2an0a#y !@. =i//y San)ow an) Lewis with the Steche#s 8#esent 5et with A0#e/io Fabiani in New Yo#- City4 They ta/- abo0t a tit/e 5atch in hi/a)e/8hia4 No news ca5e %#o5 the 5eetin$4?!&'A Cha58ions wo#-e) a 50ch to0$he# sche)0/e a%te# &'!F4 Gotch. Steche#. an) Lewis 0se) to t#ain in /a#$e cities %o# a /east a wee- be%o#e 5a>o# 5atches. b0t 0n)e# new a$#ee5ents an) with eve#y te##ito#y wantin$ a tit/e 5atch. the cha58ion 5i$ht be on the #oa) %o# E to * 5atches a wee-4 The tit/e 5atches beca5e sho#te# b0t the#e we#e 5o#e o% the54 Fo# the %i#st @ K 5onths o% &'!F. Steche# was wo#-in$ a// ove# the co0nt#y an) )i)n:t $et a #est 0nti/ 5i)BA8#i/4 6the# than his t#i8s to =oston. Lewis t#ave/s consiste) o% 5ain/y 5i)Bwest t#i8s4 He wasn:t 5a-in$ 50ch 5oney an) he was %o#ce) to #ea) a// the news8a8e# sto#ies abo0t hi5 #0nnin$ o0t o% the Steche# 5atch in Los An$e/es4 6n Feb#0a#y !<. Lewis beat Ro5ano in Chica$o4 It was the ei$ht 5atch between the two in the Win)y City4 He an) San)ow #ea/i,e) they nee)e) a new 8/an4 Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e a$ainst Renato Ga#)ini at New Yo#- City on Ma#ch F in %#ont o% &".""" %o# 2ac- C0#/ey4?!!"A Steche# then w#est/e) %o# To5 ac- in St4 Lo0is 1Ma#ch &(3 beatin$ anothe# new sta# in a0/ 2ones4 ac- then t#ave/e) to hi/a)e/8hia to 5eet with the Steche#s4 The to8ic was E) Lewis4 ac- wante) to 8#o5ote the s08e# 5atch with Lewis4 Tony Steche# -new that he a/so nee)e) the bi$ 5oney 5atch. b0t )i)n:t thin-. a%te# what ha88ene) with ese-. that it was wise %o# the cha58ion to w#est/e so5eone o0t si)e thei# t#0st o# co58any4 I thin- they a$#ee) that 2oe wo0/) be wi//in$ to wo#- with Lewis. i% he wo0/) )058 the i)ea o% the San)ow $#o08 an) c#oss the /ine4 6% co0#se. the sto#y was #e/ease) to the 80b/ic in a )i%%e#ent %o#54 ac-:s sto#y/ine was that Lewis ha)n:t w#est/e) a 5a>o# w#est/e# in ove# two yea#s an) nee)e) to 5eet one o% the conten)e#s. b0t i% he )i) that. Steche# wo0/) w#est/e hi54?!!&A ac- then t#ave/e) to 7ansas City an) ate )inne# with =i//y San)ow in his ho5e 1a#o0n) Ma#ch !"34 ac- e98/aine) the 8/an to =i//y4 The i)ea was %o# Lewis to co5e ove# an) at /east wo#- with the Steche# si)e4 The %i#st ste8 wo0/) be a 5a>o# 5atch with 2ohn ese- in St Lo0is on A8#i/ E4 San)ow -new he ha)n:t 5a)e 5a>o# 5oney )0#in$ the wa# with the Steche#s an) they co0/) 5a-e a ton o% it i% they >0st wo#-e) with the new 8#o5ote#s an) I0it 8/ayin$ $a5es4 So San)ow. Lewis an) =owse# a$#ee) to ac-:s 8/an4 6the#s /i-e Fabiani. Da#o. an) Law we#e in on the )ea/ b0t I )on:t -now i% 2ac- C0#/ey was ha88y with the i)ea4?!!&A The LewisG ese- 5atch was anno0nce) in the 8#ess an) on Ma#ch !E Lewis an) San)ow visite) ac- in St4 Lo0is to sco0t /ocations %o# a t#ainin$ site4 The 8/an ha) Lewis t#ainin$ at the Nationa/ Gy5 )0#in$ the wee- /ea)in$ 08 to the A8#i/ E 5atch4

A%te# the 6ctobe# * atte58te) )o0b/eBc#oss on Steche#. ese- )i)n:t w#est/e %o# the #est o% the yea#4 ese- was %#ien)s with 2oe Steche#. an) I )on:t thin- 2oe he/) any #esent5ent a$ainst his %e//ow Neb#as-an4 I thin- 2oe %e/t the cha58ion sho0/) be the best w#est/e# an) it was his own %a0/t in /ettin$ ese- $et the best o% hi54 So5eti5es yo0 5a-e a %#ien) o0t o% a b0//y by beatin$ the5. b0t then I:5 8#obab/y $oo%y as he//4 As %o# eve#yone e/se. b0t To5 ac-. ese- ha) -i//e) his ca#ee# an) )i)n:t w#est/e a$ain %o# the #est o% &'!*4 To5 ac- was he/8in$ 5ana$e ese-. who was sti// a 5a>o# sta# in St Lo0is4 The on/y 8e#%o#5e# bi$$e# in the city was 2i5 Lon)os4 So ac- boo-e) ese- a$ainst Lon)os on 2an0a#y !(. &'!F4 2i55y was a/so -in) o% )a5a$e) $oo)s at the ti5e4 In Me58his on 2an0a#y &E. he was ta-en into 8o/ice c0sto)y. an) boo-e) %o# /a#ceny4?!!!A A Mi-e Cassa#as o% 2ac-son Mississi88i cha#$e) he was #i88e) o%% o% ;&!.""" a%te# bettin$ on the o0tco5e o% a %a-e Lon)os w#est/in$ 5atch in &'!(4 Ri88in$ o%% a5ate0# $a5b/e#s was how 8#o w#est/e#s 5a)e thei# /ivin$ in the ea#/y 8a#t o% the cent0#y an) Lon)os wo0/) have been 8/ayin$ the $a5e too4 =0t by &'!(. 5ost w#est/in$ 8#o5ote#s #ea/i,e) they we#e /oo-in$ %o# 5a>o# t#o0b/e i% they enco0#a$e) %ans to bet on a "wo#-e)" s8o#t an) they ha) 5ove) away %#o5 thei# $a5b/in$ 8ast4 These cha#$es a$ainst Lon)os we#e 80b/ishe) ac#oss the nation an) wo0/) be b#o0$ht 08 by his ene5ies %o# the #est o% his ca#ee#. b0t nothin$ see5s to have co5e %#o5 the54 In 5ost 8eo8/e:s eyes. yo0 ha) to be #ea//y )05b to bet 5a>o# 5oney on a 8#o w#est/in$ 5atch in &'!(4 We -now nothin$ abo0t Lon)os act0a//y $oin$ to t#ia/. I thin- the cha#$es we#e ta-en ca#e o% #ea/ %ast. b0t one o% w#est/in$:s 5a>o# sta#s bein$ a##este) en)e). %o# s0#e. any invo/ve5ent the s8o#t ha) with $a5b/in$4 The sa5e can not be sai) o% bo9in$. baseba//. bas-etba// an) abo0t eve#y othe# s8o#t in A5e#ica4 It wo0/) see5 to 5ost s5a#t %ans that Lon)os was $oin$ ove# the ese- that eve#yone in the w#est/in$ wo#/) was 5a) at. b0t that )i)n:t ha88en4 The 5atch en)e) 08 bein$ a %o0# ho0# c/assic4 The &<( 8o0n) ese- /ost &@ 8o0n)s b0t the !"" 8o0n) Lon)os /ost &" an) the 5atch4 ese- won the %i#st %a// with a hea) scisso#s an) a a#5 /oc- in one ho0# an) twentyBseven 5in0tes4 Lon)os won the secon) %a// in one ho0# an) %o#tyBtwo 5in0tes a%te# %ive #o//in$ hea)/oc-s4 ese- then won the thi#) %a// in E' 5in0tes an) &" secon)s4 The &".""" %ans ca//e) the 5atch $#eat an) #e8o#ts c/ai5e) the#e was no #est ho/)sL The se5iB %ina/ between R0)y D0se- an) a0/ 2ones /aste) &C&"C@"4 They /ove) that 5atch too4?!!@A The #es0/t cost Lon)os a 5atch with Steche# an) see5e) ha#) to e98/ain at the ti5e. b0t To5 ac- ha) 8/ans %o# ese-4 He wante) ese- ove# be%o#e a 5atch with Lewis4 6n Feb#0a#y !(. &'!F. a sto#y in C6LLAR:S EYE an) #e8#inte) in the LINC6LN NE STAR. state) that 2ohn ese- was bac- in the Steche# t#0st4 It c/ai5e) that the 8#o5ote#s he/) ;!&.""" o% his 5oney. that he co0/) on/y $et it bac- i% he #et0#n an) behave) hi5se/%4 The 5oney see5s to have been i58o0n)e) a%te# the 6ctobe# * 5atch4 As 80nish5ent he wo0/) be as-e) to )o a n05be# o% ">obs"4 6n Ma#ch &*. ese- /ost two st#ai$ht %a//s by )isI0a/i%ication to 2ac- She##y at Co/05b0s4 Lewis: %i#st 5atch in St Lo0is in a/5ost th#ee yea#s )i) ta-e 8/ace on A8#i/ F. &'!F4 It was a %inish 5atch an) To5 ac- sta#te) the contest be%o#e the se5iB %ina/ o% a0/ 2ones an) 2oe +i$50n) 1Mayo# o% =#aine#) Neb#as-a3 at 'C"". so that %ans 5i$ht $et so5e s/ee8 in case o% anothe# w#est/in$ 5a#athon4 The 8#eB 5atch 80b/icity was %i//e) with a// the no#5a/ Lewis:s /ies4 He ha) on/y been a 8#o &! yea#s. 5issBs8e//e) his #ea/ na5e. ta/-e) abo0t his co//a$e )e$#ee. the %ive ho0# )#aw with Steche# was a b#0ta/ 5atch. he /ost to M0nn by a %o0/. the #eco#) with Steche# was even. an) he ha) on/y 5et ese- one othe# ti5e. b0t he was bi//e) co##ect/y as the e9Bcha58ion4?!!EA ese- wei$hte) &<< 8o0n)s to Lewis: !@". a )i%%e#ence o% E! 8o0n)s4 The#e was '.""" %ans in the St Lo0is Co/ise05 b0t the 8ai) atten)ance was <.*F!4 The St#an$/e# won the %i#st %a// in &C"@C&' a%te# %o0# hea)/oc-s4 ese- %o0$ht a to0$h batt/e b0t E):s si,e ove# 8owe#e) hi54 ese- ca5e bac- in a $/o#io0s %ashion 8innin$ Lewis 0sin$ a %/yin$ 5a#e o%% an a#5 /oc- in !'C"(4 Loo-in$ %it an) as %ast as eve#. Lewis 8inne) ese- in the thi#) %a// with a co5bination hea) scisso#s an) a a#5 ba# in FC(&4?!!(A To5 ac- then visite) the Steche#s who we#e vacationin$ at Hot S8#in$s. A#-ansas a#o0n) A8#i/ &@4 ac- o%%e#e) 2oe a /a#$e 80#se. sai) to be ;F(.""" 1I )on:t be/ieve that n05be#43 %o# a tit/e 5atch with Lewis in St Lo0is4 Re8o#ts a#e that

Tony an) 2oe we#e wi//in$ to "8/ay ba//" an) this ti5e they we#en:t ta/-in$ abo0t baseba//4?!!*A Fo//owin$ the Lewis 5atch. 2ohn ese-:s ca#ee# too- a )ownwa#) t0#n4 6n 20ne '. he has $iven a St Lo0is #e5atch with 2i5 Lon)os an) $ot beat4 He then #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es to w#est/e a )#aw with 2i55y 120/y !"34 6n A0$0st @. he ha) a conten)e#s 5atch with a0/ 2ones. an) i% he ha) won. he wo0/) have $otten a #e5atch with wo#/) cha58 2oe Steche#Mhe /ost4 ese- then went to hi/a)e/8hia %o# /oses to Geo#$e Ca/,a 16ctobe# &!3 an) Nic- L0t,e 1Nove5be# &<34 6n A8#i/ &&. &'!F. Lewis: o/) %#ien) W/a)e- +bys,-o %ina//y $ot a shot at the wo#/) tit/e. so5ethin$ E) wo0/) neve# $ive hi5. /osin$ to Steche# in New Yo#City4 Steche# a/so beat W/a)e- in At/anta on May !*4 Twice )0#in$ the yea# Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e in %#ont o% &".""" %ans in hi/a)e/8hia 1A0$0st ! an) 6ctobe# !<34 6n 20ne ! the#e is anothe# #e8o#t. this ti5e o0t o% =oston. that Toots Mon)t was b#ea-in$ o%% his #e/ationshi8 with San)ow an) Lewis4 Re$a#)/ess o% the #05o#s. Toots contin0e) to w#est/e an) /ose to Lewis in tit/e 5atches an) was sti// one o% E):s t#aine#s4 6/) %#ien) =i// De5et#a/ ha) been $ivin$ =i//y San)ow t#o0b/e in Chica$o4 De5et#a/ ha) obtaine) a ;(.""" /oan. with his ho5e as co//ate#a/. %#o5 San)ow4 De5et#a/ #e8o#te) to the Chica$o T#ib0ne s8o#ts e)ito# that the 5oney an) the %ea# o% %o#ec/os0#e was a too/ 0se) by San)ow an) his t#0st to 5a-e s0#e De5et#a/ wo0/)n:t beat Lewis )0#in$ a tit/e 5atch4 The news8a8e# 80b/ishe) that sto#y an) othe#s e98osin$ the wo#-in$s o% 8#o w#est/in$ in the city4 This 5ay have been a #eason why Lewis sto88e) wo#-in$ in Chica$o in /ate &'!*4 The $ove#no# o% I//inois o#)e#e) an investi$ation an) th#eatene) to ban w#est/in$ in the state4 A Le$is/at0#e co55ittee investi$ate) the cha#$es ca0se) the cance//ation o% a bi$ o0t)oo# 20ne &* ca#) at W#i$/ey Fie/). Chica$o. whe#e E) Lewis was boo-e) to w#est/e 2oe Ma/cewic,4 San)ow s8ent a /ot o% 5oney in an e%%o#t to sto8 the 8#obe b0t on 20/y &. &'!F. he. Lewis an) De5et#a/ a88ea#e) be%o#e the co55ittee an) testi%ie) 0n)e# oath4 It:s c/ai5e) that Lewis save) the )ay by c/ai5in$ he wasn:t a%#ai) o% any w#est/e# an) was wi//in$ to w#est/e =i// De5et#a/ then o# at any othe# ti5e to 8#ove the#e was no way the G#ee- co0/) beat hi54 De5et#a/ )ec/ine) the cha//en$e an) the investi$ation en)e)4?!!FA 6n Se8te5be# !F. &'!F. 2ac- De58sey /ost his #e5atch %o# his heavywei$ht bo9in$ tit/e to Gene T0nney in Chica$o4 This was the %i$ht with the 5ost %a5o0s #o0n) in bo9in$ histo#y4 De58sey ha) been o0t c/asse) %o# si9 #o0n)s by T0nney. b0t in the seventh he ca0$ht hi5 with a #i$ht han) an) %o//owe) 08 with a se#ies o% ha#) 80nches as the cha58 %e// nea# the #o8es4 De58sey )i)n:t $o to a ne0t#a/ co#ne# an) #e%e#ee Dave =a##y #e%0se) to co0nt 0nti/ 2a-e 5ove) away4 T0nney $ot a "/on$ co0nt" an) 5a)e it bac- to his %eet4 De58sey ha) two 5in0tes /e%t in the #o0n) to %inish the h0#t cha58ion. b0t was o0t bo9e) %o# the #est o% the #o0n) an) %o# the ne9t two #o0n)s4 =y the en) o% the tenth #o0n). De58sey was o0t on his %eet an) T0nney won an easy )ecision4 6nce a$ain T0nney ha) 8#ove) hi5se/% to be De58sey:s 5aste#. b0t ove# the yea#s a// the 80b/ic wo0/) #e5e5be# was the seventh #o0n) an) the "/on$ co0nt4" The#e a#e 5any si5i/a#ities between E) Lewis an) 2ac- De58sey. both we#e c#eations o% 5ani80/ative 5ana$e#s. both we#e hate) by the 80b/ic as cha58ions. b0t beca5e h0$e/y 8o80/a# a%te# thei# ca#ee#s en)e)4 e#ha8s beca0se they #e8#esente) a ty8e o% c#e)ibi/ity thei# s8o#ts ha) /ost4 De58sey %o0$ht on/y one 5a>o# %i$hte# as cha58ion. Wi//a#) was an oa%. =#ennan was sic-. Ca#8entie# was s5a//. Gibbons was o/). an) Fi#8o was 0ns-i//e)4 He #an %#o5 5en /i-e Ha##y Wi//s an) Ha##y G#eb4 The on/y to8 /eve/ %i$hte# he 5et was Gene T0nney an) he /ost. at /east. &< o0t o% !" #o0n)s4 T0nney:s 8#ob/e5s we#e that he was an inte//ect0a/. who /ive) with the 088e# c/ass an) #ea) boo-s. whi/e not ca#in$ what the 80b/ic tho0$ht o% hi5 an) )i)n:t be/ieve in the i)ea that a cha58ion %o0$ht 0nti/ beaten4 He a/so. beca0se he was on/y a//owe) to %i$ht De58sey in &" #o0n) %i$hts. was the %i#st heavywei$ht bo9in$ cha58ion to win his tit/e by )ecision4 T0nney was not the ty8e o% %i$hte# the A5e#ican 80b/ic an) #e8o#te#s wante)4 As ti5e 8aste). De58sey #e5aine) in the 80b/ic eye an) he was #e5e5be#e) as a $#eat cha58ion4 =0t De58sey ha) his T0nney. as Lewis ha) his Steche#4 Wo#se %o# Lewis. he a/so ha) a Lon)os4?!!<A 7nowin$ the %#ien)shi8 between Lewis an) De58sey. it:s ve#y 8ossib/e that E) was at the Chica$o %i$ht that ni$ht4 Eve#yone e/se in the wo#/) was4 6n Nove5be# <. Lewis )e%eate) a0/ 2ones in St Lo0is in two st#ai$ht %a//s4

D0#in$ that 5onth =i//y San)ow 8oste) anothe# ;(.""" bon) with the Ath/etic Co55ission %o# a tit/e 5atch with 2oe Steche#4 6n the !<th. the Steche# b#othe#s visite) with To5 ac- in St Lo0is4 NN Contin0e to CHA TER !& F66TN6TES &'@ L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st &&. &'!( &'E ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=E. Feb#0a#y &&. &'!* &'( =EL6IT DAILY NEWS. Feb#0a#y !". &'!* &'* =6ST6N 6ST. Ma#ch E. &'!* &'F =6ST6N 6ST. Ma#ch &!. &'!* &'< Why wo0/) Tony Steche# an) 2ac- C0#/ey a//ow thei# cha58ion to w#est/e %o# a0/ =owse#. a 5a>o# Lewis 8#o5ote#. in =oston when the sit0ation /oo-e) /i-e a )o0b/e c#oss %#o5 the )ay o% the si$nin$O C0#/ey ha) a b0nch o% 8eo8/e in the a#ena that ni$ht. an) once the c#oss 08 sta#te). they a// >058e) into the #in$ an) /e) 2oe to the )#essin$ #oo54 The#e a/so was a ton o% 8#oBC0#/ey 8#ess in the /oc-e# #oo5 %o# the 8#ess con%e#ence4 It co0/) be that C0#/ey was one ste8 a hea) o% =owse# an) antici8ate) eve#ythin$ that ha88ene) that ni$ht4 His thin-in$ 5i$ht have been that a 5essin$ 08 5atch in %#ont o% an a#ena o% %ans 8ayin$ to see 2oe Steche# w#est/e 5i$ht bac- %i#e on =owse#4 Sc#ewin$ 08 yo0# own ca#) 5i$ht >0st a/ienate yo0# own %an base4 ("" %ans )i) as- %o# thei# 5oney bac-. once they #ea/i,e) the 5ain event was $oin$ to be Ma/cewic, ve#se Ne) McG0i#e4 The tota/ e%%ect o% the st0nt was ,e#o4 It en)e) 08 as >0st anothe# e9a58/e o% w#est/in$ insi)e#s h05i/iatin$ the5se/ves in the eye o% the 80b/ic4 &'' F#o5 Don L0ce:s #esea#ch o% Chica$o4 #obab/y %o0n) in the CHICAG6 TRI=HNE4 !"" The #e8o#t o% the 65aha con%e#ence ca5e %#o5 ST L6HIS GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. Ma#ch !F an) Ma#ch !<. &'!*4 The con%e#ence was ta/-e) abo0t as 8a#t o% the b0i/) 08 to the Steche#G ese- 5atch4 What act0a//y ha88ene) in the con%e#ence is 5ost/y s8ec0/ation by 5e. b0t the to8ics 5ention is what 8#o5ote#s no#5a//y )isc0sse) at these 5eetin$s an) the #es0/t is a88a#ent ove# the ne9t yea#4 !"& ST L6HIS GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ @". &'!*P6the# #esea#ch has Lewis w#est/in$ in =oston on the )ate o% the 5atch4 !"! THE HILADEL HIA INDHIRER. 20ne &&. &'!* !"@ L6S ANGELES HERALD. 20ne &F. &'!* !"E Je#non 5a)e the news in the /ast yea# 1!"&"34 Leonis Ma/b0#$. <". se#ve) as 5ayo# an) co0nci/5an %o# 5o#e than ha/% a cent0#y 0nti/ he was %o#ce to #esi$n in !""'4 His $#an)%athe#. 2ohn =asI0e Leonis. a cha#is5atic =asI0e i55i$#ant. %o0n)e) Je#non an) the %a5i/y na5e ca5e to $#ace eve#ythin$ %#o5 a st#eets to a 8owe# 8/ant4 A//e$ations we#e 5a)e %o# yea#s that the %a5i/y )i)n:t even /ive in the city4 In &'F<. Mayo# Ma/b0#$ was cha#$e) by the $#an) >0#y with 8e#>0#y an) %#a0)0/ent votin$. beca0se he )i)n:t /ive in Je#non b0t in a s8acio0s ho5e in Hancoc- a#-4 The cha#$es we#e )#o88e)4 =0t in !""*. he an) his son 2ohn Ma/b0#$ we#e a$ain %acin$ the sa5e cha#$es an) on Dece5be# (. !""'. they we#e convicte) o% vote# %#a0) an) cons8i#acy4 See5s they we#e sti// /ivin$ in the sa5e Hancoca#- estate that the city:s %o0n)e#. Leonis Ma/b0#$:s $#an)%athe#. once owne)4 Leonis. at a$e <". )i)n:t se#ve any ti5e. b0t he wasn:t a//owe) to #0n %o# o%%ice a$ain4 His 8/anne) s0ccesso# son 2ohn. went to >ai/ %o# ei$ht yea#s %o# se90a//y ab0sin$ chi/)#en4 None o% this #e5ove) any o% the city:s othe# /ea)e#s an) b0siness contin0e) as 0s0a/4 In !"&&. the#e is a 5ove5ent in the Ca/i%o#nia Asse5b/y to )isinco#8o#ate the City o% Je#non. b0t to )o so it wi// have to batt/e an a#5y o% Ca/i%o#nia:s best an) 5ost e98ensive /aw/e#s4 !"( L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st &. &'!*PThe Je#non 8#o5otion was 5a-in$ a// -in)s o% %a/se c/ai5s4 6ne o% which was that =i// De5et#a/ was the t#0e G#eecha58ion. not Lo0 Da#o:s 2i5 Lon)os. an) that the two w#est/e#s ha) neve# 5et in the #in$4 Lon)os )e%eate) De5et#a/ %o# the G#ee- tit/e in a we// -nown 5atch in New Yo#- City on 2an0a#y (. &'!"4 Lon)os a/so beat De5et#a/ in the #e5atch on Ma#ch !'. &'!" in New Yo#- City4 !"* L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st !". &'!*PSteche# "MI a5 a%#ai) when the ti5e co5es %o# the 5atch. M#4 Lewis wi// be cons8ic0o0s by his absence4" !"F L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st !E. &'!* !"< Acco#)in$ to /oca/ Do)$e histo#ian. A/e9 Meye#. Tony Steche# was boo-e) to w#est/e a 2ohn evs-/y in Do)$e on 20/y E. &'&!4 Tony too- sic- an) co0/)n:t w#est/e. so yo0n$e# b#othe# 2oe too- his 8/ace an) beat evs-/y. "a $iant =ohe5ian" in %#ont o% Wi//ia5 J/ach:s Ria/to Theate# in Do)$e4 This #es0/t ca5e %#o5 a Wi/5an J/ach. I $0ess was a son o% Wi//ia5 J/ach. an) bo#n on 20ne &*

&'&* an) is sti// a/ive4 A/e9 I0estione) J/ach abo0t this 5atch. an) state) that he won)e#e) i% evs-/y was in %act the $#eat 2ohn ese-4 He sai) this -nowin$ that evs-/y was )esc#ibe) as a "$iant =ohe5ian" an) ese- was on/y si9 %oot an) &<" 8o0n)s4 M#4 J/ach #e8/ie) i55e)iate/yC "It was 2ohn ese-L He ca5e to Do)$e to w#est/e %o# Do)$e:s Eth o% 20/y ce/eb#ation that yea#4 They set the w#est/in$ #in$ 08 #i$ht in %#ont o% Da):s theate#4 Yo0 -now that b0i/)in$ beca5e o0# G#oce#y Sto#e an) then was Ma#v:s G#oce#y be%o#e he 5ove) ac#oss the st#eet4" I% this was t#0e. it wo0/) have been ese-:s %i#st 8#o%essiona/ 5atch an) Steche#:s secon)4 When he was $#owin$ 08. J/ach /ive) on the sa5e st#eet with 2oe Steche# an) by a$e &! was t#ainin$ with the cha58ion o# at /east watchin$ 2oe wo#- o0t4 Steche# ha) a #in$ set 08 ne9t to his $a#a$e %o# t#ainin$ in $oo) weathe#. b0t at othe# ti5es wo0/) t#ain on the secon) %/oo# o% the Ch0)o5e/-a:s $a#a$e4 It was in this $a#a$e that Ma#- Cha85an %o0n) the t#ainin$ eI0i85ent on )is8/ay in his w#est/in$ 50se05 in Iowa4 J/ach te//s sto#ies o% ese- t#ainin$ with Steche# in the $a#a$e4 !"' L6S ANGELES TIMES. an) L6S ANGELES HERALD A0$0st !*. &'!*BThe atten)ance was ca//e) a so/) o0t '."""4 !&" L6S ANGELES TIMES. Se8te5be# &. &'!* !&& L6S ANGELES TIMES. Se8te5be# &(. &'!* !&! L6S ANGELES TIMES. Se8te5be# !(. &'!* !&@ L6S ANGELES TIMES. 6ctobe# @. &'!* !&E L6S ANGELES TIMES 6ctobe# F. &'!*PYo0 can a/so #ea) a ese- %a5i/y ve#sion o% the 5atch in CATCH WRESTLING by Ma#- Hewitt4 I consi)e# Hewitt a %#ien) an) one o% the best histo#ians in 8#o w#est/in$ b0t 5y %ee/in$ a#e that he s8ent too 50ch ti5e a#o0n) the ese- %a5i/y an) $ave a ve#y 8#oB ese- view o% the 5atch4 He see5s to thin- that eve#y ese- 5atch in &'!* was a shoot. e9ce8t the 5atch Steche# won4 Most o% 5y w#est/in$ -now/e)$e ca5e th#o0$h Ma#- Hewitt. so I sho0/) >0st -ee8 5y 5o0th sh0t4 I:ve a/so co5e in contact with Geo%% ese- an) thin- he:s a $#eat $0y4 !&( L6S ANGELES TIMES. 6ctobe# '. &'!* !&* L6S ANGELES EQAMINER. Nove5be# !!. &'!* !&F a/a)in #ess !&< HILADEL HIA INDHIRER. Dece5be# &<. &'!F !&' HILADEL HIA INDHIRER. 2an0a#y !@. &'!F !!" 6LICE GA+ETTEE. Ma#ch <. &'!FB"It was a 5aste#/y e9hibition that Steche# $ave4 He even 5a)e the Ita/ian $#a88/e# /oo- $oo). tho0$h he 8/ain/y o0tc/asse) hi54 Li-e a s/ee- ti$e# cat Steche# wo#-e) a#o0n) his 5an /a,i/y 0nti/ he ha) b#o0$ht abo0t his )own%a//4 A/tho0$h Ga#)ini is a $#eat 8ose# an) st#ives to 5a-e eve#y 5ove a )#a5atic 8ict0#e. Steche# has #e)0ce) his a#t to a si58/icity that 5a-es o% hi5 the t#0e show5an an) one whose wo#- is we// wo#th watchin$4" !!& ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. Ma#ch !F. &'!F !!! ASS6CIATED RESS. 2an0a#y &(. &'&F !!@ ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. 2an0a#y !F. &'!F !!E ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ @ to A8#i/ F. &'!F !!( ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ <. &'!F !!* ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ '. an) A8#i/ &". &'!F !!F The 5a>o# so0#ce o% this sto#y co5es %#o5 Cha8te# seven o% FALL GHYS by Ma#c0s G#i%%in4 It c/ai5s that Lewis: wo#)s we#e "I:5 5at cha58ion o% the wo#/)4 I stan) #ea)y to 5eet any 5an a/ive %o# 5y tit/e4 I have neve# as-e) a 5an to /ose to 5e an) I neve# wi//4 De5et#a/ be/ieves he co0/) have beaten 5e i% he ha)n:t bo##owe) 5oney %#o5 San)ow4 I 8#esent he#ewith a #e/ease %#o5 San)ow4 I a/so /ay be%o#e yo0 $ent/e5en a cash bon) o% twentyB%ive tho0san) )o//a#s an) I a5 wi//in$ to 8ay it to De5et#a/ i% he can beat 5e he#e be%o#e yo0 $ent/e5en in this #oo5 o# in any $y5nasi05 yo0 ca#e to na5e4" !!< Rea) THNNEY by 2ac- Cavana0$h. a $#eat boo-4 I a/so 0se) DEM SEY by 2acDe58sey. an) =a#ba#a iatte//i De58sey4

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The Steche# Rei$n o% &'!( an) &'!* A%te# beatin$ +bys,-o. Steche# )e%en)e) his tit/e in Wichita a$ainst /oca/ %avo#ite Dic- Davisco0#t 120ne (34 Then he t#ave/ to Los An$e/es to $et away %#o5 the Mi)west heat an) wo#- one 5atch4 6n 20ne &". &'!(. Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e a$ainst Dan 7o/o%%. who was a 8owe#%0/ /oo-in$ R0ssian w#est/e# an) tho0$ht o% as a ve#y $oo) wo#-e#. b0t was neve# 80she) o0t o% the conten)e# /eve/ %o# so5e 0n-nown #eason4 The 5atch too- 8/ace at the E98osition a#-:s 6ne H0n)#e) an) Si9tieth Re$i5ent A#5o#y4 2oe won the 5atch4 The 8#o5ote# was Lo0 Da#o. who to/) Steche# o% the city:s 8/ans to b0i/) a &".""" seat a#ena nea# )owntown Los An$e/es4 In &'!(. in a ti5e when on/y two cities 1New Yo#- City an) 7ansas City3 ha) in)oo# a#enas with seatin$ o% ove# &".""". it wo0/) be bi//e) as the /a#$est s8o#ts 8a/ace in A5e#ica4 The city was $#owin$ %aste# than any 8/ace in A5e#ica an) he 8#o5ise) 2oe that his 8ayo%%s wo0/) $#ow with it4 Tony an) 2oe both /ove) the beach an) the 5ovie sta#s so they 5a)e 8/ans to #et0#n %o# the o8enin$ o% The 6/y58ic A0)ito#i054 Steche# was in Lewis: town. Chica$o. to )e%en) the tit/e a$ainst F#an- 20)son on 20ne !* at the Co/ise054 He )#ew *.""" an) ;<.("". which 5ay have been a nea# se// o0t at the ti5e4 Lewis an) San)ow see5e) to be /ivin$ in 7ansas City with a /ot o% ti5e bein$ s8ent in Chica$o an) T0/sa4 =oth w#est/e#s we#e bi//e) as cha58ion in Chica$o an) the batt/e between the two 5a)e 5o#e news than in any othe# city4 The win)y city was Lewis: ho5e. b0t Steche# wasn:t a%#ai) to visit4 Steche# w#est/e) a #e5atch with Stan +bys,-o in Wichita 120/y &3 an) then t#ave/e) th#o0$h the so0th. into 6hio an) %inishe) 08 in Minnea8o/is4 The Steche#s #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es on 20/y &'4 They both b#o0$ht thei# %a5i/ies an) 5ove) into new ho0ses in Lon$ =each. a /a#$e #eso#t town so0th o% the 5ain city. -nown %o# its beaches an) /a#$e a50se5ent 8a#-4 At the ti5e. it was /i-e /ivin$ ne9t to Disney/an)4 Steche# si$ne) to a88ea# as the %i#st 5ain event on a w#est/in$ ca#) at the new 6/y58ic A0)ito#i05. which o8ene) with a bo9in$ ca#) on A0$0st (. &'!(4 The b0i/) 08 consiste) o% Steche# t#ainin$ with bo9in$ cha58 2ac- De58sey at the Manhattan $y5 120/y !<3 an) an a88ea#ance at the Ho//ywoo) Ath/etic C/0b 1A0$0st <3. which ha) a 5e5be#shi8 o% eve#y 5a>o# 5ovie sta# in town4 6n A0$0st &". &'!(. Steche# o8ene) the new 6/y58ic A0)ito#i05 by )#awin$ <.<"" in )e%eatin$ Renato Ga#)ini4 The News8a8e#s c/ai5e) that the b0i/)in$ was the /a#$est in the co0nt#y with a ca8acity o% &(.""". b0t that was a /ie4 The #ea/ ca8acity was a#o0n) &".""" in those yea#s. with &!.""" 8ossib/e. with stan)in$ #oo5 on/y4 This 5eans 8eo8/e sittin$ in the ais/es4 The <.<"" was an in)oo# Ca/i%o#nia state #eco#)4?&'@A 6n the 0n)e#ca#) was Los An$e/es:s %avo#ite w#est/e#. 2i5 Lon)os an) e9Bcha58. Stan +bys,-o4 The %ans /ove) the $#eat /oo-in$ an) ha#) wo#-in$ Lon)os an) the Steche#s wo0/)n:t ho/) hi5 bac-. /i-e =i//y San)ow4 Lon)os wasn:t a 8#o5ote#. b0t he ha) a who/e /ine 08 o% G#ee- 8#o5ote#s behin) hi5. a stab/e o% w#est/in$ %#ien)s 1Ray Stee/e. Ga#)ini. an) Davisco0#t3 on his tea5. an) he was 8o80/a# in eve#y city he a88ea#e) in4 The on/y thin$ not in his %avo# was si,e4 Lon)os an) the Steche#s $ot a/one we// an) 5atches we#e boo-e) to a)vance both o% the54 6n the %i#st 6/y58ic ca#). Lon)os beat 2i5 =#ownin$ in ((C!*4 A #e8o#t in the T0/sa news8a8e# on A0$0st !<. &'!(. sai) that Lewis an) San)ow ha) investe) in an oi/ we// /ocate) at D0incy. 7ansas4 The #e8o#t >0st sai) they we#e )#i//in$ %o# oi/. it )i)n:t say they %o0n) any4 At the new 6/y58ic. Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e a$ainst Goho Goba# 1A0$0st !E3. an) e9Bcha58 Stan +bys,-o 1Se8te5be# !<34 6n Nove5be# '. Steche# won the on/y %a// be%o#e the two ho0# /i5it e98i#e) a$ainst 2i5 Lon)os. $ivin$ hi5 anothe# win at the 6/y58ic4 The cha58ion then )e%en)e) in San F#ancisco. Chica$o. Co/05b0s an) C/eve/an)4 He #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es on Dece5be# &E %o# a two ho0# )#aw with Lon)os4 The on/y city whe#e Lewis co0/) ho/) his own with Steche# was Chica$o. b0t on 2an0a#y &&. &'!*. Lewis )i) )#aw a c#ow) o% &!."" beatin$ Wayne M0nn in Denve#4 2an0a#y !( saw Steche# beatin$ F#an- 20)son in Chica$o in %#ont o% !."""4 Fo0#

)ays /ate#. on 2an0a#y !'. Lewis beat Stan/ey Stasia- )#awin$ F."""4 C0#/ey b#o0$ht the cha58ion. 2oe Steche#. bac- into New Yo#- City on Feb#0a#y & an) )#ew a se//o0t &".""" 0sin$ (F yea# o/) E0#o8ean /e$en) Ivan o))0bny as a cha//en$e#4 Steche# then )e%eate) 2i5 Lon)os in St Lo0is on Feb#0a#y &". )#awin$ a se//o0t &!.""" an) ;@<.""" with tho0san)s t0#ne) away4?&'EA In hi/a)e/8hia he beat Geo#$e Ca/,a. who I be/ieve is one o% the 5ost 0n)e##ate) w#est/e#s in histo#y4 San)ow was ab/e to $et 8hotos o% Lewis 8osin$ with &! yea# o/) F#an- Gotch 2# in news8a8e#s a// ove# the nation on Feb#0a#y !"4 The St#an$/e# c/ai5e) that Gotch senio# ha) ta0$ht hi5 5any thin$s ea#/y in his ca#ee# an) he was $oin$ to 8ass the -now/e)$e on to 20nio#4 Lewis 8#o5ise) to ta-e 20nio# "in tow" an) 5a-e a w#est/in$ cha58ion o0t o% hi5. >0st /i-e his Da)4 It was b#i//iant R by San)ow b0t. !" yea#s /ate#. 20nio# was wo#-in$ as a %inancia/ ana/yst in Ho0ston4 I a/so %o0n) it %0nny that the #e8o#t ca//e) Lewis the e9Bcha58ion4?&'(A Lewis an) Steche# went a$ainst each othe# in Chica$o on Ma#ch &. &'!*4 Steche# was to w#est/e Geo#$e Ca/,a at the Co/ise05. b0t Ca/,a no showe) an) Renato Ga#)ini was 0se) as a #e8/ace5ent4 Fans we#e 0se) to seein$ Ga#)ini >ob in tit/e 5atches. so the ca#) )#ew on/y &.(""4 Lewis )e%eate) Stan/ey Stasia- at De9te# a#- avi/ion with his tit/e on the /ine an) )#ew '.""" an) ;&<."""4 So Lewis won the ni$ht4 It sho0/) be note) that Steche# was in the Co/ise05. whi/e Lewis: 5atch was at the Chica$o stoc- ya#)4 a0/ =owse# was in Chica$o that ni$ht /oo-in$ %o# one o% the two cha58ions to w#est/e 2oe Ma/cewic, in =oston4 He #et0#ne) ho5e with an a$#ee5ent with the Steche#s that 2oe wo0/) w#est/e in =oston on Ma#ch &&. &'!* a$ainst a 0n-nown w#est/e# %o# a 80#se o% ;&!.(""4 Tony Steche# was /e) to be/ieve the 8#o5ote) "0n-nown" wo0/) be 2a-e =#iss/e# an) he co0/) b#in$ his own #e%e#ee4 =owse# wei#) sty/e o% 8#o5otin$ ca#)s 5a)e the =oston %ans thin- 2oe Ma/cewic, wo0/) be in the 5ain event4?&'*A Steche# a/so wante) his 80#se 8ai) be%o#e the 5atch4 6n the )ay o% the 5atch. =owse# to/) Steche# he co0/)n:t 8ay hi5 the ;&!.("". b0t o%%e#e) hi5 a 8e#centa$e o% the ho0se4 Since the $0y he was w#est/in$ wasn:t 5a>o#. 2oe a$#ee). b0t wante) his 5oney be%o#e the 5atch sta#te)4 =owse# a$#ee). an) the )ea/ was 5a)e that Tony wo0/) be $iven a chec- be%o#e the sta#t o% the 5atch4 The Steche#s 50st have s0s8ecte) a )i#ty t#ic- be%o#e even $oin$ to the a#ena4 2ac- =#iss/e# was the %i#st in the #in$ %o//owe) by 2oe an) Tony Steche#4 Then the Steche#G2ac- C0#/ey #e%e#ee. Lo0 G#ace. was not a//owe) into the #in$ an) he was #e8/ace) with a =owse# #e%e#ee. Leon =0#ban-4 A $#o08 o% 5en %o#5e) a#o0n) =#iss/e#. an) he was h0st/e) o0t o% the #in$4 2oe Ma/cewic,. who ha) been sittin$ #in$si)e in st#eet c/oths. >058e) into the #in$. 0n)#esse). an) was )ec/a#e) by the #in$ anno0nce# to be the "Hn-nown"4 Face) with the obvio0s )o0b/eBc#oss. the Steche#s >058e) %#o5 the #in$ an) #et0#ne) to the )#essin$ #oo5 as the anno0nce# 8#oc/ai5e) Ma/cewic, "the new heavywei$ht cha58ion o% the wo#/) by %o#%eit4"?&'FA As Ma/cewic, w#est/e) s0b Ne) McG0i#e. the Steche#s he/) a 8#ess con%e#ence in the )#essin$ #oo5 e98/ainin$ thei# si)e o% the 5ess4 They state) they we#e wi//in$ to 5eet Ma/cewic, at any ti5e %o# a si)e bet o% ;&".""" an) state) that the wo##y was the =owse# #e%e#ee =0#ban-4 The 8#ess #e8o#te) the 5ess %o# what it was. a %ai/e) )o0b/eBc#oss. an) the w#est/in$ 80b/ic. 0se) to )o0b/e c#osses a%te# the +bys,-oGM0nn 5atch. neve# 8ai) 50ch attention to it4 Ma/cewic,:s )i) c/ai5 the tit/e in =oston. an) 0se) the 5atch as R ove# the #est o% his ca#ee#. b0t no one tho0$ht Steche# was a%#ai) o% hi54 Steche# was banne) by the New Yo#Ath/etic Co55ission 1Ma#ch !*3 %o# a sho#t 8e#io) o% ti5e whi/e the cha58ion was on the West Coast. b0t that was /i%te) when 2oe #et0#ne) to the East to w#est/e 2i5 Lon)os in May &'!*4?&'<A 6n Ma#ch *. &'!*. a news #e/ease sai) that =i//y San)ow ha) 80#chase) the cont#act o% 2oe "Toots" Mon)t. which ha) th#ee yea#s to #0n. %#o5 Ra/8h Mon)t 1Toot:s 8#o5ote# b#othe#34 Yo0 won)e# what that was abo0t. i% boo-s /i-e FALL GHYS we#e #i$ht that Toots was a 8a#tne# with San)ow an) Lewis4 I thin- San)ow. an) 5ost o% the w#est/in$ wo#/) in &'!*. 0se) ve#ba/ cont#acts an) Toots was >0st "ta/ent"4 Most o% San)ow:s 5a>o# w#est/e#s ha) >058e) to the C0#/eyGSteche# $#o08 an) 5aybe San)ow was wo##ie) abo0t Mon)t. so he wante) the cont#act on 8a8e#4?&''A Fo# the %i#st ten 5onths o% his tit/e #ei$n. Steche# ha) #e%0se) to w#est/e Lewis4 He c/ai5e) it was "8ay bac-" beca0se Lewis ha) #e%0se) to w#est/e hi5

whi/e cha58ion4 It was so5ethin$ that cha58ions )i) an) wo0/) a/ways )o when %ace) with a t#0st b0ste# ty8e shoote#4 2oe Steche# wasn:t a $#eat thin-e# an) a// he #ea//y wante) to )o was w#est/e4 He wasn:t a%#ai) o% St#an$/e# Lewis o# 2ohn ese-4 6ve# the %i#st ten 5onths. thei# ha) been 5any o%%e#s by 8#o5ote#s %#o5 both si)es %o# anothe# Steche#GLewis 5atch4 Chica$o 8#o5ote# a))y Ha#5on o%%e#e) ;(".""" 120ne @. &'!(3. St Lo0is: To5 ac- o%%e#e) ;(".""" 120ne !'. &'!(3. Denve#:s Ra/8h Mon)t o%%e#e) ;@"."" 12an0a#y <. &'!*3 an) the#e we#e 5any 5o#e o%%e#s that )i)n:t 5a-e the news8a8e#s4 A%te# the 5ess with Ma/cewic, in =oston. 2oe chan$e) his tactics4 He be$an to acce8t the cha//en$es o% Lewis an) ese- an) it was Lewis an) San)ow who bac-e) )own4 ese-. o% co0#se. was o0t o% a >ob an) $a5e %o# anythin$4 6n Ma#ch !*. &'!*. a// the 5a>o# 8#o5ote#s o% the Steche# $#o08 5et in 65aha %o# a con%e#ence4 #esent the#e we#e 2ac- C0#/ey o% New Yo#-. To5 ac- o% St Lo0is. Lo0 Da#o o% Los An$e/es. 2oe Co%%ey o% Chica$o. To5 Law o% Wichita. Gene Me/a)y o% 65aha. an) A0#e//o Fabiani o% hi/a)e/8hia 8/0s o%%icia/s %#o5 Me58his an) At/anta4 The 5eetin$ /aste) into A8#i/4 It wo0/) see5 that the $#o08 )isc0sse) the 5ove5ent o% ta/ent between te##ito#ies an) c#eate) a %o#50/a %o# the to0#in$ o% the cha58ion between cities4 I be/ieve this was a 8owe# 8/ay by the 8#o5ote#s to cont#o/ nationa/ sto#y/ines an) the wo#/) cha58ion4 They wante) the choice o% cha58ions to be in the han)s o% a// the 8#o5ote#s an) not cont#o//e) by in)ivi)0a/ 5ana$e#s /i-e Tony Steche#. =i//y San)ow o# a Fa#5e# =0#ns4 I be/ieve that Tony Steche# $ave in. at /east in 8a#t. to thei# )e5an)s4 The syste5 wo0/) be /ess wo#- %o# hi5. he:// have a// the 8#o5otiona/ 8#ob/e5s ta-en ca#e o%% with conten)e#s ove# with the %ans be%o#e he eve# $ot to a town4 A// he an) his cha58ion wo0/) have to wo##y abo0t wo0/) be t#ans8o#tation to the ne9t city4?!""A We -now abo0t this con%e#ence beca0se a sto#y/ine in St Lo0is ca5e o0t o% it4 2oe Steche# to/) the 5e5be#s that he wante) a 5atch with 2ohn ese- an) wo0/) sto8 w#est/in$ on A8#i/ F an) be$in intensive t#ainin$ at Hot S8#in$s. A#-ansas4 The sto#y/ine. in St Lo0is. was that a// the 8#o5otions we#e bi))in$ on the Steche#G ese- 5atch an) that To5 ac- o% St Lo0is won4 6n A8#i/ &*. both esean) Steche# si$ne) %o# an St Lo0is 5atch on A8#i/ !'4 6n A8#i/ &. Lewis $ot hi5se/% into anothe# a0toBacci)ent4 This one #es0/te) in a %ist %i$ht with a (! yea# o/) Cha#/es Whee/e# in %#ont o% an a8a#t5ent ho0se at E@" S0#% St#eet in Chica$o4 The b#aw/ too- 8/ace in a snow )#i%t an) was b#o-en 08 by the 8o/ice4 They %o0n) Whee/e# in a cho-e ho/) an) Lewis b/ee)in$ %#o5 his /i84 The two a88ea#e) to$ethe# in %#ont o% M0nici8a/ 20)$e a))en4 A%te# both 5en shoo- han)s an) sai) they we#e so##y. the cha#$es we#e )#o88e)4 Whee/e# was I0ote) as sayin$C "I% I ha) -nown who that bi$ $o#i//a was. I wo0/)n:t have t#ie) it4" Lewis then beat M0nn in =oston on A8#i/ ( an) #et0#n to Chica$o 1A8#i/ &'3 to 8in Ra%a//e G#enna in %#ont o% anothe# $oo) c#own o% <.""" %o# 8#o5ote# a))y Ha#5on4 Sho#t/y a%te# 1May &&3. a new =o9in$ an) W#est/in$ Co55ission in Chica$o banne) a// w#est/in$ an) a5ate0# bo9in$ shows 0nti/ they co0/) iss0e /icenses to 8#o5ote#s4 6n 20ne &'. a #e8o#t ha) the co55ission )#awin$ 08 new #0/es to $ove#n w#est/in$4 e#ha8s this #es0/te) in neithe# Lewis o# Steche# a88ea#in$ in Chica$o %o# the #est o% &'!*4 6n A8#i/ !'. &'!*. E) Lewis was #in$si)e at the St Lo0is Co/ise05 to watch Steche# )e%en) the tit/e a$ainst 2ohn ese-4 ese- won the %i#st %a// in th#ee ho0#s an) %i%teen secon)s with a )o0b/e w#ist /oc-4 Steche# #et0#ne) to ta-e the secon) %a// with a )o0b/e win$ /oc- in @@ 5in0te an) (* secon)s4 When the thi#) %a// ha) #each E" 5in0tes an) @( secon)s. Steche# 8ic-e) ese- 08 %o# a s/a5. b0t 2ohn wi$$/e) a#o0n) %o#cin$ the wo#n o0t cha58ion to )#o8 hi54 ese- %e// th#o0$h the #o8es an) /an)e) on his hea). to be co0nte) o0t o% the #in$4 eseha) a conc0ssion an) was ta-en to a /oca/ hos8ita/4 Steche# was he/) 0n)e# technica/ a##est by the 8o/ice 0nti/ it was #evea/e) that ese- in>0#y wasn:t se#io0s4 The )ecision by the #e%e#ee was that the %a// on to the %/oo# wasn:t the %a0/t o% the cha58ion. so the winne# was Steche#4?!"&A 2i5 Lon)os contin0e) to be Steche#:s to8 conten)e# an) on 20ne &" the two )#ew &(.""" 8eo8/e to the %i#st event at the new hi/a)e/8hia M0nici8a/ Sta)i054 Steche# )e%eate) Lon)os in &C("C!*4 Lon)os. who ha) t#aine) %o# the 5atch with 2ac- De58sey. ha) an 0n0s0a/ abi/ity to $ain 8o80/a#ity with each /oss. was beco5in$ one o% s8o#t:s bi$$est )#aws4?!"!A The Steche#s then #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es to )#aw 5o#e than &".""" at the so/) o0t 6/y58ic A0)ito#i05 on 20ne&*

a$ain beatin$ Ivan o))0bny4?!"@A =owse# contin0e) his 80sh o% 2oe Ma/cewic, in =oston an) on 20/y &. &'!* sta$e) a s08e# 5atch between two tit/e c/ai5ants. St#an$/e# Lewis an) Ma/cewic,. at the o0t)oo# =#aves Fie/)4 The 5atch )#ew ove# &".""" %ans an) en)e) 08 a )#aw4 The two s8/it %a//s in a contest that /aste) th#ee ho0#s. twentyBtwo 5in0tes an) thi#)/y secon)s4 To 5e it was the hi$h/i$ht o% Lewis: yea#4 A 5onth /ate# 1A0$0st !3. Lewis 5et Ma/cewic, in T0/sa in %#ont o% a c#ow) o% <."""4 The St#an$/e# was bi//e) as the cha58ion b0t the 8#o5ote#. Sa5 Avey. )i) bi// Ma/cewic, as havin$ a tit/e c/ai5 on the East Coast4 a0/ =owse# was 8#esent an) bi//e) as Ma/cewic,:s 5ana$e#4 In a %i#st %a//. that /aste) one ho0# an) twentyBth#ee 5in0tes. Ma/cewic, b#o-e Lewis: hea)/oc- @" ti5es. b0t E) /oo-e) /i-e a s0#e winne#. when the cha//en$e# catch E) co5in$ in an) hit the St#an$/e# with a si)e s08/e9 1#eve#se %/yin$ 5a#e3 an) $ot a 8in4 A%te# a !( 5in0te #est 8e#io). the two #es05e) with Lewis once a$ain atte58tin$ to wea# )own Ma/cewic, with hea)/oc-s4 A%te# a thi#) hea)/oc-. Ma/cewic, )a,e) by the s/ee8e# e%%ect o% the ho/). th#ew Lewis o0t o% the #in$4 Hn)e# the #0/es a$#ee) 08on be%o#e the 5atch. #e%e#ee Te) Tonne5an )isI0a/i%ie) Ma/cewic,4 San)ow c/ai5e) Lewis ha) in>0#e) his si)e an) #e%0se) to /et the cha58ion #et0#n to the #in$. so Lewis won beca0se o% the %o0/ witho0t a thi#) %a//4 This 5a)e the c#ow) 0nha88y an) whi/e booin$ Lewis they /in$e#e) a#o0n) #in$si)e %o# !" 5in0tes. ye//in$ %o# a thi#) %a//. 0nti/ the 8o/ice b#o-e the5 084 Los An$e/es an) the &'!* Fo#%eit In A0$0st &'!*. =i//y San)ow an) E) Lewis too- the w#est/in$ wa# an) thei# co58any to Los An$e/es to batt/e the Steche#s an) Lo0 Da#o %ace to %ace4 It was anothe# 5ista-e4 6n 20/y &E Steche# )e%eate) /oca/ %avo#ite Nic- L0t,e at The 6/y58ic4 A wee/ate# 2ohn ese- )e%eate) L0t,e in the sa5e #in$4 Lo0 Da#o then anno0nce) that he ha) si$ne) a Steche#G ese- 5atch %o# A0$0st !E4 Je#non is a s5a// city /ocate) on the Easte#n bo#)e# o% Los An$e/es4 It:s an in)0st#ia/ city an) the ho5e o% #ai/#oa) /ines an) t#0c- ya#)s4 The 5ost %a5o0s b0siness in the city is Fa#5e# 2ohn. 5a-e# o% the Do)$e# Do$4 City ta9es )on:t e9ist an) 5an0%act0#es a#e %#ee to #0n thei# co58anies as they see5 %it4 No one #ea//y /ives in Je#non. the !""" cens0s co0nte) '& 8eo8/e. a// /easin$ b0i/)in$s owne) by the city4 Je#non has its own 8owe# 8/ant an) cha#$es ve#y b0siness in town %o# thei# 8owe#4 To)ay. it:s c/ai5e) that the city has a s0#8/0s o% &"" 5i//ion )o//a#s4 In the bi$ city o% the an$e/s. the sa/e o% a/coho/ was i//e$a/ an) the s8o#t o% bo9in$ was cont#o//e) by a ton o% #0/es4 In &'"F an ent#e8#ene0# 2ac- Doy/e o8ene) what was ca//e) the "/on$est ba# in the wo#/)" in Je#non4 It ha) @F ba#ten)e#s4 Ne9t )oo#. Doy/e o8ene) the s5a// Je#non Aven0e =o9in$ A#ena in &'"< an) c/ai5s a#e that !" cha58ionshi8 5atches too- 8/ace in the s5a// b0i/)in$4 I be/ieve the a#ena he/) a#o0n) E.""" %ans4?!"EA 6n A0$0st @. &'!* a 8#o5ote# na5es 2ohn De a/5a he/) his %i#st ca#) at the Je#non A#ena4 The 5ain event ha) /oca/ Los An$e/es Ath/etic C/0b coach. Wa/te# Mi//e#. 5eetin$ 2oe a#e//i. b0t the 0n)e# ca#) was %i//e) with =i//y San)ow w#est/e#s /i-e =i// De5et#a/?!"(A an) Toots Mon)t4 My $0ess is that Toots Mon)t was the boo-e#4 Whi/e Steche# was in t#ainin$ %o# the ese- 5atch at the 6/y58ic. Lewis an) San)ow showe) 08 in town ba//yhooin$ a 5atch with Steche#4 The two 8oste) a ;(.""" chec- with the State Ath/etic Co55ission %o# a 5atch with Steche# an) went so %a# as to o%%e# to "5eet Steche# in so5e te/e8hone booth" to "sett/e this 5atte# once an) %o# a//"4 Now. th#o0$h o0t histo#y. the no#5a/ 5ove %o# a w#est/in$ cha58ion. is to te// a "t#0stb0ste#" ty8e cha//en$e# /i-e Lewis. to $et a #e80tation by beatin$ a "8o/ice5an"4 2oe Steche# )i)n:t )o that4 The cha58ion si$ne) a cont#act with Lo0 Da#o to 5eet E) Lewis at any ti5e an) 8oste) his own ;(.""" chec- with the co55ission4 This 5ove ca//e) Lewis: b/0%%4?!"*A Ca8t4 Seth St#e/in$e#. chai#5an o% the Ca/i%o#nia State Ath/etic Co55ission. then state) that he ha) )eci)e) to act as 5atch5a-e# an) o#)e#e) both 8a#ties to 5eet in his o%%ice4 He 8#o5ise) a Steche#GLewis 5atch o# so5eone wo0/) /ose ;(."""4 6n A0$0st !@. Lo0 Da#o. with Tony Steche#. an) Je#non 8#o5ote# 2ohn De a/5a. with =i//y San)ow. 5et in St#e/in$e#:s o%%ice4 A%te# an a#$05ent. St#e/in$e# $ave Da#o the 5atch an) De a/5a #eceive) a 8ay5ent %#o5 The 6/y58ic to a//ow Lewis to w#est/e at the /a#$e# a#ena whe#e 5o#e %ans co0/) see the 5atch an) 5o#e ta9es wo0/) be 8ai) to the state4 St#e/in$e# an) Da#o wante) to

sta$e the 5atch two wee-s a%te# the bi$ Steche#G ese- 5atch an) Steche# a$#ee)4 San)ow #e%0se) an) c/ai5e) he nee)e) ove# a 5onth to $et Lewis in con)ition an) wo0/)n:t be #ea)y 0nti/ a%te# Se8te5be# !<4 A// this ca5e a%te# Lewis ha) been c/ai5in$ in town %o# a 5onth that he wo0/) w#est/e Steche# "any 8/ace. any ti5e4" A )ate %o# the s08e# show)own was set %o# 6ctobe# *. &'!*. at the 6/y58ic4?!"FA 2ohn ese-. /i-e 5ost o% San)ow:s othe# w#est/e#s. ha) /e%t the ca58 o% San)ow an) co0/)n:t. at the ti5e. be consi)e#e) Lewis: 8o/ice5an b0t he sti// was ve#y in)e8en)ent an) 8ose) a 5a>o# 8#ob/e5 %o# any cha58ion4 o0n) %o# 8o0n). he is consi)e#e) by 5any histo#ians as a conten)e# %o# the tit/e o% "best shoote# in w#est/in$ histo#y"4 Most cha58ions wo0/) avoi) 5eetin$ hi5 in a tit/e 5atch. beca0se he ha) 5oney o% his own an) was ve#y ca8ab/e o% a )o0b/eBc#oss4 Steche# -new ese- an) %e/t si,e 5a)e hi5 the bette# w#est/e# b0t the two we#e a/so %#ien)s an) ha) t#aine) to$ethe# in Do)$e 5any ti5es4 ese- was not a st#an$e# to 2oe4?!"<A 6n A0$0st !(. Steche# an) ese- w#est/e) to a two ho0# )#aw4 Now the #es0/t was 8#e)icte) in /oca/ news8a8e#s. so that wo0/) 5a-e the 5atch see5 /i-e a "wo#-"4 =0t the 5atch was )esc#ibe) as an 0ninte#estin$ 5atch with /ots o% bo#in$ stan) 08 an) Steche# s8en)in$ a /ot o% ti5e on the )e%ensive4 The #e8o#ts we#e a/so 8#etty ba#e. with o0t 50ch )etai/4 This 5a-es 5e won)e# i% ese- was 8/ayin$ a#o0n) an) the 5atch was a "shoot"4 I chec-e) 5ost o% the /oca/ news8a8e#s an) the on/y c/0es I saw was one #e8o#t that the #e%e#ee see5e) to #e%0se to co0nt a %a// on Steche# when ese- ha) hi5 in a >a5 at the ho0# an) a ha/% 5a#-4 e#ha8s the two w#est/e#s. who we#e both consi)e#e) the best shoote#s in the s8o#t. ha) so5e a$#ee5ent to )o a "contest". o# I:5 >0st seein$ so5ethin$ that wasn:t the#e4 Eithe# way. we wi// neve# -now4 This 5atch is the /east #e5e5be#e) o% the th#ee Steche#G ese- 5atches o% &'!* an) 5ost/y ove#/oo-e) consi)e#in$ the events that %o//ow4?!"'A Lewis )e%eate) o/) %#ien) Mi-e Ro5ano in Je#non on A0$0st @&4 Ro5ano was b/ee)in$ %#o5 the nose an) 5o0th. so the #in$si)e )octo# sto88e) the 5atch be%o#e the secon) %a// co0/) sta#t4 6n the 0n)e# ca#). Wayne M0nn beat Howa#) Cantonwine an) Toots Mon)t beat =i// De5et#a/4?!&"A 6n Se8te5be# &E. Lewis )e%eate) Wayne M0nn in Je#non two st#ai$ht %a//s4 Toots Mon)t beat Mi-e Ro5ano in the se5iB5ain event4?!&&A 6n Se8te5be# !(. it was anno0nce) that the 6ctobe# * Steche# show )own with Lewis was o%% beca0se the St#an$/e# ha) b#o-e a bone in his /e%t e/bow t#ainin$ with Toots Mon)t at thei# Ga#)en G#ove $y54 The co55ission Docto# state) that Lewis wo0/) not be ab/e to 8e#%o#5 %o# si9 wee-s4?!&!A Mo#e ba) news %o//owe) when Lewis:s i//0sions o% a 5i9e) 5atch with 2ac- De58sey we#e c#0she) when De58sey /ost eve#y #o0n) o% a ten #o0n) tit/e %i$ht with Gene T0nney in hi/a)e/8hia on Se8te5be# !@. &'!*4 The #0/es in ennsy/vania on/y a//ow &" #o0n) %i$hts b0t it was a $oo) thin$ %o# De58sey beca0se it /oo-e) /i-e T0nney wo0/) have 76:e) hi5 i% the bo0t ha) /aste) any /on$e#4 Da#o c/ai5e) a// the seats in the 6/y58ic we#e so/) o0t an) a 5a>o# o88onent was nee)e) to %i// the ho/e /e%t by Lewis: no show4 =i//y San)ow o%%e#e) Toots Mon)t b0t Da#o went with a #e5atch 0sin$ 2ohn ese- a$ainst Steche#4 This ti5e the 5atch wo0/) be to a %inish4?!&@A The 6ctobe# *. &'!* Steche#G ese- 5atch en)e) 08 as one o% the 5ost cont#ove#sia/ 5atches in w#est/in$ histo#y4 The so/) o0t 6/y58ic %ans saw Steche# win the %i#st %a// in E& 5in0tes an) &" secon)s with a )o0b/eBa#5 ba# 8in4 ese- evene) the co0nt with a hea) scisso#s an) w#ist /oc- in !& 5in0te an) E( secon)s4 The %i#st %a// was sai) to be 0ne9citin$ $#a88/in$ whi/e the secon) %a// was a wi/) e9hibition o% the w#est/in$ science4 At so5e 8oint. 5ost thinthe /ast %a//. b0t %#o5 the #e8o#t it 5ay have been ea#/ie#. ese- )o0b/e c#osse) the cha58ion4 ese- is sai) to have to#n into Steche# an) at one 8oint the #e%e#ee b#o-e a %inishin$ ho/) %o# no $oo) #eason4 Then. with the c#ow) in a %#en,y. ese- ha) Steche# s0b5it a%te# what /oo-e) /i-e a w#ist /oc-4 At %i#st the c#ow) tho0$ht the #e%e#ee ha) #0/e) ese- the winne#. so5e even state) that ese-:s a#5 was #aise). b0t then the #e%e#ee. To55y T#ave#s. #0/e) ese-:s ho/) an i//e$a/ a#5 st#an$/e an) )isI0a/i%ie) ese-4 The c#ow) hisse) an) booe) the )ecision as they th#ew ob>ects into the #in$ in 8#otest4 C/ai5s by the ese-:s #e/atives have Steche# c#yin$ in the #in$ b0t Do)$e histo#ians c/ai5 it was ese- c#yin$4?!&EA A hea#in$ was con)0ce) two )ays /ate# with a// si)e 8#esent with the #e%e#ee4

See5s no two 8eo8/e co0/) a$#ee on what act0a//y ha88ene)4 It was a//e$e). by so5e. that ese- ha) th#own Steche# with a// so#ts o% ho/)s. #an$in$ %#o5 "%i$0#e %o0#s" to ha55e#/oc- c#a)/es an) c#otch. w#ist/oc-s. st#an$/e ho/)s an) >0st 8/ain 50sc/e w#enchin$4 Nothin$ ca5e o0t o% the hea#in$ an) #e%e#ee To55y T#ave#s )ecision was 08 he/)4 Le$en) says that 2oe Steche# $ave the winne#:s sha#e o% the 80#se to ese-4 It 5ay be that 2ohn ese- sti// ha) a cont#act with Ma9 =a05an. b0t 2ohn ha) s8/it %#o5 the San)ow $#o08 by the en) o% &'!* a%te# an a#$05ent with Toots Mon)t in a 7ansas City $y5 )0#in$ the t#ainin$ %o# the %i#st Wayne M0nn 5atch4 The#e was a $y5 1shoot3 5atch between the two an) ese- won4 San)ow was 08set an) a ta/- with Ma9 =a05an #es0/te) in 2ohn I0ittin$ the co58any4 In &'!*. ese-:s a%%ai#s we#e bein$ han)/e) by a co0sin na5e) 2oe D0s. b0t To5 ac- was a/so he/8in$ the "Ti$e# Man"4 So5e c/ai5 that ese-:s )o0b/e c#oss o% Steche# was a 8/ot by =i//y San)ow4 That San)ow o# Ma9 =a05an ha) 8ai) o%% ese- o# sti// ha) so5e ty8e o% cont#o/ ove# the e9B8o/ice5an4 I )on:t -now. b0t it see5s to %it ese-:s e$o an) I %ee/ he was on his own4 I #es8ect 2ohn ese- as a t#0e hoo-e# b0t as a "8#o w#est/e#". his con)0ct a$ainst Steche# an) Ma#in /estina was a )is$#ace4 The ese- )o0b/eBc#oss was a/so a 5a>o# b/otch on Steche#:s ca#ee#4 H8 0nti/ that ni$ht. his histo#y an) #eco#) 5a)e hi5 see5 /i-e the best w#est/e# in the s8o#t an) he be/ieve) it4 The ese- a%%ai# see5e) to h0#t hi5 8e#sona//y an) 8#o%essiona//y. an) chan$e his o8inion o% hi5se/%4 He beca5e >0st anothe# 8#o w#est/e# wo#-in$ 5atches an) these %ee/in$ 5i$ht have been a 5a>o# %acto# in his #eti#e5ent a yea# /ate#4 =i//y San)ow ha) act0a//y /e%t Los An$e/es on Se8te5be# @". havin$ to t#ave/ east beca0se o% the )eath o% his %athe#BinB/aw4 6n 6ctobe# <. &'!*. Lewis went into the co55ission o%%ice an) to/) Ca8t St#e/in$e# that the Steche# 5atch was o%% an) he wante) to $o ho5e4 He sai) he hate) Los An$e/es so 50ch that he was wi//in$ to %o#%eit the ;(."""4?!&(A In ea#/y Nove5be#. the#e we#e #e8o#ts co5in$ o0t o% Chica$o that a b0siness5an ha) o%%e#e) ;&"".""" %o# a tit/e show)own between Steche# an) Lewis4 The ne9t )ay. Nove5be# *. Chica$o 8#o5ote# 2ohn "Doc" 7#one o%%e#e) a ;F(.""" 80#se %o# the 5atch4 Lo0 Da#o ha) sche)0/e) the Steche#GLewis 5atch %o# Dece5be# & at the 6/y58ic b0t on Nove5be# !! =i//y San)ow sent wo#) to the Ca/i%o#nia co55ission that he #e%0se) to have St#an$/e# Lewis w#est/e Steche# in Los An$e/es an) wante) the ;(.""" t#ans%e##e) to anothe# state4 Da#o then #e8/ace) Lewis with 2i5 Lon)os. an) the two sta#s w#est/e) to a two ho0# )#aw in %#ont o% anothe# so/) o0t 6/y58ic4 6n Dece5be# !. the Steche#s an) Lo0 Da#o we#e awa#)e) Lewis: ;(.""" a88ea#ance bon)4 =oth si)es $ot ;!.("" o% =i//y San)ow:s 5oney4?!&*A A%te# San)ow an) Lewis /e%t town. the#e a#e no 5o#e w#est/in$ ca#)s in Je#non an) 8#o5ote# 2ohn De a/5a )isa88ea#s4 In ea#/y 20/y &'!F. a %i#e b0#ne) the Je#non A#ena 1o# Co/ise053 to the $#o0n)4 At so5e ti5e )0#in$ &'!*. San)ow 80b/ishe) ei$ht han)boo-s on con)itionin$. se/%B)e%ense. an) how to w#est/e4 It was si5i/a# to the Fa#5e# =0#ns an) F#anGotch boo-s w#itten whi/e he was cha58ion4 The boo-s we#e %i//e) with 8hotos o% Lewis. Mon)t an) San)ow )e5onst#atin$ ho/)s an) t#ainin$ e9e#cises4 They we#e ca//e) THE SAND6WBLEWIS LI=RARY an) can be bo0$ht to)ay th#o0$h ALADIN RESS4 ?!&FA Steche# went o0t on to0# w#est/in$ th#o0$h the So0th an) Wichita. into hi/a)e/8hia an) New Yo#- City be%o#e hittin$ St Lo0is4 The East ha) #eo8ene) its )oo# to 8#o w#est/in$ an) it ha) a new h0n$e# %o# ente#tain5ent with new a#enas bein$ b0i/) %o# the s8o#tin$ 80b/ic4 New sta#s we#e c#eate) an) sty/es chan$e) to %it a 80b/ic who )i)n:t see 8#o w#est/in$ as a t#0e s8o#t b0t so5ethin$ to have %0n with an) be ente#tain by4 The#e was a nee) %o# w#est/e#G8e#%o#5e#s. an) the i)ea o% on/y t#0e shoote#s bein$ the sta#s when o0t the win)ow4 The n05be# o% ca#)s in each city. an) the n05be# o% 5atches on each ca#) inc#ease)4 Mo#e w#est/e#s we#e nee)e). b0t the n05be# o% act0a/ shoote#s #e5aine) at a stab/e n05be#. so ove# ti5e. the n05be# o% 8e#%o#5e#s be$an to )o5inate the t#0e w#est/e# ty8es4 The cha58ionshi8 5atches. %o# the 5ost 8a#t. we#e sti// 8#esente) in a se#io0s way. b0t the 0n)e#ca#)s we#e %i//e) with b#aw/in$ an) w#est/e#s %/yin$ o0t o% the #in$ into the a0)ience4 The 8#o5ote#s $aine) in cont#o/. an) they wante) the 8owe# to say who wo0/) be cha58ion in the#e own s5a// co58any4 The )ays o% Gotch. Steche#. an) Lewis cont#o//in$

w#est/in$ we#e co5in$ to an en)4 The i)ea in &'!F was that the 8#o5ote#s wo0/) wo#- to$ethe# to 5a-e a$#ee5ents an) 8#o5ote a nationa/ sto#y/ine that wo0/) bene%it eve#yone. b0t as the s8o#t 8#o$#esse) into the &'@":s. it %o0n) that satis%yin$ the nee)s an) i)eas o% the 5any $#o08s wasn:t that easy4 W#est/in$ wa#s we#e c#eate) that 5a)e the Steche#GLewis t#o0b/es in the &'!":s /oo- s5a// ti5e4 A st#an$e event too- 8/ace on Dece5be# &'. &'!*4 St#an$/e# Lewis )e%eate) Mi-e Ro5ano in hi/a)e/8hia4 Now the#e is nothin$ st#an$e abo0t E) beatin$ Ro5ano. he beat hi5 a// the ti5e4 The wei#) 8a#t is the 8#o5ote# bein$ Ray Fabiani an) 2i5 Lon)os w#est/in$ on the 0n)e#ca#)4 A 5a>o# 5e5be# o% the Steche# 8#o5otion boo-in$ Lewis 5i$ht show that the ice between both $#o08s was 5e/tin$4?!&<A Lewis then was in =oston on 2an0a#y &@ to w#est/e a two an) a ha/% ho0# )#aw with at McGi// %o# 8#o5ote# a0/ =owse#4 6n 2an0a#y !&. &'!F. a #e8o#t 8o8s 08 sayin$ that a%te# Toots Mon)t /ost to 2oe Ma/cewic, in T0/sa. he an) =i//y San)ow ha) a heate) a#$05ent in the )#essin$ #oo54 So5e be/ieve that the two b#o-e o%% thei# b0siness 8a#tne#shi8 at that 8oint4 I )on:t -now4 It 5ay have >0st been a wo#-e) sto#y/ine. a%te# a// the #e8o#ts o% Toots t#ainin$ with Lewis in &'!*4 Steche# )e%eate) Nic- L0t,e in hi/a)e/8hia on 2an0a#y F. &'!F4 6n the 0n)e# ca#). a new 5a>o# sta# na5e) Ray Stee/e 1 ete Sa0e#3 )e%eate) 2i5 Lon)os by )ecision4 In the %o//owin$ yea#s. Stee/e wo0/) beco5e Lon)os: $#eatest o88onent. w#est/in$ each othe# in eve#y 5a>o# city in the co0nt#y4 =oth we#e wo#-in$ %o# Steche# at the ti5e an). on 2an0a#y &<. Steche# $ot a win ove# Stee/e at At/anta4 Stee/e. who was bi//e) 0n)e# his #ea/ na5e ete Sa0e# in the So0th an) Los An$e/es. was a 5a>o# hoo-e# an) a %ine 8e#%o#5e#4 Fans see5e) to /ove hi5 win o# /ose an) he was a 5a>o# )#aw ac#oss the co0nt#y4 6n 2an0a#y !@. =i//y San)ow an) Lewis with the Steche#s 8#esent 5et with A0#e/io Fabiani in New Yo#- City4 They ta/- abo0t a tit/e 5atch in hi/a)e/8hia4 No news ca5e %#o5 the 5eetin$4?!&'A Cha58ions wo#-e) a 50ch to0$he# sche)0/e a%te# &'!F4 Gotch. Steche#. an) Lewis 0se) to t#ain in /a#$e cities %o# a /east a wee- be%o#e 5a>o# 5atches. b0t 0n)e# new a$#ee5ents an) with eve#y te##ito#y wantin$ a tit/e 5atch. the cha58ion 5i$ht be on the #oa) %o# E to * 5atches a wee-4 The tit/e 5atches beca5e sho#te# b0t the#e we#e 5o#e o% the54 Fo# the %i#st @ K 5onths o% &'!F. Steche# was wo#-in$ a// ove# the co0nt#y an) )i)n:t $et a #est 0nti/ 5i)BA8#i/4 6the# than his t#i8s to =oston. Lewis t#ave/s consiste) o% 5ain/y 5i)Bwest t#i8s4 He wasn:t 5a-in$ 50ch 5oney an) he was %o#ce) to #ea) a// the news8a8e# sto#ies abo0t hi5 #0nnin$ o0t o% the Steche# 5atch in Los An$e/es4 6n Feb#0a#y !<. Lewis beat Ro5ano in Chica$o4 It was the ei$ht 5atch between the two in the Win)y City4 He an) San)ow #ea/i,e) they nee)e) a new 8/an4 Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e a$ainst Renato Ga#)ini at New Yo#- City on Ma#ch F in %#ont o% &".""" %o# 2ac- C0#/ey4?!!"A Steche# then w#est/e) %o# To5 ac- in St4 Lo0is 1Ma#ch &(3 beatin$ anothe# new sta# in a0/ 2ones4 ac- then t#ave/e) to hi/a)e/8hia to 5eet with the Steche#s4 The to8ic was E) Lewis4 ac- wante) to 8#o5ote the s08e# 5atch with Lewis4 Tony Steche# -new that he a/so nee)e) the bi$ 5oney 5atch. b0t )i)n:t thin-. a%te# what ha88ene) with ese-. that it was wise %o# the cha58ion to w#est/e so5eone o0t si)e thei# t#0st o# co58any4 I thin- they a$#ee) that 2oe wo0/) be wi//in$ to wo#- with Lewis. i% he wo0/) )058 the i)ea o% the San)ow $#o08 an) c#oss the /ine4 6% co0#se. the sto#y was #e/ease) to the 80b/ic in a )i%%e#ent %o#54 ac-:s sto#y/ine was that Lewis ha)n:t w#est/e) a 5a>o# w#est/e# in ove# two yea#s an) nee)e) to 5eet one o% the conten)e#s. b0t i% he )i) that. Steche# wo0/) w#est/e hi54?!!&A ac- then t#ave/e) to 7ansas City an) ate )inne# with =i//y San)ow in his ho5e 1a#o0n) Ma#ch !"34 ac- e98/aine) the 8/an to =i//y4 The i)ea was %o# Lewis to co5e ove# an) at /east wo#- with the Steche# si)e4 The %i#st ste8 wo0/) be a 5a>o# 5atch with 2ohn ese- in St Lo0is on A8#i/ E4 San)ow -new he ha)n:t 5a)e 5a>o# 5oney )0#in$ the wa# with the Steche#s an) they co0/) 5a-e a ton o% it i% they >0st wo#-e) with the new 8#o5ote#s an) I0it 8/ayin$ $a5es4 So San)ow. Lewis an) =owse# a$#ee) to ac-:s 8/an4 6the#s /i-e Fabiani. Da#o. an) Law we#e in on the )ea/ b0t I )on:t -now i% 2ac- C0#/ey was ha88y with the i)ea4?!!&A The LewisG ese- 5atch was anno0nce) in the 8#ess an) on Ma#ch !E Lewis an) San)ow visite) ac- in St4 Lo0is to sco0t /ocations %o# a t#ainin$ site4 The 8/an ha) Lewis t#ainin$ at the Nationa/ Gy5 )0#in$ the wee- /ea)in$ 08 to the A8#i/ E 5atch4

A%te# the 6ctobe# * atte58te) )o0b/eBc#oss on Steche#. ese- )i)n:t w#est/e %o# the #est o% the yea#4 ese- was %#ien)s with 2oe Steche#. an) I )on:t thin- 2oe he/) any #esent5ent a$ainst his %e//ow Neb#as-an4 I thin- 2oe %e/t the cha58ion sho0/) be the best w#est/e# an) it was his own %a0/t in /ettin$ ese- $et the best o% hi54 So5eti5es yo0 5a-e a %#ien) o0t o% a b0//y by beatin$ the5. b0t then I:5 8#obab/y $oo%y as he//4 As %o# eve#yone e/se. b0t To5 ac-. ese- ha) -i//e) his ca#ee# an) )i)n:t w#est/e a$ain %o# the #est o% &'!*4 To5 ac- was he/8in$ 5ana$e ese-. who was sti// a 5a>o# sta# in St Lo0is4 The on/y 8e#%o#5e# bi$$e# in the city was 2i5 Lon)os4 So ac- boo-e) ese- a$ainst Lon)os on 2an0a#y !(. &'!F4 2i55y was a/so -in) o% )a5a$e) $oo)s at the ti5e4 In Me58his on 2an0a#y &E. he was ta-en into 8o/ice c0sto)y. an) boo-e) %o# /a#ceny4?!!!A A Mi-e Cassa#as o% 2ac-son Mississi88i cha#$e) he was #i88e) o%% o% ;&!.""" a%te# bettin$ on the o0tco5e o% a %a-e Lon)os w#est/in$ 5atch in &'!(4 Ri88in$ o%% a5ate0# $a5b/e#s was how 8#o w#est/e#s 5a)e thei# /ivin$ in the ea#/y 8a#t o% the cent0#y an) Lon)os wo0/) have been 8/ayin$ the $a5e too4 =0t by &'!(. 5ost w#est/in$ 8#o5ote#s #ea/i,e) they we#e /oo-in$ %o# 5a>o# t#o0b/e i% they enco0#a$e) %ans to bet on a "wo#-e)" s8o#t an) they ha) 5ove) away %#o5 thei# $a5b/in$ 8ast4 These cha#$es a$ainst Lon)os we#e 80b/ishe) ac#oss the nation an) wo0/) be b#o0$ht 08 by his ene5ies %o# the #est o% his ca#ee#. b0t nothin$ see5s to have co5e %#o5 the54 In 5ost 8eo8/e:s eyes. yo0 ha) to be #ea//y )05b to bet 5a>o# 5oney on a 8#o w#est/in$ 5atch in &'!(4 We -now nothin$ abo0t Lon)os act0a//y $oin$ to t#ia/. I thin- the cha#$es we#e ta-en ca#e o% #ea/ %ast. b0t one o% w#est/in$:s 5a>o# sta#s bein$ a##este) en)e). %o# s0#e. any invo/ve5ent the s8o#t ha) with $a5b/in$4 The sa5e can not be sai) o% bo9in$. baseba//. bas-etba// an) abo0t eve#y othe# s8o#t in A5e#ica4 It wo0/) see5 to 5ost s5a#t %ans that Lon)os was $oin$ ove# the ese- that eve#yone in the w#est/in$ wo#/) was 5a) at. b0t that )i)n:t ha88en4 The 5atch en)e) 08 bein$ a %o0# ho0# c/assic4 The &<( 8o0n) ese- /ost &@ 8o0n)s b0t the !"" 8o0n) Lon)os /ost &" an) the 5atch4 ese- won the %i#st %a// with a hea) scisso#s an) a a#5 /oc- in one ho0# an) twentyBseven 5in0tes4 Lon)os won the secon) %a// in one ho0# an) %o#tyBtwo 5in0tes a%te# %ive #o//in$ hea)/oc-s4 ese- then won the thi#) %a// in E' 5in0tes an) &" secon)s4 The &".""" %ans ca//e) the 5atch $#eat an) #e8o#ts c/ai5e) the#e was no #est ho/)sL The se5iB %ina/ between R0)y D0se- an) a0/ 2ones /aste) &C&"C@"4 They /ove) that 5atch too4?!!@A The #es0/t cost Lon)os a 5atch with Steche# an) see5e) ha#) to e98/ain at the ti5e. b0t To5 ac- ha) 8/ans %o# ese-4 He wante) ese- ove# be%o#e a 5atch with Lewis4 6n Feb#0a#y !(. &'!F. a sto#y in C6LLAR:S EYE an) #e8#inte) in the LINC6LN NE STAR. state) that 2ohn ese- was bac- in the Steche# t#0st4 It c/ai5e) that the 8#o5ote#s he/) ;!&.""" o% his 5oney. that he co0/) on/y $et it bac- i% he #et0#n an) behave) hi5se/%4 The 5oney see5s to have been i58o0n)e) a%te# the 6ctobe# * 5atch4 As 80nish5ent he wo0/) be as-e) to )o a n05be# o% ">obs"4 6n Ma#ch &*. ese- /ost two st#ai$ht %a//s by )isI0a/i%ication to 2ac- She##y at Co/05b0s4 Lewis: %i#st 5atch in St Lo0is in a/5ost th#ee yea#s )i) ta-e 8/ace on A8#i/ F. &'!F4 It was a %inish 5atch an) To5 ac- sta#te) the contest be%o#e the se5iB %ina/ o% a0/ 2ones an) 2oe +i$50n) 1Mayo# o% =#aine#) Neb#as-a3 at 'C"". so that %ans 5i$ht $et so5e s/ee8 in case o% anothe# w#est/in$ 5a#athon4 The 8#eB 5atch 80b/icity was %i//e) with a// the no#5a/ Lewis:s /ies4 He ha) on/y been a 8#o &! yea#s. 5issBs8e//e) his #ea/ na5e. ta/-e) abo0t his co//a$e )e$#ee. the %ive ho0# )#aw with Steche# was a b#0ta/ 5atch. he /ost to M0nn by a %o0/. the #eco#) with Steche# was even. an) he ha) on/y 5et ese- one othe# ti5e. b0t he was bi//e) co##ect/y as the e9Bcha58ion4?!!EA ese- wei$hte) &<< 8o0n)s to Lewis: !@". a )i%%e#ence o% E! 8o0n)s4 The#e was '.""" %ans in the St Lo0is Co/ise05 b0t the 8ai) atten)ance was <.*F!4 The St#an$/e# won the %i#st %a// in &C"@C&' a%te# %o0# hea)/oc-s4 ese- %o0$ht a to0$h batt/e b0t E):s si,e ove# 8owe#e) hi54 ese- ca5e bac- in a $/o#io0s %ashion 8innin$ Lewis 0sin$ a %/yin$ 5a#e o%% an a#5 /oc- in !'C"(4 Loo-in$ %it an) as %ast as eve#. Lewis 8inne) ese- in the thi#) %a// with a co5bination hea) scisso#s an) a a#5 ba# in FC(&4?!!(A To5 ac- then visite) the Steche#s who we#e vacationin$ at Hot S8#in$s. A#-ansas a#o0n) A8#i/ &@4 ac- o%%e#e) 2oe a /a#$e 80#se. sai) to be ;F(.""" 1I )on:t be/ieve that n05be#43 %o# a tit/e 5atch with Lewis in St Lo0is4 Re8o#ts a#e that

Tony an) 2oe we#e wi//in$ to "8/ay ba//" an) this ti5e they we#en:t ta/-in$ abo0t baseba//4?!!*A Fo//owin$ the Lewis 5atch. 2ohn ese-:s ca#ee# too- a )ownwa#) t0#n4 6n 20ne '. he has $iven a St Lo0is #e5atch with 2i5 Lon)os an) $ot beat4 He then #et0#ne) to Los An$e/es to w#est/e a )#aw with 2i55y 120/y !"34 6n A0$0st @. he ha) a conten)e#s 5atch with a0/ 2ones. an) i% he ha) won. he wo0/) have $otten a #e5atch with wo#/) cha58 2oe Steche#Mhe /ost4 ese- then went to hi/a)e/8hia %o# /oses to Geo#$e Ca/,a 16ctobe# &!3 an) Nic- L0t,e 1Nove5be# &<34 6n A8#i/ &&. &'!F. Lewis: o/) %#ien) W/a)e- +bys,-o %ina//y $ot a shot at the wo#/) tit/e. so5ethin$ E) wo0/) neve# $ive hi5. /osin$ to Steche# in New Yo#City4 Steche# a/so beat W/a)e- in At/anta on May !*4 Twice )0#in$ the yea# Steche# )e%en)e) the tit/e in %#ont o% &".""" %ans in hi/a)e/8hia 1A0$0st ! an) 6ctobe# !<34 6n 20ne ! the#e is anothe# #e8o#t. this ti5e o0t o% =oston. that Toots Mon)t was b#ea-in$ o%% his #e/ationshi8 with San)ow an) Lewis4 Re$a#)/ess o% the #05o#s. Toots contin0e) to w#est/e an) /ose to Lewis in tit/e 5atches an) was sti// one o% E):s t#aine#s4 6/) %#ien) =i// De5et#a/ ha) been $ivin$ =i//y San)ow t#o0b/e in Chica$o4 De5et#a/ ha) obtaine) a ;(.""" /oan. with his ho5e as co//ate#a/. %#o5 San)ow4 De5et#a/ #e8o#te) to the Chica$o T#ib0ne s8o#ts e)ito# that the 5oney an) the %ea# o% %o#ec/os0#e was a too/ 0se) by San)ow an) his t#0st to 5a-e s0#e De5et#a/ wo0/)n:t beat Lewis )0#in$ a tit/e 5atch4 The news8a8e# 80b/ishe) that sto#y an) othe#s e98osin$ the wo#-in$s o% 8#o w#est/in$ in the city4 This 5ay have been a #eason why Lewis sto88e) wo#-in$ in Chica$o in /ate &'!*4 The $ove#no# o% I//inois o#)e#e) an investi$ation an) th#eatene) to ban w#est/in$ in the state4 A Le$is/at0#e co55ittee investi$ate) the cha#$es ca0se) the cance//ation o% a bi$ o0t)oo# 20ne &* ca#) at W#i$/ey Fie/). Chica$o. whe#e E) Lewis was boo-e) to w#est/e 2oe Ma/cewic,4 San)ow s8ent a /ot o% 5oney in an e%%o#t to sto8 the 8#obe b0t on 20/y &. &'!F. he. Lewis an) De5et#a/ a88ea#e) be%o#e the co55ittee an) testi%ie) 0n)e# oath4 It:s c/ai5e) that Lewis save) the )ay by c/ai5in$ he wasn:t a%#ai) o% any w#est/e# an) was wi//in$ to w#est/e =i// De5et#a/ then o# at any othe# ti5e to 8#ove the#e was no way the G#ee- co0/) beat hi54 De5et#a/ )ec/ine) the cha//en$e an) the investi$ation en)e)4?!!FA 6n Se8te5be# !F. &'!F. 2ac- De58sey /ost his #e5atch %o# his heavywei$ht bo9in$ tit/e to Gene T0nney in Chica$o4 This was the %i$ht with the 5ost %a5o0s #o0n) in bo9in$ histo#y4 De58sey ha) been o0t c/asse) %o# si9 #o0n)s by T0nney. b0t in the seventh he ca0$ht hi5 with a #i$ht han) an) %o//owe) 08 with a se#ies o% ha#) 80nches as the cha58 %e// nea# the #o8es4 De58sey )i)n:t $o to a ne0t#a/ co#ne# an) #e%e#ee Dave =a##y #e%0se) to co0nt 0nti/ 2a-e 5ove) away4 T0nney $ot a "/on$ co0nt" an) 5a)e it bac- to his %eet4 De58sey ha) two 5in0tes /e%t in the #o0n) to %inish the h0#t cha58ion. b0t was o0t bo9e) %o# the #est o% the #o0n) an) %o# the ne9t two #o0n)s4 =y the en) o% the tenth #o0n). De58sey was o0t on his %eet an) T0nney won an easy )ecision4 6nce a$ain T0nney ha) 8#ove) hi5se/% to be De58sey:s 5aste#. b0t ove# the yea#s a// the 80b/ic wo0/) #e5e5be# was the seventh #o0n) an) the "/on$ co0nt4" The#e a#e 5any si5i/a#ities between E) Lewis an) 2ac- De58sey. both we#e c#eations o% 5ani80/ative 5ana$e#s. both we#e hate) by the 80b/ic as cha58ions. b0t beca5e h0$e/y 8o80/a# a%te# thei# ca#ee#s en)e)4 e#ha8s beca0se they #e8#esente) a ty8e o% c#e)ibi/ity thei# s8o#ts ha) /ost4 De58sey %o0$ht on/y one 5a>o# %i$hte# as cha58ion. Wi//a#) was an oa%. =#ennan was sic-. Ca#8entie# was s5a//. Gibbons was o/). an) Fi#8o was 0ns-i//e)4 He #an %#o5 5en /i-e Ha##y Wi//s an) Ha##y G#eb4 The on/y to8 /eve/ %i$hte# he 5et was Gene T0nney an) he /ost. at /east. &< o0t o% !" #o0n)s4 T0nney:s 8#ob/e5s we#e that he was an inte//ect0a/. who /ive) with the 088e# c/ass an) #ea) boo-s. whi/e not ca#in$ what the 80b/ic tho0$ht o% hi5 an) )i)n:t be/ieve in the i)ea that a cha58ion %o0$ht 0nti/ beaten4 He a/so. beca0se he was on/y a//owe) to %i$ht De58sey in &" #o0n) %i$hts. was the %i#st heavywei$ht bo9in$ cha58ion to win his tit/e by )ecision4 T0nney was not the ty8e o% %i$hte# the A5e#ican 80b/ic an) #e8o#te#s wante)4 As ti5e 8aste). De58sey #e5aine) in the 80b/ic eye an) he was #e5e5be#e) as a $#eat cha58ion4 =0t De58sey ha) his T0nney. as Lewis ha) his Steche#4 Wo#se %o# Lewis. he a/so ha) a Lon)os4?!!<A 7nowin$ the %#ien)shi8 between Lewis an) De58sey. it:s ve#y 8ossib/e that E) was at the Chica$o %i$ht that ni$ht4 Eve#yone e/se in the wo#/) was4 6n Nove5be# <. Lewis )e%eate) a0/ 2ones in St Lo0is in two st#ai$ht %a//s4

D0#in$ that 5onth =i//y San)ow 8oste) anothe# ;(.""" bon) with the Ath/etic Co55ission %o# a tit/e 5atch with 2oe Steche#4 6n the !<th. the Steche# b#othe#s visite) with To5 ac- in St Lo0is4 NN Contin0e to CHA TER !& F66TN6TES &'@ L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st &&. &'!( &'E ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=E. Feb#0a#y &&. &'!* &'( =EL6IT DAILY NEWS. Feb#0a#y !". &'!* &'* =6ST6N 6ST. Ma#ch E. &'!* &'F =6ST6N 6ST. Ma#ch &!. &'!* &'< Why wo0/) Tony Steche# an) 2ac- C0#/ey a//ow thei# cha58ion to w#est/e %o# a0/ =owse#. a 5a>o# Lewis 8#o5ote#. in =oston when the sit0ation /oo-e) /i-e a )o0b/e c#oss %#o5 the )ay o% the si$nin$O C0#/ey ha) a b0nch o% 8eo8/e in the a#ena that ni$ht. an) once the c#oss 08 sta#te). they a// >058e) into the #in$ an) /e) 2oe to the )#essin$ #oo54 The#e a/so was a ton o% 8#oBC0#/ey 8#ess in the /oc-e# #oo5 %o# the 8#ess con%e#ence4 It co0/) be that C0#/ey was one ste8 a hea) o% =owse# an) antici8ate) eve#ythin$ that ha88ene) that ni$ht4 His thin-in$ 5i$ht have been that a 5essin$ 08 5atch in %#ont o% an a#ena o% %ans 8ayin$ to see 2oe Steche# w#est/e 5i$ht bac- %i#e on =owse#4 Sc#ewin$ 08 yo0# own ca#) 5i$ht >0st a/ienate yo0# own %an base4 ("" %ans )i) as- %o# thei# 5oney bac-. once they #ea/i,e) the 5ain event was $oin$ to be Ma/cewic, ve#se Ne) McG0i#e4 The tota/ e%%ect o% the st0nt was ,e#o4 It en)e) 08 as >0st anothe# e9a58/e o% w#est/in$ insi)e#s h05i/iatin$ the5se/ves in the eye o% the 80b/ic4 &'' F#o5 Don L0ce:s #esea#ch o% Chica$o4 #obab/y %o0n) in the CHICAG6 TRI=HNE4 !"" The #e8o#t o% the 65aha con%e#ence ca5e %#o5 ST L6HIS GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. Ma#ch !F an) Ma#ch !<. &'!*4 The con%e#ence was ta/-e) abo0t as 8a#t o% the b0i/) 08 to the Steche#G ese- 5atch4 What act0a//y ha88ene) in the con%e#ence is 5ost/y s8ec0/ation by 5e. b0t the to8ics 5ention is what 8#o5ote#s no#5a//y )isc0sse) at these 5eetin$s an) the #es0/t is a88a#ent ove# the ne9t yea#4 !"& ST L6HIS GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ @". &'!*P6the# #esea#ch has Lewis w#est/in$ in =oston on the )ate o% the 5atch4 !"! THE HILADEL HIA INDHIRER. 20ne &&. &'!* !"@ L6S ANGELES HERALD. 20ne &F. &'!* !"E Je#non 5a)e the news in the /ast yea# 1!"&"34 Leonis Ma/b0#$. <". se#ve) as 5ayo# an) co0nci/5an %o# 5o#e than ha/% a cent0#y 0nti/ he was %o#ce to #esi$n in !""'4 His $#an)%athe#. 2ohn =asI0e Leonis. a cha#is5atic =asI0e i55i$#ant. %o0n)e) Je#non an) the %a5i/y na5e ca5e to $#ace eve#ythin$ %#o5 a st#eets to a 8owe# 8/ant4 A//e$ations we#e 5a)e %o# yea#s that the %a5i/y )i)n:t even /ive in the city4 In &'F<. Mayo# Ma/b0#$ was cha#$e) by the $#an) >0#y with 8e#>0#y an) %#a0)0/ent votin$. beca0se he )i)n:t /ive in Je#non b0t in a s8acio0s ho5e in Hancoc- a#-4 The cha#$es we#e )#o88e)4 =0t in !""*. he an) his son 2ohn Ma/b0#$ we#e a$ain %acin$ the sa5e cha#$es an) on Dece5be# (. !""'. they we#e convicte) o% vote# %#a0) an) cons8i#acy4 See5s they we#e sti// /ivin$ in the sa5e Hancoca#- estate that the city:s %o0n)e#. Leonis Ma/b0#$:s $#an)%athe#. once owne)4 Leonis. at a$e <". )i)n:t se#ve any ti5e. b0t he wasn:t a//owe) to #0n %o# o%%ice a$ain4 His 8/anne) s0ccesso# son 2ohn. went to >ai/ %o# ei$ht yea#s %o# se90a//y ab0sin$ chi/)#en4 None o% this #e5ove) any o% the city:s othe# /ea)e#s an) b0siness contin0e) as 0s0a/4 In !"&&. the#e is a 5ove5ent in the Ca/i%o#nia Asse5b/y to )isinco#8o#ate the City o% Je#non. b0t to )o so it wi// have to batt/e an a#5y o% Ca/i%o#nia:s best an) 5ost e98ensive /aw/e#s4 !"( L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st &. &'!*PThe Je#non 8#o5otion was 5a-in$ a// -in)s o% %a/se c/ai5s4 6ne o% which was that =i// De5et#a/ was the t#0e G#eecha58ion. not Lo0 Da#o:s 2i5 Lon)os. an) that the two w#est/e#s ha) neve# 5et in the #in$4 Lon)os )e%eate) De5et#a/ %o# the G#ee- tit/e in a we// -nown 5atch in New Yo#- City on 2an0a#y (. &'!"4 Lon)os a/so beat De5et#a/ in the #e5atch on Ma#ch !'. &'!" in New Yo#- City4 !"* L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st !". &'!*PSteche# "MI a5 a%#ai) when the ti5e co5es %o# the 5atch. M#4 Lewis wi// be cons8ic0o0s by his absence4" !"F L6S ANGELES TIMES. A0$0st !E. &'!* !"< Acco#)in$ to /oca/ Do)$e histo#ian. A/e9 Meye#. Tony Steche# was boo-e) to w#est/e a 2ohn evs-/y in Do)$e on 20/y E. &'&!4 Tony too- sic- an) co0/)n:t w#est/e. so yo0n$e# b#othe# 2oe too- his 8/ace an) beat evs-/y. "a $iant =ohe5ian" in %#ont o% Wi//ia5 J/ach:s Ria/to Theate# in Do)$e4 This #es0/t ca5e %#o5 a Wi/5an J/ach. I $0ess was a son o% Wi//ia5 J/ach. an) bo#n on 20ne &*

&'&* an) is sti// a/ive4 A/e9 I0estione) J/ach abo0t this 5atch. an) state) that he won)e#e) i% evs-/y was in %act the $#eat 2ohn ese-4 He sai) this -nowin$ that evs-/y was )esc#ibe) as a "$iant =ohe5ian" an) ese- was on/y si9 %oot an) &<" 8o0n)s4 M#4 J/ach #e8/ie) i55e)iate/yC "It was 2ohn ese-L He ca5e to Do)$e to w#est/e %o# Do)$e:s Eth o% 20/y ce/eb#ation that yea#4 They set the w#est/in$ #in$ 08 #i$ht in %#ont o% Da):s theate#4 Yo0 -now that b0i/)in$ beca5e o0# G#oce#y Sto#e an) then was Ma#v:s G#oce#y be%o#e he 5ove) ac#oss the st#eet4" I% this was t#0e. it wo0/) have been ese-:s %i#st 8#o%essiona/ 5atch an) Steche#:s secon)4 When he was $#owin$ 08. J/ach /ive) on the sa5e st#eet with 2oe Steche# an) by a$e &! was t#ainin$ with the cha58ion o# at /east watchin$ 2oe wo#- o0t4 Steche# ha) a #in$ set 08 ne9t to his $a#a$e %o# t#ainin$ in $oo) weathe#. b0t at othe# ti5es wo0/) t#ain on the secon) %/oo# o% the Ch0)o5e/-a:s $a#a$e4 It was in this $a#a$e that Ma#- Cha85an %o0n) the t#ainin$ eI0i85ent on )is8/ay in his w#est/in$ 50se05 in Iowa4 J/ach te//s sto#ies o% ese- t#ainin$ with Steche# in the $a#a$e4 !"' L6S ANGELES TIMES. an) L6S ANGELES HERALD A0$0st !*. &'!*BThe atten)ance was ca//e) a so/) o0t '."""4 !&" L6S ANGELES TIMES. Se8te5be# &. &'!* !&& L6S ANGELES TIMES. Se8te5be# &(. &'!* !&! L6S ANGELES TIMES. Se8te5be# !(. &'!* !&@ L6S ANGELES TIMES. 6ctobe# @. &'!* !&E L6S ANGELES TIMES 6ctobe# F. &'!*PYo0 can a/so #ea) a ese- %a5i/y ve#sion o% the 5atch in CATCH WRESTLING by Ma#- Hewitt4 I consi)e# Hewitt a %#ien) an) one o% the best histo#ians in 8#o w#est/in$ b0t 5y %ee/in$ a#e that he s8ent too 50ch ti5e a#o0n) the ese- %a5i/y an) $ave a ve#y 8#oB ese- view o% the 5atch4 He see5s to thin- that eve#y ese- 5atch in &'!* was a shoot. e9ce8t the 5atch Steche# won4 Most o% 5y w#est/in$ -now/e)$e ca5e th#o0$h Ma#- Hewitt. so I sho0/) >0st -ee8 5y 5o0th sh0t4 I:ve a/so co5e in contact with Geo%% ese- an) thin- he:s a $#eat $0y4 !&( L6S ANGELES TIMES. 6ctobe# '. &'!* !&* L6S ANGELES EQAMINER. Nove5be# !!. &'!* !&F a/a)in #ess !&< HILADEL HIA INDHIRER. Dece5be# &<. &'!F !&' HILADEL HIA INDHIRER. 2an0a#y !@. &'!F !!" 6LICE GA+ETTEE. Ma#ch <. &'!FB"It was a 5aste#/y e9hibition that Steche# $ave4 He even 5a)e the Ita/ian $#a88/e# /oo- $oo). tho0$h he 8/ain/y o0tc/asse) hi54 Li-e a s/ee- ti$e# cat Steche# wo#-e) a#o0n) his 5an /a,i/y 0nti/ he ha) b#o0$ht abo0t his )own%a//4 A/tho0$h Ga#)ini is a $#eat 8ose# an) st#ives to 5a-e eve#y 5ove a )#a5atic 8ict0#e. Steche# has #e)0ce) his a#t to a si58/icity that 5a-es o% hi5 the t#0e show5an an) one whose wo#- is we// wo#th watchin$4" !!& ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. Ma#ch !F. &'!F !!! ASS6CIATED RESS. 2an0a#y &(. &'&F !!@ ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. 2an0a#y !F. &'!F !!E ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ @ to A8#i/ F. &'!F !!( ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ <. &'!F !!* ST L6HIS DAILY GL6=EBDEM6CRAT. A8#i/ '. an) A8#i/ &". &'!F !!F The 5a>o# so0#ce o% this sto#y co5es %#o5 Cha8te# seven o% FALL GHYS by Ma#c0s G#i%%in4 It c/ai5s that Lewis: wo#)s we#e "I:5 5at cha58ion o% the wo#/)4 I stan) #ea)y to 5eet any 5an a/ive %o# 5y tit/e4 I have neve# as-e) a 5an to /ose to 5e an) I neve# wi//4 De5et#a/ be/ieves he co0/) have beaten 5e i% he ha)n:t bo##owe) 5oney %#o5 San)ow4 I 8#esent he#ewith a #e/ease %#o5 San)ow4 I a/so /ay be%o#e yo0 $ent/e5en a cash bon) o% twentyB%ive tho0san) )o//a#s an) I a5 wi//in$ to 8ay it to De5et#a/ i% he can beat 5e he#e be%o#e yo0 $ent/e5en in this #oo5 o# in any $y5nasi05 yo0 ca#e to na5e4" !!< Rea) THNNEY by 2ac- Cavana0$h. a $#eat boo-4 I a/so 0se) DEM SEY by 2acDe58sey. an) =a#ba#a iatte//i De58sey4

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The Feb#$a$y !%& "'!( Steche$)Lewis Match *n Dece+be$ !"& "'!,& cont$acts we$e si-ne. with To+ ac/& by both Lewis an. Steche$& 0o$ a wo$1. tit1e +atch in St Lo#is to be he1. Feb$#a$y !%& "'!(2 The +atch was bi11e. as a "shoot" 0$o+ .ay one2 In 3an#a$y "'!( Lewis ha. 4 +atches beatin- Wayne M#nn twice& R#.y D#se/& an. Toots Mon.t2 He then went into st$ict t$ainin-2 Wo$/in- with Mon.t& Ma$in 1estina& an. at McGi11& he $an in the +o$nin- an. w$est1e. a11 a0te$noon2 A0te$ wo$/in- at a t$ainin- cha+5 in 6ansas City& he +ove. to the St Lo#is 7nive$sity -y+ on Feb$#a$y "42 He see+e. to be in 5e$0ect con.ition on a$$iva12 His wei-ht was o00icia11y !!4 b#t $e5o$ts we$e that he at ti+es it ha. -one as 1ow as !", 5o#n.s2 hotos ta/en be0o$e the +atch bac/ #5 a11 the c1ai+s28!!'9 Steche$ ha. been t$ainin- 0o$ the +atch sense Dece+be$ "4 in Do.-e an. +ove. to the St Lo#is 6ni-hts o0 Co1#+b#s -y+ in the wee/ 1ea.in- #5 to the +atch28!:%9 He ha. been th$o#-h a ha$. active two yea$s an. ei-ht +onths as cha+5ion& t$ave1in- bac/ an. 0o$th the co#nt$y .e0en.in- the tit1e a-ainst s#ch w$est1e$s as 3i+ Lon.os& 3ohn ese/& Ray Stee1e& W1a.e/ ;bys</o& Dic/ Davisco#$t& 3i+ =$ownin-& a#1 3ones& Geo$-e Ca1<a& R#.y D#se/& Nic/ L#t<e& Cha$1es Hansen& Renato Ga$.ini& Y#ssi0 H#ssane& an. +any othe$s2 He ha. bac/e. .own 0$o+ no one an. ha. acce5te. eve$y cha11en-e2 =#t in "'!,& so+ethin- ha. chan-e in Steche$2 A$o#n. his ho+etown o0 Do.-e& he beca+e +o$e with.$awn an. .i. 1ess socia1i<inwith the 5eo51e in the town2 R#+o$s we$e bein- s5$ea. that he was wo$n o#t an. ta1/in- abo#t $eti$e+ent2 75 #nti1 the Los An-e1es +atch with 3ohn ese/& he ha. be1ieve. he was the t$#e cha+5ion& ab1e to act#a11y beat eve$yone2 e$ha5s the .o#b1e>c$oss too/ away 3oe?s i.ea that the$e was s5o$t in 5$o w$est1in-2 He be-an to see it as @#st ente$tain+ent an. a 0antasy 0o$ othe$s2 =y "'!(& 3oe .i.n?t want to 51ay the -a+e any+o$e2 He ha. 1e0t w$est1in- at 1east twice be0o$e an. "'!( see+e. 1i/e a -oo. yea$ to say -oo.bye 0o$eve$2 The Feb$#a$y !%& "'!( +atch .$ew +o$e than ,&A%% 5eo51e inc1#.in- the actinMayo$ o0 St2 Lo#is& two State Senato$s& the Ci$c#it 3#.-e& the City Re-ist$a$& twenty city o00icia1s o0 Evansvi11e& In.2& +o$e than 0i0ty news+en& two wi$e$ se$vices& an. +ost o0 the +a@o$ w$est1in- 5$o+ote$s in the nation& inc1#.in3ac/ C#$1ey& 3#1i#s Sie-e1& a#1 =owse$& E. White& an. Ray Fabiana2 BI thin/ Lo# Da$o ca11e. in sic/& havin- 1ost a st$eet 0i-ht to one o0 his w$est1e$s BMohanne. HassenC in 3an#a$y2 S5ecia1 t$ains a$$ive. 0$o+ s#ch cites as Hanniba1& Mo2 6ansas City an. Chica-o an. the 5$ice 0o$ a $in-si.e seat was D!A2 The -ate en.e. #5 at DEA&%%%2 *00e$s 0o$ a nationa1 $a.io b$oa.cast we$e t#$ne. .own by the 5$o+ote$ To+ ac/ an. ove$t#$es 0$o+ 0i1+ co+5anies we$e $e0#se.& beca#se the hi-h 5owe$e. 1a+5s wo#1. 5$o.#ce too +#ch heat 0o$ the w$est1e$s an. the 0ans2 *n the ni-ht& the a$ena act#a11y was ve$y co1. with ove$coats bein#se. by @#st abo#t eve$yone2 The $#1es we$e set 0o$ a two o#t o0 th$ee 0a11 +atch with no ti+e 1i+it2 A 0o#1 wo#1. en. a 0a11 b#t not cost the -#i1ty w$est1e$ the co+51ete +atch2 A $#1e was +a.e that state. that when the w$est1e$s we$e se5a$ate. on the $o5es& they wo#1. $et#$n to the +i..1e o0 the $in- in a stan.in- 5osition be0o$e contin#in- the +atch2 The #n.e$ ca$. ha. 3i+ Lon.os an. Toots Mon.t winnin- +atches2 Lewis was the 0i$st to ente$ the $in- with =i11y San.ow& at McGi11 an. Ma$vin 1eatina2 Steche$ 0o11owe. acco+5anie. by Tony Steche$ an. Nic/ L#t<e2 Lewis wei-hte. !!, an. Steche$ was !!A2 Steche$ was anno#nce. as the Wo$1. Cha+5ion2 Lewis was the cha11en-e$& anno#nce. as the "hea.1oc/ /in-"2 The 0i$st 0a11 saw both +en w$est1in- .e0ensive1y& with Lewis s1i-ht1y the a--$esso$2 Most o0 the 0a11 saw the w$est1e$s stan.in-& b#t Lewis .i. ta/e Steche$ .own a 0ew ti+e b#t no $ea1 ho1.s we$e a551ie.2 7n1i/e in 5ast +atches& E. was +o$e wi11in- to +iF& with Steche$ waitin- 0o$ Lewis to +a/e a +ista/e2 Neithe$ w$est1e$ $eceive. +#ch 5#nish+ent2 Thin-s see+e. to s5ee. #5 at the two ho#$ +a$/ an. the en. ca+e #neF5ecte.1y2 At two ho#$s& siFteen +in#tes& an. :! secon.s& Lewis too/ Steche$ .own an. $o11e. hi+ into an a$+ 1oc/ an. bo.y b1oc/ 0o$ the 5in2 Tony Steche$ 5$oteste. the 0a11& c1ai+in- 3oe was -iven a 0ast

co#nt by $e0e$ee Ha$$y Sha$5e2 =ac/ in the .$essin- $oo+& Steche$ was -iven a "5e5" ta1/ by 0$ien.s 3i+ Lon.os an. 3ohn ese/ Bwho we$e sittin- to-ethe$C2 They to1. hi+ to sto5 51ayin- the .e0ensive -a+e an. ta/e it to The St$an-1e$2 Lewis $et#$ne. bac/ sta-e to the wa$+ con-$at#1ation o0 his 0o11owe$s2 E. th$ew o#t his chest an. +#+b1e. "=i11y& it?s easy2" A-ain Lewis was the 0i$st to ente$ the $in- at 4, +in#tes 5asse. +i.ni-ht& 0o11owe. by Steche$ who was -iven an ovation by his 0ans2 At the be11& the two ci$c1e.& then Lewis .ove 0o$ a bea$ h#- ty5e ta/e.own& the sa+e +ove that ha. wo$/e. to win the 0i$st 0a11& b#t Steche$ ste55e. ni+b1y away& whi$$in- a$o#n. to 1an. on to5 o0 E.2 Steche$ 5#t Lewis in the sa+e ty5e a$+ 1oc/ that ha. cost hi+ the 0i$st 0a112 Steche$ was then awa$.e. the secon. 0a11 in AE secon.s2 A0te$ anothe$ $est 5e$io.& the thi$. 0a11 sta$te. at ": +in#tes 5asse. one in the +o$nin-2 Lewis contin#e. to attac/ #sin- bo.y 1oc/s in an atte+5t to ta/e Steche$ bac/ to the +at2 Steche$ was ab1e to b1oc/ his 0i$st 0ew +oves b#t the two -ot entan-1e. an. 0e11 to the canvas2 Lewis -ot an a$+ 1oc/ an. -ot on to5 o0 Steche$?s sho#1.e$s2 6nowin- he was in bi- t$o#b1e& Steche$ $o11e.& b$i.-e.& an. wi--1e. in a .es5e$ate atte+5t to th$ow o00 the heavie$ Lewis b#t E. co#1.n?t be /ic/e. o002 Steche$ -ot to the no$the$n e.-e o0 the $in- an. his 1e0t 1e- hit the 1owe$ $o5e2 He then +ove. seve$a1 +o$e inches& an. his $i-ht 1e- beca+e twiste. a$o#n. the secon. $o5e& so 0a$ ove$ that his 0oot was ove$ the 0$ont $ow o0 seats2 It was a test o0 st$en-th with Lewis havin- the vice> 1i/e -$i5 as 3oe 0o#-ht to sto5 his sho#1.e$s 0$o+ bein- 0o$ce. to the +at2 F$o+ Steche$?s co$ne$& 0$ont $ow& boF seats& an. the ba1cony ca+e the cho$#sG "Ro5es& $o5es& $o5es2" With the c$ow. in a 0$en<y& $e0e$ee Sha$5e 1ai. besi.e the two w$est1e$s as the cha+5ion& with no 1eve$a-e to /ic/ o#t& was 0o$ce. .own by the wei-ht an. st$en-th o0 Lewis2 With both sho#1.e$ 0i$+1y 5$esse. on the canvas& he 5atte. Lewis on the bac/ an. -ave the si-na1 that +a.e hi+ the #n.is5#te. wo$1. cha+5ion2 =i11y San.ow @#+5e. into the $in- an. 1e. Lewis to his co$ne$2 Steche$& .a<e.& -ot to his 0eet an. +ove. to the cente$ o0 the $in- eF5ectin- to contin#e2 He a55ea$e. a+a<e. to see Lewis an. San.ow ce1eb$atin- the victo$y2 H#n.$e.s o0 0ans $#she. #5 to the $in- ye11in- at the $e0& whi1e 5ointin- to the $o5es2 The $e0e$ee& Ha$$y Sha$5e& -ave his .ecision to the anno#nce$ an. Lewis was 5$ono#nce. as the new cha+5ion2 The ti+e o0 the thi$. 0a11 was "! +in#tes an. A% secon.s28!:"9 The neFt .ay& the $es#1t o0 the +atch was $e5o$te. in eve$y news5a5e$ in A+e$ica2 Re5o$ts in o#t o0 town& 5$o>Lewis& 5a5e$s c1ai+ the$e was no cont$ove$sy ove$ the $es#1t&8!:!9 b#t in St Lo#is the 5a5e$ was 0i11e. 0o$ .ays o0 sto$ies o0 Tony Steche$ co+51ainin- abo#t 3oe bein- 5inne. with his 0eet in the $o5es2 3oe& hi+se10& ha. ve$y 1itt1e to say2 His state+ent was "I have no a1ibis an. a+ wi11in- to ta/e the $es#1t as a s5o$ts+an sho#1.2 It was @#st the b$ea/s o0 the -a+e that it t#$ne. o#t as it .i.2 =#t I sti11 be1ieve I can th$ow Lewis2"8!::9 Lewis state. that the$e wasn?t any $oo+ 0o$ .o#bt in anyone?s +in. who was the bette$ +an2 "So+e 5eo51e tho#-ht I?. eithe$ ho5 on a bicyc1e o$ -et $o#-h2 I .i.n?t .o eithe$& an. .i. a11 the a--$essive wo$/2 Steche$ is -a+e& I?11 say that 0o$ hi+2 He too/ a 1ot o0 5#nish+ent2 =#t I .on?t thin/ he is -oo. eno#-h to eve$ beat +e2" When as/e. i0 he wo#1. be wi11in- to .e0en. a-ainst Steche$ in a $e+atch& he sai. "Why sho#1. IH I thin/ he showe. that he is not to be $ate. with the to5 conten.e$s2" Lewis a1so +a.e the 5oint that he .i.n?t win a tit1e& he .e0en.e. one28!:49 3oe Steche$ $eti$e. a sho$t ti+e 1ate$ to $#n his conce$ns in Do.-e which inc1#.e. 0a$+s& a 1oca1 +ovie ho#se an. a -$ain b#siness2 At the ti+e& he see+e. to have a11 the +oney he wo#1. even nee.2 He was w$on-2 Re-a$.1ess o0 the sc$ew 0inish& it has to be sai. that 3oe Steche$?s sha.ow no 1on-e$ c1o#.e. the ca$ee$ o0 St$an-1e$ Lewis2 Steche$?s $eco$. ve$ses Lewis at the ti+e was 0ive wins& th$ee 1oses an. two .$aws& b#t Lewis won the two tit1e chan-es an. that?s a11 the 5#b1ic wo#1. be a11owe. to $e+e+be$2 7n1ess yo# consi.e$ this "'!( +atch& in which he was bi11e. as the cha11en-e$& a Lewis tit1e .e0enseII St$an-1e$ Lewis neve$ .e0en.e. a wo$1. tit1e a-ainst 3oe Steche$2 Now that the sto$y1ine has been cove$e.& 1ets -et to the 5o1itics2 Why .i. the Steche$ si.e a11ow St$an-1e$ Lewis to $e-ain his tit1eH When San.ow an. Lewis

a-$ee. to @oin To+ ac/s in Ma$ch "'!,& I .on?t be1ieve he .i. so with the 5$o+ise o0 -ettin- the tit1e& b#t San.ow +ay have been ab1e to $ea. the sit#ation an. antici5ate. that the 5$o+ote$s wo#1. 1oo/ to E.2 The 5#b1ic ha. been 5$o+ise. a Lewis)Steche$ +atch 0o$ at 1east siF yea$s an. it was too +#ch o0 a b#i1.>#5 to 1et -et away2 With eve$yone a-$eein- that the +atch ha. to ta/e 51ace& the neFt 5$ob1e+ was the 0inish2 That a1so wo$/e. o#t& in that Steche$ was ti$e. o#t& ha. $#n th$o#-h +ost o0 the +a@o$ conten.e$s& an. was +o$e than wi11in- to $eti$e2 7n1i/e what yo# wo#1. thin/ a0te$ th$ee yea$s o$ +o$e o0 wa$& 3oe 1i/e. Lewis an. $es5ecte. hi+ as a w$est1e$2 The na+e "St$an-1e$ Lewis" was bi--e$ than his own an. the$e wo#1. be no 1oss o0 "0ace" in 1osin- to hi+2 Es5ecia11y i0 yo# th$ew in a sc$ew 0inishI 1i/e havin- 3oe?s 0eet tie. #5 in the $o5es2 The +oney wo#1. be -oo. too2 San.ow& o0 co#$se& wante. Lewis bac/ on to5& b#t E. was a1+ost :( yea$s o1.& not a1ways in con.ition& an. his eye 5$ob1e+ was an on an. o00 thin-2 Fo$ +ost o0 #s to.ay& we a$e #se. to seein- 5hotos o0 the $ot#n. Lewis an. the i.ea o0 a 0at Lewis 0its in with o#$ i+a-es o0 the wi1. "'!%?s an. othe$ 0at 5e$sona1ities 1i/e =abe R#th an. A1 Ca5one2 The 5$o+ote$s an. 0ans o0 that ti+e we$e 0a$ 1ess wi11in- to acce5t that i+a-e o0 an o#t o0 sha5e cha+5ion w$est1e$2 The 5$o+ote$s an. =i11y San.ow we$e a1ways 5#shin- E. to 1ose wei-ht2 I thin/ Lewis? wei-ht 1oss be0o$e this +atch wasn?t beca#se o0 a 5ossibi1ity o0 a shoot b#t beca#se the 5$o+ote$s wante. Lewis to 1oo/ 1i/e a cha+5ion2 =y the .ate o0 the +atch& he on1y wei-hte. th$ee 5o#n.s +o$e than Steche$2 So Lewis was -iven his tit1e bac/2 It was bi11e. as his thi$. tit1e $ei-n& b#t i0 yo# inc1#.e the two *1in tit1e winsI0ive2 With this sai.& I .on?t be1ieve the 5$o+ote$s we$e thin/in- o0 /ee5in- Lewis cha+5ion2 Lewis an. Steche$ ha. .o+inate. 5$o w$est1in-?s sto$y1ine sense "'"A an. it was ti+e to -ive the 0ans new sta$s to watch an. s5en. +oney on2 I thin/ 5$o+ote$s wante. the bi- nationa1 sta$ St$an-1e$ Lewis on to5& so they co#1. +a/e a new sta$ o#t o0 the -#y who /noc/e. hi+ o002 Who we$e these 5$o+ote$s that +a.e Lewis cha+5ionH To+ ac/s& Tony Steche$& an. =i11y San.ow 0o$ s#$e2 Fabiani see+e. in on it2 a#1 =owse$ was a1ways c1ose to San.ow& +aybe even the t$#e thi$. +e+be$ o0 the t$io2 We .o /now that 3ac/ C#$1ey& who sat in the 0$ont $ow .#$in- the tit1e chan-e& was a-ainst it2 The .ay a0te$ the +atch BFeb$#a$y !"C& an Associate. $ess sto$y state. that the New Yo$/ Co++ission wo#1. not $eco-ni<e Lewis as wo$1. cha+5ion #nti1 he +et an. .e0eate. conten.e$ Hans Stein/e2 Stein/e was a !,A +ass o0 +#sc1e that C#$1ey ha. b$o#-ht to New Yo$/ 0$o+ Ge$+any2 No one /new how -oo. he was an. that +eant =i11y San.ow wo#1. be a0$ai. o0 hi+ an. Lewis wo#1. stay away2 This 0act 51aye. #5 in the news5a5e$s wo#1. -ive C#$1ey& Fabiani& an. the states o0 New Yo$/ an. ennsy1vania $eason to c$eate a tit1e 1ine o0 thei$ own2 The "'!' Tit1e Rei-n Fo11owin- the Feb$#a$y !% tit1e chan-e& it .i.n?t ta/e Lewis 1on- to -et bac/ in action2 *n Feb$#a$y !'& he .e0eate. 3oe Ma1cewic< in 6ansas City 0o$ 5$o+ote$ Gabe 6a#0+ann2 Re5o$ts c1ai+ that Lewis was 51annin- to to#$ E#$o5e in the s#++e$ an. that so+eone in Ho11ywoo. ha. o00e$e. the cha+5ion D!%%&%%% to sta$ in a +ovie28!:A9 *n Ma$ch E& he .e0eate. a#1 3ones at At1anta an. then atte+5te. to .e0en. the tit1e in Chica-o Ma$ch "!2 The bi- city was sti11 bein- 51a-#e. by a "+a$/" co++ission2 Lewis was to w$est1e A1eF Ga$/awien/o& b#t the Chica-o Co++ission was s51it abo#t a11owin- the ca$. to ta/e 51ace2 *ne o0 the co++issione$s c1ai+e. that Ga$/awien/o wasn?t a E#$o5ean cha+5ion 0$o+ R#ssia& was +ana-e. by =i11y San.ow& an. not a 0it o55onent 0o$ a wo$1. cha+5ion2 The +atch was a11owe. to ta/e 51ace a0te$ Lewis a-$ee. to 5ost a DA&%%% bon. to +eet the winne$ o0 a Chica-o to#$na+ent to .eci.e a t$#e #n.is5#te. cha+5ion2 The "+a$/" I11inois Co++ission wo#1. contin#e to .is$#5t Chica-o 0o$ yea$s& an. .o ha$+ to one o0 the best 5$o w$est1in- +a$/ets in the co#nt$y2 F$o+ .ay one o0 his new tit1e $ei-n& Lewis ha. the $e5#tation o0 a cha+5ion who was -#a$.e. an. wo#1.n?t +eet wo$thy conten.e$s2 The t$#th is that he was @#st w$est1in- a#1 =owse$ w$est1e$s& 1i/e Ma1cewic<& Ga$/awien/o& 3oe 6o+a$& Geo$-e Mc1eo.& Stan Stasia/& L#t<e& an. Howa$. Cantonwine2 *n Ma$ch ",& "'!(& To+ ac/s anno#nce. that he an. hi1a.e15hia 5$o+ote$ Fabiani& wo#1. ba$ E. Lewis 0$o+ w$est1in- in thei$ 5$o+otions #n1ess E. a-$ee. to +eet "1e-iti+ate tit1e conten.e$s"2 Lewis .i. not .e0en. this tit1e in St Lo#is 0o$ the $est o0 "'!(2 It see+s to +e that the$e was a 5owe$ st$#--1e

between 5$o+ote$s an. a#1 =owse$ won the 5$i<e2 The sto$y1ine in St Lo#is was that ac/s wante. Lewis to w$est1e 3i+ Lon.os an. Lewis $e0#se.2 It?s 5ossib1e& b#t no s#$e thin-& that ac/s wante. Lewis to .$o5 the tit1e to his sta$ Lon.os b#t San.ow an. =owse$ ha. othe$ i.eas2 This is the 0i$st si-n o0 the $iva1$y between Lewis an. w$est1in- neFt h#-e s#5e$ sta$ 3i+ Lon.os2 Lewis be1ieve& an. @#sti0iabi1ity so& that he "+a.e" Lon.os2 He .i.n?t .o @obs 0o$ 3i++y b#t he .i. 5#t hi+ ove$ in +any +atches in Canton an. St Lo#is2 The 1a$-e$ Lewis& in si<e an. "5#sh"& ha. 1ost eFhibition +atches to Lon.os an. -iven hi+ 0a11s2 Lewis an. San.ow 0e1t they ha. +a.e a 1ot o0 +oney 0o$ Lon.os an. eF5ecte. so+e 1oya1ty& b#t a0te$ M#nn?s 1oss to ;bys</o& Lon.os @#+5e. to the Steche$ si.e& ta/in- a b#nch o0 othe$ w$est1e$s with hi+2 Lewis ha. .eve1o5e. a st$on- hat$e. 0o$ Lon.os an. he was wi11in- to .o anythin- that wo#1. +a/e hi+ 1oo/ ba.2 *n Ma$ch :%& Lewis beat Toots Mon.t at Ho#ston2 This was the 1ast ti+e E. wo#1. .e0en. this tit1e a-ainst his -oo. 0$ien.2 Lo# Da$o sti11 ha. a #se 0o$ Lewis an. his tit1e so he beca+e 5a$t o0 the San.ow)=owse$ a11iance2 Da$o ha. a +a@o$ te$$ito$y in Los An-e1es an. a -oo. a$ena with 1ow $ent& so tho#-ht o#t the "'!%?s an. :%?s he was ab1e to #se whateve$ ta1ent o$ 5$o+ote$s he wante.2 Da$o was wi11in- to wo$/ with anyone who co#1. +a/e hi+ +oney2 Fo$ the neFt 0ew yea$s& Los An-e1es wo#1. be one o0 Lewis? st$on-est city2 *n May !& "'!( Lewis $et#$ne. to LA an. .e0eate. Nic/ L#t<e at the *1y+5ic A#.ito$i#+ in 0$ont o0 a1+ost '&%%% 0ans2 The +atch 1aste. "G!'G:A2 8!:E9 L#t<e was ve$y 5o5#1a$ an. a $e+atch to a 0inish too/ 51ace on 3#ne ": at The *1y+5ic2 Lewis won two o#t o0 th$ee 0a11s an. .$ew a se11o#t "%&%%% with a -ate o0 D"E&%%%28!:,9 The *1y+5ic?s bi--est .$aw ea$1y in the yea$ was 3i+ Lon.os& b#t he .isa55ea$e. 0$o+ the city as soon as Lewis be-an +a/in- a55ea$ances2 *n 3#ne !A& Lewis .e0eate. Ma1cewic< in Ho#ston an. .$ew a $eco$. c$ow.2 At the ti+e& the Nationa1 De+oc$atic Convention was in town2 The 5a$ty en.e. #5 no+inatin- A1 S+ith& who went on to 1ose to the Re5#b1ican He$be$t Hoove$2 So S+ith& Ma1cewic<& an. the co#nt$y a11 en.e. #5 as 1ose$s28!:(9 *n May !( an. on 3#1y '& Lewis .e0eate. Ma$in 1estina in Minnea5o1is28!:(a The$e was a sto$y to1. in the boo/ FALL G7YS by Ma$c#s G$i00in2 The sto$y says that Toots Mon.t $an into the t$#st b#ste$ 1estina at the Hote1 0eiste$ in Mi1wa#/ee a$o#n. 3#ne "'!E2 The two went to Mon.t?s $oo+ 0o$ a .$in/2 Mon.t +a.e Ma$in an o00e$ to 1eave his +ana-e$ 3oe Ma$sh an. @oin the Lewis -$o#52 He to1. 1estina he co#1. -o with hi+ to Lewis s#++e$ ho+e in Ne/oosa& Wisconsin2 Ma$ian wo#1. then w$est1e Lewis in a -y+ shoot& an. i0 1estina co#1. win that +atch& E. wo#1. .$o5 the wo$1. tit1e to hi+ with in two +onths2 I0 he 1ost the shoot& Ma$in wo#1. then "51ay ba11"& wo$/ +atches an. sti11 +a/e -oo. +oney2 1estina ha. -otten a 1ot o0 5#b1icity 0$o+ +ana-e$ Ma$sh& b#t ve$y 1itt1e cash2 He was -ettin- o1. an. he ha. a 0a+i1y to s#55o$t& so 1estina a-$ee.2 In sto$ies to1. by Mon.t an. Lewis& it was a1ways =i11y San.ow who ha. no 0aith in the St$an-1e$ an. wo#1.n?t 1et hi+ ta/e on "t$#st b#ste$" ty5es in contests2 It was thei$ way o0 te11in- 0ans that Lewis was -a+e an. not to b1a+e 0o$ avoi.in- +a@o$ conten.e$s ove$ the yea$s2 So this sto$y is i+5o$tant to Lewis s#55o$te$s2 Ma$sh -ot 1estina to Ne/oosa& an. Lewis 1i/e. the i.ea& b#t San.ow hate. it2 So they w$est1e. an. St$an-1e$ Lewis beat 1estina two 0a11s in 1ess than thi$ty +in#tes2 G$i00in then c1ai+e. that Lewis .e0eate. 1estina in "a1+ost eve$y bicity in A+e$ica"2 I wo#1. 1ove to be1ieve that sto$y an. the i.ea o0 E. beatin- 1estina in a "shoot" +atch& b#t the$e a$e 5$ob1e+s2 F$o+ $es#1ts we 0in. that 1estina ha. 1e0t 3oe Ma$sh an. was wo$/in- 0o$ the 3ac/ C#$1ey -$o#5 by A5$i1 "'!A in =oston Ba-ainst =owse$C2 The ti+e 1ine o0 the +atch& ta/in- 51ace in 3#ne "'!E& see+s *6 beca#se 1estina was one o0 Lewis?s /nown t$aine$s be0o$e the M#nn +atches an. the tit1e win ove$ Steche$2 =#t the 0i$st +atch in an a$ena& too/ 51ace in May an. then 3#1y in "'!(2 The $eco$. on1y has E. .e0en.in- the tit1e ve$ses 1estina th$ee ti+es2 Why .i. they wait so 1on- to w$est1eH =y the ti+e they -ot in the $in-& eve$yone was -ettin- o1.2 Was San.ow a0$ai. o0 a -#y wo$/in- 0o$ hi+H We11 ese/ an. even Dic/ Shi/at wo$/e. 0o$ hi+ an. E. avoi.e. the+ too2 8!:'9 I thin/ 1estina nee.e. a -oo. @ob an. @oine. #5 with San.ow& 0i$st as a t$aine$ an. 1ate$ a-$ee. to be ta1ent 0o$ a 0ew +o$e b#c/s2 As 0o$ Lewis bein- ab1e to

beat hi+ in a shoot& I be1ieve it2 Nothin- +a/es +e thin/ 1estina was a to5 1eve1 shoote$2 Anothe$ w$est1e$ wo#1. be-in a ca$ee$ in "'!( that wo#1. beco+e an i+5o$tant 0i-#$e in E. Lewis? ca$ee$2 G#s Sonnenbe$- was bo$n on Ma$ch E& "((' on a 0a$+ in G$een Ga$.en& Michi-an28!4%9 A0te$ atten.in- a co#nt$y schoo1& he +ove. to Ma$J#ette& Wisconsin in "'"! to 1ive with his o1.e$ siste$ whi1e atten.in- hi-h schoo12 He was /nown 0o$ his 1ine 51ay on the 0ootba11 tea+ at Ma$J#ette Hi-h Schoo12 Sonnenbe$- 51aye. $i-ht -#a$. an. 1ate$ was +ove. to tac/1e2 He a1so was a /ic/e$2 In "'"E the Ma$J#ette 0ootba11 tea+ went #n.e0eate.& too/ the 72 2 cha+5ionshi5 an. o#t sco$e. the o55osition !"" 5oints to ,2 A0te$ -$a.#atin-& G#s then 5asse. #5 scho1a$shi5s to +a@o$ co11e-es to -o to Da$t+o#th2 The #nive$sity .i.n?t o00e$ ath1etic scho1a$shi5s& so G#s wo$/e. s+a11 @obs to s#55o$t hi+se10 whi1e 51ayin- 0ootba112 ossib1e beca#se o0 WWI& he 1e0t Da$t+o#th to teach an. 51ay ba11 bac/ in Ma$J#ette2 He $et#$ne. to Da$t+o#th in "'!% to 51ay on a -oo. tea+ an. was -oo. eno#-h to +a/e the a11>A+e$ican tea+ at tac/1e2 In the "'!% Da$t+o#th> en -a+e he /ic/e. an i+5o$tant (% ya$. 5#nt an. was consi.e$e. a +a@o$ 0ootba11 sta$2 He was s+a$t& we11 s5o/en an. /nown as a 1ove$ o0 -oo. 5oet$y2 He then 1e0t Da$t+o#th 0o$ the 7nive$sity o0 Det$oit2 He -$a.#ate. in "'!! with a Law De-$ee2 He then wo$/e. 0o$ an a#to+otive co+5any b#t wo#1. ta/e ti+e o00 to 51ay 5$o 0ootba112 $o 0ootba11 was s+a11 ti+e in the "'!%?s an. Sonnenbe$- .i.n?t +a/e +#ch +oney& even whi1e bein- a sta$2 F$o+ "'!! to "'!(& he 51aye. with The G$een =ay ac/e$s& Co1#+b#s& The *hio Ti-e$s& The Det$oit anthe$s& an. The $ovi.ence Stea+ Ro11e$s2 In $ovi.ence& he 51aye. a1on- si.e o0 3ohn S5e11+an& who was a1so a 5$o w$est1e$2 *ne ni-ht a b#nch o0 the 51aye$ went to the +atch to watch S5e11+an 5e$0o$+2 G#s tho#-ht the s5o$t was a @o/e an. he c1ai+e. he co#1. .o bette$ than anyone on the ca$.2 So on a bet& Sonnenbe$- was ta/en to a -y+ an. t$aine. as a 5$o w$est1e$2 To the s#$5$ise o0 eve$yone& G#s was bette$ than eve$yone28!4"9 G#s Sonnenbe$- ha. his 0i$st +atch in 3an#a$y "'!(& an. he 0o11owe. that by winnin- !( st$ai-ht +atches2 He was a nat#$a1 with the 5e$sona o0 a t$#e sta$2 It wasn?t 1on- be0o$e he ca+e to the attention o0 =oston 5$o+ote$ a#1 =owse$& who saw his 5otentia1 an. 5#she. hi+ to the to5 1eve12 7n1i/e Wayne M#nn& Sonnenbe$- was a -oo. wo$/e$ who ha. a 0ee1 0o$ 5$o w$est1in-2 He was s+a11 at A? ," an. !%% 5o#n.s& b#t was eF51osive an. 5owe$0#12 His sty1e was to wo$/ eve$ythin- a$o#n. a +ove ca11e. The F1yin- Tac/1e2 He wo#1. 01y ac$oss w$est1in- $in-s& 1i/e he .i. on 0ootba11 0ie1.s& to .$ive his hea. into the chest an. sto+achs o0 his o55onents2 He was J#ic/ on his 0eet an. co#1. .e1ive$ a se$ies o0 tac/1es be0o$e the othe$ w$est1e$ co#1. $ecove$ 0$o+ the 0i$st2 The t$#e 0inishe$ was a tac/1e whe$e he -$abbe. his o55onents two 1e-s an. co+bine. the 0ootba11 +ove with a .o#b1e 1e- ta/e .own2 The othe$ w$est1e$ wo#1. c$ash to the +at hittin- the bac/ o0 his hea. on the canvas2 When he +isse. the +ove& he wo#1. 01y o#t o0 the $in- into the c$ow. o$ to b#+5 on to the a$ena 01oo$2 In a way& Sonnenbe$- was the 0i$st w$est1e$ in :D2 A 0an o$ news $e5o$te$ at $in-si.e ha. to /ee5 thei$ hea. #5 beca#se at anyti+e G#s co#1. en. #5 in his 1a52 Sonnenbe$- $evo1#tioni<e. 5$o w$est1in-2 F$o+ the be-innin- o0 ti+e& the +a@o$ sta$s we$e .e0ensive w$est1e$s 1i/e Gotch& Lon.os an. even Steche$2 With Sonnenbe$-& his o00ense was his .e0ense2 He was a--$essive an. neve$ 1et #52 The$e was action 0$o+ the 0i$st +in#te to the 1ast& an. the 0ans 1ove. the sty1e2 G#s?s +atches we$e sho$t an. sweet2 His sty1e was a $es#1t o0 the 0act that he wasn?t a "w$est1e$"2 He was an ath1ete an. a "wo$/e$"2 Any +i.>1eve1 t$#e w$est1e$ co#1. have beaten hi+ in a contest2 =#t G#s was ve$y to#-h an. 5hysica1 an. the sty1e co#1. be ca11e. "sti00" b#t the i.ea was to 5#t on a -oo. show an. ente$tain2 With in a 0ew sho$t +onths& w$est1e$s a11 ove$ the co#nt$y was #sin- the 01yintac/1e2 G#s Sonnenbe$- 5$obab1y in01#ence. the s5o$t as +#ch as any w$est1e$ in histo$y2 A 1ot o0 ha$. co$e insi.e$s an. 0ans hate. the sty1e an. ca11e. hi+ "G#s the Goat"& b#t the c$ow.s he .$ew ove$ca+e any c$iticis+2 *n May ""& "'!(& Sonnenbe$- .e0eate. Wayne M#nn at Wo$ceste$ to set #5 a tit1e +atch with Lewis2 =owse$ si-ne. cha+5ion Lewis an. Sonnenbe$- with the bi--est -#a$antee in New En-1an. histo$y2 The sto$y was that Lewis was 5$o+ise. D"A&%%% an. G#s wo#1. -et D,&A%%2 The .ate was 3#ne !'& "'!( an. the 51ace was =oston A$ena2 =owse$ .i. a -$eat @ob o0 5$o+otin- the +atch& 0i11in- the news5a5e$s with

sto$ies o0 Sonnenbe$- an. the sto$y1ine o0 a yo#n- w$est1e$ +eetin- the 0ea$e. St$an-1e$2 The a.vance sa1e o0 tic/ets was h#-e2 The on1y t$#e 0ea$ was the i.ea that the yo#n- 5e$0o$+e$& with on1y 4% +atches an. 0ive +onths o0 t$ainin- in his ca$ee$& +i-ht cho/e an. +ess #5 the +atch2 Lewis an. 3oe Ma1cewic< too/ a 0ast t$ain 0$o+ Ho#ston an. a$$ive. in =oston the .ay be0o$e the +atch2 The +atch so1. o#t the =oston A$ena with "!&%%% 0i11in- the b#i1.in-2 It was on1y the thi$. ti+e in it?s histo$y that the A$ena ha. been so1. o#t2 The "stan.in- $oo+ on1y" c$ow. sat in thei$ seats& stoo. $ows .ee5 a1on- the bac/ 0$in-es o0 the seats an. even h#n- 0$o+ the ba$e -i$.e$s that h#n- 0$o+ the $oo02 It was a Sonnenbe$- c$ow. 0$o+ the +o+ent the b#1/y& sJ#a$e>$i--e. 1itt1e 0i-#$e 5o/e. his hea. o#t an. wa1/e. to $in-2 Lewis 0o11owe. hi+ to the $in-2 Anno#nce+ents we$e +a.e an. -$o#5 5hotos ta/en& then the be11 $an- an. the +atch sta$te.2 The 0i$st A +in#tes was s1ow with both w$est1e$s 0ee1in- each othe$ o#t& b#t Sonnenbe$- too/ Lewis .own to the +at with an a$+ 1oc/2 It was soon b$o/en b#t 0$o+ then on the$e was action eve$y +in#te& with G#s a1ways +a/in- the wa$ an. E. a1ways wa$.in- hi+ o00 with a s5ee. $e+a$/ab1e 0o$ a !:% 5o#n.e$2 Twice Lewis atte+5te. the hea.1oc/ an. twice Sonnenbe$- h#$1e. hi+ ac$oss the $in- to the .e1i-ht o0 the 5a$tisan c$ow.2 Lewis ci$c1e. a$o#n. the $in-& a1ways with the $o5es c1ose& so that a Sonnenbe$- tac/1e wo#1. ca$$y hi+ into the+ an. not on to the +at2 At the :% +in#te +a$/& Sonnenbe$- was $a-in- 1i/e a wi1. +an& cha$-inan. $a++in- his way th$o#-h the heat to -et at Lewis2 He a$+ .$a--e. E. to the +at b#t the cha+5ion w$i--1e. away an. 5#t G#s into a hea.1oc/2 The cha11en-e$ 1oo/e. -$o--y an. .a<e. a0te$ he b$o/e 0$ee an. Lewis @#+5e. on hi+ with anothe$ hea.1oc/2 G#s st#+b1e. away an. th$ee ti+es he .#c/e. #n.e$ Lewis? atte+5t at anothe$ hea.1oc/2 When Lewis 0o11owin- hi+ to the +i..1e o0 the $in-& G#s s1a++e. into the cha+5ion with his ha$.est 01yin- tac/1e2 E. hea. went bac/wa$. as he was /noc/e. 01at2 G#s @#+5e. on hi+ with an a$+ ba$ an. ha10 ne1son to -et the 5in in :, +in#tes an. :% secon.s2 News5a5e$ an. hats 01ew th$o#-h the ai$& as the enti$e ho#se stoo. to -ive t$ib#te to the 1itt1e +an2 Lewis 1ai. st#nne.& 0o$ a 0ew +in#tes& with the ai$ co+51ete1y /noc/e. o#t o0 hi+2 He was assiste. 0o$+ the $in-2 When he $et#$ne. 0o$ the secon. 0a11 he 1i0te. hi+se10 into the $in- 1i/e a 0eeb1e o1. -ent1e+an& $athe$ than a cha+5ion o0 the wo$1.2 Sonnenbe$- s1a++e. into Lewis at the sta$t o0 the secon. 0a11& .$ivin- hi+ into the $o5es2 Anothe$ s+ashin- tac/1e 5#t a .ea. 1oo/ in the cha+5ion?s eyes2 As G#s atte+5te. a thi$.& Lewis wo/e #5 an. ste55e. to the si.e2 Sonnenbe$- +isse. his ta$-et an. 01ew o#t o0 the $in-& ove$ the hea.s o0 sta$t1e. $e5o$te$s& to 1an. hea.>.own in a saw.#st hea52 He 1an. the$e +oanin- as the $e0e$ee co#nte. hi+ o#t2 Sonnenbe$- co#1.n?t -et #5 an. he was ca$$ie. to the .$essin- $oo+ th$o#-h the st#nne. c$ow.2 Lewis? J#ic/ +ove ha. save. his c$own an. Sonenbe$co#1.n?t contin#e2 The +atch was a th$i11in- a00ai$ an. eve$yone 1e0t the b#i1.in- wantin- a $e+atch2 E. Lewis ha. -ot the 0ootba11 51aye$ ove$ an. 5$o w$est1in- ha. a new sta$28!4!9 *n 3#1y "!& Lewis anno#nce. he was -oin- to ta/e the s#++e$ o00 to to#$ En-1an. an. E#$o5e2 He?. then $et#$n 0o$ a 0a$ewe11 to#$ o0 A+e$ica be0o$e $eti$in- at the en. o0 the neFt yea$2 Lewis 1e0t New Yo$/ City on an *cean 1ine$ on 3#1y !%2 I .on?t be1ieve he w$est1e. ove$seas an. it see+s to have @#st been a vacation with his new -i$10$ien. o$ 5e$ha5s he was 1oo/in- 0o$ s5ecia1ist to t$eat his T$acho+a2 He $et#$ne. ho+e on Se5te+be$ "2 He was inte$view in New Yo$/& an. the $e5o$te$s co++ente. that E. 1oo/e. 0at2 Lewis c1ai+e. the eFt$a 5o#n.s ca+e 0$o+ .$in/in- Ge$+an bee$2 He a1so bo#-ht a co+51ete new wa$.$obe in a$is2 Lewis an. San.ow $et#$ne. to Los An-e1es to .e0eat 3oe Ma1cewic< in two st$ai-ht 0a11s on *ctobe$ :& "'!(2 The +atch .$ew a nea$ se11o#t o0 '&:%% an. a -ate o0 ove$ D"E&%%%2 The $e5o$ts we$e that Lewis ha. "nice $o#n. chee/s" an. "a55ea$e. to have a 1ot o0 eFcess 01esh a$o#n. his ab.o+en"2 *ne ho#$ an. "" +in#te into the 0i$st 0a11& they both we$e st#nne. a0te$ ban-in- hea.s to-ethe$2 Lewis 1#c/i1y 1an.e. on to5 o0 Ma1cewic< an. -ot the 5in2 Ma1cewic< was sti11 wea/ 0o11owin- the $est 5e$io. an. Lewis beat hi+ in !")! +in#tes with a se$ies o0 hea.1oc/s28!4!9 3oe Ma1cewic< is ove$ 1oo/e. by +any histo$ians an. Ha11 *0 Fa+es& b#t he was a ta1ente. 5e$0o$+e. an. a t$#e w$est1e$2 As a +a@o$ o55onent o0 Lewis& he .eve1o5e. a 0inishin- ho1. he na+e. the "bac/wa$. bo.y s1a+"2 I be1ieve it was

the sa+e ho1. #se. by Lo# Thes< as a "si.e s#51eF" in the "'A%?s2 Ma1cewic<?s ho1. was #se. as a co#nte$ to Lewis hea. 1oc/& which co#1.n?t be a551ie. witho#t -ivin- yo#$ bac/ to the o55osition2 I won.e$ i0 it was Lewis& o$ even Ma1cewic<& who ta#-ht the +ove to Thes<2 Two wee/s 1ate$ on *ctobe$ ",& w$est1e. the "T$#st =#ste$" Ma$in 1estina at the *1y+5ic A#.ito$i#+2 The two ha. w$est1e. a co#51e o0 othe$ ti+es in Minnea5o1is .#$in- the yea$& b#t this was bi11e. as thei$ nationa1 show.ownI22at 1east in Los An-e1es2 Lewis won the 0i$st 0a11 in 4"G!E with a hea.1oc/2 1estina s#$5$ise. eve$yone by 5innin- Lewis #sin- a 01yin- +a$e in "!G4A to win the !n. 0a112 This #5set E. an. he $et#$ne. with a ven-eance to 5in Ma$in in ! K +in#tes #sin- Ma1cewic<?s bac/wa$. s1a+28!4:9 Lewis wasn?t to#$in- at the ti+e2 He was @#st hea.1inin- in Los An-e1es an. wo$/in- a 0ew .ate in o#t1inin- hoeniF an. Sa1t La/e City2 *n *ctobe$ !E& he .i. t$ave1 to hi1a.e15hia to .$aw ,&%%% in beatin- a#1 3ones in 4(G:!28!449 *n the #n.e$ ca$. was one o0 the 1oca1 sta$s on the East Coast na+e. Dic/ Shi/at& a 5owe$0#1 Ge$+an w$est1e$ who was bein- 5#she. in hi1a.e15hia an. the $est o0 the East Coast2 Shi/at was a +a@o$ w$est1e$& b#t as a wo$/e$ he was what was ca11e. a "c$owba$"2 He wo$/e. so "st#00" that a 1ot o0 w$est1e$s .i.n?t 1i/e -ettin- into the $in- with hi+2 He was ve$y 5o5#1a$ with the ty5e 0an who 1i/e thei$ w$est1e$s to be $ea1 w$est1e$s2 The to5 sta$ in hi1a.e15hia was 3i+ Lon.os2 The G$ee/ was havin- a h#-e yea$ in "'!(& with wins ove$ a11 the +a@o$ w$est1e$ in hi1a.e15hia& inc1#.in- 3ohn ese/ an. Ray Stee1e2 *n 3#ne !A& "'!(& Lon.os estab1ishe. his .o+inance on the East Coast by beatin- Dic/ Shi/at on an o#t.oo$ ca$. in 0$ont o0 ":&%%% 0ans2 Lon.os was .$awin- bi--e$ c$ow.s that any non>cha+5ion in histo$y2 Lewis 5$obab1y was bo#-ht into town beca#se Lon.os went on a 0ive +onth to#$ o0 E#$o5e2 *n Dece+be$ '& "'(4& Lon.os .e0eate. E#$o5ean cha+5ion 6a$o1 ;bys</o& co#sin o0 Stan L W1a.e/ ;bys</o& in Athens Sta.i#+& G$eece& bi$th 51ace o0 the *1y+5ic -a+es& in 0$ont o0 EA&%%% 0ans2 A1so on the Lewis)3ones #n.e$ ca$. was Toots Mon.t2 Toots ha. 1e0t the San.ow co+5any beca#se o0 a a$-#+ent with the =a#+an b$othe$s2 His w$est1in- ca$ee$ was a1so s1owin- .own by the en. o0 "'!( .#e to in@#$ies& so he sta$te. wo$/in- 0o$ Ray Fabiani& 5ossib1y as the hi1a.e15hia boo/e$2 I won.e$ i0 it was Toots who -ot Lewis this boo/in- in hi1a.e15hia& an a$ea he was consi.e$e. banne. in beca#se he on1y w$est1e. =owse$ cont$acte. 5e$0o$+e$s2 Mon.t -ot a -oo. 5#sh in St Lo#is by To+ ac/s in ea$1y "'!'2 He .$ew with 3ohn ese/ B3an2 ""C& .e0eate. Dic/ Davisco#$t B3an2 !'C& an. @obbe. to 3i+ Lon.os BFeb2 !"C2 *n Ma$ch A& Mon.t w$est1e. a E% +in#te .$aw with Dic/ Shi/at2 Mon.t ha. /nown Shi/at 0$o+ Chica-o whe$e Dic/ ha. wo$/e. #n.e$ ca$.s on Lewis)San.ow ca$.s& witho#t eve$ bein- consi.e$e. 0o$ tit1e shots2 Mon.t /new his w$est1inca$ee$ was abo#t ove$ an. Shi/at a1so /new he wasn?t -oin- to -et 5$o+ote. ove$ Lon.os witho#t +a@o$ 5$o+otiona1 he15& so Mon.t beca+e Dic/ Shi/at?s +ana-e$ soon a0te$ the Ma$ch A& "'!' +atch2 Mon.t 5#t ove$ Lon.os in a 0ew +a@o$ +atches in "'!'& b#t was neve$ $ea11y a +a@o$ w$est1e$ a0te$ "'!(2 He w$est1e. o00 an. on 0o$ a 0ew yea$s& b#t on1y to 0i11 ho1es an. 5#t ove$ ta1ent2 Yo# have to -ive Toots Mon.t so+e c$e.it as a boo/e$)5$o+ote$& 0o$ he neve$ +a.e the +ista/e o0 5#shin- hi+se10 ove$ the othe$ 5e$0o$+e$s2 A 0a#1t +any boo/e$s s#00e$2 Mon.t was with Ray Fabiani 0o$ a sho$t ti+e b#t a11iances with 3ac/ C#$1ey b$o#-ht Toots into New Yo$/ City whe$e he 5$obab1y boo/e. an. bo#-ht into C#$1ey?s co+5any as a 5a$tne$2 Even i0 he wasn?t a 5a$tne$ with C#$1ey& he beca+e an. $e+aine. one o0 5$o w$est1in-?s +ost 5owe$0#1 insi.e$s2 Toots Mon.t was one o0 5$o w$est1in- innovato$s& b#t it?s ha$. to te11 what he .i. an. what he .i.n?tI2beca#se he was a1so a b$a--a$t who too/ c$e.it 0o$ eve$ythin-2 *ne tho#-ht on Toots yo# sho#1. /e5t in +in.Iwhateve$ he c$eate.& he a1so .est$oye.2 *n a sho$t vacation in Ava1on BNove+be$ ":& "'!(C& a s+a11 to#$ist town on the is1an. o0 Cata1ina Is1an.& Lewis anno#nce. his en-a-e+ent with Miss E1aine To+aso& .a#-hte$ o0 M$2 an. M$s2 Sa1vato$e To+aso o0 G1en.a1e& Ca1i0o$nia2 See+s Lewis? +a$$ia-e with Miss =essie McNea$ .i.n?t 1ast 1on- Bnothin- was eve$ w$itten abo#t itC& an. it en.e. in .ivo$ce2 The 1ate Sa1vato$e To+aso was a we11 /nown .i$ecto$ an. co+5ose$ an. his .a#-hte$ E1aine was a 5ianist an. 0o$+e$ act$ess2 Lewis $et#$ne. to Los An-e1es to beat a#1 3ones a-ain on Nove+be$ !" .$awin,&%%%28!4A9 The #navoi.ab1e $e+atch with 3oe Ma1cewic< too/ 51ace on Dece+be$ "' .$awin- (&A%% an. a -ate o0 D"A&%%%2 =i11y San.ow +isse. the +atch as he was

ho+e in his 6ansas City sic/ be. with the 01#28!4E9 MM Contin#e to CHA TER !! F**TN*TES !!' ST L*7IS DAILY GL*=E>DEM*CRAT& Feb$#a$y "4& "'!( !:% ST L*7IS DAILY GL*=E>DEM*CRAT& Feb$#a$y ",& "'!( !:" ST L*7IS DAILY GL*=E>DEM*CRAT an. ST L*7IS TIMES& Feb$#a$y !"& "'!(NMost o0 the bac/sta-e in0o$+ation an. J#otes ca+e 0$o+ the ST L*7IS TIMES an. $e5o$te$ Si. C2 6eene$2 !:! THE CHICAG* TRI=7NE& Feb$#a$y !"& "'!( !:: ST L*7IS DAILY GL*=E>DEM*CRAT& Feb$#a$y !!& "'!( !:4 In THE 7N 7=LISHED LEWIS =I*GRA HY E. c1ai+e. that the 0i$st 0a11 was a "shoot" an. that he an. Steche$ ha. a-$ee. to the i.ea be0o$e the +atch sta$te.& even with both /nowin- E. wo#1. win the +atch2 I .on?t b#y it2 3#st so#n.s 1i/e Lewis ta1/in-2 A11 th$ee 5ins see+ theat$ica1 to +e2 It was a11 ve$y .$a+atic an. see+e. 1ai. o#t in a.vance2 It?s 5ossib1e that the 0i$st two ho#$s was a shoot& beca#se it was +ost1y bo$in- stan. #5 1i/e they .i. in thei$ ea$1y +atches& b#t once it -ot to be +i.>ni-ht with no 0a11& with two +o$e 0a11s a0te$ that& an. 0ans nee.in- to -o to wo$/ in the +o$nin-& they went bac/ on sc$i5t an. $#she. th$o#-h the $est o0 the +atchI22M#ch o0 this 5a5e$ is s5ec#1ation2 I thin/ it?s easy to 5ic/ it a5a$t an. 0i-#$e o#t what is 0act an. what is @#st Yohe -ivin- o5inions2 I enco#$a-e the $ea.e$ to thin/ 0o$ hi+se10 an. 0o$+ the$e own i.easI2when eve$ that is 5ossib1e2 I .on?t be1ieve Lewis? hea.1oc/ was a t$#e shoot +ove that co#1. be #se. in a contest2 The +ove that Lewis went to& in what see+e. 1i/e a shoot sit#ation& was 1i/e a bea$h#- b#t E. wo#1. -$ab his o55onent?s a$+ 1i/e in a ha++e$1oc/ an. /ey 1oc/ with his othe$ a$+2 Gettin- the o55onent on the +at& he wo#1. shi0t his #55e$ bo.y wei-ht B+ost o0 his wei-ht was in the #55e$ 5o$tion o0 his bo.yIhis 1e-s we$e thin2C ove$ the othe$ w$est1e$?s sho#1.e$s2 With one a$+ tie. #5& the .owne. w$est1e$ co#1.n?t b$i.-e o#t o$ -et 1eve$a-e to /ic/ o#t2 Most o0 E.?s non>hea.1oc/ 5ins& ca+e 0$o+ this +ove2 I thin/ this was the ho1. that 5inne. Steche$ b#t 3oe 1e-s we$e han-in- ove$ the $o5e an. the si.e o0 the $in-& +a/init even ha$.e$ to esca5e the 5in2 !:A ST L*7IS DAILY GL*=E>DEM*CRAT& Feb$#a$y !4& "'!(>>>Don?t be1ieve the n#+be$s bein- th$own in so+e o0 these news $e5o$ts2 A55ea$s that San.ow an. Lewis ha. 51ane. on a E#$o5ean to#$ be0o$e the tit1e chan-e2 That +a/es +e thin/ that they /new that E. wo#1.n?t be cha+5ion with a 1on- $ei-n2 !:E L*S ANGELES EOAMINER& May :& "'!(NL#t<e was bo.y s1a++e. an. then 5ine. by Lewis #sin- a hea.1oc/2 L#t<e b1a.e. ove$ his eye2 !:, L*S ANGELES EOAMINER& 3#ne "4& "'!( !:( =*ST*N GL*=E& 3#ne !E& "'!( !:(a The 0i$st +atch& on May !(& "'!(& between Lewis an. 1estina& ha. the two s51ittin- the 0i$st two 0a11s2 1estina o#t w$est1in- the cha+5ion an. ha. E. on the ve$-e o0 .e0eat& when Lewis 6*?e. Ma$in with a 5#nch2 The on1y $eason Lewis wasn?t DP?e. was the $e0e$ee he b$o#-ht 0$o+ Chica-o& Te. Tonne+an2 1estina an. eve$yone in Minnea5o1is tho#-ht he co#1. win with one o0 thei$ own $e0e$ees& so a $e+atch too/ 51ace on 3#1y '& "'!(2 Lewis too/ two o#t o0 th$ee 0a11s& winninboth 0a11s by t$ic/in- Ma$in2 !:' The 1estina sto$y is in cha5te$ , o0 FALL G7YS2 !4% THE C*MMERCIAL A EAL& MEM HIS& Feb$#a$y "%& "'!' an. 6ING *F THE RINGG G7S S*NNEN=ERGG LAWYER& F**T=ALL STAR& HEAQYWEIGHT WRESTLING CHAM I*N *F THE W*RLD =y 3oan *be$tha1e$>>>To -et an i.ea o0 what 5$o 0ootba11 was 1i/e in "'!(& see the +ovie Leathe$hea.s sta$in- Geo$-e C1ooney2 !4" =*ST*N GL*=E& 3#ne !% to 3#ne :%& "'!(NI too/ the .esc$i5tion o0 the +atch 0$o+ Davi. F2 E-an?s $e5o$t2 !4! L*S ANGELES EOAMINER& *ctobe$ 4& "'!( !4: L*S ANGELES EOAMINER& *ctobe$ "(& "'!( !44 HILADEL HIA 7=LIC LEDGER& *ctobe$ !A& "'!( !4A L*S ANGELES EOAMINER& Nove+be$ !!& "'!( !4E L*S ANGELES EOAMINER& Dece+be$ !%& "'!(

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !! Lewis"Sonnenbe#$ %an&a#y '( )*!* +n Nove,be# )'( )*!-( #esi.ent Ca/vin Coo/i.$e 0&//e. a switch in the White Ho&se that t&#ne. on the /i$hts in the new 1oston Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en3 The 0&b/icity st&nt si$ni4ie. the co,0/etion o4 the a#ena const#&ction3 It o0ene. to the 0&b/ic th#ee .ays /ate#3 The 1oston Ga#.en was b&i/t an. .esi$ne. by Te5 Ric6a#. an. it was c#eate. to be a show ho&se 4o# bo5in$( b&t ove# the yea#s it beca,e 6nown ,ain/y as the ho,e o4 the 1oston Ce/tics an. thei# ,any N1A cha,0ionshi0s3 In the )*789s( it was secon. on/y to New Yo#69s Ga#.en as the bi$$est an. ,ost 0#o4itab/e w#est/in$ a#ena in A,e#ica3 None o4 this he/0e. Te5 Ric6a#.( he .ie. %an&a#y :( )*!* at Mia,i 1each( F/o#i.a 4#o, co,0/ications 4o//owin$ an a00en.ecto,y3 In Dece,be# )*!-( a&/ 1owse# boo6e. the new b&i/.in$ to ho/. the secon. Lewic"Sonnenbe#$ tit/e ,atch on %an&a#y '( )*!*3 The /oss to Lewis ha. .one ve#y /itt/e to ste, the East Coast enth&sias, 4o# G&s Sonnenbe#$3 Most o4 the tic6ets we#e so/. in a.vance an. the event was a s&#e bet to set the a// ti,e in.oo# $ate #eco#.3 ;The#e a/so was ,o#e bettin$ that ni$ht than 4o# any w#est/in$ bo&t eve# sta$e. in 1oston3< I won.e# how ,any o4 those 4an #ea/i=e. they we#e 0ayin$ a.,ission to see the en. o4 a e#a in 0#o w#est/in$ an. the /ast ,atch in which St#an$/e# Lewis wo&/. eve# have a c/ai, to the &n.is0&te. wo#/. tit/e3 As in ,ost ,a>o# ,atches( both Lewis an. G&s t#aine. in the a#ea 4o# a wee6 /ea.in$ &0 to the ,atch3 Sonnenbe#$ ha. the 4/& an. the#e was so,e tho&$ht $iven to cance/in$( b&t it was 0#o w#est/in$ so no one tho&$ht ,&ch o4 the i.ea3 1oth w#est/e#s a$#ee. that Leon 1&#ban6( the sa,e o44icia/ that wo#6e. the Lewis"M&nn ,atch wo&/. be #e4e#ee3 +n %an&a#y '( )*!*( !8(888 4ans c#a,,e. the new Ga#.en with tho&san.s t&#ne. away3 Many 4e/t that it wo&/. have b#o6e the a/?ti,e $ate #eco#. i4 on/y the Ga#.en was bi$$e#3 Mo#e than )@8 0o/ice o44ice#s we#e on c#ow. cont#o/ an. the#e we#e th#ee a##ests 4o# se//in$ tic6ets witho&t a /icense3 Massach&setts Gove#no# F#an6 A//en( his wi4e( ,othe#?in?/aw an. his sec#eta#y watche. the ,atch 4#o, a .#a0e. bo5 a/,ost .i#ect/y behin. Sonnenbe#$9s co#ne#3 The ,ob was 4i//e. with the #ich an. 4a,o&s o4 1oston3 Lewis9 e50e#ience an. s6i// co&nte. /itt/e a$ainst Sonnenbe#( who was a #avin$( .#oo/in$ ,aniac( .ete#,ine. to win the cha,0ionshi03 Eve#yone 0#esent 4e/t that G&s $ave an e5hibition o4 #o&$h an. t&,b/e w#est/in$ that was as e5citin$ as any bo&t in the city9s histo#y The 4i#st 4ive ,in&tes was s/ow as they 4e/t the,se/ves o&t( b&t a4te# that it was a// action3 Lewis atte,0te. to co&nte# Sonnenbe#$9s tac6/es by t&#nin$ si.eways as he ci#c/e. the #in$( a/ways a/on$ the #o0es3 This too6 away the "$oat9s" ta#$et an. sto00e. any 0innin$ atte,0t3 Th#ee ti,es Sonnenbe#$ t#ie. #a,,in$ into E. b&t a// he co&/. hit was Lewis9s bac63 G&s9s 4ew act&a/ w#est/in$ ho/.s we#e b#o6e by Lewis witho&t ,&ch 0#ob/e,3 At one 0oint Lewis 6ic6e. Sonnenbe#$ in the hea. an. a00/ie. his hea./oc63 E. shoo6 G&s9s hea. /i6e a coc6tai/ sha6e#( #o&$hin$ an. ,a&/in$ hi, a/on$ the #o0es whi/e the c#ow. booe.3 When Sonnenbe#$ b#o6e the ho/.( Lewis 0&t on anothe#3 G&s b#o6e o&t a$ain &sin$ his /e$s b&t the s/ee0e# e44ects o4 the hea./oc6s we#e wea#in$ hi, .own3 Lewis bee//e. Sonnenbe#$ ac#oss the #in$ an.( con4i.ent o4 victo#y( o0ene. his a#,s in an atte,0t to 0&t on the 4inishin$ hea./oc63 Th#o&$h the .a=e( Sonnenbe#$ saw his ta#$et( hittin$ E. with a 4/yin$ tac6/e an. then ,o&nte. hi, 4o# the 0in3 Ti,e was anno&nce. as !*A':3 At the en. o4 the 4i#st 4a//( Sonnenbe#$ /oo6e. ,o#e &se. &0 than Lewis( b&t( when the two #et&#ne.( Sonnenbe#$ /oo6e. 4#esh an. it was E. that /oo6e. /i6e an o/. ,en3 Fo# the ne5t - ,in&tes an. !8 secon.s Sonnenbe#$ b&tte. Lewis a// a#o&n. the #in$3 E. c/&n$ to the #o0es in an e44o#t to save his tit/e( then G&s9 tac6/es sent the 4ea#e. St#an$/e# 4/yin$ o&t o4 the #in$3 Twice he hit the 4/oo# an. once E. /an.e. in the #in$si.e 0#ess bo53 A4te# the thi#. ti,e( #e4e#ee Leon 1&#ban6 to/. E. he was $oin$ to sta#t co&ntin$3 A4te# seven 4/yin$ tac6/es( Lewis /ai. on the a0#on( then $ot to his 4eet b&t co&/.n9t ,a6e it bac6 into the #in$ be4o#e the co&nt o4 )83 1&#ban6 then awa#.e. the ,atch to Sonnenbe#$ on a "co&nt o&t" b&t the 0#ess ca//e. the 4inish a ".is2&a/i4ication"3B!'CD

1i//y San.ow >&,0e. into the #in$ ye//in$ at 1&#ban6 sayin$ that Lewis ha. his 4oot in the #in$ an. sho&/.n9t have been co&nte. o&t3 Many 0hotos show that E. ha. his hea. an. sho&/.e#s tho&$ht the #o0es b&t both 4eet we#e o&tsi.e the #in$3 Sonnenbe#$ >&,0e. o&t o4 the #in$ an. hea.e. 4o# the .#essin$ #oo, b&t was ca//e. bac6 by 0#o,ote# a&/ 1owse#3 G&s was anno&nce. as new wo#/. cha,0ion an. 0#esente. the "E. Lewis be/t"3 In 1oston they &se. a set o4 #&/es( since the ea#/y !89s( ca//e. AWA #&/es3 e#ha0s 1owse# ha. c#eate. a 4ictiona/ co,,ission ca//e. the AWA( b&t whateve#( Sonnenbe#$9s tit/e /ine wo&/.( a4te# this ,atch( be ca//e. the AWA tit/e3 So,e #e0o#ts say that Lewis an. San.ow we#e 0ai. E@8(888 4o# .oin$ the >ob an. .#o00in$ the tit/e to G&s ;who ,a.e E-(888( at /east in the news0a0e#<3 Why .i. they .o a "sc#ew" co&nt o&t 4inishF We// Lewis neve# .#o00e. his tit/es c/ean b&t it was a/so a&/ 1owse#9s sty/e o4 boo6in$ to have a "sc#ew 4inish" in tit/e chan$es an. to save the c/ean 4inish 4o# the #e,atch3 1owse# .i. it a// the ti,e3 I thin6 Lewis a/so #ea/i=e. that #e$a#./ess o4 how ,any c/ean >obs he .i. /ate# to the new cha,0ions( a// that was #e,e,be#e.( an. ta/6e. abo&t( was the tit/e chan$e3 This ,atch was 4i/,e. an. shown in theate#s ac#oss A,e#ica an. E&#o0e3 ost Tit/e )*!* an. )*78 The#e a/so is a sto#y to/. in the boo6 FALL GGYS that says San.ow an. Lewis we#e 0#o,ise. the tit/e bac6 at so,e 0oint by 1owse#3 I .on9t be/ieve it3 Lewis wo&/. have been '8 yea#s o/. an. no 0#o,ote# wo&/. want a '8 yea# o/. 4at cha,0ion3 Lewis ha. $#eat va/&e as a cha//en$e#( b&t ,a6in$ hi, cha,0ion a$ain is ha#. 4o# ,e to be/ieve with %i, Lon.os an. G&s a#o&n.3 I thin6 the 0/an in )*!- was 4o# Lewis to $o into se,i?#eti#e,ent in Los An$e/es an. on/y w#est/e ,a>o# ,atches( /i6e #e,atches with Sonnenbe#$3 This( with ti,e( wo&/. /ea. to a t#&e #eti#e,ent in a yea# o# so3 Lewis ha. ,ove. into G/en.a/e( Ca/i4o#nia to be nea# his new $i#/4#ien. an. invest,ents3 He ha. 0/ans to co?own a #esta&#ant( b&t the .e0#ession 6ic6e. in .&#in$ )*!* an. eve#yone was wo##yin$ abo&t ,oney3 So( 4#o, the #es&/ts( he act&a//y see,e. to be ,o#e active in )*!* an. the 4o//owin$ yea#s3 Ai# t#ave/ 0#obab/y ,a.e a .i44e#ence( b&t he a/so .i.n9t have to s0en. @ .ays to a wee6 be4o#e i,0o#tant tit/e ,atches( t#ainin$ an. .oin$ inte#views an. othe# R .&ties3 #o w#est/in$ was in a new a$e with ,o#e cities an. 0#o,ote#s #&nnin$ ,o#e ca#.s( so Lewis was a/ways in .e,an.3 Lo& Da#o ha. boo6e. Lewis into a +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, ,atch on %an&a#y !7(B!'-D b&t Lewis cance//e. when a&/ 1owse# wante. E. 4o# a se#ies o4 ,atch on the East Coast( inc/&.in$ a #et&#n to New Yo#6 City9s Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en3 Da#o #e0/ace Lewis with none othe# than %oe Steche#3 In )*!*( the .e0#ession9s 4i#st ,a>o# "hit" in the co&nt#y was the 4a#, in.&st#y3 1y the en. o4 the yea#( 4a#,e#s we#e bein$ o44e#e. /ess 4o# $#ain than they 0ai. 4o# see.3 That an. ,oney /ost in the stoc6 ,a#6et 4o#ce. %oe an. Tony9s #et&#n to 0#o w#est/in$3 D&#in$ Steche#9s #et&#n( he was ,o#e inte#este. in ,a6in$ ,oney( than #e$ainin$ 4a,e3 %oe no /on$e# ha. i.eas o4 winnin$ tit/es o# cont#o//in$ w#est/in$3 Steche# >oine. the a&/ 1owse# co,0any in /ate %an&a#y )*!*3 So %oe was b#o&$ht into Los An$e/es to #e0/ace Lewis on %an&a#y !73 He beat a&/ %ones at The +/y,0ic .#awin$ -(888 4ans3B!'*D 1owse# then ha. Steche# #et&#n to 1oston to #es&,e his )*!C 4e&. with %oe Ma/cewic=3 %oe Steche# then .i. a c/ean >ob to Ma/cewic= on Feb#&a#y !)( )*!* .#awin$ :(@883 This /oss set Ma/cewic= &0 4o# a ,a>o# tit/e ,atch with Sonnenbe#$ an. the >ob by Steche# showe. $oo. 4aith to 1owse# an. any othe# 0#o,ote# who wo&/. thin6 abo&t &sin$ hi,3 The si$n was o&t to 0#o,ote#s( "%oe Steche# wo&/. 0/ay ba//" an. was wi//in$ to 0&t 0eo0/e ove#3 +n A0#i/ )C( Lo& Da#o boo6e. Steche# in a #e,atch a$ainst Ma/cewic= in Los An$e/es3 %oe beat hi, an. a// the ta/6 was abo&t anothe# ,atch with St#an$/e# Lewis3 Lewis #este. 4o# two wee6s 4o//owin$ the tit/e /oss( then beat %i, C/intstoc6 in hi/a.e/0hia on %an&a#y )-3 +n %an&a#y !:( )*!* Lewis hea./ine. the new Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en ;H7< beatin$ Renato Ga#.ini in 4#ont o4 :(8883 That bi$ o4 an atten.ance wo&/. see,e. $oo. in any othe# a#ena( b&t the new Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en he/. #oo, 4o# !8(888 an. the #ent was hi$h3 Sti// E. .#ew a bi$$e# c#ow. that any othe# o4 1owse# ,en in the a#ena3 Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en( the thi#. New Yo#6 City a#ena to be $iven that na,e( was o0ene. 4o# bo5in$ on Dece,be# ))( )*!@3 a&/ 1owse# ;o# a 4#ont ,an &sin$ his

ta/ent 0e#ha0s Stan Ibys=6o<( sti// at wa# with %ac6 C&#/ey( be$an &sin$ the b&i/.in$ in Nove,be# )*!-3 See,s he was /osin$ ,oney3 The Nove,be# !:( )*!- ca#. .#ew )(@883 +n %an&a#y !@( )*!*( a E/aine To,aso o4 G/en.a/e( Ca/i4o#nia $ave an inte#view anno&ncin$ she was $oin$ to be ,a##in$ E. Lewis ve#y soon3 This too6 0/ace in Chica$o whe#e E/aine was visitin$ #e/atives with he# ,othe# an. siste#3 He# 0/an was to ,eet with E. be4o#e his ,atch with Ma#in /estina on %an&a#y !* an. ,a6e we..in$ 0/ans3 She was !@ yea#s o/.( ta// an. ath/etic /oo6in$ with a .e$#ee 4#o, No#thweste#n Gnive#sity Schoo/ o4 M&sic3B!@8D Lewis a##ive. in Chica$o soon a4te#( beatin$ /estina in two st#ai$ht 4a//s3 B!@)D /estina ha. beco,e so,eone that Lewis wo&/. beat in >&st abo&t eve#y town on the w#est/in$ ,a03 The c#ownin$ o4 the new cha,0ion $ot o44 to a 0oo# sta#t with othe# 0#o,ote#s when To, ac6s cance//e. a ca#. on %an&a#y !' that was to hea./ine an Sonnenbe#$ tit/e .e4ense( beca&se 1owse# #e4&se. to have G&s w#est/e anyone b&t one o4 his own cont#act 0e#4o#,e#s an. he a/so wante. to &se his own #e4e#ee3B!@!D ac6 .i. boo6 Sonnenbe#$ on se,i?4ina/ non?tit/e e5hibition ,atch ;,ain event was Mon.t ve#se Dic6 Davisco&#t< with an &n6nown na,e. F#an6 %o#$enson on %an&a#y !*3 G&s9 tac6/in$ abi/ity $ot $oo. #eviews b&t his act&a/ w#est/in$ abi/ity see,e. to be wea63 He 0inne. %o#$enson in th#ee ,in&tes an. 4i4ty?4ive secon.s an. the ca#. .#ew '(8883B!@7D The 4ans .i.n9t ,in. Sonnenbe#$ b&t ac6 ha. anothe# cha,0ion he wante. to &se( an. it wo&/. be the /ast St Lo&is wo&/. see o4 Sonnenbe#$ as cha,0ion3 +n Feb#&a#y 7( Sonnenbe#$ beat Ha#o/. Cantonwine in his Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en .Jb&t b&t $ot a /ot o4 heat 4#o, the New Yo#6 0#ess 4o# on/y .#awin$ 7(@883 Thin$s 0ic6 &0 with cha,0 Sonnenbe#$ beatin$ Stan/ey Stasia6 in Me,0his on Feb#&a#y )7 in 4#ont o4 "bi$ c#ow."3B!@'D In Chica$o G&s .#ew -(888 an. E):(888 in beatin$ Stasia6 on Feb#&a#y !@3B!@@D +n A0#i/ 7( G&s beat Stasia6 in what wo&/. beco,e his ho,e away 4#o, ho,e( Los An$e/es( be4o#e an a/,ost so/. o&t +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&,3B!@:D Ho//ywoo. /ove. /itt/e G&s beca&se they /ove. sta#s an. that9s what Sonnenbe#$ $ave the,Ksta# 0owe#3 Lewis was 6ee0in$ b&sy3 +n Feb#&a#y )7 he #et&#ne. to St Lo&is an. beat the nationa/ 4avo#ite Nic6 L&t=e in an ho&# an. 4o&# ,in&tes3 The ca#. o0en with a co,e.y ,atch between two e/even yea#?o/.s3 "Yo&n$ Dyna,ite Sonnenbe#$" w#est/e. a .#aw with "Yo&n$ St#an$/e# Lewis"3 Lewis wo&/. a/so beat %i, C/in6stoc6 ;Ma#ch @< an. Nic6 L&t=e in a #e,atch ;Ma#ch !!< in St Lo&is3 +n Feb#&a#y !@( E. .#ew C(888 in New Yo#6 City beatin$ Lo/a Lwa#iani3 In Chica$o he beat Lo/a Lwa#iani ;Ma#ch ))<( %oe Ma/cewic= ;Ma#ch !:<( Renato Ga#.ini ;A0#i/ ):< an. Mat#os Li#i/en6o ;A0#i/ !C<3 Lo& Da#o boo6e. the 4i#st eve# Lewis"Steche# ,atch in Los An$e/es 4o# May )( )*!* at The +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&,3 Steche# ha. cha//en$e. Sonnenbe#$ to a tit/e ,atch b&t was to/. to beat Lewis 4i#st3 The St#an$/e# was wi//in$( b&t he wante. %oe Steche#9s 4a,o&s E)8(888 be/t to be on the /ine3 A4te# the tit/e chan$e( Lewis ha. his own be/t in St Lo&is an. the Steche# be/t wasn9t 0asse. on to the new cha,0ion3 So the ,a>o# an$/e an. sti0&/ation 4o# the ,atch( was that the winne# wo&/. $et the Steche# be/t3 It was a/so bi//e. as a "winne# ta6es a//" ,atch3B!@CD Steche# was the a$$#esso# in the ,atch3 He $ot #o&$h with the St#an$/e# on n&,e#o&s occasions b&t Lewis h&n$ on an. was ab/e to o&t #o&$h an. o&t /ast hi,3 Steche# $ot the scisso#s on an. s2&ee=e. "Lewis9 #athe# 0#ot&be#ant 0a&nch" 4o# ove# a ,in&te be4o#e t&#nin$ hi, ove# 4o# the 0in in !8 ,in&tes an. @) secon.s3 The 4inish 4o# the secon. 4a// ha. Lewis on the ,att /oc6e. once a$ain in the scisso#s( b&t this ti,e th#o&$h shea# st#en$th( E. stoo. &0 with %oe sti// /oc6e. a#o&n. hi,3 Lewis then s/a,,e. Steche# to the canvas an. 0inne. hi,3 It was 6in. o4 /i6e a )*!* sty/e "0owe# bo,b"3 Ti,e was ):A8!3 Steche# was sti// h&#tin$ an. .a=e. at the sta#t o4 the thi#. 4a// an. Lewis 0ine. hi, &sin$ a hea./oc6 in ' ,in&tes an. )7 secon.s3 The c#ow. was )8(7*@ an. the $ate at hi$h 0#ices was E!-(@'83 A Lewis 2&ote 4o//owin$ the ,atch wasA "I #&ine. hi, at St Lo&is when I too6 the tit/e away 4#o, hi,3 He 6nows I can beat hi, now3" So Lewis showe. %oe who was boss3B!@-D As 4o# the Steche# be/t( the #e0o#ts say nothin$ abo&t it3 So the sti0&/ation see,e. to have been 4o#$ot o# neve# #ea//y 4o//owe. th#o&$h on3 A// we 6now is that Tony Steche# ha. the be/t when he 0#o,ote. in Minnea0o/is in the 789s an. '89s an. a// o4 his cha,0ions we#e 0hoto$#a0he. wea#in$ it3 I wo&/. bet Steche#

$ot his c&t o4 the $ate too3 +n May -( )*!*( E. Lewis ,a##ie. E/aine To,aso o4 G/en.a/e( Ca/i4o#nia at the St Cece/ia cha0e/ in Rive#si.e( Ca/i4o#nia3 The Rev3 Sa,&e/ H&$hes .i. the o44iciatin$( Miss Ca#/a To,aso ;E/aine9s siste#< was the b#i.es,ai.( an. 1i//y San.ow was the best ,an3 Thi#ty 4#ien.s o4 the co&0/e we#e 0#esent3 The #e0o#t ha. E/aine9s a$e as !@3 They c/ai,e. Lewis was 7' b&t he was ve#y c/ose to 7* yea#s o/.3B!@*D The#e we#e a /ot o4 c/ai,s abo&t a honey,oon( b&t Lewis was bac6 w#est/in$ at The +/y,0ic on May )@3 beatin$ Dic6 Davisco&#t3 +n May )@( )*!*( the ennsy/vania State Ath/etic Co,,ission s&s0en.e. cha,0ion G&s Sonnenbe#$ 4o# "w#est/in$ &nwo#thy o00onents an. #e4&sin$ to ,et /o$ica/ conten.e#s"3 Lewis( with his new b#i.e( then t#ave/e. to Lansas City to beat Mat#o Li#i/en6o on May !83 San.ow /ive. in Lansas City an. Lewis 0#obab/y ha. staye. in the city 4o# /on$ 0e#io.s a4te# ,ovin$ 4#o, San %ose3 Lewis an. E/aine then t#ave/e. to T&/sa 4o# anothe# bi$ ,atch &0 with %oe Steche# 4o# 0#o,ote# Sa, Avey3 I thin6 Lewis ha. ties in T&/sa an. 0#obab/y wante. to show o44 his new wi4e3 Steche# ha. set &0 thei# ne5t ,atch by beatin$ %oe Ma/cewic= on May )7 in T&/sa3 The #e0o#ts be4o#e the ,atch c/ai,e. Lewis /oo6e. 4at an. eve#y bit o4 !'83 He a/so .i.n9t t#ain ,&ch( c/ai,in$ he ha. been in the #in$ so ,&ch in )*!* that he .i.n9t have to wo#6 o&t3 The ,atch was the 4i#st w#est/in$ event in the new Ma$ic City Co/ise&,3 Tic6ets we#e 0#ice. 4#o, E! to E@( with )(888 E) seats $oin$ on sa/e when the .oo#s o0ene.3 The ,atch .#ew :(888 4ans3 Lewis was in 0oo# sha0e 4o# the ,atch( 4o#cin$ Steche# to .o a// the wo#63 %oe won the 4i#st 4a// in 78 ,in&tes with the scisso#3 Lewis won the secon. &sin$ the sa,e "0owe# bo,b" 4inish 4#o, Los An$e/es in )C ,in&tes3 The thi#. 4a// on/y /aste. th#ee ,in&tes3 Steche# b#o6e his scisso# ho/. beca&se Lewis $ot to the #o0es3 In T&/sa( the #&/es &s&a//y we#e that w#est/e#s went to the cente# o4 the #in$ a4te# a #o0e b#ea6( b&t not in this ,atch3 As Steche# t&#n to $o to the ,i../e o4 the #in$( Lewis a00/ie. a .o&b/e a#,/oc6 an. #o//e. bac6wa#. to 0in Steche#3 Tony Steche# 0#oteste.( to the #e4e#ee( that the ,ove was a 4o&/( b&t Lewis an. San.ow won the a#$&,ent an. the victo#y3 %oe ha. been chee#e. th#o&$h the ,atch an. o&t w#est/e. the booe. Lewis in eve#y way( b&t he was the /ose#3 B!:8D Lewis then too6 o44 the 4i#st wee6 o4 %&ne 4o# a t#i0 to Ne6oosa to int#o.&ce E/aine to his 4athe# an. ,othe#3 +n %&ne '( the two we#e 0#esent at a .inne# 0a#ty at the ho,e o4 M#s %3 G3 G&thei/3 Lewis ha. owne. a s&,,e# ho,e o# 4a#, in Wisconsin 4o# yea#s3 Lewis w#est/e. two ,atches in New Yo#6 City in ea#/y %&ne( so the honey,oon ,ay have ta6en a sho#t vent&#e into the bi$ city3 a&/ 1owse# ha. 6e0t Lewis st#on$ an. &n.e4eate. 4o# si5 ,onths 4o//owin$ the tit/e /oss3 A /ot o4 4ans we#e &se. to Lewis an. Steche# as cha,0ions an. 4i$&#e. San.ow was wo#6in$ the sa,e sto#y/ine as the Lewis"M&nn ,atches( an. that Lewis wo&/. $et his tit/e bac6 in the #e,atch3 In %&ne Lewis si$ne. to a thi#. ,atch in 1oston with Sonnenbe#$3 This ti,e 1owse# ,a.e s&#e no 4an was t&#ne. away( by boo6in$ the ,atch into Fenway a#63 1oth w#est/e#s t#aine. in the city( an. they we#e #ea.y 4o# a /on$ two o&t th#ee 4a// ,atch3 !@(888 4ans 4i/e. into Fenway a#6 on %&/y *( )*!*3 1oth the 1+ST+N GL+1E an. the NEW Y+RL TIMES /iste. the $ate at E*8(888 which wo&/. have b#o6en the #eco#. )*)7 $ate o4 Gotch"Hac6ensch,i.t o4 E-C(888 by 7(8883 +nce a$ain Sonnenbe#$ was the a$$#esso#( a/ways t#yin$ to set &0 Lewis 4o# one o4 his tac6/es3 G&s too6 Lewis .own with a so#t o4 a#, .#a$ an. wo#6e. the ho/. 4o# a 4ew ,in&tes be4o#e it was b#o6en3 G&s hit his 4i#st tac6/e b&t it was on E.9s a#, an. the ,ove on/y th#ew the e5?cha,0 to one si.e3 G&s then atte,0te. a #&nnin$ F/yin$ Tac6/e b&t Lewis( >&st /i6e a 4ootba// /ine,an( $#abbe. the inco,in$ w#est/e# with his 0owe#4&/ a#,s an. tosse. hi, .own with a twistin$ ,otion3 Sonnenbe#$ han.e. on his bac63 Lewis >&,0e. on to the .a=e. cha,0ion an. with his thi#ty 0o&n. wei$ht a.vanta$e( 0&she. G&s9 sho&/.e#s to the ,at 4o# the 4i#st 0in 4a// /oss in Sonnenbe#$9s ca#ee#3 Ti,e was )CA')3 In the secon. 4a//( Lewis ha. Sonnenbe#$ .a=e. an. on the ve#$e o4 co//a0sin$ a4te# th#ee hea./oc6s( b&t as E. t#ie. 4o# a 4o&#th( he was hit by a tac6/e in the sto,ach3 E. 4e// bac6wa#. to the ,at an. as he a#ose the cha,0ion #&she. in /i6e a 4&//bac6 hittin$ the /ine an. sent Lewis 4/yin$3 Lewis was he/0/ess an. 0inne. in )-A7-3 Lewis ha. to be /i4te. 4#o, the #in$ an. /oo6e. in ba. sha0e on his #et&#n3

Sonnenbe#$ attac6e. Lewis with two tac6/es b&t on the thi#. atte,0t Lewis ste00e. asi.e an. G&s went 4/yin$3 Sonnenbe#$ sho&/. have 4/own o&t o4 the #in$( b&t G&s ca&$ht hi,se/4 in the #o0es an. save. hi,se/4 a 4a//3 Lewis atte,0te. a hea./oc6 as G&s c/i,be. bac6 into the #in$ b&t the cha,0ion b#o6e the ho/.( ,ove. away( an. then b&tte. the St#an$/e# ove# the hea#t3 Lewis was 0inne. at two ,in&tes an. thi#./y secon.s o4 the thi#. 4a//3 Rin$si.e#s an. #e0o#te#s c/ai,e. the ,atch was th#i//in$ an. one o4 the $#eatest ,atches eve# sta$e. in 1oston3B!:)D A )! ,in&te co0y o4 the Sonnenbe#$ #e,atch was shown in theate#s a// ove# A,e#ica an. E&#o0e3 E5ce0t 4o# two Chica$o ,atches with Mat#os Li#i/en6o( Lewis was inactive &nti/ Se0te,be#3 He was bac6 in Los An$e/es $oin$ th#o&$h the 0#ocess o4 b&yin$ a new ho&se in G/en.a/e( so E/aine co&/. stay c/ose to he# 4a,i/y3 He was a/so ,a6in$ a .ea/ with an Ea#/ eyton to $o into 0a#tne#shi0 in a /oca/ G/en.a/e #esta&#ant ca//e. Ea#/9s 1#oi/e#( /ocate. at C8C?C8* So&th 1#an.3 +nce the .ea/ was co,0/ete.( the na,e was chan$e. to E M E 1#oi/e#3 The two wo&/. /ate# e50an. to th#ee #esta&#ants3 +ne o4 which was /ocate. at @th St#eet an. Main( in A/ha,b#a3 Lewis a/ways c/ai,e. that he /ost ,oney in the #esta&#ant b&siness b&t his 0a#tne#shi0 with eyton /aste. a /on$ ti,e3 Lewis9 ho&se see,e. to have been on East Win.so# St#eet( which 0#obab/y was with in a ha/4 ,i/e o4 the G/en.a/e #esta&#ant3 1i//y San.ow 4o//owe. Lewis to Los An$e/es( b&yin$ a ho,e in 1#entwoo. Hei$hts on the so&the#n s/o0es o4 the Santa Monica Mo&ntains3 San.ow was the nei$hbo# o4 To, Ga//e#y who was ,a##ie. to ,ovie sta# an. co,e.ienne Ias& itts3 Ga//e#y was a ,ino# acto# who a/so beca,e the bo5in$ ,atch,a6e# at the Ho//ywoo. Le$ion Sta.i&, .&#in$ the )*!89s an. in )*77 at The +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&,3 He wo&/. beco,e a ,e,be# o4 the Wo#/. 1o5in$ Ha// o4 Fa,e3 Sonnenbe#$ was a/so in Los An$e/es an. on %&/y !' he .e4eate. %oe Ma/cewic= at the +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, in 4#ont o4 )8( C88 with a LA #eco#. $ate o4 E78(7*!3 B!:!D +n A&$&st C( )*!*( the ennsy/vania 1o5in$ Co,,ission st#i00e. Sonnenbe#$ o4 his wo#/. tit/e 4o# not ,eetin$ wo#thy conten.e#s an. not a$#eein$ to ,eet the winne# o4 a %i, Lon.os"Dic6 Shi6at ,atch3 It then sanctione. the A&$&st !7 ,atch between Lon.os an. Shi6at 4o# the wo#/. tit/e3 The A&$&st !7 ,atch was the 4ina/ o4 a to&#na,ent between Lon.os( Shi6at( an. Hans Stein6e3 Lon.os ha. .e4eate. Stein6e an. Shi6at( so on %&/y )! Shi6at .e4eate. New Yo#6 H) conten.e# Stein6e at hi/a.e/0hia in )A8'A!* to a.vance to a 4ina/ ,atch with Lon.os3B!:7D Stein6e ha. so,e so#t o4 &no44icia/ tit/e #eco$nition in the state o4 New Yo#6( so a4te# his .e4eat( New Yo#6 was b#o&$ht into /ine with ennsy/vania an. a/so sanctione. the winne# o4 Lon.os"Shi6at 4o# the wo#/. tit/e3 This sto#y/ine was bein$ 4o//owe. c/ose/y in St Lo&is news0a0e#s an. To, ac6s( who cont#o//e. Lon.os ;we// ,aybe it9s bette# sai. that Lon.os cont#o//e. ac6< see,e. ,o#e that wi//in$ to >oin C&#/ey an. Fabiani in the 0#o,otion o4 a new cha,0ion3 +n A&$&st !7( )*!* a c#ow. o4 !@(888 watche. Dic6 Shi6at( .&#in$ a #ain showe#( .e4eat the bi$ 4avo#ite %i, Lon.os in one ho&# an. )@ ,in&tes &sin$ two c#otch ho/.s ;I thin6 bo.y s/a,s &n.e# a o/. na,e< to 0in an. in>&#y Lon.os3B!:'D Witho&t a tit/e( Lon.os ha. beco,e 0#o w#est/in$9s bi$$est .#aw an. sta#3 His on/y #iva/ was the newco,e# Sonnenbe#$( b&t Lon.os ha. been teste. an. 0#ove. to be the #ea/ thin$3 Why then .i. C&#/ey( Fabiani( an. ac6s .eci.e to $o with Dic6 Shi6at as thei# new cha,0ionF Lon.os ha. been wo#6in$ ha#. 4o# so,e ti,e a// ove# the co&nt#y an. ,i$ht have been /oo6in$ 4o# a ,a>o# vacation be4o#e sta#tin$ a ,a>o# 0&sh in )*783 With his $#eat con.itionin$( en.&#ance( an. a,bition( Lon.os ha. been wo#6in$ an &nbe/ievab/y ha#. sche.&/e an. even he nee.e. ti,e o443 Lon.os( when ,esse. with by 0#o,ote#s( was a/ways wi//in$ to wa/6 an. /eave 4o# anothe# te##ito#y( so 0e#ha0s his vacation co&/. be seen as a 0#otest to the Shi6at c#ownin$( b&t I9ve neve# seen that w#itten anywhe#e3 Lewis was a/so bein$ &se. by 1owse# as a 0o/ice,an 4o# Sonnenbe#$3 When eve# cha//en$e. by so,eone they .i. not cont#o/( 1owse# wo&/. te// whoeve# that he wo&/. 4i#st have to 0#ove hi,se/4 by beatin$ E. Lewis3 Lewis( even at a$e 7*( wasn9t so,eone yo& wante. to 4ace in a shoot3 The C&#/ey $#o&0 be/ieve. that Shi6at was a bette# ,atch &0 with Lewis3 Shi6at was a ve#y to&$h w#est/e# who was in his 0#i,e( &n/i6e Lewis3 Mana$e. an. t#aine. by Toots Mon.t( it9s &n/i6e/y that Lewis wo&/. want to $et in the #in$ with the bi$ Ge#,an in a shoot

sit&ation3 So the C&#/ey $#o&0 wo&/.n9t have to bac6 .own 4#o, anyone 1owse# o44e#e. the,( which a/so inc/&.e. %oe Ma/cewic=3 Lon.os was a/so .a,a$e. $oo.s with a /on$ histo#y o4 /ost tit/e ,atches with Lewis an. Steche# behin. hi,3 Gn/i6e his #e0&tation to.ay( the Lon.os o4 0#e? )*!* was wi//in$ to .o a /ot o4 >obs to 0&t othe# 0eo0/e ove#3 He ha. /osses on his #eco#. to Lewis( Steche#( Ray Stee/e( Geo#$e Ca/=a( ese6( %ohn Ma5os( Dic6 Davisco&#t( Ga#.ini( an. Ma/cewic=3 He even ha. 0&// ove# Lo& Da#o at one 0oint3 Lon.os ha. a/so beaten ,ost o4 those 0eo0/e in #e,atches an. been &n.e4eate. 4o# a co&0/e o4 yea#s( b&t he ha. a /on$ histo#y that co&/. be &se. a$ainst hi,( an. Lewis wo&/. .o >&st that /ate#3 A/so a /oss to Shi6at .i.n9t h&#t Lon.os ,&ch3 I4 Shi6at ha. /ost to Lon.os( it ,i$ht have 6i//e. hi,3 So,e ti,e as cha,0ion wo&/. b&i/. Dic6 into a sta# that co&/. be &se. 4o# yea#s3 So ,a6in$ Shi6at cha,0ion 0#obab/y was $oo. thin6in$ by the C&#/ey $#o&03 In Se0te,be# Lo& Da#o sta$e. what was ca//e. an e/i,ination to&#na,ent with the winne# to ,eet Sonnenbe#$3 I .on9t &n.e#stan. what ha00ene. in the to&#na,ent o# how it was #&n( b&t the 4ina/ ha. Lewis ,eetin$ %oe Steche# a$ain at The +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, on Se0te,be# '( )*!*3 The ,atch .#ew a nea# se//o&t o4 between *(888 an. )8(8883 Lewis won the 4i#st 4a// in !7A7'3 Steche# &se. the scisso#s to win the secon. in *A@73 In the thi#. 4a//( Steche# ha. Lewis /oc6e. into an an6/e /oc6 4o# 4ew ,in&tes3 Lewis /oo6e. in ba. sha0e b&t he 4ina//y esca0e. by 6ic6in$ Steche# in the hea.3 %oe 4e// bac6 b&t $ot &0 .a=e.3 Lewis >&,0e. on hi, an. $ot the 0in in )*A))3 The ,atch was .esc#ibe. as "wo#6,an /i6e" with /itt/e e,otion an. Lewis .i. ,ost o4 the wo#63B!:@D So Lewis won the #i$ht to ,eet Sonnenbe#$ 4o# the tit/e on Se0te,be# )-( b&t his an6/e was so .a,a$e. 4#o, Steche#9s an6/e /oc6 that he ha. to #e4&se to ta6e the ,atch3 Steche# #e0/ace. Lewis in the tit/e ,atch3 Sonnenbe#$ .e4eate. the e5?cha,0 Steche# on Se0te,be# )-( )*!* in 4#ont o4 )8('88 an. a +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, $ate o4 E7@(888( which was( i4 eve#yone was te//in$ the t#&th( a Los An$e/es #eco#.3 A4te# the ,atch it was anno&nce. that Lewis wo&/. $et his tit/e ,atch with Sonnenbe# on +ctobe# !73B!::D %i, Lon.os was vacationin$ in Lon$ 1each Ca/i4o#nia .&#in$ Se0te,be# an. +ctobe# o4 )*!*3 He was t#ainin$ an. #&nnin$ .ai/y on the beach3 Lon.os bein$ Lon.os( he was a/so wo#6in$ .ates 4o# $oo. 4#ien. ete Sa&e# ;Ray Stee/e< in hoeni53 It was Stee/e9s ho,e town an. it ha. >&st o0ene. a new a#ena ca//e. the hoeni5 Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en3 Lon.os( Stee/e an. Dic6 Davisco&#t we#e en$a$e in a th#ee ,an 4e&. an. they we#e .#awin$ we// in ,atches a$ainst each othe#3 +n +ctobe# '( )*!*( Lewis went o&t o4 his way to wo#6 4o# a s,a// ti,e #iva/ 0#o,ote# na,e. 1i//y H&ne4ei/. in hoeni53 A4te# beatin$ Geo#$e McLeo.( Lewis 0oste. a E@88 bon. with hoeni5 co,,ission 4o# a ,atch with eithe# %i, Lon.os( ete Sa&e# ;Ray Stee/e< o# Dic6 Shi6at3 He state. he wo&/. inc#ease the a,o&nt to E!(@88 i4 any o4 the th#ee acce0te. the ,atch3 Lewis c/ai,e. no con.itions we#e attache. an. wo&/. w#est/e the ,atch 4o# any 0#o,ote#( at any ti,e o# 0/aceK o# even w#est/e the ,atch in 0#ivate with on/y the co,,ission( hoeni5 ,ayo#( o# city co&nci/ an. news0a0e# #e0o#te#s 0#esent3 3 This was an obvio&s $#an.stan. 0/ay to ,a6e Lon.os an. Stee/e /oo6 ba. an. ta6e heat away 4#o, thei# 4e&.3B!:CD +n +ctobe# )@( Lewis 0oste. a E!@8 4o#4eit with the Misso&#i Ath/etic Co,,ission as a cha//en$e 4o# a ,atch with Richa#. Shi6at3 No action was ta6en3B!:-D +n +ctobe# !!( G&s Sonnenbe#$ /e4t the Los An$e/es Ath/etic C/&b a4te# a wo#6o&t an. was wa/6in$ a/on$ a b&sy .own town st#eet3 He was sto00e. by a s,a// ti,e w#est/e# na,e. ete La.>i,i ; ete La.>one in the #e0o#t< on the co#ne# o4 1#oa.way an. Cth st#eet3 La.>i,i 0este#e. Sonnenbe#$ 4o# a ,atch3 G&s to/. hi, that he wasn9t the /oca/ 0#o,ote#( an. he sho&/. $o see Lo& Da#o3 Witnesses c/ai, that Sonnenbe# sta#te. to t&#n away as he was hea. b&tte. &n.e# the chin by La.>i,i3 G&s 4e// bac6wa#. to hit his hea. on the si.ewa/63 The o/ice then too6 La.>i,i into c&sto.y( as Sonnenbe#$ cha#$e. hi, with assa&/t3 He /ate# was #e/ease. on E)88 ba//3 Sonnenbe#$ was /e4t with a c&t /i0 an. a b#&ise nose3 The #e0o#t a00ea#e. the ne5t .ay in news0a0e#s ac#oss the co&nt#y3 +n Nove,be# )7( )*!* La.>i,i was convicte. o4 assa&/t an. batte#y by a M&nici0a/ Co&#t %&#y an. sentence. to 78 .ays in >ai/3 His /awye# a00ea/ an. La.>i,i was #e/ease. &n.e# a E)(888 bon.3 In /ate# yea# ete La.>i,i wo&/. be connecte. to the Lon.os $#o&0 an. ,any 0eo0/e 4ee/ this was the G#ee69s atte,0t to $et bac6 at Lewis( 4o#

hoeni5( th#o&$h his wea6 cha,0ion( Sonnenbe#$3B!:*D The .ay the #e0o#t hit the news0a0e#s( +ct3 !7( )*!*( Sonnenbe#$ an. Lewis w#est/e. 4o# the tit/e at The Los An$e/es +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, in 4#ont o4 )8(888 with a $ate o4 E7)(8883 Sonnenbe#$ too6 a beatin$ .&#in$ the 4i#st 4a// b&t won with a s&#0#ise 4/yin$?tac6/e in !7A773 Lewis won the secon. 4a// with a se#ies o4 hea./oc6s in )'A7C3 Lewis contin&e. a00/yin$ the hea./oc6 in the thi#. an. Sonnenbe#$ was bein$ th#ow a#o&n. the #in$3 S&..en/y the cha,0ion atte,0te. anothe# s&#0#isin$ tac6/e b&t E. ste00e. asi.e an. G&s sai/e. th#o&$h the #o0es( /an.in$ on his hea. a,on$ the chai#s in the 4#ont #ow3 Sonnenbe#$ see,e. h&#t as he s/ow/y c#aw/e. towa#. the #in$3 At the co&nt o4 )@( his hea. a00ea#e. above the ,att an. he sta#te. c/i,bin$ into the #in$3 A// o4 a s&..en( Doc M&//i6an( the chi#o0#actic #ass/e# who was secon.in$ G&s( >&,0e. into the #in$ an. sta#te. 0&//in$ Sonnenbe#$ th#o&$h the #o0es3 Re4e#ee Don McDona/. 0&she. M&//i6an away 4#o, the 4a//en cha,0ion( then %i, Cha#b/is( a Lewis secon. in the co#ne# with 1i//y San.ow( sc#a,b/e. into the #in$ with San.ow 0&//in$ at his coat tai/s3 With the ti,e6ee0e# at the co&nt o4 !8( Sonnenbe#$ was ha/4 in an. ha/4 o&t o4 the #in$3 With the #e4e#ee bein$ ye//e. at by two secon.s( a ,ana$e# an. a c#a=e. c#ow.( Sonnenbe#$ wo6e &0 an. hit Lewis( who ha. been stan.in$ a#o&n. watchin$ the events( with anothe# 4/yin$ tac6/e3 McDona/. /oo6e. a#o&n. an. saw G&s 0innin$ Lewis( so he $ave E. a th#ee co&nt an. #aise. Sonnenbe#$9s a#,3 Mo#e ye//in$ 4o//owe. with the #e4e#ee a$#eein$ that inte#4e#ence sho&/. have .is2&a/i4ie. both ,en( b&t the 0in ove# #&/e. eve#ythin$ e/se3 +4 co&#se( Lewis $ettin$ #i00e. o44 was $#o&n.s 4o# anothe# so/. o&t #e,atch3B!C8D With St#an$/e# Lewis atte,0tin$ to ,ove into #eti#e,ent( 1i//y San.ow went /oo6in$ 4o# anothe# w#est/e#3 He 4o&n. one in a 4o#,e# cowboy an. a,ate&# w#est/e# 4#o, La %&nta( Co/o#a.o3B!C8aD It was neve# state. in a news0a0e# b&t I be/ieve that San.ow( /ivin$ in Los An$e/es( ha. ta6en the 0osition as boo6e# 4o# Lo& Da#o at The +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&,3 It9s eithe# that o# he bo&$ht into Da#o9s 0#o,otion3 +n the &n.e#ca#. o4 the +ctobe# !7 Lewis"Sonnenbe#$ ,atch( San.ow ha. Ma#sha// .e4eat Don DeLa&n 4o# his 4i#st win in town o4 what wo&/. t&#n into a ,a>o# 0&sh3 The Ca/i4o#nia Co,,ission #&/e. a #e,atch wo&/. ta6e 0/ace on Nove,be# )7( )*!* with a// secon.s an. ,ana$e#s not a//owe. #in$si.e .&#in$ the ,atch3 The#e a/so was a #&/e sayin$ that a4te# a w#est/e# /e4t o# 4e// 4#o, the #in$ an. #et&#ne.( both w#est/e#s wo&/. ,et in the cente# o4 the #in$3 The +/y,0ic was once a$ain 4i//e. with )8(-88 an. a $ate o4 E7)(8883 Sonnenbe#$ won the 4i#st 4a// in !'A'@ with the 4/yin$ tac6/e3 Lewis &se. his hea./oc6 to 0in the cha,0ion in )7A773 In the thi#.( Lewis .o,inate. Sonnenbe#$ &nti/ he ,isse. a hea./oc6 an. $ot hit by a tac6/e3 So E. was 0inne. in 7A8@3 Eve#ett Ma#sha// w#est/e. on the &n.e#ca#.3B!C)D +n Nove,be# ):( )*!*( Lewis a00ea#e. in La %&nta( Co/o#a.o to he/0 San.ow9s new w#est/e# an. /ost a han.ica0 ,atch to Eve#ett Ma#sha// in his ho,e town3 Anothe# ,atch with %oe Steche# too6 0/ace in Lansas City on Nove,be# )*( )*!*3 Atten.ance was ,o#e than '(8883 Steche# won the 4i#st 4a// with his scisso#s in @7A8@3 Lewis won the secon. 4a// in -A7! an. the thi#. in 7A88( both with hea./oc6s3 Steche# was the ,o#e 0o0&/a# w#est/e# an. Lewis was booe. in his own ho,e town3B!C!D Lewis then hea./ine. in the &00e# East Coast an. a00ea#e. in To#onto on Dece,be# *( beatin$ Dan Lo/o443 He 4inishe. his yea#( on Dece,be# ):( )*!*( in T&/sa3 Gettin$ anothe# tit/e shot( Sonnenbe#$ beat hi, in two st#ai$ht 4a//s3 Lewis see,e. #ea.y to $o into se,i?#eti#e,ent in )*783 I be/ieve his T#acho,a ha. beco,e so ba. that( at ti,es( he co&/. on/y see sha.ows3 E. s0ent ,&ch o4 his ti,e wo#6in$ in his G/en.a/e #esta&#ant( b&t he sti// wo&/. w#est/e one o# two ti,es a wee6 in s,a// te##ito#ies /i6e Sa/t La6e City( hoeni5( o#t/an.( an. the ,ino# weste#n a#eas o4 Cana.a3 Two o4 his siste#s ,a##ie. an. ,ove. to Washin$ton( so ove# the co,in$ yea#s Lewis wo&/. s0en. a /ot o4 ti,e w#est/in$ in the Seatt/e" o#t/an. a#ea3 Eve#ett Ma#sha// $ot a ,a>o# 0&sh in Los An$e/es hea./inin$ the 4i#st 4ive ca#.s o4 )*783 He was $iven wins ove# Ma/cewic=( Stasia6( D#3 La#/ Sa#0o/is( Cantonwine an. Nic6 L&t=e3 Eve#ett Ma#sha// was a b/on. yo&th with $oo. /oo6s an. so,e w#est/in$ abi/ity3 News0a0e#s we#e co,0a#in$ hi, to Ea#/ Ca..oc63 In 4act( Ma#sha// ha. $oo. cha#acte#( inte//i$ence( an. a 4ine attit&.e3 A// Ma#sha// #ea//y wante. 4#o, w#est/in$ was a $oo. 4a#,3 His /ac6 o4 e$o ,a.e hi, easy to wo#6 with an. he t&#ne. o&t to be a $oo. invest,ent 4o# 1i//y San.ow3 He

/ive. in G/en.a/e nea# Lewis( so E. ,&st have been t#ainin$ hi,3 +n %an&a#y !!( Lewis w#est/e. the se,i?,ain event &n.e# Ma#sha//( beatin$ Dic6 Davisco&#t whi/e the two .#ew )8(888 to the +/y,0ic3 Ma#sha//9s st#in$ o4 +/y,0ic ,ain events was b#o6en when Da#o boo6e. Lewis to ,eet Gene LaDo&5 on Ma#ch )*( )*783 Lewis won two st#ai$ht 4a//s an. .#ew -(@88 ;E)7(888<3B!C7D a&/ 1owse# boo6e. Lewis into so,e ,atches in /ate Ma#ch inc/&.in$ a ,a>o# ,atch in Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en( so on Ma#ch 7) E. 4/ew to Lansas City to wo#6 a .#aw with Hen#i DeG/ane3 In New Yo#69s Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en on A0#i/ !( E. 0e#4o#,e. in 4#ont o4 a 0oo# c#ow. o4 '(888( beatin$ o/. Ma#in /estina3B!C7aD The ne5t ni$ht Lewis beat a 4ea#e. hoo6e# in %ac6 She##y at 1oston3 A4te# Eve#ett beat Nic6 L&t=e a secon. ti,e ;.#awin$ *(888<( he ha. beaten >&st abo&t eve#y 0e#4o#,e# in a&/ 1owse#9s stab/e o4 conten.e#s b&t oneK33Lewis3 So Lo& Da#o ,a.e the ,atch on A0#i/ ):( )*78( with the winne# to $et a tit/e ,atch with Sonnenbe#$ in W#i$/ey Fie/. on May @3 D&#in$ the )*!89s St#an$/e# Lewis9 >obs we#e 4ew3 The on/y /oses he ha. we#e to Stan Ibys=6o( Steche#( Wayne M&nn( an. Sonnenbe#$3 1e4o#e this ,atch( the wo#. was o&t that he ,i$ht .o anothe# >ob an. the ,atch $ot nationa/ attention in a// the news0a0e#s3 Ma#sha// went so 4a# as to 4/y in his 4a,i/y 4#o, Co/o#a.o to see the ,atch3 Lewis $ave Ma#sha// his 4i#st /ost in the 4i#st 4a//( 0inin$ hi, a4te# a hea./oc6 in 7!A):3 In the secon. 4a//( Lewis be$an hea. /oc6in$ Ma#sha// a// ove# the #in$ &nti/ Eve#ett( in .es0e#ation( s&..en/y 0ic6e. hi, &0 4o# the bac6wa#. s/a, an. 0in in )8A!)3B!C7bD Lewis was $#o$$y at the sta#t o4 the thi#. 4a// an. Ma#sha// >&,0e. on hi, to win in 77 secon.s3 With that( Eve#ett Ma#sha// beca,e a nationa/ sta# an. the s&0e# ,atch with Sonnenbe#$ was set3 B!C'D 1ac6 on %an&a#y ))( )*78( The Nationa/ 1o5in$ Association 0#esi.ent Stan/ey M3 Isaacs .eci.e. the o#$ani=ation was $oin$ ta6e cont#o/ o4 0#o w#est/in$ an. /e$iti,i=e itK/i6e it ha. 0#o bo5in$3 The $#o&0 ha. ta6en cont#o/ o4 bo5in$ 4#o, a /a#$e n&,be# o4 &n.e# 4&n.e. state co,,issions ;it c/ai,e. to #&/e 7) states< an. tho&$ht it was 0owe#4&/ eno&$h to e5ten. its .o,ain ove# w#est/in$3 Its 4i#st ste0 was to c#eate a to&#na,ent o4 /ea.in$ conten.e#s an. cha,0ions( with the winne# bein$ c#owne. N1A wo#/. cha,0ion3 The ,en na,e. we#e Sonnenbe#$( Shi6at( ese6( %i, Lon.os( an. ete Sa&e# ;Ray Stee/e<3B!C'aD They we#e a// as6e. to 0ost a E@(888 4o#4eit bon.3 The on/y two who .i.n9t i$no#e the N1A was Lon.os an. ese63 We// to be 4ai#( Stee/e /ost a ,atch to cha,0ion Shi6at at Me,0his on %an&a#y ): to /ose his s0ot on the /ist3 +n Feb#&a#y )-( Co/&,b&s 0#o,ote# A/ Ha4t won a bi..in$ wa# 4o# the ,atch an. sche.&/e. it 4o# A0#i/ *( )*783 +n Ma#ch !)( %ohn ese6 anno&nce. he was with.#awin$ 4#o, the ,atch .&e to in>&#ies a4te# a 4a// 4#o, ho#se3 The t#&th was that the in>&#y was a 4a6e3 ese6 ha. /ea#ne. he was $oin$ to be the one /osin$ the ,atch( an. he .i.n9t want to >ob to Lon.os3 1y A0#i/ )( the N1A 0#esi.ent was 4e. &0 with 0#o w#est/in$ an. wante. nothin$ to .o with it3 The chai#,an o4 the w#est/in$ co,,ittee( Co/3 H3 %3 Lan.#y( anno&nce. it was $oin$ to ban a// heavywei$ht w#est/e#s 4#o, N1A te##ito#ies3 A /ot o4 state co,,ission then sta#te. to .#o0 o&t o4 the N1A an. I thin6 Lan.#y chan$e. his ,in. ;an. 0#obab/y too6 the ,oney he was o44e#e. 4#o, Lon.os 0#o,ote#s<3 The#e we#e othe# ",a#6" co,,issions a/so ,a6in$ t#o&b/e 4o# 0#o,ote#s3 In Chica$o( Co/&,b&s 0#o,ote# A/ Ha/4 a00ea#e. be4o#e the I//inois Co,,ission as6in$ 4o# Sonnenbe#$ to .e4en. the tit/e a$ainst %ohn ese63 ese6( c/ai,in$ the tit/e 4o# hi,se/4( 0oste. a E)8(888 ce#ti4ie. chec6 sayin$ that he co&/. 0in Sonnenbe#$ th#ee ti,es in one ho&#3 Then Ha/4 0#esente. wo#/. we/te#wei$ht tit/e ho/.e# %ac6 Reyno/.s( who 0ost E)8(888 4o# a !"7 4a// ,atch with Sonnenbe#$3 The o/. st&.ent o4 Fa#,e# 1&#ns ;Reyno/.s< then state. "This Sonnenbe#$ is on/y a 0a/oo6a( who in ,y o0inion( .oes not 6now how to w#est/e3 Honest/y( I .on9t be/ieve he even 6nows how to 0&t a ha/4 ne/son on co##ect/y( not to ,ention the othe# t#ic6s o4 the $a,e3 This 4/yin$ tac6/e st&44( he has been e5hibitin$( is a// hooey???hi00o.#o,e b/ah 0&t on 4o# the bene4it o4 the #a$ ta$ an. bob en.s who /ove to see #o/y?0o/y st&443 My ,oney is &0 an. ,oney &s&a//y ta/6s3" The I//inois co,,ission .ecision was to sta$e the#e own to&#na,ent3 +n %an&a#y )C( )*78 it anno&nce. that Lon.os( Stee/e an. Stein6/e we#e to w#est/e an. the

winne# was to ,eet Sonnenbe#$ in a 4ina/ ,atch3 +4 co&#se( eve#yone na,e. #e4&se.3 Lewis( /estina( Stasia6 an. Ma/cewic= a// 0&t &0 E!(@88 4o#4eits3 The co,,ission then s&s0en.e. a// 0#o w#est/in$ in the state &nti/ Lon.os an. Shi6at >oine. the $#o&03 +n A0#i/ -( )*78( the New Yo#6 State Ath/etic Co,,ission $ot wise an. #&/e. that a// w#est/in$ ca#.s ha. to be bi//e. as w#est/in$ e5hibitions an. sho&/. be c/assi4ie. as theat#ica/3 The co,,issione# was o/. ti,e GR w#est/in$ cha,0ion( Wi//ia, M&/.oo,3 I thin6 it was the New Yo#6 Co,,ission that b#o6e the news to the N1A that w#est/in$ was "4a6e"NNN Yo& wo&/. thin6 a #&/in$ /i6e that wo&/. 6i// 0#o w#est/in$ in New Yo#6 City( b&t it #ea//y wasn9t anythin$ no#,a/ 4ans .i.n9t 6now an. by the en. o4 )*78 w#est/in$ was .#awin$ bi$$e# than eve# in the city3 It beca,e the $o/.en 0e#io. in the s0o#t9sKwe// e5hibition9sK33histo#y3 A4te# a h&$e b&i/. &0( the G&s Sonnenbe#$"Eve#ett Ma#sha// ,atch in W#i$/ey Fie/. .#ew )C(@-8 an. a $ate o4 E:*(C'@3@8 on May @( )*783 With the .e0#ession ta6in$ e44ect an. tic6et 0#ices .#o00in$ soon a4te# this .ate( it wo&/. #e,ain the Los An$e/es an. Ca/i4o#nia $ate #eco#. &nti/ b#o6en by the Lo& Thes="1a#on Leone ,atch in )*@73 The n&,be#s a#e 0#obab/y ve#y c/ose to the act&a/ ;t#&e< n&,be#s o4 the F#e. 1/assie"%ohn To/os ca#. at the L3A3 Co/ise&, on A&$&st !C( )*C)3 Lewis was #in$si.e an. anno&nce. be4o#e the sta#t o4 the ,ain event3 Ma#sha// was ab/e to avoi. the 4/yin$ tac6/e .&#in$ the 4i#st 4a// an. won with an ai#0/ane s0in in 7)A)73 In the secon. 4a//( Ma#sha// b#o6e a Sonnenbe#$ hea./oc6 by th#owin$ hi, to the ,att3 G&s showe. his #in$ coyness by 0#eten.in$ to be on the ve#$e o4 co//a0se3 Ma#sha// too6 the bait an. wa/6e. in &n0#otecte. to be hit in the ab.o,en by one o4 Sonnenbe#$9s tac6/es3 Th#ee ,o#e tac6/es 4o//owe. an. Eve#ett was 0ine. 4o# the secon. 4a// in ))A@@3 Ma#sha// c/ai,e. he ha. been 4o&/e. by a tac6/e that ha. /an.e. /ow in the $#oin a#ea3 The /ast 4a// saw Sonnenbe#$ 0in Ma#sha// in )A!! a4te# th#ee 4/yin$ tac6/es3B!C@D +n the &n.e# ca#. was a&/ 1owse# new s&0e# sta#( E. Don Geo#$e( who beat Dan Lo/o443 Geo#$e was a we//?6nown A,ate&# w#est/e# 4#o, at the Gnive#sity o4 Michi$an3 He won the AAG w#est/in$ tit/e in )*!C an. #e0#esente. the Gnite. States at the )*!- +/y,0ics in A,ste#.a,3 He beat anothe# 4&t&#e 0#o in Ea#/ McC#ea.y to $et to the 4ina/ b&t /ost to anothe# 4&t&#e 0#o in %3 C3 Richtho443 His #ea/ na,e was E.wa#. Nye Geo#$e b&t he was bi//e. ea#/y in his ca#ee# as Don Geo#$e3 He 0#oteste. an. as a co,0#o,ise the na,e was chan$e. to E. Don Geo#$e3 He act&a//y $#a.&ate. 4#o, the Gnive#sity o4 Michi$an in )*!* with a Mechanica/ En$inee#in$ .e$#ee3 He wo#6e. be4o#e an. .&#in$ his ca#ee# 4o# the Fi#estone Ti#e an. R&bbe# Co,0any3 E. .i.n9t w#est/e as ,&ch as so,e beca&se o4 this >ob o&tsi.e o4 w#est/in$3 He was $oo. /oo6in$ an. ,ost #e0o#ts say he was a 4ine w#est/e#3 His i.o/ was E. "St#an$/e#" Lewis3 His 4i#st 0#o ,atch too6 0/ace on Nove,be# !)( )*!* in 1oston3 1y the ti,e he $ot to Los An$e/es he was we// on his way to @8 st#ai$ht wins3 So he was anothe# new sta# that $ot a ,a>o# 0&sh by Lo& Da#o3 He beat a// the 1owse# w#est/e#s( inc/&.in$ Stasia6( L&t=e( Lee Wyco44( Ma/cewic=( /estina( 1ob "1ibbe#" McCoy an. Don De La&n ;/ate# bi//e. as 1#othe# %onathan( the 4athe# o4 Don Leo %onathan<3 %i, Lon.os #et&#ne. to the East Coast whe#e he contin&e. to .#aw /a#$e c#ow.s3 Dic6 Shi6at was an +L .#aw b&t he wasn9t in %i,,y9s /ea$&e3 Shi6at was a/so ho,e sic6 an. 0/annin$ a t#i0 bac6 to Ge#,any3 Ta/6 /i6e that was a s&#e si$n o4 a "tit/e chan$e"3 Shi6at an. Lon.os we#e boo6e. to ,eet on %&ne :( )*78 in hi/a.e/0hia9s hi//s91a// a#63B!CCD It was to be 4o# Shi6at9s ennsy/vania an. New Yo#6 wo#/. tit/e( 0/&s( beca&se o4 ese6 .#o00in$ o&t o4 the Lon.os ,atch( the N1A wo#/. tit/e #eco$nition3 In the #ain( it .#ew a tota/ c#ow. o4 c/ose to )@(888 with )7())@ 0ayin$ E'7(:!!3!83 Lon.os won the th#ee tit/es in ove# an ho&# an. !7 ,in&te3 A4te# in>&#in$ Shi6at9s /e$ with a %a0anese toe?ho/.( Lon.os then $#abbe. a ha/4? ne/son an. the &nin>&#e. /e$ an. #o//e. the wea6en Ge#,an into a th#ee co&nt3 The c#ow. /ove. the i.ea o4 Lon.os bein$ cha,0ion( a4te# a// the yea#s he ha. been t#yin$( an. a 0a#ty was he/. at the hi/a.e/0hia Rit=?Ca#/ton &nti/ ea#/y in the ,o#nin$3 The on/y 0e#son not in a $oo. ,oo. was Shi6at3B!C-D E. Lewis ,&st have a/so hate. the i.ea o4 the /itt/e G#ee6( he c#eate.( bein$ e/evate. to a cha,0ion /eve/ at the sa,e ti,e he was bein$ 0&t o&t to 0ast&#e3 A4te# watchin$ the Sonnenbe#$"Ma#sha// ,atch( Lewis .i. a anothe# >ob 4o#

cha,0ion Sonnenbe#$ in Lansas City on May !83 He then ,a.e a sho#t to&# o4 the East Coast be4o#e #et&#nin$ to G/en.a/e3 +n %&ne ))( )*78( Lewis $ot a #e,atch with yo&n$ Eve#ett Ma#sha// at the +/y,0ic3 The winne# o4 that ,atch wo&/. $et to t#ave/ to Seatt/e 4o# a show.own with %oe Steche#3B!C*D The ,atch .#ew a#o&n. *(888 with Lewis9 o/. 4#ien. %ac6 De,0sey #in$si.e3 A4te# eatin$ 4o&# hea./oc6( Ma#sha// s&#0#ise. E. with a ai#0/ane s0ine that .&,0e. the St#an$/e# on his hea.3 As he t#ie. to $et &0( Lewis $ot hit by a Ma#sha// #abbit 0&nch an. 0inne. 4o# the 4i#st 4a// in 7)A)@3 1i//y San.ow >&,0e. into the #in$ to co,0/ain abo&t the 4o&/3 San.ow was ,ana$in$ both w#est/e#s b&t it wasn9t 6nown by the 0&b/ic3 This is the 4i#st ti,e I9ve 4o&n. San.ow na,e ,entione. in a #e0o#t o4 an Eve#ett Ma#sha// ,atch3 So i4 si.es we#e ta6en( 1i//y was sti// with Lewis3 In the secon. 4a//( Ma#sha// was in the 0#ocess o4 &sin$ the "bac6wa#. bo.y s/a," when E. #each between his /e$s an. &0set Eve#ett who 4e// bac6 on to the ,at3 A hea./oc6 then 4inishe. Ma#sha// in )-A!'3 The two went at each othe# hot an. heavy in the thi#. 4a// with both $oin$ 4o# hea./oc6s3 E. $ot th#own o&t o4 the #in$ b&t #et&#ne. >&st be4o#e !8 was co&nte.3B!-8D He then hea./oc6 Ma#sha// th#ee ti,es an. 0inne. hi, in -A7C3 Lewis $ot his tic6et to Seatt/e an. his win bac6 4#o, .oin$ the >ob to set Ma#sha// &0 4o# the W#i$/ey Fie/. ,atch3 In Seatt/e( it see,e. /i6e a Lewis e,0/oyee was .oin$ the R( beca&se the news0a0e# c/ai,e. the#e ha. been si5 ,atches between Steche# an. Lewis( o4 which E. ha. won 4ive3 It act&a//y was the )@ ,atch between the two an. the #eco#. showe.( a4te# %oe ha. been wo#6in$ 4o# 1owse# 4o# a yea#( seven Lewis wins( 4ive Steche# wins( an. two .#aws3 W#est/in$ 4ans see,e. as i$no#ant o4 w#est/in$ histo#y in )*78 as thei# $#an.chi/.#en we#e in )**@3 The news0a0e# a/so w#ote that St#an$/e# Lewis was the ",ost o&tstan.in$ $#a00/e# since the .ays o4 F#an6 Gotch"3 Lewis was on/y too ha00y to w#ite %oe Steche# o&t o4 the s0o#t9s histo#y3B!-)D The ,atch in Seatt/e was &n.e# E&#o0ean #&/es that ha. the, w#est/in$ &n.e# an ei$ht #o&n. syste,3 To win( a w#est/e# nee.e. to ta6e two 4a//s( i4 no one was ab/e to 0&// that o44( the #e4e#ee wo&/. ,a6e a .ecision3 Lewis won a 4a// in the 4i4th #o&n. with his hea./oc6( be4o#e Steche# en.e. the ,atch by 0innin$ E. with a scisso#s in the ei$ht3 In E&#o0e( a #o&n. en.s wheneve# a 4a// ta6es 0/ace( so the Steche#9s 0in en.e. the ,atch3 The #e4e#ee then ,a.e his .ecision an. #&/e. Lewis the winne#3 Tony Steche# >&,0e. into #in$ 0#otestin$ the i.ea as "a showe# o4 0#o$#a,s( e,0ty ca#tons( an. eve#ythin$ 0ossib/e e5ce0t the #in$si.e seats" ca,e 4/yin$ into the #in$ showin$ that the c#ow. a$#ee. with Tony3 The #e0o#te# c/ai,e. it was a ve#y c/ose ,atch( which co&/. have $one eithe# way3B!-!D +n %&ne )-( Lewis w#est/e. Sonnenbe#$ in Mi/wa&6ee3 I .on9t 6now the #es&/t( b&t I have a st#on$ 4ee/in$ that he /ost3 Lewis #et&#ne. to The +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, on %&ne !@( beatin$ /estina in the se,i?,ain event on a Ma#sha//"Wyco44 ca#.3 Ma#sha// contin&e. to be 0&she. 4o//owin$ the Lewis /oss( beatin$ Wyco44( Ma/cewic= ;twice<( an. on %&/y *( )*78 he was $ivin$ a win ove# %oe Steche#3 This set hi, &0 4o# anothe# ,atch with G&s Sonnenbe#$ 4o# the tit/e3 +n +ctobe# )( )*78( Sonnenbe#$ a$ain .e4eate. Eve#ett Ma#sha//( this ti,e at a so/. o&t +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&, ;)8('88<3 G&s Sonnenbe#$ t&#ne. o&t to be a h&$e .#aw3 In Los An$e/es( at the ti,e( no one in histo#y co&/. to&ch hi, as a .#aw in the city3 Lon.os ha. a/ways been bi$ b&t( with the tit/e( he beca,e h&$e bo5?o44ice3 I thin6 eve#yone in w#est/in$( inc/&.in$ 1owse# an. C&#/ey( #ea/i=e. they we#e 0#esente. with a &ni2&e sit&ation with two ,assive .#awin$ ca#.s3 A s&0e# ,atch between the two( 0#o,ote. #i$ht( o&t.oo#s( co&/. shatte# a// $ate #eco#.s3 Even i4 the #es&/t was a .#aw3 The tho&$ht o4 the ,oney invo/ve. was wo#th a te,0o#a#y t#&ce between eve#yone3B!-7D +n +ctobe# )( )*78( Lon.os9 ,ana$e#( E. White( a00ea#e. be4o#e the I//inois Ath/etic Co,,ission in an atte,0t to sec&#e a &ni4ication ,atch with G&s Sonnenbe#$( who was s&s0en.e. in the state3 He o44e#e. E)8(888 to anyone who co&/. boo6 the ,atch3 +n +ctobe# 7( the Co,,ission /i4te. its ban on heavywei$ht w#est/e#s an. .#o00e. the s&s0ension o4 Sonnenbe#$3 Loca/ 0#o,ote#s Doc L#one( %oe Co44ey an. E. White we#e a// inte#este. an. ta/6in$ abo&t the &ni4ication

,atch3 I thin6 the I//inois co,,ission #ea/i=e. the i.ea/istic theo#y o4 shoot w#est/in$ wasn9t wo#th /osin$ a// the ta5 ,oney 0#o w#est/in$ was ,a6in$ 4o# othe#s cities ac#oss the nation3 Lewis an. %oe Steche# a$#ee. to t#ave/ to A&st#a/ia in Se0te,be# )*783 We 6now that the#e we#e 4o&# ,atches between the two3 Steche# .e4eate. Lewis at Me/bo&#ne on Se0te,be# :3 Two .#aws 4o//owe. Se0te,be# )7 in Me/bo&#ne an. Se0te,be# )@ at Sy.ney3 +n Se0te,be# !8( Lewis $ot his /oss bac6 by beatin$ %oe in Sy.ney3 These a#e the on/y .etai/s o4 the to&# that we 6now( othe# that Abe Co/e,an was with the,3B!-'D These bo&ts we#e the /ast #eco#.e. ,atches between Steche# an. Lewis3 %oe /ate# wo&/. .#aw we// in 0&ttin$ ove# o/. 4#ien.s %ohn ese6 an. %i, Lon.os3 He #e,aine. a #es0ecte. 4i$&#e in the s0o#t an. his /oses we#e on/y to a 4ew ,a>o# w#est/e#s3 Lewis too6 E/aine with hi, to A&st#a/ia( t#ave/in$ on a .i44e#ent /ine# than the Steche#s3 The t#i0 was seen as a vacation ,o#e than a b&siness t#i03 When Lewis #et&#ne. to G/en.a/e in +ctobe#( he ha. 1i//y San.ow waitin$ 4o# hi,3 The two ha.n9t s0ent ,&ch ti,e to$ethe# ove# the /ast yea# an. a ha/4( an. Lewis was once a$ain thin6in$ abo&t t#ainin$ an. /osin$ wei$ht 4o# a ,a>o# co,ebac63 San.ow ,&st have wa#ne. E. that the#e wasn9t ,&ch o4 a ,a#6et 4o# '8 yea# o/. w#est/in$ cha,0ions( b&t Lewis9 eyes we#e bette# an. he was $ettin$ the o/. 4ee/in$s bac63 Lewis 6new he was o/.( b&t with Steche# in /ine( he .i.n9t 4ee/ the#e was a ,o.e#n 0e#4o#,e# who co&/. beat hi, in a #ea/ ,atch3 It ve#y we// ,ay have been wish4&/ thin6in$ by a washe. &0 o/. $&y b&t the#e we#e ,any e50e#t insi.e#s an. #e0o#te#s who a$#ee. with hi,3 Anyway( Lewis was wi//in$ to th#ow his hat into the #in$3B!-'aD E. Don Geo#$e an. Ma#sha// contin&e. to be the ,a>o# /oca/ 4avo#ites in Los An$e/es b&t a&/ 1owse# a/so sent hi, anothe# w#est/e# he wante. 0&she.3 Hen#i De G/ane ;1o#n %&ne !!( )*8!< was a F#ench w#est/e# who ha. won the $o/. ,e.a/ in heavywei$ht G#eco?Ro,an w#est/in$ at the )*!' +/y,0ics in a#is3 At a$e ):( De G/ane wo#6e. as a t#&c6 .#ive# .&#in$ the wa#( .e/ive#in$ wine to the so/.ie#s3 A4te# the A#,istice( he beca,e a ,e,be# o4 the a#is Fi#e De0a#t,ent( which was a se,i?,i/ita#y o#$ani=ation with a 4ine t#ainin$ schoo/ in ,o.e#n ath/etics3 Heni was 0#o4icient in w#est/in$( winnin$ ,any to&#na,ents( which /ea. to hi, bein$ se/ecte. to #e0#esent F#ance in the )*!' +/y,0ics3 A4te# winnin$ the ,e.a/( De$/ane to&#e. in va&.evi//e with bo5in$ cha,0ion Geo#$e Ca#0entie#3 He /ate# o0ene. a schoo/ o4 0hysica/ c&/t&#e an. atte,0te. to 0#o,ote 0#o w#est/in$ with /itt/e s&ccess3 Hen#i a/so to&#e. E&#o0e an. a// the /ea.in$ cente#s o4 w#est/in$ on the continent3 He was 4a,o&s in his ho,e co&nt#y b&t it wasn9t ,a6in$ hi, #ich3 L&cien Rio0e/( a&/ 1owse#9s 0#o,ote#( in Mont#ea/( b#o&$ht hi, to Cana.a an. /ate# he ,ove. .own to the GSA an. 1oston3 De G/ane was a $oo. w#est/e#( once he /ea#ne. catch sty/e w#est/in$( b&t he was in his /ate !89s an. /ac6e. the sta# a00ea/ that Sonnenbe#$( Ma#sha//( Lon.os( an. Geo#$e ha. 4o# A,e#ican a&.iences3 Sti// 1owse# saw $#eat 0#o,ise 4o# hi, in Mont#ea/ an. he was a/so 0/annin$ a ,ove into F#ance3B!-@D +n +ctobe# !*( )*78( G&s Sonnenbe#$ .e4eate. E. Don Geo#$e in a tit/e ,atch at The +/y,0ic A&.ito#i&,3 1y this ti,e the s0o#t was 4i//e. with e5?4ootba// 0/aye#s an. >&st #e$&/a# w#est/e#s &sin$ G&s9 F/yin$ Tac6/e3 A4te# s0/ittin$ two 4a//s( Geo#$e see,e. to have Sonnenbe#$ beat b&t both atte,0te. 4/yin$ tac6/es an. they ,et in the ,i../e o4 the #in$ in a hea. on co//ision3 1oth we#e o&t b&t Sonnenbe#$ wo6e &0 4i#st an. 0inne. Geo#$e3 Fans an. 0#o,ote# wante. a #e,atch3 B!-:D +n that ca#. was a Me5ican w#est/e# na,e. %ose Do,in$&e=3 Lo& Da#o 6new that i4 he co&/. eve# 4in. a ,a>o# Me5ican w#est/e# to 0&sh( he9// ,a6e a ton o4 ,oney in the city with the /a#$est Me5ican 0o0&/ation( o&tsi.e o4 Me5ico City( in the wo#/.3 He see,e. to be wo#6in$ ha#. on Do,in$&e=( even $ivin$ hi, a win ove# %oe Ma/cewic=3 In a se,i?4ina/ to !A87A78 .#aw between Eve#ett Ma#sha// an. Hen#i De G/ane at The +/y,0ic on Nove,be# )!( St#an$/e# Lewis ,a.e his co,e bac6 .e4eatin$ %ose Do,in$&e= in two st#ai$ht 4a//s3 Los An$e/es wo&/. have to wait 4o# a Me5ican sta#3 Lewis ,&st have been stea,in$ when he #ea. in the Los An$e/es 0a0e#s that %i, Lon.os an. %ac6 C&#/ey ha. #et&#ne. to New Yo#69s Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en on Nove,be# )C( )*78 se//in$ o&t with ove# !8(888 4ans in atten.ance ;inc/&.in$ Mayo# %i,,y Wa/6e#< as the G#ee6 beat Gino Ga#iba/.i3B!-CD This was the sa,e b&i/.in$ that Lewis ha. .#awn '(888 on A0#i/ !3

Lewis was a/ways wi//in$ to te// anyone who9. /isten that he ha. beaten Lon.os )' st#ai$ht ti,es an. that $ot hi, a /ot o4 0#ess an. 0&t 0#ess&#e on Lon.os( b&t at the be$innin$ o4 Lon.os tit/e #ei$n he was we// 6nown 4o# 0&ttin$ 0eo0/e ove#3 So C&#/ey( Fabiani( E. White( ac6s an. Lon.os hi,se/4 a$#ee. that( as cha,0ion( he wo&/.n9t .o >obs o4 any ty0e3 He wo&/.n9t even .#o0 4a//s to conten.e#s3 It wasn9t a 0#ob/e, on the East Coast beca&se they boo6e. one 4a// ,atches( b&t in the ,i.?west( whe#e two o&t o4 th#ee 4a// ,atches 0#evai/in$( it too6 so,e c#eativity to 6ee0 0eo0/e st#on$ an. 0#o,ote #e,atches3 Sti// )*78 was 4i//e. with new sta#s an. Lon.os was in the 0#ocess o4 beco,in$ w#est/in$ bi$$est .#awin$ sta# in histo#y3 He co&/. an. .i. wo#6 eve#y ni$ht( 4i//in$ a#enas in eve#y city3 The#e see,e. to be no /i,it to how ,&ch ,oney %i,,y co&/. ,a6e 4o# hi,se/4 an. the 0#o,ote#s3 +n Nove,be# !:( Lewis w#est/e. anothe# se,i?4ina/ at the +/y,0ic( w#est/in$ Hen#i De G/ane to an ho&# .#aw3 The #e,atch 4o# the tit/e between G&s Sonnenbe#$ an. E. Don Geo#$e was boo6e. 4o# Dece,be# )8( )*783 It .#ew )8(8883 Sonnenbe#$ won the 4i#st 4a// with the 4/yin$ tac6/e in )' ,in&tes an. seven secon.s3 Geo#$e won the secon. with a co,bination hea. scisso#s an. .o&b/e w#ist /oc63 In one o4 w#est/in$ bi$$est &0sets( Geo#$e s&b,itte. Sonnenbe#$ &sin$ a %a0anese a#,?/oc6 ;a stan.in$ hea. scisso#s with a a#,?ba#( Geo#$e9s 4inishin$ ho/. in )*78< in )!A@!3 G&s ha. been /oc6e. in the ho/. 4o# ove# 4ive ,in&tes be4o#e 2&ittin$3 The win $ave E. Don Geo#$e the wo#/. tit/e3B!--D The boo6 FALL GGYS by Ma#c&s G#i44in has a sto#y sayin$ that 1owse# boo6e. the Geo#$e"Sonnenbe#$ 4inish with o&t te//in$ San.ow o# Lewis3 The 0/acin$ o4 the be/t on Geo#$e s&00ose./y an$e#e. both E. an. 1i//y( beca&se Lewis ha. been 0#o,ise. in )*!*( at so,e 0oint( to $et the tit/e bac63 The sto#y is on/y a theo#y an. I have one o4 ,y own3 G&s Sonnenbe#$ was a h&$e .#aw( even witho&t the tit/e3 I thin6 1owse# M Da#o ha. 0/ans to #&n c#oss 0#o,otion ,atches with G&s an. %i, Lon.os in Los An$e/es an. a %ohn ese6"Sonnenbe#$ ,atch in 1oston3 I thin6 these bi$ ,oney ,atches we#e $oin$ to be .#aws o# have so,e sc#ew 4inish tac6e. on to the,( b&t he .i.n9t want the tit/e on G&s in case so,ethin$ when w#on$3 The tit/e on Geo#$e was $oo. 4o# Geo#$e9s ca#ee# an. with hi, as cha,0 yo& .i.n9t have to wo##y abo&t a .o&b/e c#ossesK3at /east that9s what 1owse# tho&$ht3 1&t Geo#$e was a #ea/ w#est/e# an. yo&n$ who wo&/. be wi//in$ to ste0 &0 i4 cha//en$e. by Lon.os( Shi6at o# Stee/e3 Anothe# 4acto# ,ay have been that Sonnenbe#$ ha. a .#in6in$ 0#ob/e, an. was beco,in$ an o&t o4 cont#o/ .#&n63 Lewis #et&#ne. to the +/y,0ic on Dece,be# !!( .est#oyin$ a %oe Stocca in two st#ai$ht 4a//s in the se,i?,ain event to De G/ane beatin$ Nic6 L&t=e3B!-*D As the yea# ca,e to a c/ose( Lon.os $#ew ,o#e hea./ines .#awin$ !!(888 ;)*(C)@ 0ayin$ E''(-C-< on Dece,be# !* at Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en in beatin$ Fe#enc Ho/&ban3B!*8D This ca,e th#ee .ays a4te# se//in$ o&t in hi/a.e/0hia a$ainst Tiny Roeb&c6 ;)8(888 E!8(!)7<3B!*)D OO Contin&e to CHA TER !7 F++TN+TES !'C 1+ST+N GL+1E( %an&a#y 7 to %an&a#y :( )*!* !'- A hint to how the /oca/ 4ans 4e/t abo&t Lewis wo#6 can be 4o&n. in the L+S ANGELES TIMES on %an&a#y )'( )*!*( in the b&i/. &0 to the /ate# cance//e. ,atch with a&/ %onesA "Witho&t a tit/e to .e4en.( Lewis is e50ecte. to ta6e ,o#e chances in his w#est/in$ than eve# be4o#e3 His wo#6 is e50ecte. to be ,o#e s0ectac&/a# an. his 0o0&/a#ity with the 4ans is e50ecte. to show an &0wa#. t#en.3" !'* L+S ANGELES EPAMINER ( %an&a#y !'( )*!* !@8 ASS+CIATED RESS3 %an&a#y !@( )*!* !@) ASS+CIATED RESS3 %an&a#y !*( )*!* !@! ST L+GIS DAILY GL+1E?DEM+CRAT( %an&a#y !8( )*!* !@7 ST L+GIS DAILY GL+1E?DEM+CRAT( %an&a#y 78( )*!* !@' THE C+MMERCIAL A EAL( MEM HIS( Feb#&a#y )'( )*!* !@@ ASS+CIATED RESS( Feb#&a#y !@( )*!* !@: L+S ANGELES TIMES( A0#i/ '( )*!* !@C L+S ANGELES TIMES( May )( )*!* !@- L+S ANGELES EPAMINER( May !( )*!* !@* L+S ANGELES TIMES( May )8( )*!* !:8 TGLSA DAILY W+RLD( May )C to May !*( )*!* !:) NEW Y+RL TIMES( %&/y *( )*!*???1+ST+N GL+1E( %&/y *( )*!*Q1oth news0a0e#s

ha. the $ate at E*8(8883 It was the /a#$est n&,be# in 1oston Histo#y M #e,aine. s&ch th#o&$h the +9Mahoney e#a when h&$e ca#.s too6 0/ace with ,o#e 0eo0/e 0#esent b&t with /owe# tic6et 0#ices3 In )*!*( it ,ay have been the /a#$est $ate in 0#o w#est/in$ histo#y3 !:! L+S ANGELES TIMES( %&/y !@( )*!* !:7 ST L+GIS DAILY GL+1E?DEM+CRAT( %&/y )7( )*!* !:' ST L+GIS DAILY GL+1E?DEM+CRAT( an. ASS+CIATED RESS( A&$&st !'( )*!* !:@ L+S ANGELES TIMES( an. L+S ANGELES HERALD( Se0te,be# '( )*!* !:: L+S ANGELES TIMES an. L+S ANGELES HERALD( Se0te,be# )*( )*!*QD&#in$ the )*!89s ,any o4 the +/y,0ic ,ain events /aste. 0ast the 0&b/ish .ea./ine 4o# the L3A3 TIMES( so to $et a $oo. ,atch #e0o#t a #esea#che# nee.s to &se a a4te#noon news0a0e# /i6e the HERALD o# the EPAMINER3 !:C THE ARII+NA RE G1LICAN( H+ENIP( +ctobe# @( )*!* !:- ST L+GIS GL+1E?DEM+CRAT( +ctobe# )@( )*!*QThis was the wo#6 o4 1i//y San.ow who ha. a ho,e in Lansas City( M+3 !:* L+S ANGELES TIMES( an. ASS+CIATED RESS( +ctobe# !7( )*!* an. Nove,be# )'( )*!*???a/so the sto#y o4 La.>i,i connection to Lon.os is ASS+CIATED RESS( A&$&st !!( )*7'Q a&/ 1owse# 6new he was in t#o&b/e &sin$ a non?w#est/e# as cha,0ion an. Sonnenbe#$ wo&/. w#est/e on/y 1owse# w#est/e#s &sin$ 1owse# #e4e#ees3 !C8 L+S ANGELES TIMES an. L+S ANGELES EPAMINER sto#y by %ac6 %a,es( +ctobe# !'( )*!* !C) Ma#sha//9s 4athe# owne. a #anch in Co/o#a.o with a $y, an. #in$3 A// o4 the o/. ,aste# $#a00/e#s wo&/. t#ain the#e when in the a#ea3 So Ma#sha// $#ew &0 wo#6in$ o&t with w#est/e#s /i6e Lon.os( %o#.an( both Ibys=6os an. Toots Mon.t3 THE L+S ANGELES EPAMINER( May @( )*783 Ma#sha// a/so ha. a 0et w#est/in$ bea# na,e. Gotch( na,e. a4te# Eve#ett9s i.o/( F#an6 Gotch3 This see,s /i6e a $oo. s0ot to te// ,y sto#y abo&t w#est/in$ Ricto# the w#est/in$ bea# at a &se. ca# /ot on At/antic 1o&/eva#. in East LA in )*:'( b&t I9// /et the o00o#t&nity $oKK it was a .#aw3 !C)a L+S ANGELES TIMES an. L+S ANGELES EPAMINER( Nove,be# )'( )*!* !C! LANSAS CITY STAR( Nove,be# )C( )*!* !C7 L+S ANGELES TIMES( Ma#ch !8( )*78 !C7a The #e0o#t o4 the ,ove that 4inishe. the secon. 4a// was >&st ca//e. a s/a, the ne5t .ay3 1&t in a L+S ANGELES TIMES inte#view o4 May '( Ma#sha// state. he has &se. %oe Ma/cewic=9s bac6wa#. s/a, to 0in Lewis3 This ,ove see,s to ,e to be Lo& Thes=9s si.e s&0/e5 4inishe#3 !C' L+S ANGELES TIMES( A0#i/ )C( )*78 !C'a Stanis/a&s Ibys=6o #eti#e in A0#i/ )*78 to 0#o,ote w#est/in$ shows in the new Ma.ison S2&a#e Ga#.en3 He see,e. to have the bac6in$ o4 a&/ 1owse#3 %ac6 C&#/ey( by that ti,e( was bac6 on his 4eet .#awin$ bi$ c#ow.s at the C)st A#,o#y( &sin$ Shi6at an. /ate# Lon.os3 !C'b Consi.e#in$ how no one was eve# thin6in$ abo&t 0&shin$ Ray Stee/e as a cha,0ion( it was a h&$e co,0/e,ents to his abi/ity an. be/ievabi/ity to have been inc/&.in$ on the /ist3 Stee/e was a $#eat .#aw a// ove# the co&nt#y an. hi$h/y #es0ecte.( b&t neve# $ot the 0&sh o4 a Sonnenbe#$( Shi6at( Geo#$e( o# +9Mahoney3 I see hi, as the 1i//y Robinson o4 his ti,e( b&t a bi$$e# .#aw an. a nationa/ sta#3 !C'c The best #e0o#ts I9ve #ea. on the N1A M w#est/in$ ca,e 4#o, THE C+MMERCIAL A EAL( MEM HIS3 See A0#i/ !( )*783 Me,0his was one o4 the cities &0set with the N1A an. #esi$ne. 4#o, the o#$ani=ation ove# the w#est/in$ iss&e an. 4#o, bein$ to/. who they co&/.n9t boo63 !C@ L+S ANGELES EPAMINER( May :( )*78???An a#tic/e in the L+S ANGELES TIME( A&$&st )8( )*77 c/ai,e. that the atten.ance was ):(--8 an. the $ate was E:-(-!83@83 This was the o&t.oo# #eco#. in Ca/i4o#nia &nti/ )*@73 The /a#$est atten.ance 4o# bo5in$ was the Geo#$e Go.4#eyQ%ao/ino G=c&.&n 4i$ht at 7:(:8@ in )*!-3 The /a#$est bo5in$ $ate was Ace H&.6ins"Mic6ey Wa/6e# 4i$ht at E)@8(!:@3'@ ;!)(7C8 with a tic6et 0#ice. at E)!3 The a#tic/e c/ai,e. it too6 E)8(888 to set &0 the #in$ an. seats at an o&t.oo# ca#.3< !C: The E. Don Geo#$e 1io in THE HIST+RICAL WRESTLING S+CIETY H )-A THE ED D+N GE+RGE REC+RD 1++L by Richa#. Haynes( %an&a#y )**'3 Geo#$e was bo#n %&ne 7( )*8@ at No#th %ava NY which is o&tsi.e o4 1&44a/o( NY3 !CC I thin6 this hi//y9s9 1a// a#6 was the o/. 1a6e# 1ow/( a/so ca//e. "The H&,0"3 It ha. the s,a//est ca0acity o4 any ,a>o# /ea$&e 0a#6( b&t no one ca#e.

beca&se the hi//ys we#e so ba. no one 0ai. to watch the, anyway3 In )*87( a section o4 the stan.s co//a0se. .&#in$ a $a,e( 6i//in$ )! 0eo0/e3 It a/so ha. a s,a// 4ie/. with #i$ht 4ie/. 4ence on/y !-8 4eet away 4#o, ho,e3 This enab/e. hi//ies #i$ht 4ie/.e# Ch&c6 L/ein to win the T#i0/e C#own in )*77 an. to set a ,o.e#n #eco#. with '' o&t4ie/. assists in )*783 1ALL ARLS THEN AND N+W( by E#ic En.e#s3 !C- HILLADEL HIA 1GLLETIN an. L+S ANGELES TIMES %&ne C( )*78 !C* SEATTLE TIMES( %&ne )!( )*78 !-8 L+S ANGELES TIMES M ASS+CIATED RESS( %&ne )!( )*78 !-) SEATTLE TIMES( %&ne )@( )*78 !-! SEATTLE TIMES( %&ne)C( )*78 !-7 I ,&st say that eve#ythin$ in that 0a#a$#a0h is theo#y base. on .ata an. the way I &n.e#stan. the way 0#o,ote#s thin63 At /east the s,a#t ones inte#este. in ,a6in$ ,oney( /i6e C&#/ey an. 1owse#3 To say that the 4act that they we#e at wa# an. .i.n9t /i6e each othe# ;so they wo&/.n9t wo#6 to$ethe#< isn9t eno&$h to ove# co,e the 4act that the two en. &0 as 0a#tne#s a co&0/e o4 yea#s .own the #oa. an. the two ha. c#oss 0#o,otion ca#.s( at ti,es( in 1oston3 They we#e #iva/s b&t they t#&ste. each othe#s wo#.3 They .i. have the 0otentia/ o4 the $#eatest $ate in histo#y /oo6in$ the, in the 4ace3 Chica$o ha. been the site o4 Gotch"Hac6 with a /a#$e avai/ab/e 0o0&/ation to .#aw 4#o,( b&t the city ha. been .o#,ant 4o# a yea# beca&se o4 the ,a#6 co,,ission( an. they ,ay have 4e/t the 0#o,otion was too ,&ch 4o# it at the ti,e3 Chica$o /ate# b#o6e #eco#.s with Lon.os"Lewis in )*7' an. +9Conno#"Ro$e#s in )*:)3 !-' See )88 YEARS +F AGSTRALIAN R+FESSI+NAL WRESTLING by note. histo#ian Libnan Ayo&b3 This boo6 #an6s with the best boo6s on w#est/in$ histo#y3 I4 yo& can eve# $et a co0y( it9s wo#th yo&# ti,e3 I9ve a/so seen 4a,i/y 0hotos o4 %oe an. Tony Steche#( Abe Co/e,an an. othe#s t#ainin$ on the boat on the t#i0 to A&st#a/ia3 Lewis isn9t in the 0hotos3 !-'a L+S ANGELES TIMES( Ma#ch ):( )*7) !-@ 1+PING M WRESTLING NEWS( A0#i/ )*77QHen#i DeG/aneQThe Gn6nown Cha,0ion by %i, 1a##ett( 0a$e @ !-: L+S ANGELES TIMES( Dece,be# )8( )*78QDetai/s on the 4inish was &se. in the 0#e?,atch w#ite &0 4o# the #e,atch on Dece,be# )83 !-C NEW Y+RL TIMES( Nove,be# )-( )*78???MADIS+N SSGARE GARDEN #eco#. boo6 by F#e. Ho#nby M Scott Tea/ !-- L+S ANGELES TIMES( Dece,be# ))( )*78Q+n 0a$e !C8 o4 FR+M MIL+ T+ L+ND+S &b/ishe. by Nat F/eische# in )*7:( it c/ai,s both Sonnenbe#$"Geo#$e ,atches too6 0/ace in 1oston3 It9s one o4 the 4a,o&s e##o#s in the w#itin$ o4 w#est/in$ histo#y an. was ca##ie. ove# into the c#eation o4 a tit/e /ine &se. by the NWA &nti/ the )**89s3 The ,atches too6 0/ace in Los An$e/es3 !-* L+S ANGELES TIMES( Dece,be# !7( )*78 !*8 NEW Y+RL TIMES( Dece,be# 78( )*78 !*) THE HILADEL HIA INSGIRER( Dece,be# !C( )*78

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" E# Don Geo$%e an# Anothe$ Tit&e 'n (an)a$y *+ *,"*+ the G&en#a&e Cha-be$ o. Co--e$ce anno)nce that they we$e %oin% to sta%e a /0+111 o2en %o&. to)$na-ent in the city in Dece-be$ an# the s2onso$s we$e G&en#a&e $esi#ents Lo) Da$o an# E# "St$an%&e$" Lewis34!,!5 The ne6t #ay+ (an)a$y !+ Lewis was si#eswi2e# by a ca$ in the st$eet in .$ont o. his $esta)$ant on the 711 b&oc8 on So)th 9$an# in G&en#a&e3 He s)staine# a seve$e b$)ise on his 2e&vic bone an# c)ts a$o)n# his hi23 This .o$ce# Lewis to cance& so-e #ates in Chica%o an# the East coast+ an# he #i#n:t w$est&e in (an)a$y34!,"5 He was %oin% to w$est&e$ F$an8 ()#son in Chica%o b)t he was $e2&ace# by cha-2ion E# Don Geo$%e3 With the Chica%o co--ission &ettin% )2+ bi% ti-e 2$o w$est&in% ha# $et)$ne# with the two -a;o$ 2$o-otions both $)nnin% shows3 The 9owse$ 2$o-ote$ was (oe Co..ey an# a Lon#os %$o)2 was bein% $)n by Doc <$one3 'n (an)a$y =+ *,"*+ Lo) Da$o anno)nce# that he ha# 2$actica&&y i$one# o)t #etai&s .o$ a #$ea- -atch between G)s Sonnenbe$% an# (i- Lon#os3 The G$ee8 ha# a%$ee# an# Da$o was %oin% to -eet with Sonnenbe$% in the co-in% wee83 Da$o ha# -a#e a &ot o. -oney with the W$i%&ey Fie&# ca$# an# he wante# to 2$o-ote anothe$+ even bi%%e$+ ca$# in A2$i& *,"*3 Da$o was e62e$ience# in han#&in% bi% ca$#s+ ha# a &on% histo$y with Lon#os+ an# was t$)ste#+ so he an# -ost eve$yone e&se tho)%ht he co)&# 2)&& the c$oss 2$o-otion -atch o..3 It ha# the 2otentia& to b$ea8 a&& atten#ance $eco$#s34!,05 The ne6t #ay+ E# Lewis -a#e an anno)nce-ent3 Lewis sai# he ha# a /=+111 bon# 2oste# with the state co--ission .o$ a -atch with (i- Lon#os+ an# #e-an#e# that he be %iven the -atch with the G$ee8+ not Sonnenbe$%3 Lo) Da$o state# that Lon#os $e.)se# to have anythin% to #o with a Lewis -atch3 With Sonnenbe$% in town+ b)i&#in% .o$ a $e-atch with Geo$%e+ the to2ic o. Lon#os was #$o22e#3 Lewis:s hat$e# .o$ Lon#os an# E#:s st)nt ha# cost Da$o an# Lon#os thei$ s)2e$ -atch34!,=5 Lon#os #i#n:t see- to ca$e+ on (an)a$y !>+ he #$ew anothe$ !!+!11 an# %ate o. /=,+0,>3=1 at Ma#ison S?)a$e Ga$#en in beatin% (i- McMi&&en34!,>5 'n (an)a$y 7+ *,"*+ G)s Sonnenbe$% showe# he was sti&& bo6 o..ice witho)t the tit&e by beatin% Hen$i De G&ane in .$ont o. a &a$%e c$ow# on a $ainy ni%ht at The '&y-2ic3 The winne$ was s)22ose# to %et a tit&e -atch with E# Don Geo$%e+ b)t Sonnenbe$% ha# co--it-ents on the East Coast so De G&ane %ot the tit&e -atch on (an)a$y !*3 Geo$%e then beat Hen$i at anothe$ so&# o)t '&y-2ic34!,75 Sonnenbe$% went bac8 to 9oston to w$est&e (ohn ese8 on (an)a$y !!3 ese8 #$o22e# o)t o. the -atch an# ha# to be $e2&ace# by Lee Wyc8o..3 Sonnenbe$% sti&& #$ew a c$ow# o. *0+1113 Lewis $et)$ne# to the $in% on Feb$)a$y 0+ *,"*+ beatin% )2 D$3 <a$& Sa$2o&is in the se-i@.ina& o. a Eve$ett Ma$sha&&AA# Sante& -atch34!,B5 Ma$sha&& won an# he a&so beat De G&ane in two st$ai%ht .a&&s on Feb$)a$y *B+ settin% )2 a tit&e -atch with Geo$%e on Ma$ch 03 'n Feb$)a$y *B+ 2$o-ote$ Ray Fabiani o..e$e# E# Don Geo$%e /=1+111 to w$est&e (i- Lon#os in hi&a#e&2hia o$ 9oston3 Late$ on A2$i& 0+ (ac8 C)$&ey o..e$e# E# Don Geo$%e a -atch with Lon#os in New Yo$8 City3 The -atch wo)&# ta8e 2&ace o)t#oo$s+ 2$obab&y in Yan8ee Sta#i)-+ .o$ the Hea$st Mi&8 F)n# in A2$i&+ May+ o$ ()ne3 When Geo$%e #oesn:t $es2on#+ C)$&ey boo8e# a $e-atch between Lon#os an# Ray Stee&e which #$ew !*+111 C/>"+111D on ()ne !,3 The Ma$ch 0 tit&e -atch ha# Geo$%e 2innin% Ma$sha&& with The '&y-2ic so&# o)t C*1+011D3 In the se-i@.ina&+ Lewis w$est&e# Hen$i DeG&ane a%ain in what wo)&# be a ve$y inte$estin% -atch consi#e$in% the events that wo)&# .o&&ow in the co-in% -onths3 Lewis beat De G&ane in two st$ai%ht .a&&s+ winnin% both with hea#&oc8s in "1E1> an# 0E!=3 E# was ca&&e# "the o&# wa$ ho$se" b)t was sai# to be &oo8in% in %oo# con#ition a.te$ wo$8in% with San#ow .o$ a .ew -onths3 It see-e# that Lo) Da$o Co$ 2e$ha2s boo8e$ San#owD was %ivin% Lewis -o$e o. a b)i&# )2 than he ha# ha# in a .ew yea$s34!,,5 A thi$# -atch with Eve$ett Ma$sha&& too8 2&ace on Ma$ch *B+ with the winne$ to -eet E# Don Geo$%e on a o)t #oo$ ca$# in A2$i&3 Lewis won two st$ai%ht .a&&s with hea#&oc8s in 0BE11 an# =E"!34"115

A&so on the ca$# was the &oca& #eb)t o. (oe Savo&#i+ the e6@Not$e Da-e .ootba&& sta$3 He was the .i$st 2e$.o$-e$ to )se the #$o2 8ic8 an# he -ay have been the .i$st w$est&e$ to shave his chest3 He wo)&# ta8e his 2&ace as one o. the -any sta$s o. the *,"1:s3 Lo) Da$o $ente# W$i%&ey Fie&# .o$ A2$i& *"+ *,"*+ boo8in% the sensationa& new cha-2ion E# Don Geo$%e a%ainst the &e%en#a$y E# "St$an%&e$" Lewis3 No one tho)%ht E# was %oin% to win3 With so -any new sta$s in the s2o$t+ the$e see-e# &itt&e $eason to 2)t the tit&e bac8 on Lewis+ b)t he sti&& was a .o$ce who co)&# #$aw as a cha&&en%e$+ whi&e 2)ttin% ove$ a yo)n% cha-2ion3 His was a .a-o)s na-e+ that eve$yone wante# on the$e $eco$#3 Da$o 2$o-ote# the event by havin% the two sta$s %ive .$ee wo$8o)ts at The '&y-2ic A)#ito$i)- .o$ a wee8 &ea#in% )2 to the -atch3 Geo$%e wo)&# wo$8 o)t .i$st .o$ an ho)$ an# then Lewis an# San#ow wo)&# show E# #oin% e6hibition ty2e -atches with a n)-be$ o. &oca& w$est&e$s3 A R st)nt was 2)&&e# on A2$i& ,3 A.te$ wo$8in% o)t+ Geo$%e ca-e $in%si#e an# sat with Dean C$o-we&&+ So)the$n Ca&i.o$nia t$ac8 coach an# $e2o$te$s+ whi&e Lewis was wo$8in% a $o)tine session with 9i&& 9eth3 9i&&y San#ow sta$te# ye&&in% at Geo$%e+ sayin% he co)&#n:t watch Lewis an# wo)&# sto2 the wo$8o)t i. Geo$%e staye#3 Geo$%e to&# San#owE "I:- not inte$este# in his t$ainin% wo$8Fwe:&& sett&e o)$ a$%)-ent Mon#ay ni%ht3 Te&& yo)$ bi% .e&&ow to be 2$e2a$e# .o$ a b)sy ni%ht3"4"1*5 The -atch #$ew a #isa22ointin% *!+111 to the baseba&& sta#i)-3 Most o. the .ans bo)%ht the chea2 tic8ets+ an# once the .i$st 2$e&i-ina$y -atch sta$te#+ they $)she# #own .$o- the %$an#stan#s to ;a- the-se&ves in the hi%he$ 2$ice# seats3 The 2o&ice s2ent -ost o. the ni%ht -ovin% c$ashe$s sittin% in a &ate a$$ivin% hi%h $o&&e$:s seat3 A .ew #ays a.te$ the -atch+ Da$o state# he wo)&# have -a#e -o$e -oney $)nnin% the -atch at the '&y-2ic+ which ha# a -)ch &owe$ $ent3 At so-e 2oint+ Lewis -a#e it 8nown to Geo$%e that he was %oin% to &ose the -atch an# the tit&e3 The sto$y is that E# to&# hi- in .$ont o. the &a$%e c$ow#E "'8 8i#+ toni%ht:s the ni%ht+ an# we can #o it the easy o$ the ha$# wayG" The sto$y )s)a&&y has this ha22enin% in the -i##&e o. the $in% as the $e.e$ee was %ivin% inst$)ctions3 Abo)t , -in)tes o. this -atch has t)$n )2 .$o- news$ee&s in the &ast .ew -onths+ inc&)#in% the int$o#)ctions3 W$est&es #i#n:t -eet in the cente$ o. the $in% be.o$e -atches in *,"*+ so that 2a$t o. the sto$y nee#s to be chan%e#3 Anyway Geo$%e too8 his to -ean+ he was #$o22in% the tit&e an# they co)&# eithe$ #o it as a wo$8 o$ a shoot3 Geo$%e #i# the 2$o thin% an# wo$8e# the -atch3 Lewis #o-inate# the action an# Geo$%e was neve$ ab&e to t$y any o. the tac8&es the .ans c$ie# .o$3 A.te$ *E*1E=> an# seven hea#&oc8s+ Lewis 2ine# Geo$%e to ta8e the .i$st .a&&3 The cha-2ion &oo8e# wea8 co-in% o)t .o$ the secon# .a&&3 Anothe$ hea#&oc8 ha# Geo$%e in -a;o$ t$o)b&e b)t E# Don was ab&e to w$i%%&e o)t o. the 2in an# c$aw&e# #iHHi&y th$o)%h the $o2es .o$ a co)nt o. ,3 'n $et)$n+ Lewis 2)t hi- in a bo#y &oc8 that inco$2o$ate# a ha--e$ &oc83 Lewis too8 Geo$%e to the -att an# $o&&e# hi- ove$ with Lewis on to2 2)shin% the cha-2ion:s sho)&#e$s to the -at34"1*a5 The c$ow# #i#n:t %et the si%ni.icance o. the ho&# an# on&y when $e.e$ee Don McDona&# #$o2 to his 8nees to chec8 Geo$%e:s sho)&#e$s #i# they $ea&iHe so-ethin% was abo)t to ha22en3 Lewis he&# the %$i2 #es2ite Geo$%e:s .$antic st$)%%&e an# E# t$e-en#o)s wei%ht 2)she# the cha-2:s sho)&#e$s #own3 When the $e.e$ee 2atte# Lewis:s bac8 to en# the .a&& an# the -atch+ the c$ow# was st)nne# in s)$2$ise3 Even when Lewis was o..icia&&y 2$oc&ai-e# the new cha-2ion the$e was b)t scatte$in% a22&a)se .o$ the vete$an3 Lewis bowe# 2o&ite&y an# st$)tte# o)t o. the $in%+ "w$a22in% a b&an8et abo)t his a-2&e 2e$son with a&& the #i%nity an# %$ace o. a Ro-an senato$ -ani2)&atin% his to%a3"4"1!5 ()st abo)t eve$yone a%$ees that Lewis sto&e the tit&e that ni%ht3 As .o$ the "easy o$ ha$# way" ?)ote+ I #on:t 8now i. that ha22ene#3 It was a sto$y to&# by Lewis an# $e2eate# by Lo) ThesH ove$ the yea$s34"1!a5 It:s s)ch a %oo# sto$y an# &ine that it has been $e2eate# ove$ an# ove$ by Dave Me&tHe$:s WRESTLING '9SERIER NEWSLETTER tho)%ht the yea$s3 I 8in# o. #o)bt it+ b)t it:s s)ch a %oo# &ine that it wi&& &ast+ $e%a$#&ess o. any t$)th3 It:s can:t be seen on the .i&c&i2s+ an# it:s not -entione# in any news2a2e$ $e2o$t3 As .o$ E# Don Geo$%e+ a yo)n% '&y-2ic c&ass w$est&e$+ bein% inti-i#ate# into #$o22in% the tit&e by a 01 yea$ o&#3 I $ea&&y #o)bt that3 I be&ieve that 9i&&y San#ow was eithe$ the boo8e$ o$ a 2a$tne$ .o$ Lo) Da$o in Los An%e&es3 Geo$%e was an e-2&oyee wo$8in% as a 2e$.o$-e$ .o$ the 9owse$ %$o)23 He ha# been a 2$o w$est&e$ .o$ on&y a yea$ an# ha# to have been %$een in the ways thin%s wo$8e#3

E# Lewis was his i#o& an# the $eason he beca-e a w$est&e$3 He -)st have seen San#ow+ an# -aybe Lewis+ as .$ont o..ice 2e$sonne& an# his boss3 So i. 9i&&y to&# hi- to ;ob+ he:&& 2$obab&y #o the ;ob3 Geo$%e #i#n:t have a &ot o. ti-e to thin8 an# cons)&t with his -ana%e$+ bein% in .$ont o. the 2)b&ic3 S)$e he 8new E# Lewis was a .ea$e# o&# ti-e shoote$+ b)t he was a co-2etitive w$est&e$ too3 So I #on:t see this as so-e bi% -acho -o-ent in the &i.e o. E# Lewis+ I thin8 it was ;)st a yo)n% w$est&e$ #oin% what he was to&# by a boss3 This was Lewis: .o)$th ti-e ho&#in% this AWA wo$&# tit&e+ b)t he ha# a&so won the '&in wo$&# tit&e twice3 With (i- Lon#os ho&#in% the New Yo$8+ ennsy&vania+ an# N9A wo$&# tit&e it co)&# no &on%e$ be ca&&e# an )n#is2)te# tit&e3 As soon as Lewis co)&# .in# a $e2o$te$ he was wi&&in% to ta&8 abo)t the G$ee8+ "I a- $ea#y to -eet any %$a22&e$ in the wo$&#+ an# that inc&)#es (i--y Lon#os es2ecia&&y3 I wi&& s-o8e hi- o)t Cas Geo$%e 9)sh #i# with 'sa-a 9in La#enD+ an# i. he wi&& vent)$e into the $in% with -e I:&& beat hi- as #ecisive&y as the *0 2$evio)s ti-es that I 2$ove# -y s)2e$io$ity ove$ hi-3" LewisADeG&ane an# the 9att&e o. the 9ite A.te$ the -atch Lewis an# San#ow too8 thei$ sto&en tit&e o)t on the $oa#+ t$ave&in% to San#ow:s .o$-e$ ho-e+ <ansas City+ to #e.eat San#ow:s othe$ w$est&in% sta$+ Eve$ett Ma$sha&& on A2$i& !13 No one can say what went on in the -in# o. a)& 9owse$+ b)t .$o- othe$ sit)ations in w$est&in% histo$y that $ese-b&e# this one+ the .i$st tho)%ht a w$est&in% 2$o-ote$ has is to acce2t the sit)ation an# ne%otiate be.o$e thei$ tit&e is so&# to anothe$ co-2etito$3 9owse$ ha# been .$ien#s an# a b)siness 2a$tne$s with San#ow an# Lewis .o$ a n)-be$ o. yea$s3 I thin8 he $ea&iHe# the nee# to )n#e$stan# the sit)ation+ .in# o)t what San#ow an# Lewis 2&ane#+ an# i. these 2&ans e6ten#e# beyon# ;)st sea&in% the tit&eJ3 an# .in# o)t i. (ac8 C)$&ey was invo&ve#3 Havin% the tit&e on St$an%&e$ Lewis was one thin%+ b)t it bein% so&# to C)$&ey an# (i- Lon#os wo)&# $)in hi-3 Lewis an# San#ow ha# &ea$ne#+ in the yea$s *,!> to *,!B+ that a tit&e -eant nothin% witho)t a 2owe$.)& 2$o-ote$ behin# it3 To -a8e -oney they wo)&# have to 2ic8 between an o&# .$ien# in 9owse$ o$ an o&# ene-y in (ac8 C)$&ey3 I. they 2ic8 C)$&ey+ it wo)&# -ean #oin% the ;ob .o$ (i- Lon#os3 Lewis beat F$e# ete$son in T)&sa on A2$i& !" an# then t$ave&e# to Chica%o .o$ a tit&e -atch with Gene LeDo)6 on A2$i& !B3 Ma$c)s G$i..in+ in his boo8 FALL GKYS+ c&ai-e# that San#ow an# Lewis -et with a)& 9owse$ in Chica%o be.o$e the -atch3 G$i..in c&ai-e# that San#ow ha# he&# /71+111 o. 9owse$:s -oney as a .o$.eit3 San#ow was %iven the -oney as 2a$t o. the #ea& -a#e be.o$e Lewis #$o22e# the tit&e to Sonnenbe$%3 In Chica%o+ San#ow $et)$ne# /=1+111 to 9owse$ an# 8e2t /!1+1113 9owse$ then a%$ee# to not t$y "any .)nny st).."3 I #on:t be&ieve that sto$y+ as I #on:t be&ieve G$i..in on any o. his sto$ies that #ate be.o$e *,""3 Most o. the .acts in FALL GKYS+ that ta8e 2&ace be.o$e Ma$c)s G$i..in sta$te# wo$8in% .o$ Toots Mon#t:s o..ice in *,""+ an# that can be chec8 th$o)%h $esea$chJ3 have been 2$oven w$on%3 E$$o$s .i&& the boo834"1"5 I. 9owse$ ha# vio&ate# the cont$act with San#ow+ in %ivin% the tit&e to E# Don Geo$%e+ why wo)&# 9i&&y %ive /=1+111 bac8 to 9owse$3 I #on:t be&ieve that the o&# Lewis was 2$o-otab&e as cha-2ion3 9owse$ 8new itJ an# ha# othe$ 2&ans o. his own3 Lewis 2$obab&y 8new it too b)t his e%o was in the way3 I thin8 Lewis wante# a tit&e c&ai- -o$e than the act)a& tit&e an# a #ea& was -a#e whe$e he co)&# #$o2 the tit&e an# sti&& have the w$est&in% wo$&# thin8 he was the t$)e cha-2ion3 Lewis #e.en#e# the tit&e an# beat LaDo)6 on A2$i& !B3 I #on:t 8now when the -atch was boo8e#+ b)t Lewis an# San#ow a$o)n# this ti-e a%$ee# to w$est&e Hen$i DeG&ane .o$ the tit&e in Mont$ea& on May 0+ *,"*3 Why wo)&# he a%$ee to %o to Mont$ea&+ a town $)n by a)& 9owse$+ the 2$o-ote$ he #o)b&e@c$osse# &ess than th$ee wee8s be.o$eL Di# Lewis e62ect eve$yone to be&ieve he was #)-b eno)%h to wa&8 into a t$a2L CI %)ess he #i#3D The -atch too8 2&ace on May 0 in Mont$ea& in .$ont o. 7+1113 Lewis: attit)#e &ea#in% )2 to the -atch was that Hen$i DeG&ane+ an '&y-2ic cha-2ion+ was s-a&& ti-e an# he ;)st wante# to beat hi- an# %o ho-e3 DeG&ane 2$esente# a 2$ob&e- to Lewis in the .i$st .a&& by stan#in% e$ect with his han#s hi%h to b&oc8 any atte-2t at a hea#&oc8+ an# the yo)n%e$ F$ench-an:s .ootwo$8 an# s2ee# sto22e# any attac8 to his &owe$ e6t$e-ities3 Lewis &oo8e# ti$e#+ o&# an# on e#%e3 DeG&ane -ove# a$o)n# the $in% at a .ast 2ace -a8in% Lewis wast ene$%y .o&&owin%

hi-3 A.te$ a ha&. ho)$+ Hen$i ste22e# on the %as+ an# hit Lewis with one a$&oc8 a.te$ anothe$+ )nti& at "" -in)tes an# *= secon#s he won the .i$st .a&& with an a$- &oc8 .o&&owe# by a convincin% .&yin% -a$e3 The c$ow# went n)ts seein% thei$ F$ench he$o win the .a&& ove$ the o&# cha-2ion3 Lewis an# San#ow a$%)e# with $e.e$ee E)%ene T$e-b&ay+ a .o$-e$ wo$&# &i%htwei%ht cha-2ion+ so 2e$sistent that the 2o&ice we$e ca&&e# into the $in% to $e-ove 9i&&y on the %$o)n#s he ha# no &icense to -ana%e in Cana#a34"105 The secon# .a&& sta$te# with DeG&ane sai&in% $i%ht in a.te$ Lewis: a$-s a%ain3 A.te$ , -in)tes an# "= secon#s o. Hen$i wo$8in% ove$ E#:s a$-s+ the cha&&en%e$ -ana%e# to %et Lewis into a nea$ .a&& with DeG&ane on to2 with one sho)&#e$ #own an# the othe$ on the way3 DeG&ane then ;)-2e# )2+ ye&&in% that Lewis bit hi- on the a$-3 The $e.e$ee &oo8e# at the tooth -a$8s on DeG&ane:s a$- an# then 2$esente# the sit)ation to the Ath&etic Co--issione$+ D$3 Gaston De-e$s+ who to&# the $e.e$ee to #is?)a&i.ie# Lewis+ an# awa$#e# the .a&&+ the -atch+ an# the tit&e to the cha&&en%e$3 As the c$ow# ce&eb$ate#+ Lewis a$%)e# with the $e.e$ee that DeG&ane ha# bit hi-se&.3 The Mont$ea& co--issione$+ De-e$s+ bac8e# )2 Re.e$ee T$e-b&ay+ so Lewis anno)nce# that he was %oin% to have a cast -a#e o. his teeth to -atch with the bite -a$8s+ b)t a&& o. that was soon .o$%otten34"1=5 Most w$est&in% boo8s+ that have been w$itten ove$ the yea$s+ have 2$esse# the sto$y that DeG&ane bite hi-se&. an# sto&e the tit&e .o$ a)& 9owse$3 My view has the -atch bein% a "wo$8" .$o- to2 to botto-3 M)estionsE *D How -any w$est&e$s+ th$o)%h o)t histo$y+ have been #is?)a&i.ie# .o$ bitin%L I. the$e was a 2&ot+ what -a#e 9owse$ thin8 the $e.e$ee wo)&# #is?)a&i.y LewisL That wo)&# ta8e a ton o. %)ts+ ta8in% a tit&e .$o- a &e%en#J .o$ bitin%+ an# .o$ the .i$st ti-e in histo$y3 The $e.e$ee an# the co--issione$ wo)&# have ha# to been in on the 2&ot3 !D Who wo)&# eve$ #e.en# a tit&e in a town cont$o&&e# by the ve$y 2$o-ote$ yo) sc$ewe# ove$ th$ee wee8s be.o$eL Fo$ yea$s+ San#ow 2$otecte# Lewis .$o- #o)b&e@ c$osses3 He wo)&#n:t even &et Lewis -eet shoote$s .$o- his own 2$o-otion+ %)ys who co)&# -a8e the- -oney &i8e (ohn ese8+ Dic8 Shi8at+ an# Ma$in &estina3 In *,!B+ San#ow wo)&#n:t even &et Lewis -eet Lon#os+ who was 01 2o)n#s &i%hte$ an# Lewis was neve$ a&&owe# to eve$ #e.en# a tit&e ve$se (oe Steche$3 San#ow was s)s2icio)s o. eve$ythin% an# eve$ybo#y3 So how #o yo) e62&ain San#ow &ettin% Lewis %o )2 to Mont$ea& to w$est&e a F$ench '&y-2ic cha-2ionL Doesn:t -a8e sense3 "D That bein% sai#+ why wo)&# Lewis %ive DeG&ane cont$o& o. the -atch by &osin% the .i$st .a&&L He a&so a&&owe# DeG&ane to be on to2 .o$ -ost o. the ni%ht3 Was Lewis that #)-b o$ that ba# o. a w$est&e$L I thin8 the -atch was a wo$8 an# ;)st anothe$ sc$ew .inish that Lewis )se# wheneve$ he &ost3 He ha# to have been in on the .inish beca)se he a&&owe# DeG&ane to be on to2 with hi- in a 2innin% sit)ation+ be.o$e the bite s2ot too8 2&ace3 It was too theat$ica& to be anythin% b)t a wo$83 The who&e -atch ha# to have been a%$ee# )2on in Chica%o+ be.o$e San#ow acce2te# the -atch in Mont$ea&3 a)& 9owse$ was -ovin% into Mont$ea& an# he an# DeG&ane we$e -a8in% 2&ans to 2$o-ote in F$ance3 He wante# a F$ench cha-2ion+ an#+ a.te$ a&& the ;obs DeG&ane #i# .o$ Sonnenbe$%+ Geo$%e+ an# even Lewis+ he was set with a &on% &ist o. -a;o$ conten#e$s3 Lewis &ost 9owse$:s 9oston AWA tit&e+ b)t the sc$ew .inish &e.t hi- his "heat" an# he co)&# sti&& c&ai- the tit&e in his st$on% cities+ &i8e Chica%o+ Los An%e&es+ <ansas City+ an# T)&sa3 I thin8 9owse$ $ea&iHe# that Lewis+ with his 2$i#e intact+ wo)&# a&so be ho)n#in% Lon#os in Chica%o an# Los An%e&es3 Lewis $e-aine# in %oo# stan#in% with 9owse$ an# he neve$ e62$esses the $a%e &i8e he #i# with Lon#os an# C)$&ey3 I. Lewis #o)b&e@c$osse# 9owse$ in Los An%e&es+ he was .o$%iven in Mont$ea&3 The /!1+111 not $et)$ne# in Chica%o was 2$obab&y ;)st the Lewis c)t .o$ #$o22in% the tit&e3 It a&& wo$8e# o)t+ it was 2$obab&y a &ot bette$ to $ea# in a$is that thei$ cha-2ion DeG&ane ha# beaten the .a-o)s St$an%&e$ Lewis+ than the $oo8ie E# Don Geo$%e3 Whi&e 9owse$ an# Lewis 2&aye# %a-es with thei$ tit&e+ Lon#os contin)e# to b$ea8 a&& atten#ance $eco$#s as cha-2ion3 'n Feb$)a$y *B he #$ew ,+111 an# /*=+111 in beatin% Geo$%e Naha$ias in Chica%o3 'n Feb$)a$y !1+ ha# b$o)%ht in *1+=>7 an# /*,+770 in St Lo)is beatin% Ray Stee&e3 Feb$)a$y !" saw hi- bac8 in Ma#ison S?)a$e Ga$#en #$awin% !*+=11 an# />1+!*> in beatin% (i- McMi&&en3 Ma$ch > he #$ew *1+111 in hi&a#e&2hia beatin% <a$& o;e&&o3 Ma$ch *" he #$ew *!+111 in 9oston #e.eatin% Gino Ga$iba&#i3 He was bac8 to Ma#ison S?)a$e Ga$#en on Ma$ch !" #$awin% *7+111 beatin% He$b F$ee-an3 'n A2$i& !!+ *,"* in Chica%o+ he #$ew

*7+!=1 an# /"0+0*, .o$ win ove$ <o&a <wa$iana3 Not on&y was Lon#os #$awin%+ b)t the 2$o-ote$s &i8e ac8s+ C)$&ey an# Fabiani ha# #eve&o2e# a b)nch o. -a;o$ 2e$.o$-e$s who the 2)b&ic wante# to watch cha&&en%in% .o$ the tit&e3 Lon#os: tit&e &ine co)&#n:t be t$ace# bac8 to Gotch+ b)t the &a$%e c$ow#s we$e st$en%thenin% his c&ai- th$o)%h o)t the wo$&#3 The Go&#en e$a o. 2$o w$est&in% ha# be%)n3 Fo)$ #ay a.te$ the tit&e &oss CMay 0D+ Lewis was in Rocheste$ beatin% San#ow:s othe$ w$est&e$ Eve$ett Ma$sha&&3 Lewis an# San#ow we$e #oin% what they a&ways #i#+ c&ai- the wo$&# tit&e3 They then &e.t the 9a)-an ho-e town .o$ a -atch in Chica%o3 9ac8 on A2$i& !B+ Lewis ha# 2oste# a /=+111 chec8 with the I&&inois Ath&etic Co--ission as a cha&&en%e to Lon#os3 The co--ission then %ave Lon#os ten #ays to si%n .o$ a -atch with Lewis3 'n May *!+ Lon#os: &awye$s noti.ie# the co--ission that he $e.)se# to w$est&e E# Lewis3 'n May *"+ the co--ission anno)nce# that the wo$&# tit&e was vacant in I&&inois an# Lon#os co)&# no &on%e$ be bi&&e# as cha-2ion in the state3 Lon#os c&ai-e# he wo)&#n:t w$est&e Lewis beca)se E# was too o&# an# he #i#n:t want to in;)$y an o&# -an3 He a&so sai# he was $et)$nin% the sa-e t$eat-ent Lewis %ave hi- in *,!B+ when the St$an%&e$ wo)&#n:t #e.en# the tit&e a%ainst hi-3 Lon#os -ay have been 8i&&in% the- at the bo6 o..ice b)t Lewis was winnin% the R wa$ in Chica%o3 'n May *1+ the CHICAG' TRI9KNE 2$inte# a sto$y sayin% that the Mont$ea& Co--ission ha# #eci#e# that Hen$i DeG&ane bit hi-se&. in thei$ $ecent -atch an# wasn:t the cha-2ion3 The sto$y was a &ie+ 2$obab&y 2&ante# by San#ow+ the Mont$ea& Co--ission sti&& consi#e$e# DeG&ane the cha-2ionJ3b)t a&& that was a &on% way .$o- Chica%o3 'n May *"+ *,"*+ Lewis a22ea$e# in Chica%o #e.en#in% his wo$&# tit&e in beatin% F$an8 ()#son3 A.te$ -ino$ -atches in <ansas City an# T)&sa+ Lewis $et)$ne# ho-e to Los An%e&es to beat <a$& Sa$2o&is at the '&y-2ic A)#ito$i)- on ()ne *1+ *,"*3 The Ca&i.o$nia Co--ission was sti&& $eco%niHin% Lewis as wo$&# cha-2ion an# the ca$# #$ew ,+11134"1>5 'n Se2te-be$ !=+ Gene$a& (ohn I3 Chinnin Co$ C&innonD+ Chain-an o. the I&&inois state ath&etic co--ission an# 2$esi#ent o. the Nationa& 9o6in% Association+ $eco%niHe# the tit&e c&ai-s o. St$an%&e$ Lewis an# -a#e an invitation to nine w$est&e$sE (i- Lon#os+ W&a#e8 NbysH8o+ (ohn ese8+ Geo$%e Ca&Ha+ <o&a <wa$iani+ G)s Sonnenbe$%+ E# Don Geo$%e+ Hen$i DeG&ane an# (oe Steche$+ to -eet Lewis in Chica%o+ with the winne$ bein% na-e# I&&inois wo$&# cha-2ion34"175 'n 'ctobe$ *7+ the Nationa& 9o6in% Association+ th$o)%h (ohn Chinnin+ anno)nce# that it was #ec&inin% to ass)-e $es2onsibi&ity .o$ the con#)ct o. 2$o w$est&in% an# &e.t the cont$o& o. the s2o$t to ath&etic co--issions o. the va$io)s states3 A$o)n# this ti-e+ so-e o. the -e-be$s b$anche# o)t to .o$- the NWA CNationa& W$est&in% AssociationD3 It c&ai-e# to have a -e-be$shi2 o. *> states C<ent)c8y+ Ma$y&an#+ Tennessee+ Lo)isiana+ Misso)$i+ Michi%an+ Connectic)t+ Minnesota+ '8&aho-a+ Geo$%ia+ A&aba-a+ A$8ansas an# '$e%onD3 The N9A o..icia&&y c&ai-e# no a..i&iation with the NWA+ b)t the NWA .e&t it was a s)bsi#ia$y o. the N9A3 CYes I #on:t )n#e$stan# it eithe$3D 'n Se2te-be$ "1+ the NWA anno)nce# it sti&& $eco%niHe# (i- Lon#os as wo$&# cha-2ion34"1B5 A -a;o$ w$est&in% sta$ in Chica%o was .ootba&& 2&aye$ (i- McMi&&en3 He ha# #$awn -a;o$ c$ow#s a%ainst Lon#os in New Yo$8 an# othe$ 2&aces whi&e 2&ayin% .o$ the Chica%o 9ea$s3 He a&so owne# a 2a$t o. the Chica%o 9ea$s an# wo)&# be a vice 2$esi#ent o. the c&)b )n#e$ 2$esi#ent Geo$%e Ha&as3 McMi&&en ha# been a -a;o$ w$est&e$ in co&&a%e an# was a %oo# 2$o w$est&in% 2e$.o$-e$+ )sin% a&& the -oves o. the .ootba&& ty2e wo$8e$s inc&)#in% the .&yin% tac8&e3 He an# Lon#os w$est&e# in Chica%o:s So&#e$ Fie&# on Se2te-be$ 7+ *,"*3 Lon#os won+ b)t the c$ow# wo)&# see- to have been a -a;o$ #isa22oint-ent with on&y 7+"11 showin% )23 e$ha2s the Lewis: -o-ent in Chica%o h)$t the ca$#3 CLon#os ha# #$awn *7+!=1 an# /"0+0*, on A2$i& !! in Chica%o3D It was a&so a non@tit&e -atch beca)se o. the co--ission3 'n Se2te-be$ *0+ the CHICAG' TRI9KNE 2$inte# that Lon#os wo)&# be wi&&in% to w$est&e Lewis b)t wante# a %)a$antee o. /!=1+1113 In othe$ wo$#s+ he wasn:t %oin% to w$est&e Lewis3 'n Se2te-be$ "1+ the NWA state# it sti&& $eco%niHe# Lon#os as cha-2ion3 The on&y w$est&e$ to answe$ the co--ission:s cha&&en%e was o&# W&a#e8 NbysH8o3 So on Nove-be$ !+ *,"*+ Lewis an# W&a#e8 -et one -o$e ti-e+ this one was .o$ the I&&inois wo$&# cha-2ionshi23 Lewis won the .i$st .a&& with the hea#&oc8 in

!"E=!3 NbysH8o won the secon# a.te$ a .&yin% -a$e3 Lewis )se# a c$oss bo#y &oc8 to 2in W&a#e8 in the thi$# .a&& in 7E=03 The $e2o$t c&ai-e# it was a %oo# -atch an# Lewis was 2$esente# a be&t by Gen3 (ohn I3 C&innin $e2$esentin% the I&&inois tit&e3 The s2ectato$s $es2on#e# with "one o. the -ost s2ontaneo)s #e-onst$ations Lewis ha# eve$ $eceive#"3 The -atch #$ew 7+!00 an# /*"+1>0 b)t #i#n:t co-e c&ose to .i&&in% the s2acio)s Chica%o Sta#i)-34"1,5 9ein% the I&&inois wo$&# cha-2ion #i# Lewis &itt&e %oo# an# I #on:t thin8 he eve$ #e.en#e# the tit&e in Chica%o3 Lewis #e.en#e# his Ca&i.o$nia wo$&# tit&e a%ainst anothe$ yo)n% e6@.ootba&&e$ in (oe Savo&#i on Nove-be$ !=+ *,"* at The '&y-2ic A)#ito$i)- .o$ Lo) Da$o3 Savo&#i wasn:t -)ch as a w$est&e$ b)t he was a %oo# &oo8in% %)y with a st$on% &oo8in% bo#y+ who int$o#)ce# the #$o2 8ic8 into -ain st$ea- w$est&in%3 His #$o2 8ic8s we$e st)2en#o)s+ b)t his ove$ a&& wo$8 wasn:t )2 to the stan#a$#s o. the othe$ yo)n% sta$s o. *,"*3 Savo&#i ha# beaten Ma$sha&& twice an# <a$& Sa$2o&is to %et the tit&e -atch with Lewis3 Lewis won the .i$st .a&& with his $eve$se ha--e$ &oc8+ which he a&so was )sin% )n#e$ the na-e "c$oss bo#y b&oc8"3 I thin8 it was Lewis: "shoot -ove" that he )se# when wo$$ie# abo)t so-eone C&i8e ThesH )se# his STF3D3 Not that Lewis wo)&# wo$$y abo)t Savo&#i3 (oe won the secon# .a&& in 7E=> with a hea# scisso$s3 In the thi$#+ Lewis ca)%ht Savo&#i in the ai$+ a.te$ a #$o2 8ic8 atte-2t+ an# see-e# to "2owe$ bo-b" Savo&#i .o$ the 2in in ,E*=3 No atten#ance was anno)nce#+ so it -ay not have been %oo#34"*15 The E# Lewis 9$ea8 K2 with 9i&&y San#ow We on&y have E# w$est&in% th$ee -o$e -atches a.te$ Savo&#i in *,"*+ an# those we$e -ain&y in the No$thwest whe$e he see-e# to have .a-i&y3 He see-e# to have %one bac8 into se-i@$eti$e-ent+ bein% witho)t a -a;o$ 2$o-ote$ bac8in% hi- as cha-2ion3 Lewis s2ent his #ays $)nnin% his G&en#a&e an# A&ha-b$a $esta)$ants+ eatin%+ #$in8in% an# 2&ayin% ca$#s )nti& &ate into the ni%ht34"**5 Lo) Da$o on&y ha# two -o$e ca$#s at The '&y-2ic #)$in% the yea$+ an# he was in the 2$ocess o. #)-2in% the San#owA9owse$ %$o)2 .o$ the Lon#osA ac8AC)$&ey tea-3 Los An%e&es was a&ways a city wi&&in% to chan%e a&&iances+ an# %o with any 2$o-otion o$ cha-2ion that co)&# -a8e the- -oney3 Lon#os ha# been the to2 sta$ in town be.o$e Lewis ha# -ove# in+ an# Da$o wante# hi- an# his tit&e bac83 Da$o 8new the$e was no -oney in 2)shin% o&# Lewis o$ .o$ei%ne$ DeG&ane as cha-2ion3 9i&&y San#ow ethe$ owne# a 2a$t o. <ansas City CMisso)$iD o$ ha# %$eat in.&)ence ove$ it3 That contin)e# a.te$ &eavin% Da$o an# he a&so be%an wo$8in% with A& Ha.t o. Co&)-b)s an# (ohn ese83 Ha.t was 2)shin% ese8 ha$# as wo$&# cha-2ion3 ese8+ with an estab&ish te$$ito$y behin# hi-+ too8 %$eat 2&eas)$e in beatin% the o&# s)2e$ sta$s3 He sta$te# the yea$ on (an)a$y *+ *,"! by #e.eatin% (oe Steche$+ an# &ate$ in the yea$+ May **+ ta&8e# W&a#e8 NbysH8o into ;obbin% .o$ hi- in Co&)-b)s3 San#ow -)st have been 2)ttin% 2$ess)$e on Lewis to #o the sa-e an# E# see-s to have even si%ne# .o$ s)ch a -atch3 'n (an)a$y "1+ *,"!+ St$an%&e$ Lewis was s)s2en#e# by the Misso)$i Ath&etic Co--ission .o$ .ai&in% to .o&&ow th$o)%h on a cont$act to -eet (ohn ese8 in the state3 The co--ission #i# .ai& in an atte-2t to %et the NWA to s)s2en# Lewis in a&& the states a..i&iate# with the o$%aniHation3 'n (an)a$y !!+ *,"*+ 9i&&y San#ow+ visitin% his -othe$ in Rocheste$+ anno)nce# that his 2a$tne$shi2 with E# Lewis was ove$3 The $)-o$+ which was t$)e+ was that the St$an%&e$ ha# si%ne# a hi%h 2ayin% cont$act to wo$8 .o$ the (ac8 C)$&ey %$o)2 on the East Coast34"*!5 This -i%ht e62&ain why Lewis was s)s2en#e# in Misso)$i3 I. the NWA ha# )2he&# the $)&in% it wo)&# have )2set Lewis: 2&ains on the East Coast an# (ac8 C)$&ey 2$obab&y ha# too -)ch in.&)ence ove$ the NWA to &et that ha22en3 I:ve neve$ .o)n# anythin% that -a#e it see- &i8e San#ow o$ Lewis wo$8e# to%ethe$ a%ain3 The &on% $e&ationshi2 between the two .$ien#s ;)st en#s3 San#ow:s b$ea8 with Lo) Da$o -)st have been bitte$3 In ()ne *,"!+ 9i&&y sta$te# a w$est&in% wa$ with Lo) Da$o by 2$o-otin% at the Ho&&ywoo# Le%ion Sta#i)- )sin% ese8 an# Ma$sha&& as his -a;o$ sta$s3 'n A)%)st !=+ *,"!+ ese8 #e.eate# Ma$sha&& .o$ a ve$sion o. the MWA wo$&# tit&e in Ho&&ywoo#3 OO Contin)e to CHA TER !0 F''TN'TES !,! GLENDALE NEWS@ RESS+ (an)a$y !+ *,"* !," GLENDALE NEWS@ RESS+ (an)a$y "+ *,"* !,0 GLENDALE NEWS@ RESS+ (an)a$y =+ *,"* !,= GLENDALE NEWS@ RESS+ (an)a$y >+ *,"*

!,> NEW Y'R< TIMES+ (an)a$y !7+ *,"* !,7 L'S ANGELES TIMES+ (an)a$y B an# (an)a$y **+ *,"* !,B L'S ANGELES TIMES+ Feb$)a$y =+ *,"* !,, L'S ANGELES TIMES+ Ma$ch =+ *,"* "11 L'S ANGELES TIMES+ Ma$ch *,+ *,"* "1* L'S ANGELES HERALD+ A2$i& *1+ *,"* "1*a The bo#y &oc8 co-bine# with a ha--e$ &oc8+ was Lewis: -a;o$ -ove in a shoot sit)ation an# I be&ieve it was the ho&# Lewis )se# to win the tit&e in *,!,3 He wo)&# %et a ho&# o. his o22onent:s a$- in a ha--e$ &oc8 ty2e 2osition an# then he .o$- a bo#y &oc8 by 8ey &oc8in% the han# ho&#in% the o22onent:s a$-3 At that 2oint+ it &oo8e# &i8e a bea$h)%+ b)t Lewis wo)&# th$ow the othe$ w$est&e$ o$ t$i2 hi-+ ta8in% hi- #own to the -at with E# on to23 Lewis wo)&# then )se his wei%ht an# )22e$ bo#y to &eve$a%e the o22onent:s sho)&#e$s to the -at .o$ a th$ee co)nt3 With one o. his a$-s tie# )2+ the o22onent on&y ha# one a$- to 8ic8 o)t with an# a b$i#%e atte-2t co)&# be wo$ne# #own by Lewis+ who )s)a&&y ca$$ie# s)2e$io$ wei%ht an# st$en%th3 The ho&# #i#n:t &oo8 o$ so)n# &i8e -)ch+ b)t it was a 8i&&e$ 2innin% -ove3 "1! L'S ANGELES TIMES+@@ ASADINA STAR NEWSFL'S ANGELES EPAMINER+ A2$i& *0+ *,"*@@@The Ti-es $e2o$t was ve$y wea8+ so -ost o. the #esc$i2tion o. the -atch ca-e .$o- the E6a-ine$ sto$y by a So& &e63 The .act that the cove$a%e in the Ti-es was so ba# an# sai# so &itt&e+ a##s to the be&ieve that Lewis sto&e the tit&e3 "1!a The ?)ote was to&# by Lewis to Lo) ThesH3 E# Don Geo$%e a&so see-e# to have to&# a si-i&a$ sto$y to ThesH an# Geo$%e was ?)ote# by <it 9a)-an in his boo8 H''<ERE THE AKTHENTIC WRESTLER:S ADIENTKRES INSIDE THE 9INARRE W'RLD 'F R'FESSI'NAL WRESTLING3 This is how 9a)-an w$ote the sto$y th$o)%h E# Don Geo$%eE "We we$e s)22ose# to w$est&e a th$ee@.a&& -atch+ an# I was %oin% to win+ o. co)$se+" Geo$%e sai#+ &a)%hin% at the -e-o$y3 "We ca-e o)t to the cente$ o. the $in% .o$ the $e.e$ee:s inst$)ctions+ an# E# says to -e+ $ea&&y cas)a& an# .$ien#&y+ "We&& Don+ toni%ht:s the ni%ht3" I 8new i--e#iate&y what he was sayin%@@@that he was %oin% to ta8e the tit&e bac8Fan# a&& I co)&# thin8 o. was sayin% was+ "'h no3" E# s-i&es an# says+ "'h yes3 Now+ how #o yo) want to #o itL Do we %ive the .ans a %$eat -atch o$ #o we w$est&eL" We we$e c&ose .$ien#s+ an# we 8new I co)&#n:t beat E# w$est&in% on -y best #ay+ so I ;)st sh$)%%e# an# sai#+ "We&&+ E#+ why #on:t we ;)st %ive the- a %$eat -atch+ o8ayL An# that:s what we #i#3 The on&y #i..e$ence was that E# was the one whose han# was $aise# at the en#3" That see-s &i8e a &ot o. wo$#s to be 2asse# a$o)n# whi&e they we$e sha8in% han#s3 I &i8e the ve$sion I 2$inte# bette$3 It:s see-s -o$e 2oetic+ an# it:s the ve$sion that wi&& be $e-e-be$e#3 Not sayin% I can w$ite as we&& as <it 9a)-an o$ anyone e&se3 As I w$ote in the -ain bio+ in the &ast .ew -onths I:ve seen , -in)tes o. c&i2s o. news$ee&s o. this -atch an# at this -o-ent it:s *B -onths sense I .inishe# this 2$o;ect3 CDon:t as8 -e+ an e#ito$ was in cont$o& o. this 2a2e$ 2$e22in% it .o$ a boo8 an# %ave )2 a.te$ a yea$3D The c&i2s have the int$o#)ction+ an# the .inish o. both .a&&s3 The$e is no -eetin% in the $in% be.o$e the -atch an# no wo$#s can be seen between the w$est&e$s3 Lewis is bi% an# $o)n# with a ti$e a$o)n# his waist+ b)t I wo)&#n:t ca&& hi- ove$&y .at3 Stan#in% he &oo8s ve$y ?)ic8 an# c&eve$ on his .eet3 He is not s&ow an# it:s not bo$in%3 He -oves ve$y we&& on the -at an# cont$o&s Geo$%e3 Loo8s ve$y st$on%+ &i8e a hai$&ess %o$i&&a3 The$e see-s to be no heat between the two an# it #oesn:t &oo8 sti.. in any way3 I ;)st watche# the ta2e th$ee ti-es an# I have to say Lewis i-2$esse# -e3 Geo$%eJnot so -)ch3 F$o- what I saw I be&ieve the o&# -an co)&# have beaten E# Don in a $ea& -atch3 Lewis #i# %et boo:e# th$o)%h o)t the -atch3 I &i8e# the sty&e beca)se it .e&t $ea&+ b)t it wasn:t &i8e watchin% Io&8 Han+ 9i&&y Robinson+ o$ Dic8 "The Dest$oye$" 9eye$3 'n&y a .ew 2eo2&e have this -atch an# I:- not $ea&&y at &ibe$ty to ta&8 too -)ch+ C&i8e I #i#D b)t at so-e 2oint eve$yone wi&& see it3 "1" The boo8 FALL GKYS was w$itten in *,"B3 It has been consi#e$ the .i$st "s-a$t" w$est&in% boo8+ b)t is a&so a ve$y bias boo83 I wi&& w$ite -o$e abo)t that #own the &ine3 "10 The 2a$t o. the sto$y that says San#ow was $e-ove# ca-e .$o- FR'M MIL' T'

L'ND'S3 It:s not in THE ARENA sto$y3 "1= I have a&ways .o)n# the LewisADeG&ane tit&e chan%e to be the ha$#est o. a&& .a-o)s -atches to $esea$ch3 The -a;o$ 2$ob&e- is the .act it too8 2&ace in Cana#a an# I can on&y %et A-e$ica news2a2e$ .$o- A-e$ica &ib$a$ies3 The Mont$ea& news2a2e$s we$e a&so w$itten in F$ench3 A .ew o. the w$est&in% histo$y boo8s have cove$e# the -atch b)t none ve$y we&&3 A &ot o. se-i@)n8nown .acts a$e i-2o$tantE *D When #i# LewisASan#ow acce2t the -atch+ !D How #i# they wo$8 the .inishJwas it #$a-atic33&i8e yo) wo)&# e62ect in a wo$8e# -atch+ "D Whe$e was Hen$i bittenL Was it in a 2&ace whe$e so-eone co)&# bit hi-se&.3 Most o. the $e2o$ts a$e ve$y #i..e$ent3 FR'M MIL' T' L'ND'S 2$inte# by THE RING MAGANINE in *,"B C2a%e !7*D+ ha# San#ow %ettin% 8ic8e# o)t a.te$ DeG&ane won a .a&&3 I 2)t that in beca)se it so)n#e# $i%ht in the sto$y&ine3 Lewis was 2innin% DeG&ane when the bit too8 2&ace3 The bit -a$8s we$e on his $i%ht a$- an# he c&ai-e# E# bit hi- -o$e that once3 The$e a$e a &ot o. e$$o$s in that section o. the boo83 It c&ai-s the Lewis #o)b&e@c$oss o. Geo$%e too8 2&ace in 9oston an# that the Nationa& 9o6in% Co--ission %ave $eco%nition to Lewis .o&&owin% the -atch CLon#os was the N9A cha-2ion at the ti-eD+ a-on% othe$ -ista8es3 So I ha# no .aith in that $e2o$t3 Ma$c)s G$i..in in FALL GKYS w$ote that the bit too8 2&ace in the thi$# .a&& an# it was on De G&ane:s chest3 In his sto$y+ Dan <o&o.. #i# the bitin% o. the "b$east" in a wash$oo- #)$in% the b$ea8 between .a&&s3 $etty wi&# $est$oo-3 It a&so c&ai-s that the -atch &e# to a b$ea8 )2 between Lewis an# San#ow+ which #i#n:t ha22en .o$ so-e ti-e3 FALL GKYS is o.. on so -any thin%s that I #on:t acce2t anythin% it says3 In H''<ERE AN AKTHENTIC WRESTLER:S ADIENTKRES INSIDE THE 9INARRE W'RLD 'F R'FESSI'NAL WRESTLING by Lo) ThesH with <it 9a)-an+ which is base&y E# Lewis: sto$y to&# th$ew ThesH an# then inte$$)2te# by 9a)-an+ the bit too8 2&ace in the thi$# .a&&+ De G&ane bit hi-se&. on the a$-+ c&ose to the a$-2it+ an# the $e.e$ee was innocent o. any invo&ve-ent3 9ac8 sta%e+ Lewis was -et by a %&oatin% a)& 9owse$+ who ha# .ive o$ si6 %an%ste$s a$-e# with baseba&& bats3 He a&so c&ai-s the -atch was th$ee -onths a.te$ the LewisAGeo$%e -atch+ instea# o. th$ee wee8s an# that Lewis &e.t .o$ a t$i2 to E)$o2eJwhich #i#n:t ha22en3 ThesH %ot his in.o$-ation .$o- Lewis hi-se&.+ so I #on:t be&ieve too -)ch o. it3 I &ove# Lo) an# &i8e an# $es2ect <it a &ot+ b)t the .i$st e#ition o. H''<ER wasn:t a 2)$e histo$y boo83 The so)$ce I )se# ca-e .$o- THE ARENA Ma%aHine .$o- Se2te-be$ *,"* an# the sto$y HENRI DEGLANE@@@C'NMKER'R 'F THE "STRANGLER" by (a-es Lawton C2a%e *1D3 It:s an a$tic&e .$o- a -a;o$ w$est&in%As2o$ts -a%aHine 2$inte# in *,"*3 Most o. -y #esc$i2tion o. the -atch ca-e .$o- it3 So-e o. it wo$# .o$ wo$#3 A&& b)t the 2a$t abo)t San#ow %ettin% 8ic8e# o)t3 Knti& so-eone co-es )2 with a %oo# news2a2e$ c&i22in% o. the -atch+ it:s a&& we %ot3 I a&so have a $o)%h&y t$ans&ate# Cby histo$ian an# .$ien# G$e% '&ive$D $e2o$t .$o- LE DEI'IR DE M'NTREAL a F$ench Mont$ea& news2a2e$3 The .i$st $e2o$t o. a LewisADeG&ane -atch is .$o- May !+ *,"*+ which was the no$-a& a$%)-ent ove$ $e.e$ees3 Lewis &ost that .i%ht an# the 2$o-ote$ 2ic8s the $e.e$ee an# both w$est&e$s a%$ee3 It was E)%ene T$e-b&ay+ who c&ai-e# the "&i%htwei%ht" tit&e at one ti-e3 The $e2o$t c&ai-s the atten#ance was *1+111 at "A$ena Mont@Roya&"3 In its $e2o$t San#ow was 8ic8e# o)t a.te$ the secon# .a&& in the a$%)-ent ove$ the $)&in%3 DeG&ane was in the #$essin% $oo- as the #ecision was anno)nce#+ b)t $et)$ne# to the $in% with his wo)n#e# a$- in a s&in%3 The c$ow# wante# to ca$$y DeG&ane on thei$ sho)&#e$s b)t Hen$i $e.)se# beca)se he was in so -)ch 2ain3 As I w$ite I:- &oo8in% ove$ anothe$ Hen$i DeG&ane sto$y I .o)n# in the (an)a$y *,"! iss)e o. THE ARENA -a%aHine CIo&)-e 0+ N)-be$ 0D 2a%es , to *13 It is a cove$ sto$y ca&&e# "HENRI DEGLANE@@@@THE W'RLD:S CHAM I'N "a&so w$itten by (a-es Lawton3 The a$tic&e #oesn:t have a %$eat #ea& o. c$e#itabi&ity with -e an# its -ain %oa& see-s to be %ette$ DeG&ane ove$ a.te$ $et)$nin% .$o- F$ance3 See-s

.ans in *,"! we$e as c)$io)s abo)t the bite -atch as we a$e+ beca)se the c&osin% o. the a$tic&e is a #esc$i2tion o. the -atch by Lawton+ who c&ai-e# to have been 2$esent the ni%ht o. the -atchE "The$e was nothin% event.)& abo)t the .i$st .a&& o. the -atch+ which ca-e in ""E*=+ save that DeG&ane s)$2$ise# eve$yone+ an# es2ecia&&y Lewis+ abso$bin% two #evastatin% hea#&oc8 ;)st 2$io$ to the en# an# co-in% bac8 to si#e@ste2 Lewis: thi$# $)sh+ c&a-2e# on a wic8e# hea# an# a$- &oc8 .$o- which the$e co)&# be no esca2e+ an# 2ine# the bi% one so&i#&y3 The conten#e$ then $eti$e# to his #$essin% $oo- .o$ the $est 2e$io#+ whi&e Lewis $e-aine# in the $in%+ &istenin% to his -ana%e$ "$a%%in%" the $e.e$ee in an atte-2t to %et that o..icia& e6cite# into #oin% so-ethin% &i8e &osin% his hea#+ b)t his s)ccess was not in evi#ence3" "In the -eanti-e+ DeG&ane )se# the ti-e to %oo# a#vanta%e+ $et)$nin% to the $in% in .ine .ett&e an# ste22e# in the &ea# by a22&yin% two o$ th$ee hea#&oc8s that #i# the hea#&oc8 8in% no %oo# at a&&3 Lewis sta$te# wea8enin%+ a&& o. which -i%ht have ha# -)ch to #o with his .o&&owin% -ane)ve$+ an# as they -i&&e# a$o)n# on the $o2es action %ot b$is8 .ast3 DeG&ane+ behin# the cha-2ion+ $eache# .o$ a hea#&oc8 to 2)&& the bi% .e&&ow to the cente$ o. the $in%+ on&y to &et %o in a h)$$y an# .a&& to the -at beneath Lewis+ nea$&y 2inne#3 The $e.e$ee+ who ha# been -a8in% .o$ the $o2es+ ca&&e# the .a&& .o$ Lewis+ on&y to note the tooth -a$8s an# b$o8en .&esh on DeG&ane:s $i%ht .o$ea$-3 The$e)2on he ?)ite 2$o2e$&y $eve$se# the #ecision+ %ivin% the .a&&+ the -atch+ an# the tit&e to DeG&ane on a .o)&3" This ve$sion o. the -atch by Lawton is a &ess #etai&e# acco)nt o. the -atch b)t -a8es the .inish see- even -o$e theat$ica&3 I ;)st can:t see how the -atch co)&# be anythin% b)t a "wo$8" by eve$yone invo&ve#+ inc&)#in% Lewis an# San#ow3 "1> L'S ANGELES TIMES+ ()ne **+ *,"* "17 Most o. the in.o$-ation co-es .$o- Don L)ce:s st)#y o. Chica%o w$est&in%3 He $esea$che# a&& o. *,"* in Chica%o3 "1B ASS'CIATED RESS+ 'ctobe$ *+ *,"* an# 'ctobe$ *B+ *,"*@I can:t say that I )n#e$stan# the $e&ationshi2 between the N9A an# the NWA3 The bo6in% si#e o. the %$o)2 %ave )2 on 2$o w$est&in% in *,"*+ b)t the Nationa& W$est&in% Association contin)e# into the *,=1:s )s)a&&y in.&)ence# by To- ac8 in St Lo)is )nti& it see-e# to )nite with the Nationa& W$est&in% A&&iance in *,0,3 It #i#n:t $ea&&y an# so-e c&ai- it sti&& e6iste# in the *,>1:s3 "1, CHICAG' TRI9KNE+ Nove-be$ **+ *,"* "*1 L'S ANGELES TIMES+ Nove-be$+ *,"* "** Lewis c&ai-e# that he ha# a "han#s on" a22$oach to $)nnin% his G&en#a&e $esta)$ant+ an# he see-e# to s2en# ti-e %$eetin% c)sto-e$s3 He &i8e -eetin% an# ta&8in% to 2eo2&e an# en;oye# the attention it b$o)%ht3 It a&so c&ai- that his $esta)$ant was a %oo# 2&ace .o$ any w$est&e$ o$ bo6e$ to %et a .$ee -ea&3 E# &i8e# 2&ayin% the bi% shot by 2ic8in% )2 bi&&s3 He wasn:t the ty2e to save his -oney3 "*! THE C'MMERCIAL A EAL+ MEM HIS+ (an)a$y !"+ *,"!

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The New Yo#$ City Wa# o% &'(! an) &'(( NWA wo#*) cha+,ion -i+ Lon)os ha) contin.e) to )#aw bi/ c#ow)s in the *ast ,a#t o% &'(& an) the be/innin/ o% &'(!0 He beat Ray Stee*e in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en on May &2 &'(& with &!2333 an) 4((23330 He )#ew a c#ow) o% '2333 to the 5#on6 to see hi+ )e%eat Renato Ga#)ini on May 70 In the Ga#)en on May !82 he )#ew &!2333 an) 4((2333 in beatin/ San)o# S9abo0 Lon)os was #e+atche) with Ray Stee*e %o# the bi/ S.++e# show in Yan$ee Sta)i.+ on -.ne !'2 &'(&0 So+e ,a,e#s /ave the atten)ance at (32333 b.t the #ea* %i/.#es we#e !&2333 an) 4:(23330 He w#est*e) R.)y D.se$ in Washin/ton DC on -.*y &; with a c#ow) o% &!23330 <n -.*y !( he ,.**e) in &&2!(" in the 5#on6 w#est*in/ He#b F#ee+an0 <n -.*y (32 &'(& Lon)os )#ew a c#ow) o% &&2333 to Coney Is*an) %o# a +atch with an e6=5oston 5#aves ,itche# na+e) A* ie#otti0 A #e+atch with R.)y D.se$ in Washin/ton DC )#ew &82333 on A./.st &!0 The ne6t ni/ht2 A./.st &(2 he ,.**e) in &32333 in beatin/ >o*a >wa#iani on Coney Is*an)0 <n Se,te+be# &72 he an) Ray Stee*e wo#$e) o.t )oo#s in the hi*a)e*,hia hi*y?s 5a** a#$ )#awin/ &823330 !!2333 St Lo.is %ans watche) -i++y beat Ge#+an Hans >a+,%e# on Se,te+be# (30 His n.+be# was &;2333 on Nove+be# &: as he beat Geo#/e Ca*9a in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en0 <n Nove+be# &'2 &'(& he b#o./ht in &827332 a To#onto in)oo# s,o#ts #eco#)2 a/ainst Gino Ga#iba*)i0 A #e+atch with Geo#/e Ca*9a )#ew &82333 to the Ga#)en on Dece+be# ;0 An) anothe# &82333 #et.#n to the Ga#)en to see anothe# Lon)os@Stee*e +atch on anothe# Dece+be# !&0 &'(! sta#te) with anothe# c#ow) o% &;2333 in To#onto %o# a -an.a#y &" +atch with %e**ow G#ee$ Geo#/e Aaha#ias0 Lon)os )#ew a/ainst eve#y ty,e o% o,,onent2 in eve#y city2 an) )i)n?t *ose a %a** a** yea#0 A#o.n) ea#*y &'(!2 Lon)os? cont#act with the C.#*ey /#o., beca+e voi)0 Fo# th#ee yea# eve#yone in C.#*ey?s o%%ice was /ettin/ a ,e#centa/e o% Lon)os? ,.#ses0 Fo# bein/ ,.she) in New Yo#$ City an) bein/ +a)e cha+,ion2 Lon)os $ic$e) bac$ a +aBo# ,o#sion o% his ,ay chec$s to -ac$ C.#*ey2 R.)y Mi**e#2 -ac$ %e%e#2 an) "Toots" Mon)t0C(&(D He ha) the sa+e ty,e )ea* that Mon)t ha) in *ate# yea#s with2 #i+o Ca#ne#a2 Antonino Rocca an) An)#e The Giant2 b.t Lon)os was s+a#t abo.t eve#ythin/ an) ve#y2 ve#y ti/ht with +oney2 so the i)ea o% s,*ittin/ /ates %#o+ cities o.tsi)e o% New Yo#$ City bothe#e) hi+0 So he b#o$e his cont#act2 eithe# th#o./h the co.#ts an) co++ission2 o# it B.st #an o.t0 This .,set the C.#*ey o%%ice an) they we#e wo##ie) that Lon)os wo.*) b#ea$ away to %o#+ his own ,#o+otion in New Yo#$ City .sin/ thei# wo#*) tit*e0 They wante) the tit*e o%% Lon)os2 so they as$e) the G#ee$ to )#o, the be*t bac$ to Dic$ Shi$at0 He #e%.se)0 Toots Mon)t ha) /#own ,owe#%.* in the ti+e s,ent away %#o+ 5i**y San)ow0 He wo#$e) %o# Ray Fabiani %o# a sho#t ,e#io) in hi*a)e*,hia an) then +ove) on to the -ac$ C.#*ey ,#o+otion0 C.#*ey was a +aBo# ,#o+ote# o% +any )i%%e#ent thin/s0 I thin$ he .se) ,#o w#est*in/ an) va#ies cha#ities2 s.ch as the Mi*$ F.n)2 to +a$e contacts with .,,e# society0 It was the way to %in) +oney+en who co.*) invest an) %inance his )i%%e#ent ,#oBects0 The bi/ +oney wasn?t in ,#o w#est*in/2 so by &'(3 he was +ain*y a %i/.#ehea) .se) in ,#o+otion0 The #ea* w#est*in/ +in)s in the o%%ice we#e Toots Mon)t2 -ac$ %e%e#2 an) R.)y Mi**e#0 Toots has ta$en c#e)it %o# the c#eation o% -i+ Lon)os an) B.st abo.t eve#ythin/ e*se that was #i/ht with the s,o#t ).#in/ this ,e#io)2 so it?s ha#) to te** what the t#.th was0 In *ate &'(& o# ea#*y &'(!2 Toots Mon)t visite) his o*) %#ien) E) Lewis an) ,e#s.a)e) hi+ to *eave San)ow an) acce,te) a *a#/e cont#act Eso+e say 4832333F to Boin the C.#*ey?s /#o.,0 5i**y was E)?s %#ien) b.t Lewis $new what he was )oin/ was s+a** ti+e co+,a#e) with what was ha,,enin/ on the East Coast0 E) a*so $new that2 at a/e "&2 it was his *ast chance to stay at the to, o% his ,#o%ession0 He a*so nee)e) +oney0 With eve#ythin/ a))in/ .,2 he acce,te) Toots o%%e# an) ).+,e) San)ow0 Toots ha) ,*ans2 b.t2 at the ti+e? I )on?t $now i% eve#ythin/ was %i/.#e) o.t0 He %e*t that St#an/*e# Lewis2 even with his a/e an) *ac$ o% con)itionin/2 was the i)ea* o,,onent to b#in/ into New Yo#$ to batt*e Lon)os2 beca.se o% his abi*ity to act.a* w#est*e an) his +any ,ast wins ove# the *itt*e G#ee$0 Lewis

hate) -i++y an) Lon)os #es,ecte) an) %ea#e) E)0 E) ha) a %a+o.s na+e an) the #es,ect o% the ,.b*ic a%te# yea#s on to,0 Lewis co.*) win a R batt*e an) )#ive the *itt*e cha+,ion o.t o% the city0 Shi$at co.*)n?t )o that0 He ha) a*#ea)y *ost twice to Lon)os an) his e/o +a)e hi+ as "thic$ as a b#ic$"0 I% a w#est*in/ wa# sta#te) between C.#*ey an) Lon)os2 St#an/*e# Lewis was so+eone Mon)t wante) on his si)e0 Lewis be/an wo#$in/ %o# -ac$ C.#*ey in *ate -an.a#y &'(!0 Mon)t )i)n?t want to sca#e Lon)os2 so he $e,t Lewis o.t o% New Yo#$ City0 He ,.t Lewis on the #oa)2 wo#$in/ the sche).*e o% a &'(! ,#o w#est*e#2 to /et hi+ in con)ition an) see i% he co.*) han)*e the wo#$ *oa) at his a/e0 W#est*e#s )i)n?t ,e#%o#+ the *on/ +atches2 *i$e cha+,ions o% Lewis? )ays2 b.t they wo#$e) a*+ost eve#y ni/ht2 with a *ot o% t#ave*0 E) wo#$e) ha#)e# in &'(! than at any ti+e in his ca#ee#0 Toots ,.t a *ot o% ,#ess.#e on Lewis to *ose wei/ht0 5y the ti+e he /ot to the bi/ city2 he was .n)e# !"3 ,o.n)s0 5.t %o# %ive +onths2 Lewis wo#$ %o# C.#*ey in 5oston2 To#onto2 C*eve*an)2 St Lo.is2 hi*a)e*,hia2 5a*ti+o#e2 Newa#$2 an) Los An/e*es0 Lewis neve# sto,,e) ta$in/ abo.t an) cha**en/in/ Lon)os0 The cha+,ion co.*)n?t be inte#view by anyone witho.t bein/ as$e) abo.t St#an/*e# Lewis0 The +atch )eve*o, into the bi//est #iva*#y since Lewis@Steche#0 Fans o% &'(! )i)n?t #e+e+be# a** the ,ast +atches between the two2 an) a** the /#eat batt*es -i+ ha) /iven E)2 a** they $new was that the St#an/*e# ha) won &" st#ai/ht ti+es0 Even i% it was anothe# Lewis *ie0C(&"D <ne o% C.#*ey?s new sta#s was Sa++y Stein0 C.#*ey to*) Lon)os that he ,*ane) to .se Stein %o# the bi/ o.t)oo# show they #an eve#y s.++e#0 Sa++y Stein was a /oo) *oo$in/ ,e#%o#+e# who was ca,ab*e o% )#awin/ a /oo) c#ow) b.t not so+eone the G#ee$ was wo##ie) abo.t2 so Lon)os *i$e) the i)ea o% w#est*in/ hi+0 C.#*ey sai) he %i#st wante) to b.i*) Stein ., by havin/ hi+ beat e6=cha+, Dic$ Shi$at in New Yo#$ City0 He wante) to ,#o+ote it as a conten)e#?s +atch2 with the winne# /ettin/ a bi/ tit*e show)own with Lon)os0 He as$e) i% he co.*) .se a sto#y*ine that ha) Lon)os a/#eein/ to +eet the winne#0 Lon)os an) his +ana/e# E) White tho./ht the winne# was /oin/ to be Sa++y Stein2 so they sai) yes0 Late# the New Yo#$ Ath*etic Co++ission ha) Lon)os si/n *e/a* a/#ee+ents to +eet the winne#0 So on Ma#ch &"2 &'(!2 Sa++y Stein w#est*e) Shi$at in New Yo#$ City0 Dic$ Shi$at won an) #eceive) the cont#act %o# a tit*e +atch with -i+ Lon)os0 E) White2 Lon)os? +ana/e#2 went to the co++ission to t#y to /et o.t o% the +atch2 b.t they wo.*)n?t b.)/e0 White then t#ie) to wo#$ on Mon)t2 b.t was to*) that Lon)os wo.*) have to /o th#o./h with the +atch an) that Shi$at was /oin/ to /et the tit*e bac$0 Lon)os then 1.it the ,#o+otion2 ,#obab*y a#o.n) the en) o% A,#i* &'(!0 <ve# the ne6t yea# an) ha*%2 a bitte# wa# #a/e) in New Yo#$ between the C.#*ey /#o.,2 which consiste) o% C.#*ey2 Mon)t2 %e%e#2 Mi**e#2 Shi$at an) Lewis2 an) the Lon)os /#o.,2 which sti** ha) ,#o+ote#s E) White2 To+ ac$s2 Ray Fabiani2 -ohn EDocF >#one2 -i++y -ohnson2 an) Lo. Da#o0 A *ot o% To+ ac$s? +aBo# ta*ent a*so *e%t C.#*ey0 A** o% this en)e) C.#*ey?s *on/ %e.) with a.* 5owse# an) the two be/an wo#$in/ to/ethe#0 Lewis be/an to.#in/2 o.tsi)e o% New Yo#$ City2 in Feb#.a#y &'(!0 He was ,.she) ve#y ha#) an) was /iven wins ove# +any o% the sta#s o% the ,#o+otion inc*.)in/ -i+ McMi**en2 -i+ C*instoc$2 Ta#o Mya$e2 Geo#/e Aaha#ias2 San)o# S9abo2 Mat#os >i#i*en$o2 -ohn Ma6os2 R.)y D.se$2 Hans >a+,%e#2 Geo#/e Ha/en2 Renato Ga#)ini2 -ac$ Tay*o#2 >o*a >wa#iani2 Ea#* McC#ea)y2 Leo inet9$i2 Tiny Roeb.c$2 an) Gino Ga#iba*)i0 The on*y +atch he )i)n?t win was a '3 +in.te )#aw with Lon)os? ,o*ice+an Ray Stee*e on Feb#.a#y !" in 5oston2 which was bi**e) as a "shoot" +atch0C(&8D Lewis was not bi**e) as wo#*) cha+,ion2 b.t his tit*e c*ai+s we#e +entione) in inte#views0 His wei/ht was anno.nce) at !(72 b.t he *oo$e) to be ca##yin/ +o#e ,o.n)a/e0 His chest )#oo,e) an) the#e see+e) to be *aye#s o% %*esh a#o.n) his waist0 He a*so *oo$e) s*ow an) .ns.#e o% hi+se*%0 In B.st abo.t eve#y city he was ca**e) an o*) +an an) /iven te##ib*e #eviews0 Li$e the o*) /#ay +a#e2 Lewis wasn?t what he .se) to be0C(&:D Lewis was b#o./ht into New Yo#$ City in -.ne an)2 #i/ht away2 was boo$e) into a conten)e#s +atch with Dic$ Shi$at on -.ne '2 &'(! in Lon/ Is*an) City?s EG.eensF new Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en 5ow*0 The winne# wo.*) /et a tit*e +atch with Lon)os0 Shi$at was the %avo#ite an) +ost %ans tho./ht he was bein/ /#oo+e) %o# Lon)os? tit*e0 The ca#) was the ann.a* show %o# the Hea#st F#ee Mi*$ F.n)0 C.#*ey

anno.nce) a c#ow) o% !82333 an) a /ate o% 4:823330 Shi$at )o+inate) the ea#*y +in.tes o% the +atch0 He ,.t the b.#*y St#an/*e# into ho*) a%te# ho*)2 on*y to see Lewis b#ea$ %#ee0 Shi$at2 in t.#n2 b#o$e a ha*% )o9en o% E)?s hea)*oc$s0 Shi$at ha) a wi)e #e,e#toi#e o% ho*)s whi*e Lewis? o%%ense cente# a#o.n) hea)*oc$s0 A%te# an ho.# Shi$at s*a++e) Lewis with two bo)y s*a+s2 b.t E) see+e) .nh.#t an) co.nte#e) with th#ee hea)*oc$s that we#e too +.ch %o# Shi$at to ta$e0 Shi$at was ,inne) at the &H3:H3; +a#$0 As a #es.*t o% the win2 the State co++ission o#)e#e) Lon)os to )e%en) the tit*e a/ainst Lewis in Se,te+be# o# *oss his c*ai+ in New Yo#$ State0C(&;D Shi$at #eceive) 4!32333 %#o+ Lewis %o# )oin/ the Bob0 It was to be #et.#ne) a%te# a #e+atch an) tit*e switch bac$ to Shi$at0 Lewis )i)n?t have the +oney2 so he bo##owe) it %#o+ his +ana/e#2 Toots Mon)t2 who t#ans%e##e) the +oney to Shi$at?s +ana/e#2 Toots Mon)t Eyes yo. #ea) that #i/htF0 Fo# Lewis2 it was bette# that way2 beca.se he ha) no intention o% eve# *osin/ to Shi$at0 A%te# E) si/ne) o%% on a new %ive yea# cont#act to be +ana/e) by Mon)t2 the #e+atch a/#ee+ent was %o#/otten by eve#yone b.t Dic$ Shi$at0C(&7D -ac$ C.#*ey an) Toots see+e) to have -i+ Lon)os #i/ht whe#e they wante) hi+0 In *ate -.ne2 the New Yo#$ Co++ission o#)e#e) Lon)os to si/n %o# a Lewis +atch by <ctobe# (&2 o# be st#i,,e) o% the tit*e0 <n -.*y 72 &'(!2 Lon)os was o#)e#e) by the ennsy*vania Ath*etic Co++ission to )e%en) a/ainst Lewis with in :3 )ays o# the tit*e wo.*) be vacate)0 Lon)os contin.e) to #e%.se2 sayin/ he )i)n?t want to inB.#y an o*) b*in) +an0 The C.#*ey /#o., )i) eve#ythin/ they co.*) to ab.se the G#ee$?s #e,.tation2 as Lewis contin.e) to w#est*e ni/ht*y0 The +o#e E) w#est*e)2 the s+a**e# the c#ow)s beca+e0 The New Yo#$e#s wante) Lon)os bac$ an) .nti* then2 they we#e stayin/ away2 .ninte#este) in an o*) %at +an0 Even with the ba) ,.b*icity co+in/ o.t o% New Yo#$2 Lon)os contin.e) to )#aw ac#oss the nation0 Wo#$in/ o.t o% Los An/e*es2 he b#o$e atten)ance #eco#)s in San F#ancisco an) San Die/o0 <n -.*y &72 &'(! a Lon)os@Stee*e )#aw )#ew &!2333 to W#i/*ey Fie*) in Los An/e*es0 Lon)os even +et with #esi)ent He#be#t Hoove# on -.ne ! in Washin/ton DC0 He #et.#ne) to Washin/ton DC on -.ne !( to )e%eat F#e) G#.)+eie# in %#ont o% a c#ow) ove# &323330 At the Se,te+be# !& convention o% the NWA2 the o#/ani9ation ,.t o.t a state+ent sayin/ that Lon)os wo.*) contin.e as thei# wo#*) cha+,ion0 In *ate -.*y2 it see+e) ce#tain that Lewis wo.*) be /ettin/ the cha+,ionshi,2 so E) was sent to his s.++e# ho+e in Wisconsin to t#ain2 +.ch *i$e he a*ways )i) be%o#e winnin/ +aBo# tit*e0 Fo# si6 wee$s he cho,,e) woo) an) wo#$e) in the %o#ests a#o.n) his %a#+0 <n A./.st !&2 &'(!2 Toots Mon)t was invo*ve) in a t#a%%ic acci)ent0 D#ivin/ a Ca)i**ac s,o#ts ca#2 a *itt*e ,asse) +i)ni/ht2 Toots2 whi*e s,ee)in/ a#o.n) a co#ne# co**i)e) hea) on with a ca# /oin/ in the o,,osite )i#ection0 In Toots? ca# was his b#othe# Ra*,h an) a wo+an who ca*+e) to be a )ance#0 A wo+an in the othe# ca#2 The#esa L.ccioni2 was $i**e) an) %o.# othe#s we#e inB.#e)0 Toots was a##este) an) cha#/e) on Se,te+be# ! o% +ans*a./hte# an) c#i+ina* ne/*i/ence0 <n Nove+be# &&2 Toots was %o.n) /.i*ty o% c#i+ina* ne/*i/ence by the s.,#e+e co.#t o% 5a##ie2 Cana)a an) sentence) to a yea# in Bai*0 Mon)t?s *awye#s a,,ea*e) an) the conviction was ove#t.#ne) in Feb#.a#y &'((0 Mon)t was a*so s.e) by the )ea) /i#*s +othe#2 the )ance# Ewho *ost ea##in/s an) s.%%e#e)F2 an) even his b#othe# Ra*,h0 E(&'F Mon)t was invo*ve) in anothe# a.to acci)ent a#o.n) Se,te+be# !;2 &'(!0 It was a %o.# ca# co**ision in New Yo#$ City nea# &&:th St#eet an) Rive#si)e D#ive0 San)o# S9abo was the )#ive#0 Toots Mon)t s.%%e#e) a b#o$en #i/ht w#ist0 Dic$ Shi$at was a*so in the ca# an) he b#o$e his #i/ht a#+ an) was %o#ce) o%% the +at %o# the #est %o# the yea#0C(&'aD So it can be sai) that Toots Mon)t +ay have sta#te) the wa# with Lon)os2 b.t %o# the *ast ,a#t o% &'(!2 he was AW<L0 <n Se,te+be# (32 &'(!2 the New Yo#$ Co++ission st#i,,e) -i+ Lon)os o% the wo#*) tit*e2 an) o#)e#e) Ray Stee*e an) -ac$ She##y to w#est*e on <ctobe# &3 in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en2 with the winne# to +eet St#an/*e# Lewis %o# the tit*e0 The +a#$ co++ission )i)n?t see+ to .n)e#stan) the ,#ob*e+s this c#eate)0 5oth Stee*e an) She##y we#e +aBo# hoo$e#s that we#e $nown %o# wo#$in/ %o# ,#o+otions at o))s with the C.#*ey0 Gettin/ -ac$ She##y %o# the +atch wasn?t #ea**y that )i%%ic.*t since a.* 5owse# an) C.#*ey ha) en)e) thei# *on/ wa# an) we#e wo#$in/ to/ethe#0 5.t Ray Stee*e was Lon)os? n.+be# one conten)e# an) ,o*ice+an0 .ttin/

Stee*e in the sa+e #in/ with Lewis was t#o.b*e an) i% it )i) ha,,en2 it wo.*) have to be a shoot between the best t#.e w#est*e#s o% two wa##in/ ,#o+otions0 It was a sit.ation ve#y #a#e in ,#o w#est*in/0 Stee*e #e%.se) the +atch with She##y2 b.t sent wo#) he?) be wi**in/ to w#est*e Lewis at a *ate# )ate0 The co++ission then #.*e) that Lewis wo.*) +eet -ac$ She##y on <ctobe# &32 &'(! an) the winne# wo.*) be #eco/ni9e) as wo#*) cha+,ion in New Yo#$0 The +atch )#ew 82333 an) a /ate o% 4;2!33 to the h./e Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en0 -ac$ She##y showe) ., on o#)e#s %#o+ a.* 5owse# b.t2 at !!3 ,o.n)s o% ,.#e +.sc*e an) a t#.e w#est*e# with a e/o to +atch2 wasn?t s.#e i% he wante) to )o the Bob0 C.#*ey2 Lewis o# one o% the othe#s in the ,#o+otion ,#o+ise) hi+ that i% he )i) the Bob that ni/ht2 he wo.*) *ate# /et a #e+atch with Lewis that wo.*) be a t#.e "contest"0C(&'bD She##y a/#ee)2 b.t neve# /ot the secon) +atch0 Fo# the %i#st ho.#2 the +atch was a** stan) .,0 They t.//e)2 +a.*e) an) ,.she) each othe# witho.t any %o#+ o% "show" ho*)s that the %ans we#e .se) to0 So+e #e,o#ts c*ai+ that She##y #e%.se) to wo#$ an) wante) to shoot %o# the %i#st ho.#0 The %ew %ans in the a#ena hate) a** the stan)in/ a#o.n) an) sta#te) ta.ntin/ the two /iants0 Ri/ht a%te# the ho.# +a#$2 She##y ca+e o.t o% his )e%ensive she** an) Lewis sta#te) bo.ncin/ hi+ a#o.n) the #in/0 When they we#e on the +at2 the#e was *itt*e action an) one #e,o#te# tho./ht She##y ha) %a**en as*ee,0 A%te# a se#ies o% hea)*oc$s2 Lewis ,inne) She##y in &H!(H(30C(!3D Eve#yone2 b.t RING MAGAAINE2 tho./ht the +atch was te##ib*e0 Many o% the %ans ha) *e%t be%o#e the en)0 The +atch was so ba) that THE RING ,.b*ish a sto#y )e%en)in/ it2 sayin/ the %ans we#e %oo*s an) it was a th#ow bac$ to the #ea* w#est*in/ o% Gotch?s e#a0 -ac$ She##y neve# /ot his #e+atch an) I )on?t thin$ he eve# ha) anothe# +aBo# +atch in A+e#ica0 A*ways *oo$in/ %o# a "shoot"2 he en)e) ., in En/*an) c*ai+in/ the wo#*) tit*e0 Most o% his ca#ee#2 i% he ha) one2 is .n$nown0 So Lewis ha) the New Yo#$ wo#*) tit*e to /o with his Ca*i%o#nia an) I**inois tit*es0 Act.a**y I thin$ by <ctobe# &'(!2 Ca*i%o#nia ha) been convince) to #eco/ni9e Lon)os as cha+,ion an) I**inois ha) 1.it wo##yin/ abo.t the tit*e2 viewin/ ,#o w#est*in/ as ty,e o% Bo$e they )i)n?t want to *a./h at any+o#e0 A*+ost as soon as E) was c#owne)2 -ac$ C.#*ey o%%e#e) -i+ Lon)os 4832333 %o# a tit*e .ni%ication +atch0 -i++y neve# ca**e) hi+ bac$0 <n Nove+be# !&2 &'(!2 Lewis hea)*ine) a Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en ca#) beatin/ Geo#/e Ca*9a in %#ont o% anothe# s+a** c#ow)0 A *ac$ o% -i+ Lon)os was one %acto# in the )#o, in atten)ance2 b.t the .n)e# ca#)s we#e a*so wea$ene) by a *ac$ o% ta*ent0 At that ,oint C.#*ey was .sin/ the sa+e o*) a.* 5owse# w#est*e#s to %i** o.t his ca#)s0 The co++ission sti** #e1.i#e) Lewis to w#est*e Ray Stee*e2 an) the +atch was +a)e %o# Dece+be# 82 &'(! in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en0 Stee*e ha) ha) a /oo) yea# in &'(!2 an) .n*i$e with -ac$ She##y2 he was a +aBo# nationa* sta#0 At the ti+e he was on a win st#ea$ with a *ist inc*.)in/ -i+ McMi**en ESe,t0 ;F2 Hans Stein$e ESe,t0 !7F2 -oe Steche# ESe,t0 &"F2 an) 5e#t Assi#ati ENov0 'F0 He was $nown %o# )oin/ +aBo# Bobs %o# Lon)os b.t in his *ast +atch with the G#ee$ he wo#$e) a )#aw at an o.t)oo# ca#) in Los An/e*es? W#i/*ey Fie*) E-.*y &7F0 He a*so ha) /iven Lewis a wo#$in/ ove# in thei# '3 +in.te )#aw at 5oston0 Stee*e2 *i$e a %ew othe# ,e#%o#+e#s *i$e 5i**y Robinson an) Dic$ 5eye#2 ha) the abi*ity to +a$e t#.e w#est*in/ ente#tainin/2 an) he was a +aBo# )#aw co.nt#y wi)e0C(!&D Stee*e was ve#y /oo) %#ien)s with Lon)os b.t he was a /#eat /.y who +a)e %#ien)s whe#eeve# he went0 -ac$ C.#*ey an) Lewis both *i$e) an) #es,ecte) hi+0 In*i$e with She##y2 he was a hoo$e# who ,*aye) the /a+e an) was wi**in/ to ,.t ,eo,*e ove#0 Ray enBoye) *i%e an) )i)n?t wo##y +.ch abo.t bein/ the wo#*)?s /#eatest w#est*e#0 In*i$e -ohn ese$2 he neve# was $nown %o# h.#tin/ ,eo,*e2 b.t when cha**en/e)2 he +ay have been the e1.a* o% any hoo$e#0 Most ,eo,*e consi)e#e) Stee*e to be Lon)os? ,o*ice+an2 b.t I )on?t $now i% he consi)e#e) hi+se*% to be s.ch an) I?+ not s.#e i% he *i$e) the i)ea )oin/ a shoot in ,.b*ic0 I thin$ C.#*ey2 Mon)t an) Lewis too$ the +atch with hi+ beca.se they we#e .se) to wo#$in/ with hi+ an) $new hi+ we**0 I thin$ they t#.ste) hi+ an) %i/.#e) they co.*) wo#$ so+e ty,e o% +atch that wo.*) satis%y eve#yone0 As to the ,eo,*e on Lon)os? si)e2 insi)e#s2 an) any ty,e o% s+a#t %anJ0they we#e s.#e the bo.t wo.*) be a shoot0 <n Dece+be# 82 the /a#)en )#ew a c#ow) o% 72333 E4&&2333F which we#e )ivi)e) by the C.#*ey %ans an) +any s.,,o#te#s o% the Lon)os /#o.,0 Lewis was secon)e) by

his t#aine# -ohn Ev$o0 Stee*e .se) an In)ian w#est*e# ca**e) To+ Ma#vin2 who was act.a**y a #eti#e) bo6e#2 as his secon)0 The +atch sta#te) s*ow an) staye) s*ow0 Stee*e staye) away %#o+ Lewis an) E) %o**owe) hi+ a#o.n) the #in/0 It see+e) that Stee*e?s ,*an was to $ee, the o*) !"3 ,o.n) cha+,ion +ovin/ an) to attac$ his eyes0 Stee*e $e,t %o#ea#+in/ Lewis in the %ace a#o.n) the eyes0 Eve#yone $new abo.t E)?s ba) eyes an) the sa*ty ,e#s,i#ation %#o+ both +en a*so c*o.)e) his vision0 Lewis $e,t t#yin/ to /et Stee*e into a bea# h./ E,#obab*y his ,innin/ bo)y *oc$F2 b.t Ray was ab*e to b#ea$ eve#y atte+,t0 Fo# (! +in.tes the c#ow) was bo#e) to )eath2 then they ca+e a*ive as Stee*e sta#te) hittin/ the o*) St#an/*e# with +o#e e*bows to the hea)0 Th#ee e*bows ha) Lewis /#o//y2 when his secon) Ev$o *ea,e) into the #in/ to ,#otest0 A secon) ente#in/ the #in/ sho.*)2 .n)e# the #.*es o% &'(!2 #es.*t in the w#est*e# bein/ )is1.a*i%ie)0 Lewis ye**e) at Ev$oH "Get o.t o% he#e0 Yo. have no b.siness in this #in/ an) yo. have nothin/ to )o with +e0 <.tK <.tK <.tK" Lewis then ,.she) Ev$o th#o./h the #o,es0 The #e%e#ee E))ie Fo#bes o#)e#e) the w#est*e#s to #es.+e0 Stee*e i++e)iate*y sta#te) whe#e he ha) *e%t o%% by )#ivin/ his e*bow into Lewis chin0 The St#an/*e# #ee*e) bac$ into the #o,es an) Ray *et hi+ have it a/ain0 Re%e#ee Fo#bes to*) Stee*e to sto,2 i/no#in/ the %act that e*bows we#e *e/a* in a no#+a* w#est*in/ +atches2 an) wa#ne) Ray that he wo.*) be )is1.a*i%ie) i% he hit Lewis a/ain0 Stee*e )i) B.st that thin/ an) witho.t hesitatin/2 Fo#bes ste,,e) between the+2 wave) the+ to thei# co#ne#s an) #aise) Lewis? a#+ as the victo#0 They anno.nce) Stee*e as the *ose# on a %o.*0 The c#ow) was in an .,#oa#2 ye**in/2 sc#ea+in/2 sta+,in/ an) th#owin/ thin/s a** ove# the ,*ace0 -ac$ C.#*ey ha) wo#)s with Stee*e?s secon) To+ Ma#vin an) the bo6e# th#ew a ,.nch at the ,#o+ote#0 The b*ow /*ance) o%% the ,#o+ote#?s hea)2 as the ,o*ice B.+,e) on Ma#vin beatin/ hi+ into insensibi*ity .sin/ thei# c*.bs0 They then )#a//e) the bo6e# to the )#essin/ #oo+0 Fi/hts b#o$e o.t a** ove# the a#ena between Lewis an) Lon)os s.,,o#te#s0 Riots on*y sto,,e) with the sta#t o% the *ast +atch o% the ni/ht0C(!!D A%te# the bo.t2 Stee*e sai)2 he ha) nothin/ to say e6ce,t2 an) that what ha,,ene) in the #in/ was eno./h evi)ence in itse*% to estab*ish the %act that he was Lewis? +aste#0 Stee*e?s ,eo,*e c*ai+e) that a%te# a ha*% ho.# Lewis #ea*i9e) he co.*) )o nothin/ with Stee*e an) /ave the si/na* %#o+ his secon) to B.+, in the #in/ an) co+,*icate the a%%ai#0 The #e,o#te# a*so c*ai+e) the b*ows to the hea) we#e *e/a* in +ost states an) the#e we#e bo.ts on the .n)e# ca#) with w#est*e#s th#owin/ ,.nches an) e*bows2 an) none o% the+ we#e )is1.a*i%ie)0 The sto#y E) Lewis wo.*) te** is that Stee*e #ea*i9e) that he co.*)n?t beat Lewis2 so he sta#te) th#owin/ ,.nches to /et hi+se*% )is1.a*i%ie)2 by,assin/ the h.+i*iation o% bein/ ,inne)0 Yea#s *ate#2 E) wo.*) c*ai+ that -i+ Lon)os ha) to*) Stee*e to w#est*e the +atch in ba#e %eet2 an) they ha) beco+e so b*iste#e) that Ray )i)n?t want to contin.e0 In the two acco.nts I?ve #ea) in news,a,e#s2 the#e is no +ention o% b*oo)y %eet0 An) Lon)os wasn?t in New Yo#$ that ni/ht0C(!(D <% co.#se2 it?s the Lewis sto#y that has *ive) on th#o./h the yea#s0 <n Dece+be# :2 the New Yo#$ Ath*etic Co++ission anno.nce) that Ray Stee*e was s.s,en)e) %o# :3 )ays an) -ohn Ev$o an) Renato Ga#)ini Ewho B.+,e) into the #in/F we#e s.s,en)e) in)e%inite*y0 The co++ission was .nab*e to ,.nish To+ Ma#vin %o# ,.nchin/ C.#*ey2 beca.se he ha) no *icense in New Yo#$ to #evo$e0 C(!"D Lewis was sti** .,set ove# the 4!32333 he ha) /iven Dic$ Shi$at0 A +eetin/ was ca**e) with Lewis2 Mon)t2 an) Shi$at ,#esent0 Shi$at was to*) that i% he #et.#ne) the 4!32333 an) a))e) anothe# 4&!23332 he wo.*) be /iven a #e+atch with E) an) the tit*e0 Shi$at a/#ee) an) %o#$e) ., the +oney0 He was #ecove#in/ %#o+ his b#o$en a#+ %#o+ the ca# c#ash2 b.t once he #et.#ne) he wo.*) once a/ain be $in/ o% New Yo#$ w#est*in/0 The tit*e +atch neve# ha,,ene)0 Lewis an) C.#*ey atten)ance contin.e) to bo+b0 A Dece+be# &' han)ica, +atch )#ew 82333 to Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en0 <n Dece+be# &82 Lewis t#ave*e) to St Lo.is to beat San)o# S9abo0 The +atch )#ew a /#oss o% 4(!:2 which )i)n?t ,ay the e6,enses %o# the t#i,0 The %ans in New Yo#$ wante) thei# -i+ Lon)os bac$ an) #eBecte) Lewis co+,*ete*y0 In *ate &'(!2 the co++ission a/#ee) to a**ow Lon)os to w#est*e in the city i% he wo.*) not bi** hi+se*% as wo#*) cha+,ion0 To+ ac$s an) Ray Fabiani then Boine) with the -ohnson b#othe#2 Cha#*ie an) Wi**ee -ohnson to b#in/ Lon)os bac$ to the city0 They nee)e) a /oo) w#est*in/ +an to boo$2 so R.)y D.se$2 who was ,#o+otin/

the So.th %o# C.#*ey2 a*so Boine) the /#o.,0 Lon)os #et.#ne) on -an.a#y &&2 &'((0 In the s+a** St Nic$?s A#ena2 -i++y beat Abe Co*e+an in %#ont o% a se**o.t :2333 with ove# anothe# &2333 t.#ne) away0 The %ans2 who co.*)n?t /et tic$ets2 #iote) o.tsi)e the sta)i.+2 b#ea$in/ win)ows in an atte+,t to /et in0 The #iot ,o*ice ha) to be ca**e) to c*ea# the+ o.t0 5.t the econo+ic )e,#ession ha) ,ea$e) in the city in &'(( an) tic$et ,#ices )#o,,e)0 So+e tic$ets so*) as *ow as "3 cents0 The /ate was 4'2:330C(!8D 5y the be/innin/ o% &'((2 any ho,e o% ,#o+otin/ E) Lewis as cha+,ion was ove#0 The on*y ,#ob*e+ %o# C.#*ey2 5owse#2 Mon)t2 %e%%e#2 an) Mi**e# was %in)in/ a new cha+,ion0 Thei# ,ic$ t.#ne) o.t to be a 5owse# +i)=ca#) w#est*e# na+e) -i+ 5#ownin/0 5#ownin/ ha) been a#o.n) %o# yea#s an) ha) w#est*e) B.st abo.t eve#yone2 b.t ha) neve# been ,.she) as an .nbeatab*e cha+,ion0 He was *on/2 *ean an) ,owe#%.* in the /y+ an) a +atch %o# anyone0 Why he was ,.she) to the to, in &'(( is ha#) to say2 b.t he was a ve#y /oo) wo#$e# an) a +aBo# shoote# an) he ,#obab*y ca./ht the eye o% Mon)t an) Lewis0 In %act he ha) been a#o.n) so *on/2 that they a** we#e o*) %#ien)s0 5#ownin/ ha) a*so )eve*o,e) a %*ashy %inishin/ ho*) ca**e) the ai#,*ane scisso#s0 He wo.*) ,.t w#est*e#s in a *e/ scisso#s2 ,ic$ the+ ., B.st .sin/ his *e/s2 s,in the+ a#o.n) an) then c#ash the+ into the +at %o# the ,in0 As a hoo$e#2 he i)o*i9e) -oe Steche# an) was the sa+e ty,e o% *e/ w#est*e#2 wo#$in/ eve#ythin/ a#o.n) the *e/ scisso#s0 <n -an.a#y !(2 &'((2 Lewis )e%en)e) the tit*e a/ainst -i+ 5#ownin/ in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en )#awin/ ;23330 5#ownin/ o.t w#est*e) E) ).#in/ the +atch an) see+e) to have the cha+,ion beaten b.t the St#an/*e# t.#ne) thin/s a#o.n) B.st when it *oo$e) the )a#$est an) s.#,#ise) eve#yone by ,innin/ -i+0 Loc$e) in the scisso#s2 Lewis stoo) ., an) ,owe# bo+be) 5#ownin/ %o# the win in ("H8!0C(!:D Lewis hea)*ine) the Ga#)en the ne6t +onth on Feb#.a#y :2 )#awin/ *ess that 82333 in beatin/ D#0 F#e) Meye#s0 <n Feb#.a#y &32 &'((2 Hen#i DeG*ane #et.#ne) %#o+ F#ance to )e%en) his AWA wo#*) tit*e a/ainst e6=cha+, E) Don Geo#/e in 5oston Ga#)en be%o#e a c#ow) o% &!23330 As cha+,ion2 DeG*ane ha) )e%en)e) the tit*e a/ainst Geo#/e %o.# ti+es in 5oston an) 5.%%a*o0 A** %o.# we#e )#aws0 They +ay have w#est*e) in a#is a %ew ti+es b.t we have no #eco#) o% it0 Cha+,ion DeG*ane won the %i#st %a** with a si)e hi,*oc$ in &;H!" b.t ha) ta$en a beatin/ in )oin/ so0 Geo#/e ,.*ve#i9e) Hen#i with a se#ies o% %*yin/ tac$*es to win the secon) %a** in one +in.te an) 8" secon)s0 In the thi#) Geo#/e swa#+e) a** ove# DeG*ane hittin/ hi+ with tac$*e a%te# tac$*e0 A%te# the %i%th one2 DeG*ane co.*)n?t /et .,0 Hen#i ha) a b#o$en co**a#bone2 so #e%e#ee Sa+ S+ith awa#)e) the victo#y an) AWA tit*e to Geo#/e0C(!;D The #e+atch between Lewis an) -i+ 5#ownin/ too$ ,*ace on Feb#.a#y !32 &'(( in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en with the New Yo#$ wo#*) tit*e on the *ine0 The atten)ance was once a/ain a ve#y )isa,,ointin/ 82333 with a /ate o% 4823330 5#ownin/ was the a//#esso# th#o./ho.t the +atch0 He was on to, o% Lewis +ost o% the ti+e an) .se) a wi)e#2 +o#e ,.nishin/ an) e%%ective #e,e#toi#e o% ho*)s0 <n*y once was Lewis ab*e to a,,*y a hea)*oc$ L it was b#o$en a%te# abo.t a +in.te0 At 8;H83 he was ,inne) a%te# one o% 5#ownin/?s ai#,*ane scisso#s0 5#ownin/ was a s.#,#ise winne# an) the c#ow) /ave hi+ an ovation that *aste) ove# %ive +in.tes0 This was the %i#st tit*e *oss by St#an/*e# Lewis that )i)n?t have so+e sc#ew %inish tie) on to it0 A%te# a %o.# +onth #ei/n that #an$e) as the wo#st in w#est*in/ histo#y2 I thin$ Lewis an) a** the ,#o+ote#s $new it wo.*) be E)?s *ast +aBo# tit*e0 He was th#o./h as a cha+,ion2 b.t %ans we#e sti** inte#este) in seein/ hi+ *ose2 so he was +.ch +o#e va*.ab*e as a cha**en/e#2 who co.*) *ose an) /ive c#e)ibi*ity to a cha+,ion0 The i)ea o% 1.ittin/ on to, wasn?t %o# E)0 He s,ent his +oney too easi*y an) wo.*) a*ways nee) a Bob o# /o b#o$e0 Dic$ Shi$at was .,set when he %o.n) o.t that 5#ownin/ was the new cha+,ion2 b.t Lewis ca*+e) hi+ )own by te**in/ hi+ that 5#ownin/ ha) )o.b*e c#osse) hi+0 Shi$at then wante) to b#ea$ 5#ownin/?s nec$0 The sto#y to*) in FALL GIYS is that Lewis an) Mon)t #eceive) 4"!2333 %o# )#o,,in/ the tit*e Econsi)e#in/ that the +atch )#ew 4823332 I %in) a** these %i/.#es ha#) to be*ieve0F0 Shi$at %o.n) o.t an) #ea*i9e)2 a%te# " yea#s2 that his +ana/e# was a #at an) sta#te) ,#otestin/0 C.#*ey2 Mon)t2 %e%%e#2 an) Lewis invite) hi+ ., to Toots? #oo+ at the Hote* Wa#wic$ %o# a con%e#ence0 Shi$at went an) /ot into an a#/.+ent2 ca**in/ his ,a#tne#s c#oo$s2 which they see+e) to be0 Lewis ,.nche) Shi$at an) a %i/ht sta#te)0 Lewis co.*)n?t ta$e ca#e o% the Ge#+an2 so Toots B.+,e) in an) the two

o% the+ beat ., Shi$at2 "/ivin/ hi+ the t#o.ncin/ o% his *i%e0" Shi$at was *ate# t#eate) %o# his inB.#ies at the o*yc*inic Hos,ita*0 I )on?t $now i% the FALL GIY sto#y is t#.e2 b.t it wo.*) e6,*ain Shi$at +otives that #es.*te) in events th#ee yea#s *ate#0 A Lewis@Shi$at +atch )i) ta$e ,*ace as the se+i=+ain event on a Ma#ch :2 &'(( 5#ownin/@Stein ca#) at the Ga#)en0 The +atch was bi**e) as a %inish +atch b.t was sto,,e) a%te# an ho.# beca.se o% the New Yo#$ c.#%ew an) #.*e) a )#aw0 -ac$ %e%e#?s Bob with -ac$ C.#*ey was to han)*e the %inances an) ta$e ca#e o% the boo$s0 He a*so ,#o+ote) %o# C.#*ey an) b#o./ht ta*ent to A+e#ica %#o+ E.#o,e0 He ha) a b#i**iant w#est*in/ +in) b.t the wo#+s o% /#ee) ha) eaten ho*e in it an) he wante) to #.n thin/s on his own an) be the +an who ,#o+ote) the bi/ Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en shows0 In ea#*y &'((2 he B.+,e) %#o+ the C.#*ey o%%ice to the Lon)os /#o.,0 5oth co+,anies we#e )oin/ ,oo#*y in New Yo#$2 b.t Lon)os was sti** the sta# an) )#awin/ as .s.a* o.tsi)e o% the city an) it see+e) the st#on/e# si)e0 %e%e# ).+,e) C.#*ey an) sta#te) boo$in/ the New Yo#$ c*.bs %o# Lon)os with the ,#o+ise o% bein/ the to, ,#o+ote# in New Yo#$ once the wa# was ove#0 %e%e# then ta*$e) his ,a#tne# R.)y Mi**e# into B.+,in/ ove# to the Lon)os si)e0C(!7D <n Ma#ch !32 &'((2 Lewis ha) his thi#) Ga#)en +atch with New Yo#$ cha+,ion -i+ 5#ownin/0 The tit*e chan/e ha) b#o./ht new inte#est to the %ans o% New Yo#$ an) the +atch )#ew &82333 with a /ate o% 4&:28330 Lewis co.*) )o no bette# an) was ,inne) a%te# bein/ /iven a #i)e in the ai#,*ane scisso#s in 8'H870C(!'D Toots Mon)t ha) been t#yin/ to )isc#e)it Lon)os %o# ove# a yea# with no s.ccess0 Lon)os was too s+a#t an) $new a** the t#ic$s0 5.t on A,#i* ;2 &'((2 Lon)os was boo$e) to )e%en) the tit*e a/ainst -oe Savo*)i on an o.t)oo# show at Chica/o Sta)i.+0 The #e%e#ee was 5ob Mana/o%%2 the o*) %#ien) o% Lewis who too$ E)?s 5ob F#e)#ic$ na+e in &'&! %o#cin/ hi+ to ta$e the St#an/*e# i)entity0 Savo*)i ha) been t#aine) by Lewis when the yo.n/ %ootba**e# ha) wo#$e) %o# 5i**y San)ow in Los An/e*es0 San)ow ha) #aise) a stin$ when Savo*)i B.+,e) to Lo. Da#o?s ,#o+otion2 b.t in hin)si/ht he +ay have been a ,*ant0 Lon)os ha) no %ea# o% the non=w#est*e# Savo*)i b.t he ove# *oo$e) the )a+a/e a ,ai) o%% #e%e#ee co.*) )o0 A%te# abo.t !: +in.tes o% w#est*in/2 Lon)os ha) Savo*)i *oc$e) into a -a,anese a#+ ba#2 with Savo*)i stan)in/0 They we#e in the #o,es2 so when #e%e#ee Mana/o%% b#o$e the ho*) Lon)os tho./ht they we#e B.st /oin/ to the +i))*e o% the #in/ %o# a #esta#t0 Mana/o%% then ,.**e) one o% the +ost %a+o.s )o.b*e=c#osses in #in/ histo#y by )ec*a#in/ Savo*)i the winne# an) new cha+,ion0 Mana/o%% c*ai+e) that in a,,*yin/ the a#+ *oc$2 Lon)os ha) ,inne) hi+se*%0 In &'((2 the th#ee co.nt wasn?t co.nte) a*o.) no# we#e they as$e) to s*a, the +at0 A ,in%a** was B.st the #e%e#ee?s B.)/+ent0C((3D Lon)os went n.ts an) /ot his sto#y into the ,#ess0 He c*ai+e) his sho.*)e#s we#e not on the +at an) they we#e #a,e) ., in the #o,es anyway0 Most o% the %ans ,#esent that ni/ht2 co.*)n?t see anythin/ o# they a/#ee) with Lon)os? sto#y0 <.tsi)e o% New Yo#$ City2 the sto#y was w#itten ., *i$e Lon)os? ha) been )o.b*e= c#osse)0 The sto#ies in the ,a,e#s ove# the ne6t wee$ ha) Savo*)i si/nin/ with -oe Co#co#an2 a +oney +an in the a.* 5owse# o%%ice an) a co=,#o+ote# with Toots Mon)t in the G.eensb.#y S,o#ts C*.b o% To#onto2 Savo*)i?s wi%e )ivo#cin/ hi+2 an) #e%e#ee 5ob Mana/o%% si/nin/ to o%%iciate Savo*)i?s +atches in Cana)a0 It wasn?t ha#) %o# the Lon)os /#o., to ,#ove thei# ,oint0 The I**inois Co++ission bac$e) ., Mana/o%%?s )ecision an) the win by Savo*)i b.t sai) that the co++ission )i)n?t #eco/ni9e anyone as cha+,ion in the state2 so the +atch was a non=tit*e +atch0 The NWA a*so #.*e) that Lon)os was sti** cha+,ion0 Savo*)i was a*so s.s,en)e) by the NWA %o# +issin/ )ates in In)iana0 The I**inois co++ission2 a#o.se) by a** the ta*$ o% ")o.b*e=c#ossin/"2 once a/ain banne) the s,o#t o% ,#o w#est*in/ in the state0 This bac$%i#e) on Mon)t beca.se Chica/o ,#o+ote# -ohn "Doc" >#one ha) boo$e) a 5#ownin/@Lewis #e+atch %o# A,#i* &&0 The co++ission state) that the show was cance**e) b.t a co.#t o#)e# /ot the show #einstate) at the *ast +o+ent0 The %ans we#e *e%t con%.se) so on*y 733 showe) ., ,#o).cin/ a tiny /ate o% 4&2&330 5#ownin/ then beat Lewis .sin/ his ai#,*ane scisso#s in &H3(H(!0C((&D <n A,#i* !32 &'((2 Docto# 5enBa+in Ro**e# )ie) %#o+ ,ne.+onia in New Yo#$ City0 5e%o#e an) a%te# Chica/o2 Lewis ha) been visitin/ his ho+e an) wi%e E*aine in G*en)a*e2 Ca*i%o#nia0 He then wo#$e) so+e )ates in Seatt*e an) Manco.ve# an) #et.#ne) to Los An/e*es th#o./h San F#ancisco0 In <a$*an) he beat o*) A) Sante* on A,#i* !70 He )e%eate) <$i Shi$ina in San Die/o on May '2 be%o#e %*yin/ bac$

to New Yo#$ %o# a )ate in the Ga#)en0 In New Yo#$ City he +et -oe Savo*)i2 the con1.e#o# o% -i+ Lon)os2 at the Ga#)en on May &82 &'((0 Savo*)i was not bi**e) as wo#*) cha+,ion b.t his tit*e c*ai+ an) win ove# Lon)os was bein/ b.i*) ., in the city0 Co++issions in ennsy*vania an) I**inois ha) o#)e#e) Savo*)i to +eet Lon)os in a #e+atch an) C.#*ey2 5owse#2 an) Mon)t $new it was /oin/ to be ha#) to $ee, the non=w#est*e# away %#o+ /ettin/ )o.b*e=c#osse) by -i+ Lon)os? o# anyone e*se0 To /et the co++issions o%% Savo*)i?s bac$2 they ha) Lewis )e%eat Savo*)i by co.nt o.t Ea%te# +issin/ a )#o,$ic$2 Savo*)i %e** o.t o% the #in/2 inB.#e)F0 With Savo*)i?s tit*e c*ai+ #estin/ with Lewis2 it en)e) any noise by Lon)os o# his co++issions0 A #e+atch was boo$e) bac$ in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en a wee$ *ate# on May !!2 &'((0 5.t be%o#e Lewis co.*) ).+, his new tit*e c*ai+ bac$ to Savo*)i2 he w#est*e) E) Don Geo#/e %o# the a.* 5owse# AWA wo#*) tit*e in 5oston on May &;2 &'((0 This was bi**e) as the #e+atch o% Lewis? tit*e win ove# Geo#/e an) E)?s %i#st shot at the tit*e he *ost to DeG*ane by %o.*0 The Savo*)i tit*e c*ai+ in the ,ossession o% Lewis a*so a))e) i+,o#tance to the +atch0 S+a#t %ans $new he was a*ways a th#eat0 So yo. co.*) neve# ,#e)ict when he wo.*) ,.** a )o.b*e=c#oss o% his own an) stea* the tit*e0 The 5oston Ga#)en +atch saw Geo#/e win the %i#st %a** in !!H38 with a c#ossove# toe ho*) a%te# he ha) %*oo#e) Lewis with a co.,*e o% %*yin/ tac$*es0 The secon) %a** went to Lewis in ;H(' when he b#o$e away %#o+ anothe# toe ho*) an) c*a+,e) Geo#/e in a bea#ish hea)*oc$0 Anothe# toeho*) /ave E) Don Geo#/e the thi#) %a** an) +atch in (H"80 The atten)ance was &323330 The #es.*t co+,*icate) any Lon)os ,*an to /et his tit*e c*ai+ bac$0 Geo#/e was a yo.n/ %ine w#est*e#2 an) so+eone Lon)os wo.*) have to ta*$ with be%o#e atte+,tin/ a +atch0C((!D C.#*ey sti** ha) ,*ans %o# -oe Savo*)i in New Yo#$ City2 so on May !!2 &'((2 he )e%eate) Lewis at Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en0 A%te# /ettin/ th#own a#o.n) by Lewis hea)*oc$2 Savo*)i +a)e a co+ebac$ ,innin/ the St#an/*e# a%te# two ,e#%ect )#o,$ic$s0 Ti+e was "(H3;0C(((D Lewis *e%t New Yo#$ that ni/ht an) %*ew into Chica/o whe#e he beat Sa++y Stein two o.t o% th#ee %a**s on May !(0 He %o**owe) that with a t#i, to Mi*wa.$ee2 whe#e he )i) a Bob %o# G.s Sonnenbe#/ EMay !"F0 He then %*ew ho+e to G*en)a*e an) to be nea# E*aine who was %ee*in/ sic$0 Lo. Da#o2 at The <*y+,ic A.)ito#i.+2 B.+,e) ,#o+otions a/ain Leavin/ the Lon)os /#o., %o# -ac$ C.#*ey an) a.* 5owse#0 New Yo#$ wo#*) cha+,ion -i+ 5#ownin/ ha) )e%en)e) his tit*e a/ainst Nic$ L.t9e at the <*y+,ic on May &; bi**e) as New Yo#$ wo#*) cha+,ion0 <n May !72 Da#o anno.nce) he has si/ne) 5#ownin/ to w#est*e e6=cha+, St#an/*e# Lewis at the <*y+,ic on -.ne ;2 &'((0 In the wee$ *ea)in/ ., to the +atch2 Lewis t#aine) be%o#e the ,.b*ic in I)y*iwi*) whi*e 5#ownin/ t#ainin/ hea) 1.a#te#s was at C#ysta* ie#0 I thin/ 5#ownin/ saw this ti+e as vacation beca.se C.#*ey an) co+,any ha) been wo#$in/ hi+ ha#)2 )e%en)in/ the tit*e2 ni/ht*y a** ove# the west coast0 5#ownin/ was t#eate) +o#e as an e+,*oyee than a sta# with a h./e e/o0 Lewis s,ent +ost o% his ti+e t#yin/ to ,e#%ect his hea)*oc$ which ha) been *osin/ its e%%ectiveness0 The th#ee )e%eats to 5#ownin/ ha) been one %a** +atches2 Lewis %e*t he wo.*) have a bette# chance a/ainst the cha+,ion in a two o.t o% th#ee %a** +atch0 That i)ea )i)n?t wo#$ o.t0 5#ownin/ won the %i#st %a** in (&H3! with the ai#,*ane scisso#s0 Lewis too$ the secon) %a** a%te# a se#ies o% hea)*oc$s in &&H&&0 The thi#) %a** saw Lewis %o#ea#+ 5#ownin/ into a co#ne# an) then ,.t hi+ into a %.** ne*son0 5#ownin/ then #aise) ., his %eet an) ,.she) o%% the #o,es0 5oth +en %e** bac$wa#) with the cha+,ion on to,2 /ettin/ the ,in0 Ti+e was && +in.tes0 The +atch )#ew '23330C(("D 5#ownin/ then #et.#ne) to New Yo#$ City %o# an o.t )oo# ca#) with -oe Savo*)i at Yan$ee Sta)i.+ on -.ne &!2 &'((0 The /ate was h.#t by two %acto#s2 it #aine)2 an) Savo*)i ha) been shot on by a nobo)y na+e) So* S*a/e* on a Staten Is*an) ca#)0 A #e%e#ee save) Savo*)i %#o+ )e%eat a%te# ove#*oo$in/ abo.t &3 ,in %a**s0 The 5#ownin/@Savo)i +atch went to a &H87H38 )#aw an) the atten)ance was :2333 in the h./e sta)i.+0C((8D G.s Sonnenbe#/ ha) been on the -.ne ; .n)e# ca#) an)2 consi)e#in/ a** the wins he ha) sco#e) ove# Lewis as cha+,ion2 was .,set that E) ha) /otten the tit*e +atch0 This b.i*) ., *e) to a conten)e#s +atch between G.s an) Lewis at The <*y+,ic on -.ne !&2 &'((0 Sonnenbe#/ won two o.t o% th#ee %a**s2 both %a**s won with the %*yin/ tac$*e0C((:D Sonnenbe#/ then )e%eate) Sa++y Stein on -.ne !70 5#ownin/ an) Sonnenbe#/ we#e then +atche) at The <*y+,ic on -.*y &!2 &'(( with

the Ca*i%o#nia Co++ission #eco/ni9in/ the winne# as cha+,ion in the state0 5#ownin/ won the +atch an) the tit*e0 The se+i=%ina* o% the -.*y &! ca#) was a two o.t o% th#ee %a** +atch between Lewis an) Sa++y Stein0 Stein +a)e a %ie#ce co+ebac$ to ,in Lewis in the thi#) %a** .sin/ a %*yin/ tac$*e an) a c#oss bo)y b*oc$0 This win /ave Stein an o.t)oo# tit*e +atch with -i+ 5#ownin/ at W#i/*ey Fie*) ELA ve#sionF on A./.st !72 &'((0C((;D <n A./.st (2 Lewis went to Cana)a to w#est*e -i+ 5#ownin/ a/ain2 this ti+e in Manco.ve#0 E) )i) the Bob an) #et.#ne) ho+e to G*en)a*e0 I be*ieve Lewis ha) e6,an)e) his n.+be# o% #esta.#ants to th#ee0 The new one bein/ *ocate) in asa)ena0 <n the .n)e# ca#) o% the W#i/*ey Fie*) 5#ownin/@Stein +atch EA./0 !7F2 Lewis beat o*) Ma#in *estina in 8H!"0 The wo#$ho#se 5#ownin/ too$ two o.t o% th#ee %a**s %#o+ Stein in a /oo) +atch0 The ca#) )#ew &"23330 F#e) 5ee**2 who the )o+inant w#est*e# in Wisconsin ).#in/ Lewis? ea#*y yea#s an) the *ast +an to )e%eat F#an$ Gotch2 #eti#e %#o+ ,#o w#est*in/ in &'&'0 He #et.#ne) to wo#$in/ his %a#+ in Ma#sh%ie*)2 Wisconsin2 abo.t "& +i*es No#th=west o% Ne$oosa0 5ee** a*so wo#$e) as a #e*ie% o%%ice# %o# the Ma#sh%ie*) o*ice %o#ce .n)e# Chie% o% o*ice Wi**ia+ aa,e0 <n A./.st 82 &'((2 5ee** was shot/.ne) in the %ace an) $i**e) by a /an/ o% c#i+ina*s #obbin/ the Ma#sh%ie*) 5#ewin/ Co+,any0 5ee** was 8; yea#s o*) an) ha) been with the )e,a#t+ent %o# twe*ve yea#s0 He is b.#ie) at the Hi**si)e Ce+ete#y in Ma#sh%ie*)0 He #e+ains to)ay as the on*y Ma#sh%ie*) ,o*ice o%%ice# to be $i**e) in the *ine o% ).ty0 <n A./.st !'2 Lewis an) 5#ownin/ ha) a +atch in San Die/o0 Lewis /ot a )#aw with the cha+,ion in %#ont o% a c#ow) o% "23330C((7D STREET L SMITH?S S <RT +a/a9ine -.ne2 -.*y2 an) A./.st2 &'(( ,.b*ishe) St#an/*e# Lewis? *i%e sto#y in th#ee ,a#ts0 So+e o% it was t#.e0 The #e+atch between 5#ownin/ an) Savo*)i in Ma)ison S1.a#e Ga#)en too$ ,*ace on <ctobe# !0 5#ownin/ )e%eate) Savo*)i in (:H8&0 The atten)ance was &323330 5#ownin/ )#ew a *ot bette# than Lewis in the Ga#)en2 an) a %ew o% his +atch /#ew as +.ch as &!23330 5.t he was %ai# %#o+ the )#aw that Lon)os was in &'(&0 The wa# between C.#*ey an) Lon)os ha) )#a//e) on too *on/ an) both si)es we#e *osin/ +oney0 Lewis staye) on the West Coast %o# +ost o% the #est o% &'(( wo#$in/ s+a** a#enas in San Die/o an) /oin/ no#th at ti+es %o# ca#)s in o#t*an) an) Sa*t La$e City0 In Se,te+be# he %i*+e) a sho#t bit in the +ovie THE RIAEFIGHTER AND THE LADY2 which sta#e) My#na Loy an) Ma6 5ae# as hi+se*%0 The bi/ scene was a %i/ht between 5ae# an) the act.a**y heavywei/ht bo6in/ cha+,ion2 #i+o Ca#ne#a0 The )i#ecto# Howa#) Haw$s wante) 5ae# to win the %i/ht2 b.t #i+o #e%.se)2 so it en)e) in a )#aw0 The ne6t yea# wo.*) see 5ae# )e%eat Ca#ne#a %o# #ea* an) beco+e wo#*) bo6in/ cha+,ion0 Lewis ,*aye) hi+se*%2 bein/ int#o).ce) be%o#e the +atch2 with b.))y -ac$ De+,sey0 The %i*+ beca+e a bi/ hit when #e*ease on Nove+be# &32 &'((0 In <ctobe#2 Lewis acce,te) a to.# o% Te6as an) New <#*eans2 b.t was ca**e) bac$ when his wi%e E*aine To+aso F#ie)#ich )ie) at he# ho+e in G*en)a*e on <ctobe# !;2 &'((0 She ha) been s.%%e#in/ %#o+ a ,.*+ona#y i**ness %o# +any +onths0C(('D At the en) o% A./.st2 -i+ Lon)os *e%t %o# a si6 wee$ to.# o% E.#o,e0 <n <ctobe# !!2 he )e%eate) >o*a >wa#iani at Athens2 G#eece in %#ont o% a c#ow) sai) to be &&323330 EFi*+ o% this +atch has a*so ,o,,e) ., on the co+,.te#2 an) the c#ow) *oo$s h./e2 b.t +any histo#ians thin$ the #ea* atten)ance to be a#o.n) :82333 ).e to the si9e o% the sta)i.+0 Any .ncynica* +in)e) %an2 who saw the %i*+ in &'((2 +i/ht ve#y we** be*ieve &&323330F NN Contin.e to CHA TER !8 F<<TN<TES (&( Most o% this in%o#+ation co+es %#o+ FALL GIYS2 Cha,te# &80 Ma#c.s G#i%%in wo#$e) in Toots Mon)t?s o%%ice ).#in/ the wa# with Lon)os in &'(!2 so on this to,ic he has so+e c#e)ibi*ity0 Ma#c.s c*ai+e) that Mon)t owne) !8O o% Lon)os? cont#act0 (&" My #eco#)s o% Lewis an) Lon)os say it stoo) atH 7 wins %o# LewisJ0! han)ica, wins %o# Lon)os Jan) one )#aw0 We can?t be s.#e i% the #eco#) is co##ect beca.se we %o.n) two o% those +atches in the *ast yea# an) +o#e +ay show .,0 (&8 THE 5<ST<N GL<5E2 Feb#.a#y !"2 &'(!PLewis won the %i#st %a** in &H3:H&8 by ,aintin/ Stee*e with a *on/ se#ies o% #abbit ,.nches2 then he tosse) in a %ew 5ee**s %o# /oo) +eas.#e2 b.tte) Ray o.t o% the #in/2 an) /ave hi+ one o% the

o*)=%ashione) hea)*oc$s %o# the ,in0 Stee*e /ot b.sy with his %ist an) e*bows %#o+ the be/innin/ in the secon) %a** an) Lewis was a*ways )e%en)in/ hi+se*% %#o+ that ,oint %o#wa#)0 The ancient Lewis was a /a**ant %i/.#e as he %o./ht o%% the e%%o#ts o% the yo.n/e# +an0 Sti** Stee*e ,ine) Lewis in &(H(( .sin/ a si)e s.,*e60 Lewis was e6ha.ste) b.t +ana/e) to ho*) on .nti* save) by the '3 +in.te ti+e *i+it0 (&: Most o% that ,a#a/#a,h ca+e %#o+ a ba) Lewis #eview in THE C<MMERCAL A EAL2 MEM HIS2 A,#i* &72 &'(! (&; NEW Y<R> TIMES2 -.ne '2 &'(!===THE RING MAGAAINE cove# the +atch0 They c*ai+e) the +atch )#ew on*y &823330 G.oteH "JDic$ Shi$at an) E) Lewis we#e %eat.#e) as the hea)*ine#s0 Lewis2 %a# %#o+ the "St#an/*e#" o% seve#a* yea#s bac$2 ca+e th#o./h with an .nconvincin/ victo#y a%te# an ho.#2 si6 +in.tes2 an) seven secon)s o% 1.ite o#)ina#y w#est*in/0 It was a** Shi$at .nti* the %inish0 Dic$ toye) with Lewis an) ha) E) ,.%%in/ an) co./hin/ ti** the "St#an/*e#" a,,*ie) a se#ies o% hea)*oc$s to ,in the c*eve# Ge#+an0 It is o.# o,inion that Shi$at co.*) have tosse) Lewis ha) he w#est*e) as he is ca,ab*e o% )oin/0" (&7 FALLGIYS ECha,te# &8F c*ai+e) that Shi$at #eceive) 4!32333 as a /.a#antee that he wo.*) /et a #e+atch an) a win ove# Lewis0 Lewis ha) to /et the +oney %#o+ Shi$at?s +ana/e#2 Toots Mon)t0 Lewis #e%.se) to Bob %o# Shi$at an) Mon)t )i)n?t ,.sh the iss.e a%te# Lewis si/n a %ive yea# cont#act %o# Toots to +ana/e hi+0 (&' I .se) a section %#o+ Ga#y Wi**?s web site T<R<NT< WRESTLING HIST<RY ==Toots Mon)t was a ,a#tne# in -ac$ Co#co#an?s To#onto o%%ice2 an) was ,e#ha,s the +aBo#ity owne# in &'(!0 (&'a THE C<MMERCIAL A EAL2 MEM HIS2 Se,te+be# !;2 &'(! (&'b That sto#y abo.t a "*ate# shoot" so.n)s %ishy0 I thin$ it was B.st a sto#y to*) by She##y2 %o# the #est o% his ca#ee#2 to e6,*ain the Bob to Lewis0 He co.*)n?t B.st te** ,eo,*e he )i) it beca.se it was the bi//est ,ayo%% o% his ca#ee#0 (!3 5R<<>LYN DAILY EAGLE2 NEW Y<R>2 an) NEW Y<R> TIMES2 <ctobe# &&2 &'(!PA noteJ0Lewis was ba#e %oot %o# the +atchJboth Lewis an) Lon)os too$ the shoes o%% in +atches they wante) %ans to be*ieve we#e shoots0 >in) o% *i$e in MMA to)ay0 Yo. won)e# who wo.*) .n)e#stan) the #eason %o# )oin/ that in &'(!2 b.t it see+s the#e we#e ,eo,*e with a /#a,,*in/ bac$/#o.n) who /ot the ,oint0 (!& I wo.*) e6,ect that eve#yone #ea)in/ this wo.*) have /otten the /#eat RAY STEELE REC<RD 5<<> by Steve Yohe an) +e+be#s o% the IHC0 I% notJit?s too ba)0 (!! THE HILADEL HIA INGIIRER an) THE NEW Y<R> TIMES2 Dece+be# 82 &'(!===The Ti+es see+e) to have atte+,te) to /et the -ac$ C.#*ey ve#sion ove#2 whi*e the hi*a)e*,hia ,a,e# was +o#e )etai*e) an) s*ante) towa#) Stee*e an) Lon)os0 The hi**y ,a,e# see+e) +o#e c#e)itab*e to +e0 The RING MAGAAINE Eby "Te6" A.stinF a*so ha) a ve#sion o% the +atch2 1.oteH "The inte#est o% the s,o#t )e+an)s that Lon)os acce,t the Lewis )e%y an) a/#ee to a +atch with hi+ to )eci)e the wo#*)?s cha+,ionshi,JJThe c*ai+ has been +a)e by Lon)os on +any occasions that the on*y #eason he #e%.ses to acce,t a +atch with the "St#an/*e#" is beca.se Lewis is b*in) in one eye2 yet Lon)os )i) not have any sc#.,*es abo.t ,e#+ittin/ his chie% a**y2 Ray Stee*e2 a /#eat w#est*e#2 to tac$*e Lewis0 That s.//estion o% Lon)os is ,o,,ycoc$0 Whethe# Lewis is o*) o# b*in) o# even both2 he ce#tain*y )e+onst#ate) to the satis%action o% .nbiase) c#itics that he is sti** one o% the wo#*)?s /#eatest +at+en0 The +anne# in which he han)*e) Stee*e was a #eve*ation0 He so %a# o.tc*asse) Ray 2 that it was t#.*y a s.#,#ise to those who %i/.#e) Ray wo.*) have *itt*e )i%%ic.*ty in th#owin/ the "St#an/*e#0" The#e was not a +o+ent in the enti#e (! +in.tes that the +atch *aste) that Lewis )i) not ,#ove his s.,e#io#ity to Stee*e2 hence the#e is no %.#the# #eason %o# Lon)os ).c$in/ a +atch that wo.*) +ean +.ch to the /a+e in %.t.#e atten)ance an) #evive) inte#est0" The ba) #eaction to the +atch was c#e)ite) to the %act that %ans o% &'(! )i)n?t a,,#eciate t#.e w#est*in/0 THE RING then went on2 o%%e#in/ the winne# o% a Lewis@Lon)os +atch a 4!2333 cha+,ionshi, be*t0 (!( I?ve #ea) a #e,o#t that see+e) to say that the Lewis@Stee*e +atch with b*oo)y %eet %#o+ b*iste#s too$ ,*ace in Chica/o at a *ate# )ate0 It?s a +atch that hasn?t been %o.n) yet0 I?ve neve# seen o# hea#) o% Ray Stee*e /oin/ ba#e %oot0 It was so+ethin/ that Lewis an) Lon)os )i) in +atches bi**e) as shoots0 (!" THE HILADEL HIA INGIIRER2 Dece+be# ;2 &'(! (!8 NEW Y<R> TIMES2 -an.a#y &!2 &'(( (!: FR<M MIL< T< L<ND<S2 by A0 D0 hi**i,s2 ,a/e !;:

(!; 5<ST<N GL<5E2 Feb#.a#y &&2 &'((2 sto#y by Davi) F0 E/an (!7 A** o% that section ca+e %#o+ FALL GIYS by Ma#c.s G#i%%in2 Cha,te# &:0 (!' N<RTH AMERICAN NEWS A ER ALLIANCE2 Ma#ch !&2 &'(( an) L<S ANGELES TIMES2 Ma#ch !&2 &'((0 A*so have a #e,o#t %#o+ an .n$nown New Yo#$ news,a,e# that /ives the atten)ance an) /ate0 ((3 FALL GIYS by Ma#c.s G#i%%in2 Cha,te# &: a*so CHICAG< TRI5INE A,#i* 72 &'(( to A,#i* &"2 &'(( ((& CHICAG< TRI5INE2 A,#i* &!2 &'(( ((! 5<ST<N GL<5E2 May &72 &'(( ((( L<S ANGELES TIMES2 May !(2 &'(( ((" L<S ANGELES TIMES2 -.ne 72 &'(( ((8 NEW Y<R> TIMES2 -.ne &(2 &'(( ((: L<S ANGELES TIMES2 -.ne !!2 &'(( ((; L<S ANGELES TIME2 -.*y &!2 &'(( ((7 SAN DIEG< INI<N2 A./.st (32 &'(( ((' ASS<CIATED RESS0 <ctobe# !;2 &'((

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The wa# en$s %&o# so'e( Whi)e Lon$os was away* E$ White* To' ac+s* Ray Fabiani be,an ne,otiatin, with -ac+ C.#)ey* a.) /owse#* Toots Mon$t* R.$y D.se+* an$ Lo. Da#o0 At one 1oint a 'eetin, was he)$ at the ennsy)vania Hote)0 A new w#est)in, t#.st was &o#'e$ consistin, o& 2.st abo.t eve#y 'a2o# 1#o'ote#* e3ce1t &o# the -ohnson /#othe#s an$ the two t#aito#s* -ac+ &e&e# an$ R.$y Mi))e#0 With the wa# ove#* the new T#.st wo.)$ cont#o) 1#o w#est)in, &#o' one coast to anothe#0 It was 'o#e o& a 'e#,e# that 2.st an a,#ee'ent0 They we#e to be 1a#tne#s an$ a)) wo.)$ sha#e in eve#yone4s ,ates an$ t#a$e ta)ent0 -i' Lon$os was not one o& the 1a#tne#s0 He too+ the 1osition o& wo#)$ cha'1ion an$ wo.)$ ,et his c.t &#o' #es.)tin, ,ates0 Lon$os a)so ha$ a cont#act that wo.)$ ,ive hi' 5"6*666 i& he was beaten by anyone70even in a $o.b)e8c#oss0 Lon$os too+ 'any t#i1s to his ho'e G#eece ove# his ca#ee#* it4s &.nny how he a)ways #et.#ne$ to A'e#ica in a st#on,e# 1osition than when he )e&t0 When he ca'e bac+ to A'e#ica this ti'e* he &o.n$ hi'se)& bac+ on to1 o& the wo#)$77 eve#yone4s wo#)$0 -i' ha$ one othe# thin, w#itten into his new cont#act* a victo#y ove# St#an,)e# Lewis0 When &e&e# &o.n$ o.t he ha$ been $o.b)e8c#osse$ by the new t#.st* he went n.ts0 He 1#o'ise$ he4$ "$#in+ thei# b)oo$0" &e&e# was as s'a#t as anyone an$ he was wi))in, to $est#oy the s1o#t to ,et bac+ at the 1#o'ote#s who ha$ bac+ stabbe$ hi' an$ the one 'an he hate$ 'o#e that anyone e)se was -i' Lon$os09:66; &e&e# too+ on the 'etho$s o& Geo#,e M0 Ma#sh %-oe Ca##o)) o# <)e Ma#sh(* b#ea+in, +ay&abe an$ #evea)in, the inne# wo#+in,s o& 1#o w#est)in, to any news1a1e# o# #e1o#te# who wo.)$ )isten0 -ac+ +e1t co'1)ete #eco#$s on eve#ythin,* an$ wo.)$ ,ive news1a1e# winne#s an$ )ose#s be&o#e 'atches too+ 1)ace0 He 2.st $i$n4t e31ose w#est)in,* as the wo#+e$ s1o#t it was* 'ost +new that0 &e&e# b#o.,ht a cynicis' to the s1o#t that to)$ &ans an$ #e1o#te#s that they we#e &oo)s &o# bein, $eceive$ by )ow )i&e w#est)in, 1#o'ote#s0 eo1)e who we#en4t w#est)in, &ans* be,an )oo+in, $own on anyone who en2oye$ the s1o#t0 Fo# yea#s &e&e# wo.)$ contin.e his ven$etta a,ainst the 'a2o# 1#o'ote#s* b.t 'ost)y a,ainst -i' Lon$os0 He wo.)$ even sen$ o.t a b.))etin e31osin, the "s1o#t" an$ $isc#e$itin, w#est)in, insi$e#s to a)) the news1a1e# who wo.)$ 1ay attention0 No one in the histo#y o& 1#o w#est)in, $i$ 'o#e to h.#t the a#t &o#' than -ac+ &e&e#0 That bein, sai$* &e&e# ha$ a b#i))iant w#est)in, 'in$ an$ within a yea# was bac+ in b.siness in New Yo#+ City 1#o'otin, )i,ht heavywei,hts0 He wo.)$ be a 'a2o# 1a#t o& the b.siness .nti) the =>?64s* boo+in, an$ s.11)yin, ta)ent to s'a)) te##ito#ies an$ o.t)aw ,#o.1s0 A&te# ta+in, ca#e o& the a&&ai#s o& E)aine* Lewis #et.#ne$ to his w#est)in, ca#ee#0 <n Nove'be# !6* E$ w#est)e$ a !6 'in.te $#aw with a yo.n, sta# na'e$ San$o# S@abo on the .n$e#ca#$ o& the /#ownin,ASonnenbe#, 'ain event in Ma$ison SB.a#e Ga#$en0 Lewis* e3ce1t &o# a &ew t#i1s to St Lo.is* #e'aine$ on the East Coast &o# the #est o& =>CC0 <n Nove'be# !D* Lewis w#est)e$ in St Lo.is a,ainst Ro)an$ Ei#ch'eye# &o# the -ac+son -ohnson -# A'e#ican Le,ion 1ost0 Lewis won b.t on)y $#ew =*"F: an$ 5?"F0"6* the s'a))est ,ate he ha$ eve# $#awn in the city0 This was a 1#o'otion wo#+in, a,ainst To' ac+s0 ac+s was 1.shin, Ray Stee)e an$ &o.# $ays be&o#e the Lewis ca#$ %Nove'be# !C( Stee)e ha$ $e&eate$ -ohn ese+0 Lewis then 'ove$ on to Ca'$en* whe#e he was a,ain $e&eate$ by cha'1ion -i' /#ownin, on Nove'be# C6* =>CC0 Lewis $e&eate$ his o)$ #iva) W)a$e+ Gbys@+o in Newa#+ on Dece'be# ?0 Lewis wei,ht $.#in, this ti'e was !?: 1o.n$s0 With the new t#.st in e&&ect* &ans we#e be,innin, to see "$#ea' 'atches" in eve#y 1#o'otion0 The &i#st s.ch 'atch in New Yo#+ was a tit)e .ni&ication 'atch between State wo#)$ cha'1ion -i' /#ownin, an$ /oston4s AWA wo#)$ tit)e ho)$e# E$ Don Geo#,e0 <n the Dece'be# =F .n$e# ca#$* Lewis w#est)e$ a !6 'in.te $#aw with G.s Sonnenbe#,0 Late# that ni,ht* Geo#,e an$ /#ownin, w#est)e$ to a =H:6H66 c.#&ew ti'e )i'it $#aw0 The Ma$ison SB.a#e Ga#$en ca#$ $#ew F*666 an$ 5=?*?"=0

<n Dece'be# =:* =>CC* To' ac+s was in co.#t bein, s.e$ by a &o#'e# #e&e#ee Ha##y Sha#1e &o# 5!"*6660 Sha#1e ha$ been in2.#e$ &o))owin, a Feb#.a#y =D -i' Lon$os 'atch* that 'ay o# 'ay not have ta+en 1)ace in St Lo.is0 E$ Lewis was 1#esent in the co.#t #oo'* the sto#y)ine was that he was a &#ien$ o& Sha#1e an$ his atto#ney* Robe#t E#at+y an$ was ,oin, to be .se$ as a witness0 The state Co''issione#* Seneca Tay)o# was a)so 1#esent an$ was sche$.)e$ to testi&y0 With ac+s on the stan$ he was B.estione$ by Sha#1e4s )awye# E#at+y0 So'ehow the to1ic beca'e the boo+in, 1o)icies o& the St Lo.is 1#o'otion0 ac+s was as+e$ i& he #e&.se$ to .se so'e w#est)e#s* na'in, St#an,)e# Lewis as an e3a'1)e0 ac+s sai$ he .se$ wo.)$ eve#yone inc).$e$ Lewis0 He sai$ a)) Lewis ha$ to $o was to ste1 .1 an$ si,n a cont#act0 The s1ectato#s we#e in a .1#oa# as Lewis wa)+e$ .1 the cente# o& the ais)e towa#$ ac+s an$ Co''issione# Tay)o# to $e'an$ that he be si,ne$ .1 then an$ the#e0 A b)an+ cont#act was b#o.,ht into the co.#t#oo'0 ac+s as+e$ Lewis i& he4$ a,#ee to w#est)e Ray Stee)e o# -ohn ese+0 Lewis sai$ he4$ w#est)e anyone* 2.st so )on, as he ,ot Lon$os i& he won0 ac+s sai$ he co.)$n4t ,.a#antee Lon$os* b.t he4$ ,ive hi' Stee)e an$ cance) his ese+AStee)e #e'atch i& Lewis wo.)$ a,#ee to the 'atch on Dece'be# !60 Lewis 1oste$ a chec+ &o# 5=*"66 as a &o#&eit with the co''issione# an$ the 'atch was 'a$e09:6=; It4s ha#$ to be)ieve that a 2.$,e wo.)$ a))ow a w#est)in, 1#o'ote# to .se his co.#t#oo' to wo#+ a w#est)in, an,)e* b.t the news1a1e# hi,h)i,hte$ the sto#y the ne3t $ay0 With the new t#.st a,#ee'ents .n+nown to the 1.b)ic* eve#yone* b.t insi$e#s* +new the 'atch ha$ to be a "shoot" 'atch0 The 1a1e#s we#e &i))e$ with the #e1o#t o& the Ga#$en 'atch an$ #e1o#te$ that the ne3t 'atch was ,oin, to be a t#.e contest "to the &inish"0 In it4s ti'e* this was the ",#an$ $a$$y" an,)e o& a)) ti'e77we)) i& it 'a$e 'oney0 Stee)e an$ Lewis both state$ that they wo.)$ #e&.se any victo#y that was $is1.te$ in any way0 The &ans we#e to)$ the#e wo.)$ be no $isB.a)i&ication this ti'e0 The co''ission 1#o'ise$ Lewis that a)) he ha$ to $o to ,et -i' Lon$os in the #in, was beat Ray Stee)e0 The Dece'be# !6* =>CC 'atch $#ew the season4s )a#,est c#ow$ o& >*!FF an$ a ,ate o& 5>*C"D0F"0 The #e&e#ee was not anno.nce$ .nti) be)) ti'e an$ it t.#ne$ o.t to be Cha#)ey Rent#o1* a &o#'e# w#est)e# an$ Me'1his 1#o'ote#0 Stee)e was the c#ow$ &avo#ite an$ Lewis ,ot his no#'a) boos0 The ea#)y ,oin, was 'ost)y stan$ .1* with the two 1.shin, each othe# a#o.n$ the #in,0 Stee)e atte'1te$ two wea+ si$e s.1)e3s an$ E$ 'iss a &ew hea$)oc+s0 At ten 'in.tes* Stee)e too+ Lewis to the 'at with a $o.b)e w#ist)oc+ b.t E$ &#ee$ hi'se)& with a hea$)oc+0 Lewis t#ie$ seve#a) &.)) bo$y )oc+s* b.t neve# s.ccee$e$ in ho)$in, Stee)e &o# )on,0 Lewis bac+e$ Ray into a co#ne# an$ )an$e$ a te##i&ic e)bow .n$e# the hea#t0 He then hea$ )oc+e$ an$ th#ew Stee)e to the 'at with E$4s !"" 1o.n$s )an$in, on to1 o& hi'0 It )oo+e$ ba$ b.t Stee)e 'ana,e$ to ,et bac+ on to his &eet0 Lewis +e1t the hea$)oc+ on an$ see'e$ to be a11)yin, ,#eat 1#ess.#e0 Stee)e )oo+e$ to be o.t b.t the #e&e#ee #.)e$ the ho)$ a st#an,)e an$ b#o+e it0 Rent#o1 +e1t Lewis away as Stee)e #ecove#e$ by s1#intin, a#o.n$ the #in, .nti) his hea$ c)ea#e$0 Stee)e then nai)e$ Lewis with an e)bow to the 2aw an$ &o))owe$ with &o.# &#ont hea$)oc+ th#ows0 Lewis )oo+e$ too bi, to be bothe#e$ by the th#ows an$ ,ot .1 .nh.#t0 In &act* E$ beca'e the a,,#esso# bac+in, Stee)e into the co#ne# whi)e )an$in, a n.'be# o& e)bows0 Fo#ce$ to b#ea+ an$ 'ove bac+* Lewis b#o+e Stee)e4s atte'1t at a &#ont &ace )oc+0 Stee)e was then st.nne$ by a n.'be# o& #abbit 1.nches0 As Lewis ca'e &o#wa#$* Stee)e hit hi' with a &)yin, tac+)e0 As Lewis ,ot .1* he was hit a,ain0 As he ,ot bac+ .1 to his &eet a,ain* Stee)e cha#,e$ b.t chan,e the 'ove into a st#ai,ht8a#' b)ow to the 2aw an$ the St#an,)e# went $own in a hea10 Stee)e then 1ic+e$ Lewis .1 into the ai# an$ s)a''e$ hi' as the c#ow$ stoo$ chee#in, in antici1ation0 Stee)e )ai$ ac#oss Lewis an$ Rent#o1 #.)e$ Lewis 1ine$0 Ti'e was C?HCF0 The 1in was .nnecessa#y as Lewis #e'aine$ o.t co)$ &o# &ive 'in.tes an$ ha$ to be ca##ie$ to the $#essin, #oo'0 Lewis4 secon$* Toots Mon$t* 1#oteste$ that E$ ha$ been .n&ai#)y s).,,e$ 1#io# to the s)a'* b.t the co''issione# Tay)o# 1ai$ no hee$0 Stee)e4s secon$ &o# the ni,ht was once a,ain To''y Ma#vin09:6!; Neithe# Stee)e o# Lewis we#e bein, b.i)$ .1 &o# a tit)e 'atch with Lon$os in St Lo.is in =>CC0 Stee)e ha$ been $e&eate$ by Lon$os in Chica,o on Dece'be# =C0 Lewis )e&t St Lo.is &o# hi)a$e)1hia an$ on Dece'be# !>* =>CC $i$ anothe# 2ob &o# -i' /#ownin,0 Stee)e4s ne3t bi, 'atch in St Lo.is was a =D 'in.te 2ob &o# G.s Sonnenbe#, on -an.a#y =6* =>C:0 It $#ew D*666 b.t set .1 the #ea) s.1e#

'atch between G.s Sonnenbe#, an$ -i' Lon$os that $#ew ="*??? St Lo.is &ans on Feb#.a#y !* =>C:0 Lewis &ace$ a )ot o& 1#ob)e's at the sta#t o& =>C:0 He ha$ )ost his thi#$ wi&e* he ha$ e31an$e$ his #esta.#ant b.siness to th#ee site b.t none we#e 'a+in, hi' a )ot o& 'oney* he was :C yea#s o)$* ove#wei,ht %!?6 1o.n$s(* an$ ha$ )oss his abi)ity an$ wi))in,ness to t#ain0 He a)so was a$$icte$ to ca#$s an$ 1#obab)y was sta#tin, to have a $#in+in, 1#ob)e'0 He no )on,e# ha$ any 'a2o# 1#o'ote#s inte#este$ in 1.shin, hi' to a cha'1ionshi10 His 1).ses we#e his abi)ity as a hoo+e# an$ his &a'o.s na'e0 He ha$ so'e va).e as a conten$e#* b.t i& he contin.e$ to $o &#eB.ent we)) +now 2obs* he &ace$ bein, $eva).e$ into a 'i$8ca#$ has8been0 Lewis4 bi,,est a$vanta,e in =>C: was his &e.$ an$ +nown hat#e$ o& -i' Lon$os0 The &act that Lon$os nee$ a bi, win ove# the St#an,)e# ,ave Lewis so'ethin, to se))0 He a)so ha$ the abi)ity to ta)+ an$ 1#o'ote hi'se)&* an$ the 1.b)ic an$ 'ost #e1o#te#s sti)) be)ieve$ that the w#est)in, be&o#e =>!= was t#.e shoots an$ that in a t#.e w#est)in, contest* E$ Lewis co.)$ beat anyone in the s1o#t77i& he #ea))y wante$ to09:6C; /y this ti'e Lewis '.st have been to)$* that a con$ition ,iven to Lon$os in the &o#'ation o& the new t#.st was one o# 'o#e wins ove# Lewis0 Anothe# con$ition 'ay have been a Stee)e win ove# E$ too0 Lon$os ha$ 'any 'a2o# sto#y)ines an$ &e.$s in =>C: b.t he an$ eve#yone +new he ha$ to ,et his win ove# Lewis0 I thin+ E$ convince$ the t#.st that they nee$e$ to 1#o'ote the Lon$osALewis 'atch an$ ,ive it the s1ot)i,ht it nee$e$ to $#aw a 'a2o# ,ate0 Lewis ha$ $one 'a2o# 2obs in New Yo#+ City an$ Los An,e)es* so it wo.)$ have been a waste to 1.t the 'atch in eithe# o& those two cities0 They $eci$e$ to #.n the 'atch in E$4s ho'e city700Chica,o0 The t#.st a)so .n$e#stoo$ that Lewis4s #eco#$ nee$e$ so'e bi, wins be&o#e he ,ot in the #in, with Lon$os0 Lewis '.st have e31)aine$ a)) o& this with 1#o'ote#s* an$ it was a so)i$ 1)an that wo.)$ 'a+e 'oney0 So in =>C:* St#an,)e# Lewis went bac+ to ,ettin, a 'a2o# 1.sh0 In -an.a#y =>C:* Lewis wo#+e$ s'a)) towns o.t o& G)en$a)e an$ then s1ent a &ew wee+s in the 'i$8west0 He #et.#ne$ to New Yo#+ City on Feb#.a#y ?* $#o11in, a C6 'in.te $ecision to R.$y D.se+0 He #e'ain in the city an$ the a#eas s.##o.n$in, it &o# the #est o& the 'onth* winnin, a)) o& his 'atches0 Lon$os be,an what wo.)$ be the ,#eatest yea# any 1#o w#est)e# wo.)$ eve# have by $#awin, =?*666 in $e&eatin, -oe Steche# in Det#oit on -an.a#y =!0 A #e'atch an$ anothe# win ove# Steche# in Det#oit $#ew =?*D"6 on -an.a#y !?0 The Chica,o #e'atch with -oe Savo)$i on -an.a#y C= $#ew !6*!660 The D#ea' 'atch with G.s Sonnenbe#, in St Lo.is $#ew ="*??? on Feb#.a#y !09:6:; A Feb#.a#y =6 'atch in hi)a$e)1hia with Eve#ett Ma#sha)) $#ew ="*6660 Lon$os won the 'atch in th#ee ho.#s* &o.# 'in.tes* an$ &o#ty8&ive secon$s09:6"; Lon$os ha$ his &i#st 'atch in Ma$ison SB.a#e Ga#$en in two yea#s on Feb#.a#y "0 <nce a,ain wo#+in, &o# -ac+ C.#)ey* Lon$os beat E#nie D.se+ in &#ont o& D*666 &o# a ,ate o& 5=6*6660 Lewis was #in,si$e to cha))en,e the G#ee+ one 'o#e ti'e0 9:6?; Lewis #et.#ne$ to St Lo.is on Feb#.a#y =" to w#est)e -oe Ma)cewic@ to a C6 'in.te $#aw0 The 'ain event was AWA wo#)$ cha'1ion E$ Don Geo#,e beatin, Gino Ga#iba)$i0 The /owse# cha'1ion on)y $#ew "*CDC an$ 5:*=FF0F" &o# To' ac+s09:6D; -oe Steche# ha$ his )ast 'atch on Feb#.a#y !=* =>C: in Chica,o* )osin, a tit)e 'atch a,ainst the 'an who i$o)i@e$ hi'* -i' /#ownin,0 -oe anno.nce$ his #eti#e'ent soon a&te#0 He s1ent his ti'e a&te# that he)1in, his b#othe# Tony 1#o'ote in Minnea1o)is0 -oe* a)ways B.ite an$ sensitive* $eve)o1e$ 'a2o# hea)th 1#ob)e's0 He ha$ an e'otiona) b#ea+$own an$ s.&&e#e$ &#o' .ncont#o))e$ $e1#ession0 His wi&e )e&t hi'* ta+in, his chi)$#en* an$ he was instit.tiona)i@e$ in a Iete#an4s Hos1ita) &o# the ne3t C6 yea#sJ )oo+e$ a&te# by his b#othe# Tony0 Lewis #et.#ne$ to the East Coast0 So'e o& the 1eo1)e he beat in the &i#st two 'onths o& =>C: we#eH R.$y D.se+* Mat#os Ei#i)en+o* Chie& Chewac+i* -oe Co3* Abe Eashey* Dic+ Raines* Mi+e Ro'ano* Hans Ea'1&e#* E$$ie Civi)* Geo#,e Ca)@a* an$ Tiny Roeb.c+0 Dic+ Shi+at was bein, 1.she$ in St Lo.is to #ea$y hi'se)& &o# a tit)e 'atch with Lon$os0 ac+s boo+e$ Lewis to a #e'atch with Shi+at on Ma#ch =* =>C:0 <nce a,ain the winne# was ,oin, to be ,iven a 'atch with -i' Lon$os* so a)) E$ ha$ to $o was win to have a)) his wishes co'e t#.e0 He )ost0 Lewis ,ot $isB.a)i&ie$ &o# 1.nchin, Shi+at a&te# C:H!C by #e&e#ee Cha#)ey Rent#o10 Lewis was .1set by Rent#o1* so he 1.nche$ hi' too0 Sti)) .1set* Lewis a)so 1.nche$ the &i#st a#ena ,.a#$ to ente# the #in,0 The 1o)ice then 2.'1e$ into the #in, to #esto#e o#$e#0

Lewis was &ine$ 5=66 an$ s.s1en$e$ by the Misso.#i Ath)etic Co''ission0 Atten$ance was ?*6"=09:6F; Shi+at wante$ a #e'atch so Lewis4 s.s1ension was )i&te$0 <n Ma#ch =" the two 'et a,ain in St Lo.is b.t this ti'e Lewis was 1inne$ by Shi+at in C:HC?0 Atten$ance was F*!=>0 Fo# the win Shi+at was ,iven his 'atch with -i' Lon$os on A1#i) ==0 Lon$os 1inne$ hi' in =H=6HCC $#awin, ==*D!D0 Lon$os wo.)$ beat Shi+at a,ain in St Lo.is on May =?* $#awin, =6*=CF09:6>; <n A1#i) !* =>C:* Lewis w#est)e$ AWA wo#)$ cha'1ion E$ Don Geo#,e in his ho'e town o& /.&&a)o* an$ )ost0 Lewis then #et.#ne$ to Los An,e)es an$ beat Mi+e Ma@.#+i on the .n$e#ca#$ o& a /#ownin, tit)e $e&ense a,ainst Leo N.'a at the <)y'1ic on A1#i) ==0 <n A1#i) ="* =>C:* Lewis an$ /#ownin, t#ave)e$ to the Me3ico City b.))#in, to w#est)e &o# the tit)e0 /#ownin, too+ two o.t o& th#ee &a))s &#o' E$ b.t the st#an,est o$$ity o& the ni,ht was the Me3ican &ans chee#in, &o# Lewis whi)e booin, /#ownin,0 The ca#$ $#ew =!*666 an$ 5=6*66609:=6; Lewis beat a Cowboy -ac+ Ray on a .n$e# ca#$ &o# a /#ownin, win ove# Dic+ Davisco.#t at the <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.' on A1#i) =F0 It was beco'in, the &ashion to 'a+e &.n o& Lewis4 &at* a,e an$ abi)ity to sweat0 The Los An,e)es Ti'es 1#inte$ this #eviewH "The "o)$ 'an o& the 'o.ntain70with 'ost o& the 'o.ntain cente#in, a#o.n$ his 'i$8section* E$ %St#an,)e#( Lewis* ha#$)y wo#+e$ .1 a sweat in &)i11in, "Cowboy" -ac+ Ray on his bac+ in =: 'in.tes" o& the thi#$ 'atch0 Yes* yo. ,.esse$ it* the &a)) was sco#e$ with Lewis4s &avo#ite ho)$* the hea$)oc+0"9:==; In acce1tin, the 2ob to Lon$os* Lewis '.st have 'a$e so'e $e'an$s o& his own an$ &#o' that 1oint &o#wa#$ the 1.sh ,ot se#io.s0 In the &i#st wee+ o& May Lewis $e&eate$ R.$y D.se+* Geo#,e Ha,en* San$o# S@abo* an$ Hans Ea'1&e#0 <n May =:* =>C:* Lewis ,ot anothe# 'atch with Ray Stee)e in New Yo#+ City* this ti'e at -ac+ C.#)ey4s Seventy8&i#st Re,i'ent A#'o#y0 Most o& the &ans we#e ba#e)y sett)e$ in thei# seats be&o#e the &inish too+ 1)ace0 A&te# so'e 1#e)i'ina#y t.ss)in,* Lewis h.#)e$ Stee)e to the 'at a $o@en ti'es with a)te#nate bo$y s)a's an$ &o#ea#' 1.nches0 A&te# == 'in.tes an$ D secon$s* Lewis 1ine$ Stee)e a&te# one o& his bo$y s)a's0 The atten$ance &o# the ca#$* a #e'atch o& two ha)) o& &a'e w#est)e#s that ha$ been the ta)+ o& the s1o#t the yea#s be&o#e* was !*6660 The s'a)) n.'be# shows how the wa# on Lon$os ha$ +i))e$ the s1o#t in the bi, city09:=!; <n May !C* Lewis $e&eate$ Hans Stein+e0 /oth Stee)e an$ Stein+e we#e consi$e#e$ 1o)ice'en &o# Lon$os these wins showe$ he was se#io.s abo.t beatin, the G#ee+0 <n May !F* =>C:* Lewis was invo)ve$ in anothe# $#ea' 'atch* this ti'e in Mont#ea)0 It was a #e'atch o& the &a'o.s "bite 'atch" a,ainst Hen#i DeG)ane0 A&te# ne,otiations that )aste$ yea#s* the 'atch was 'a$e by the $ec#ee o& the Mont#ea) Ath)etic Co''ission0 In &#ont o& a c#ow$ o& D*666* Lewis sta#te$ s)ow* a))owin, DeG)ane to )ea$ the attac+ an$ the F#ench'an won the &i#st &a)) in ="H=F0 A&te# that* Lewis asse#te$ hi'se)& an$ sta#te$ to #o.,h DeG)ane .10 Litt)e by )itt)e* DeG)ane )ost his st#en,th an$ con&i$ence0 At =FH="* he was 1ine$ &o))owin, a Lewis hea$)oc+0 Lewis #e&.se$ to #e)ease the ho)$ a&te# the &a)) was ca))e$ an$ see'e$ $ete#'ine$ to e'ba##ass DeG)ane* i& not h.#t hi'0 A&te# the #est 1e#io$* Lewis 1o.n$e$ DeG)ane with e)bows* an$ 1.nches be&o#e &inishin, hi' with an a#'ba# in CH"60 Fans booe$ an$ th#ew thin,s at Lewis as he #et.#ne$ to the $#essin, #oo'0 The #e1o#te# &e)t it wasn4t s.1e#io# w#est)in, that $e&eate$ DeG)ane* it was Lewis4 #o.,hness that Hen#i co.)$n4t han$)e0 Fans wante$ anothe# 'atch* with st#ict w#est)in, #.)es obse#ve$0 This win see'e$ to be one o& Lewis4 $e'an$s &o# w#est)in, Lon$os09:=!a; Lewis was a)so bein, b.i)$ .1 &o# an E$ Don Geo#,e 'atch in Mont#ea) that too+ 1)ace on <ctobe# =0 <n -.ne "* Lewis sat #in,si$e to watch Lon$os $e&eat -a,ot Sin,h in Chica,o0 A&te# the 'atch* Lewis a,ain cha))en,e$ Lon$os &o# a tit)e 'atch0 Lon$os $i$n4t #e&.se0 The tit)e .ni&ication 'atch between NWA wo#)$ cha'1ion -i' Lon$os an$ New Yo#+ K Ca)i&o#nia wo#)$ cha'1ion -i' /#ownin, too+ 1)ace o.t $oo#s in the h.,e Ma$ison SB.a#e Ga#$en /ow) in Lon, Is)an$ on -.ne !"* =>C:0 The 'atch $#ew a c#ow$ o& !"*666 an$ a ,ate o& 5:6*6660 Lon$os s1ent 'ost on the 'atch on the $e&ense b.t 'ana,e$ to 1in /#ownin, with a se#ies o& bo$y s)a's a&te# =H=6H=60 <n -.)y ?* Lon$os beat Shi+at in hi)a$e)1hia $#awin, =6*6660 -.)y =F in Fenway a#+ saw Lon$os an$ AWA cha'1 E$ Don Geo#,e w#est)e to a : ho.# an$ D 'in.te $#aw in &#ont o& !F*666 with a ,ate o& 5?6*==60 Iicto#ies &o))owe$ ove# Eve#ett

Ma#sha)) %-.)y !68Washin,ton DC(* G.s Sonnenbe#, %-.)y !=8T#enton(* San$o# S@abo %-.)y !:8/a)ti'o#e(* an$ -oe Ma)cewic@ %-.)y !?LRocheste#(0 Anothe# $#aw with E$ Don Geo#,e too+ 1)ace on A.,.st =* =>C:0 This one )aste$ one ho.# an$ C6 'in.te with =:*D66 atten$in,0 <n A.,.st !!* Lon$os #e1eate$ his win ove# -i' /#ownin, in Los An,e)es $#awin, >*"660 The =>C: LewisALon$os Match an$ a New Gate Reco#$ The s.1e# 'atch between Lewis an$ Lon$os was si,ne$ on -.)y !C in the o&&ice o& A#ch Wa#$* s1o#ts e$ito# o& the CHICAG< TRI/MNE0 The 'atch was boo+e$ o.t$oo#s in Chica,o4s W#i,)ey Fie)$ with the $ate bein, Se1te'be# !6* =>C:0 It beca'e one o& the heaviest 1#o'ote$ 'atches in histo#y with the Chica,o 1a1e#s ca##yin, so'e ty1e o& Lon$os o# Lewis sto#y eve#y $ay0 Fo# 'ost o& Se1te'be#* Lewis t#aine$ in Chica,o to he)1 c#eate ba))yhoo0 The 'atch was bi))e$ as a shoot an$ both w#est)e#s si,ne$ a&&i$avits in &#ont o& the co''ission ,.a#anteein, it was a contest0 The 'atch ha$ a >6 'in.te ti'e )i'it with two 2.$,es* 1ic+e$ by the I))inois Ath)etic Co''ission* #ea$y to 'a+e a $ecision i& the ti'e )i'it #an o.t0 This #.)in, was 'a$e to sto1 the w#est)e#s &#o' sta))in, in an atte'1t to tie# o.t the othe# w#est)e#* whi)e bo#in, the c#ow$0 Most &e)t it ,ave an a$vanta,e to Lewis beca.se Lon$os was o.twei,he$ by C6 to C" 1o.n$s0 <& co.#se* we +now to$ay it #ea))y $i$n4t 'atte#***beca.se the#e was no chance it wo.)$ eve# be a t#.e contest0 The#e we#e on)y two w#est)in, 'atches on the ca#$0 The othe# 'a2o# 'atch &eat.#e$ Chica,o &avo#ite -i' McMi))en w#est)in, Don Geo#,e0 The #est o& the ca#$ was 1#o bo3in, with the best &i,ht bein, Ein, Levina+y ve#ses A#t Sy+es0 The 'atch $#ew C"*?!" with a ,ate o& 5>?*C6! b#ea+in, the #eco#$s set by F#an+ Gotch an$ Hec+ensch'i$t in =>== at Co'is+ey a#+0 Lewis was the a,,#esso# &o# 'ost o& the 'atch* b.t his hea$)oc+s we#e b#o+en an$ he was wo#n o.t by C6 'in.te 'a#+0 A&te# both &e)) o.t o& the #in,* Lon$os bo$y s)a''e$ Lewis to the 'at an$ a11)ie$ a ha''e# )oc+ an$ than a$$e$ a th#ee8B.a#te# ne)son to &o#ce the St#an,)e#4s sho.)$e#s $own &o# the th#ee co.nt0 The ti'e was anno.nce$ as :> 'in.tes an$ !D secon$s09:=C; In the $#essin, #oo'* Lewis sai$ that Lon$os "w#est)e$ a ,#eat 'atch* bette# than I e31ecte$0" His t#aine#s Toots Mon$t an$ Lo. Ta)abe# a$'itte$ the sa'e0 The )on, soa1 o1e#a with -i' Lon$os was ove#0 Lewis then 2oine$ his 1a#ents an$ two siste#s* who ha$ been #in,si$e0 He s1ent the ne3t &ive $ays in Chica,o with his &a'i)y be&o#e #et.#nin, to G)en$a)e to chec+ on his #esta.#ants0 <n A.,.st !D Lewis ha$ a$$e$ to his win in Mont#ea) ove# Hen#i DeG)ane by beatin, yo.n, Yvon Robe#ts in =H6"H6C09:=Ca; This set .1 an AWA wo#)$ tit)e 'atch with E$ Don Geo#,e on <ctobe# =* =>C:0 Lewis )ost on a $isB.a)i&ication0 Danno <4Mahoney <n <ctobe# "* =>C:* Lewis boo+e$ 1assa,e on the ocean )ine# I)e $e F#ance &o# a to.# o& En,)an$* F#ance an$ the #est o& E.#o1e0 This to.# ,ot a bi, b.i)$ .1 in RING MAGAGINE *who c)ai'e$ Lewis was 1#o w#est)in,4s ,#eatest a'bassa$o#0 Lewis was sai$ to have ca##ie$ )ette#s &#o' seve#a) )ea$in, A'e#ican citi@ens to both A$o)1h Hit)e# in Ge#'any an$ /enito M.sso)ini in Ita)y an$ c)ai's we#e 'a$e that he wo.)$ visit the'0 Lewis4s hea$ B.a#te#s was in Lon$on0 I thin+ he was sent ove# by a.) /owse# &o# anothe# #e'atch with Hen#i DeG)ane0 <n <ctobe# !> he w#est)e$ Eo)a Ewa#iani* Nove'be# "* =>C:* Lewis $e&eate$ Cha#)es Ri,o.)ot an$ on Nove'be# == he beat Ray St /e#na#$ in a#is F#ance0 The 'atch with Hen#i DeG)ane was on Nove'be# =>* =>C: an$ Lewis won the 'atch09:=:; So'e new #e1o#ts have Lewis )osin, to DeG)ane on Dece'be# D %o# Dece'be# =6( at a#is0 =>C: was the ,#eatest yea# 1#o w#est)in, ha$ eve# ha$* b.t 'any o& the 1#o'ote#s #esente$ the i$ea o& havin, thei# b.siness4s an$ sto#y)ines cont#o))e$ by a 1e#&o#'e#* na'e)y -i' Lon$os0 -.st abo.t eve#y 1#o'ote# be,an a B.est to &in$ a new cha'1ion to #e1)ace -i''y0 They nee$e$ so'eone +in$ o& $.'b an$ naNve* who wo.)$ be wi))in, to wo#+ on a chea1 sa)a#y an$ not 'a+e waves0 /oston 1#o'ote# a.) /owse# &i,.#e$ the best 1)ace to &in$ s.ch a 'an wo.)$ be ove# seas* in a 1oo# co.nt#y )i+e I#e)an$0 /ein, a G#ee+ i''i,#ant ha$ a)ways been a 'a2o# 1a#t o& the Lon$os4 att#action to his &an base an$ /owse# ha$ been &o#eve# t#yin, to c#eate an I#ish Lon$os in /oston0 In =>C: /owse# t.#ne$ his attention to a D# at#ic+ <4Ca))a,han o& Eant.#+* I#e)an$* who ha$ won the ha''e# event in the =>!F an$ =>C! <)y'1ics0 /owse# sent his &#ien$ an$ &#ont 'an* Wo#ceste# 1#o'ote# -ac+ McG#ath* to I#e)an$ with an o&&e# &o# <4Ca))a,han0 T.#ne$ o.t that <4Ca))a,han was the on)y 'an in I#e)an$ with no nee$ &o# A'e#ican $o))a#s* b.t he $i$ +now a yo.n, I#ish so)$ie# na'e$ Danno <4Mahoney that 'i,ht be ab)e to

&i)) the 1osition0 A&te# chec+in, <4Mahoney o.t* McG#ath )i+e$ want he saw0 Danno was a ,oo$ )oo+in, ath)ete* not too b#i,ht* b.t wi))in, to )ea#n how to 1e#&o#' as a w#est)e#0 In Dece'be# =>C:* Lewis was at the Sta$i.' C).b in Lon$on* En,)an$ wo#+in, o.t with the &ea#e$ #i11e# /e#t Assi#ati0 McG#ath b#o.,ht <4Mahoney to En,)an$ so Lewis co.)$ )oo+e$ the +i$ ove# an$ 1e#ha1s teach hi' a &ew t#ic+s0 Lewis as+e$ a yo.n, w#est)e# na'e$ Cha#)es A0 Yo.n, to ,o into the #in, with <4Mahoney an$ beat hi' as &ast as he co.)$0 Danno )aste$ two 'in.tes with the .n+nown w#est)e#0 <n Dec0 ?* =>C:* <4Mahony ha$ his &i#st o&&icia) 1#o 'atch ve#s.s E$ "St#an,)e#" Lewis at Lon$on4s Sta$i.' C).b0 Lewis* a 'any ti'e wo#)$ cha'1ion an$ one o& the 'ost &a'o.s t#.e w#est)e# in histo#y* was s.11ose$ to ca##y the yo.n, ath)ete to a ?6 'in.te $#aw* b.t &o.n$ the tas+ i'1ossib)e* so he 2.st 1ine$ Danno a&te# &ive 'in.te0 <4Mahony $i$ not #et.#n &o# the secon$ &a))* so .n$e# the En,)ish #o.n$ syste'* it was #.)e$ a $#aw0 This setbac+ 'a$e &o# a ba$ ni,ht* b.t a&te# consi$e#in, the boy4s ine31e#ience with the 1#o ,a'e an$ the abi)ity o& the 'an he w#est)e$* McG#ath &e)t he ha$ stoo$ .1 we)) eno.,h in a $i&&ic.)t sit.ation an$* in &act* ha$ shown #a#e 1ose0 McG#ath an$ /owse# a,#ee$ to b#in, thei# new sta# to A'e#ica0 <nce <4Mahoney was in the /oston* the R sto#y beca'e that Danno won the Lon$on 'atch the ove# Lewis an$ was the ,#eatest new ta)ent in 1#o w#est)in, sense Gotch09:="; Lewis #et.#ne$ to G)en$a)e by the en$ o& Dece'be#0 <n -an.a#y !* =>C"* he 'ain evente$ Lo. Da#o4s &i#st ca#$ o& the yea#* $e&eatin, the ,iant Hans Stein+e at The <)y'1ic in &#ont o& D*666 &ans0 To' ac+s ha$ 1)ans &o# a Lon$osALewis 'atch in St Lo.is* so on -an.a#y : E$ $#ew D*:?? in $e&eatin, Ray Stee)e0 In St Lo.is* Lewis hea#$ sto#ies o& a sensationa) yo.n, w#est)e# wo#+in, o.t in )oca) ,y's0 The +i$ ha$ 'a2o# w#est)in, s+i))s* with ,oo$ )oo+s that #iva)e$ Lon$os* co.1)e$ with a ,#eat attit.$e an$ $e$ication to the s1o#t0 To' ac+ an$ the &#ont o&&ice &e)t he was the &.t.#e o& St Lo.is w#est)in,0 The boy was =F yea#s o)$* an$ ac+ was in the 1#ocess o& boo+in, hi' to a .n$e# ca#$ 'atch* b.t wante$ o1inions on the boy4s 1otentia)0 ac+ as+e$ Lewis to wo#+ hi' o.t at a )oca) ,y' an$ then #e)ay his tho.,hts bac+ to the o&&ice0 The boy4s na'e was Lo. Thes@0 Lewis was a)ways inte#este$ in yo.n, ta)ent an$ ,)a$)y &o))owe$ th#o.,h on the #eB.est0 At the St Lo.is /.siness Men4s Gy'* Lewis was int#o$.ce$ to the yo.n, Lo. Thes@ on)y to #ea)i@e$ he ha$ 'et hi' the yea# be&o#e in Des Moines0 Lewis ac+now)e$,e$ Thes@ an$ o&&e#e$ to ,ive the yo.n, w#est)e# a wo#+o.t0 Thes@ i$o)i@e$ E$ 'o#e that any othe# w#est)e#* b.t he ha$ beco'e coc+y a&te# beatin, 'any o& the )oca) 1#os0 Loo+in, at the &at o)$ St#an,)e# .1 c)ose* Thes@ tho.,ht he co.)$ beat hi'* so he was 'o#e than wi))in, to ,et on the 'at0 The &i#st 'ove Thes@ t#ie$ was a sin,)e8)e, ta+e $own0 Thes@ was s.1e# B.ic+* b.t Lewis co.nte#e$ the ta+e $own an$ ,ot behin$ Thes@* whe#e he staye$0 Thes@ t#ie$ eve#ythin, to b#ea+ )oose b.t nothin, wo#+e$0 Fo# =" 'in.tes* Lewis #.bbe$ Thes@4s &ace into the 'at0 Lewis then ca))e$ ti'e* 1ic+e$ Lo. .1* an$ s)a11in, hi' on the bac+* to)$ hi' he $i$ "<E"0 Lewis than+e$ hi' &o# the wo#+o.t an$ )e&t0 Thes@ was h.'i)iate$ an$ so $isco.#a,e$ he 1ac+e$ .1 his ,ea# an$ )ate# B.it0 Lewis act.a))y was i'1#esse$ by the yo.n, boys s+i))s an$ ,.ts* so he to)$ To' ac+ that he was wo#th the 1)anne$ invest'ent0 When he hea#$ the ha#$ wo#+o.t ha$ $isco.#a,e$ Thes@* Lewis ca))e$ Thes@4s &athe# te))in, hi' that his son ha$ eve#y thin, it too+ to 'a+e a )ot o& 'oney as a 1#o w#est)e#0 He convince$ the &athe# o& Lo.4s &.t.#e* an$ Thes@ #et.#ne$ to ac+4s o&&ice the ne3t $ay0 Lo. Thes@ neve# &o#,ot Lewis4s +in$ actions* an$ the two 'en #e'aine$ )i&e )on, &#ien$s09:="a; Lewis then &)ew into New Yo#+ City to w#est)e &o# the AWA wo#)$ tit)e a,ainst E$ Don Geo#,e0 Geo#,e won the 'atch with a &)yin, tac+)e an$ a $o.b)e a#' )oc+ in :CH:F0 Lewis then ha$ &o.# wins in the <hio a#ea be&o#e sto11in, in St Lo.is &o# anothe# victo#y* this ti'e ove# Geo#,e Gaha#ias be&o#e D*:F> %-an.a#y =?(0 D.#in, -an.a#y* Lewis w#est)e$ a &ew 'atches a#o.n$ Los An,e)es an$ San F#ancisco0 <n the .n$e#ca#$ o& a Man Mo.ntain DeanA Chie& Litt)e Wo)& 'ain event at The <)y'1ic %-an.a#y !C(* Lewis beat -i' Mc Mi))an on a &o.) a&te# a thi#$ &a)) tac+)e )an$e$ in E$ ,#oin09:=?; Toots Mon$t ha$ beco'e a 1a#tne# with the b#othe#s Lo. an$ -ac+ Da#o in Los

An,e)es0 Mon$t was boo+in, ta)ent a)) ove# No#the#n an$ So.the#n Ca)i&o#nia an$ even .1 into the no#thwest an$ $own into Te3as0 Toots4 sty)e was to stay in the bac+,#o.n$ an$ neve# when o.t o& his way to bi)) hi'se)& as the t#.e 1#o'ote#* b.t eve#yone +new hi' as a 'a2o# 1owe# in the a#ea0 So it4s ve#y ha#$ to te)) 2.st how 'any 1oc+ets he ha$ his han$s in by =>C"0 He 'ove$ west in =>C:* a&te# New Yo#+ City w#est)in, went in to a s).'1* 'ain)y beca.se o& Toots4 1#ob)e's with Lon$os0 Toots4 #e1.tation was to $est#oy eve#ythin, he c#eate$* b.t it wo.)$ ta+e hi' .nti) =>C> to sc#ew .1 Los An,e)es &o# ,oo$0 In =>C:* Da#o an$ Toots ha$ 1#o'ote$ Man Mo.ntain Dean into the sho#t te#' bo3 o&&ice +in, o& LA0 He ha$ th#ee h.,e se))o.t 'atches with -i' Lon$os* a)) )oses* b.t #e'aine$ a &an &avo#ite0 In =>C"* Toots new 1#o2ect was an In$ian w#est)e# na'e$ Chie& Litt)e Wo)&0 <n the -an.a#y !C ca#$* Litt)e Wo)& beat Dean with an In$ian $eath )oc+ an$ was 1.ttin, a )ot o& 1#ess.#e on Lon$os &o# a tit)e 'atch0 A)so on the ca#$ was /#on+o Na,.#s+i* who was in town t#ainin, with the Chica,o /ea#s on hi) W#i,)ey4s Cata)ina Is)an$0 Two othe# new sta#s on the ca#$ we#e Me3ican Iincent Lo1e@ an$ Dean Detton0 <n -an.a#y !"* =>C: Lo. Da#o &i)e$ a 1#otest with the Ca)i&o#nia Co''ission statin, that St#an,)e# Lewis ha$ #.n o.t on a cont#act to 'eet Chie& Litt)e Wo)& on -an.a#y C6 at The <)y'1ic09:=D; Two $ays )ate#* Lewis #e1)ie$ in the 1#ess* that he was #ecove#in, &#o' an in2.#y s.&&e#e$ &#o' the &o.) on the -an.a#y !C0 -i' McMi))an* a)so in town with the Chica,o /ea#s* too+ Lewis4 1)ace09:=F; That sa'e $ay* it was anno.nce$ that Toots Mon$t ha$ ta+en the 1osition o& Litt)e Wo)&4s 'ana,e#09:=>; This sto#y)ine was a co'1)ete wo#+0 Lewis ha$ been wo#+in, in San F#ancisco $.#in, the wee+ an$ he was boo+e$ &o# anothe# s.1e# 'atch with -i' Lon$os in St Lo.is on -an.a#y C=0 %In &act* Lewis was in St Lo.is when he was #e1o#te$ to be in LA0( I thin+ Toots an$ Da#o was atte'1tin, to 1.t the i$ea into the hea$ o& &ans that 'a2o# w#est)e#s $i$n4t want to w#est)e Litt)e Wo)&* beca.se he 1)ane$ to 1.)) a )itt)e t#ic+ on cha'1 Lon$os0 <n -an.a#y C=* =>C"* Lewis $#ew =:*>!= %an$ 'o#e than 5="*666( in St Lo.is in anothe# atte'1t to ta+e the tit)e &#o' -i' Lon$os0 He )ost b.t ha$ a ,oo$ e3c.se with -i''y beatin, hi' with a new ho)$ that wo.)$ )ate# be ca))e$ a s)ee1e#0 Many &ans be)ieve$ Lewis4 sto#y* that Lon$os ha$ been ,iven a ")on, co.nt" by the #e&e#ee nea# the en$ o& the 'atch* an$ &e)t the &inishin, ho)$ was a cho+e* th.s a #e'atch was o#$e#e$ &o# Ma#ch ? bac+ in St Lo.is09:!6; <n Feb#.a#y !!* =>C"* Lo. Da#o attac+e$ -i' Lon$os in the 1#ess* notin, that Lon$os was atte'1tin, to #.n o.t on an a,#ee$ 'atch with Chie& Litt)e Wo)&0 Da#o then state$ that Lon$os wo.)$ $e&en$ the tit)e a,ainst Litt)e Wo)& at The <)y'1ic on Feb#.a#y !D* =>C" o# the In$ian wo.)$ w#est)e G.s Sonnenbe#,* with Lon$os bein, st#i11e$ o& the wo#)$ tit)e in Ca)i&o#nia0 An inte#nationa) to.#na'ent wo.)$ then be #.n in Los An,e)es to &in$ a new cha'1ion09:!=; The 1#e8'atch w#ite .1s 'a$e it +nown that Lon$os 'ost )i+e)y wo.)$ "no show" an$ Wo)& wo.)$ be w#est)in, Sonnenbe#,70an$ that4s what ha11ene$0 Wo)& then beat Sonnenbe#, in &#ont o& a so)$ o.t <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.'09:!!; Soon a&te#* Lon$os was s.s1en$e$ by the Ca)i&o#nia co''ission an$ this )e$ to Lon$os a)so bein, s.s1en$e$ in New Yo#+ City70a,ain7beca.se so'e states ha$ a,#ee'ents to bac+e$ .1 othe# state co''ission4s $ecisions0 He a)so was s.s1en$e$ in I))inois09:!C; So Toots Mon$t was once a,ain 1.ttin, the sc#ews to the G#ee+0 Lon$os ca))e$ the who)e 'ess a 2o+e an$ th#eaten to w#est)e in E.#o1e0 Lewis ha$ beco'e a #e,.)a# in St Lo.is an$ on Feb#.a#y =: he $e&eate$ -i' /#ownin, in the city0 This ha$ to be viewe$ as a 'a2o# win &o# E$* a&te# a)) the 2obs he ha$ $one &o# /#ownin, ove# the )ast yea#0 /#ownin,4s stoc+ $#o11e$ &ast a&te# )osin, his tit)e an$ wo.)$ s1en$ the #est o& his sho#t ca#ee# 1.ttin, ove# othe#s0 To show the va).e o& Lon$os as a $#aw* this 'atch on)y $#ew "*C>?0 The Ma#ch ?* =>C" St Lo.is 'atch between Lewis an$ Lon$os saw -i''y on the $e&ense in the ea#)y 1o#tion o& the 'atch* b.t at one 1oint* he $i$ a11)y the s)ee1e#* b.t a new #e&e#ee #.)e$ the ho)$ a cho+e0 Lewis &o))owe$ with th#ee hea$)oc+s b.t Lon$os was ab)e to +ee1 his sho.)$e#s o&& the 'at an$ b#ea+ &#ee0 The cha'1ion then went into action* hittin, E$ with a n.'be# o& e)bows* &o))owe$ .1 by a co.1)e #o))in, &#ont hea$)oc+s an$ then a bo$y b)oc+ that #es.)te$ in the St#an,)e# bein, 1ine$0 Ti'e was C>H6C0 It $#ew ==*:CF an$ a ,ate o& 5=!*66" on a #ainy St Lo.is ni,ht09:!:; Lewis then hea$e$ &o# ho'e* b.t &i#st sto11e$ in At)anta on Ma#ch =! &o# a $#aw with anothe# yo.n, sta#* <#vi))e /#own0 He then t#ave)e$ th#o.,h Te3as an$

A#i@ona* be&o#e s1en$in, the )ast &ew wee+s o& Ma#ch wo#+in, o.t o& G)en$a)e0 In San F#ancisco on Ma#ch !?* he )ost to -oe Savo)$i0 Ray Stee)e was bein, b.i)t .1 &o# a Lon$os 'atch in Minnea1o)is* an$ Lewis $i$ a 2ob &o# hi' on A1#i) !0 A&te# the 'atch* Lewis went n.ts attac+e$ the #e&e#ee an$ his own secon$0 Two ni,hts )ate# on A1#i) : in St a.)* Lewis $e&eate$ hee) Geo#,e Eove#)y in !DH660 -i' /#ownin, $e&eate$ Lewis in Chica,o on A1#i) ==0 a.) /owse#4s invest'ent in Danno <4Mahoney was 1ayin, o&&0 In Danno4s $eb.t 'atch in A'e#ica* he $#ew =:*666 to /oston Ga#$en to see hi' $e&eat E#nie D.se+0 9:!"; Two wee+s )ate# he $#ew =?*666 in $e&eatin, R.$y D.se+ at the Ga#$en09:!?; <n Feb#.a#y =F* he $e&eate$ Ray Stee)e in Ma$ison SB.a#e Ga#$en9:!D; an$ then $#ew =6*666 winnin, &#o' R.$y D.se+ on Feb#.a#y !! in To#onto0 <n Ma#ch =F* Danno #et.#ne$ to New Yo#+4s Ga#$en* $e&eatin, e38cha'1ion -i' /#ownin, in &#ont o& D*"6609:!F; He a)so hea$)ine$ in St Lo.is an$ Chica,o0 Whe#e eve# the#e we#e I#ish &ans* Danno was a 'a2o# $#aw0 His in #in, wo#+ was 2.st 1assab)e an$ he act.a))y co.)$n4t w#est)e a )ic+* b.t he was a ,oo$ )oo+in, boy who wo#+e$ ha#$ to i'1#ove an$ $i$ eve#ythin, as+e$ o& hi'0 He a)so ha$ been ,iven a coo) &inishin, ho)$ ca))e$ "The I#ish Whi1"0 <n A1#i) =* =>C"* -ac+ C.#)ey boo+e$ <4Mahoney bac+ into the New Yo#+ Ga#$en to 'et Dic+ Shi+at0 Dic+ Shi+at4s attit.$e #ea))y ha$n4t chan,e$ '.ch0 He was sti)) .1set an$ hosti)e a&te# a)) the $i#t that ha$ been shove)e$ on hi' by Mon$t* Lewis* C.#)ey an$ -i' Lon$os0 He #esente$ $oin, 2obs &o# Lon$os* b.t 1.ttin, ove# a yo.n, non8w#est)e# )i+e <4Mahoney '.st have #ea))y b.#ne$ hi' .10 ?*666 &ans watche$ Shi+at $o'inate <4Mahoney in the ea#)y 1a#t o& the 'atch0 Danno )oo+e$ bewi)$e#e$ an$ 1aine$0 At one 1oint* Shi+at th#ew <4Mahoney into a co#ne# an$ b)oc+e$ his esca1e with e)bows* a#'s* an$ han$s0 Danno* who $i$ have bo3in, e31e#ience* )ashe$ o.t with a 1.nch that ca.,ht Shi+at sB.a#e)y on the nose0 The I#ish'an )oo+e$ a1o)o,etic as b)oo$ s1.#te$ &#o' Dic+4s nose0 Shi+at &o))owe$ with a se#ies o& i))e,a) st#an,)e ho)$s* which ha$ the c#ow$ in an .1#oa#* as #e&e#ee Geo#,e /othne# )abo#e$ &#antica))y to b#ea+ the ho)$s0 Shi+it then see'e$ to ca)' $own as <4Mahoney when on the o&&ense0 Hea$)oc+s* ha''e#)oc+s an$ a &)yin, 'a#e &o))owe$0 <4Mahoney then hit Shi+at twice with &ea#e$ "I#ish whi10" A&te# the secon$* Shi+at stoo$ .1* shoo+ his hea$* an$ +ic+e$ <4Mahoney twice in the chest0 <4Mahoney san+ to the canvas* c#yin, that his #ibs we#e b#o+en0 With the +i$ .nab)e to contin.e* #e&e#ee /othne# $isB.a)i&ie$ Shi+at an$ awa#$e$ the 'atch to Danno0 Stan$in,* <4Mahoney )oo+e$ .nsatis&ie$* an$ &eeb)y wave$ at Shi+at to contin.e* so'ethin, Shi+at see'e$ 'o#e than wi))in, to $o0 /othne# b)oc+e$ his 1ath* an$ Shi+at was esco#te$ &#o' the #in, by two 1o)ice'en &o# sa&ety4s sa+e09:!>; .ttin, the #oo+ie in the #in, with Dic+ Shi+at ha$ to have been consi$e#e$ a te##ib)e 'ista+e* b.t it was an e##o# they wo.)$ #e1eat0 <4Mahoney4s ne3t cha))en,e wo.)$ be St#an,)e# Lewis hi'se)&0 Lewis &)ew into /oston on A1#i) !6* =>C" an$ t#aine$ &o# a wee+ in the city be&o#e the 'atch on A1#i) !?0 a#t o& the 'atch sto#y)ine was the Lon$on 'atch between the two* with both c)ai'in, victo#y0 The 'atch $#ew a h.,e /oston Ga#$en c#ow$ o& !6*6660 <4Mahoney won the &i#st &a)) .sin, the I#ish whi1 in !=H!D0 A&te# the 1in* Danno ,ot .1 an$ wa)+e$ to his co#ne#0 Lewis then ,ot .1 an$ #.she$ at <4Mahoney swin,in,0 E$ hit Danno an$ the boy &e)) th#o.,h the #o1es* b.t the I#ish'an sc#a'b)e$ .1 with b)oo$ in his eyes0 /y that ti'e* the #in, was &i))e$ with 1o)ice* secon$s* an$ a &ew s1ectato#s0 A batt)e #oya) ens.e$* with Danno #.shin, Lewis0 So'eone c)i11e$ Danno &#o' behin$ an$ &)oo#e$ hi'0 Stan$in, bac+ .1* Danno 1o11e$ an o&&ice# on the 2aw* +noc+in, hi' &at0 Th#owin, 1eo1)e o.t o& his way* he &o.n$ Lewis in a co#ne# s.##o.n$e$ by wo.)$8be 1eace'a+e#s0 Danno an$ Lewis 1.she$ eve#yone asi$e* an$ e3chan,e$ b)ows* .nti) Lewis was )ai$ o.t* a11a#ent)y .nconscio.s in his co#ne#0 Danno chec+e$ his +n.c+)es an$ wa)+e$ coo))y to his $#essin, #oo'0 Lewis was ca##ie$ by 1o)ice'en an$ atten$ants bac+ sta,e0 When the #est 1e#io$ en$e$* eve#yone was in the #in,700b.t E$* who was .nab)e to contin.e0 The 'atch was awa#$e$ to <4Mahoney09:C6; Lo. Da#o4s Inte#nationa) To.#na'ent to #e1)ace -i' Lon$os as cha'1ion sta#te$ on A1#i) !:* =>C" with a )a#,e 1a#a$e in the 'o#nin,0 With a)) the w#est)e#s in ca#s* they 'oto#e$ $own /#oa$way /)v$ &#o' city ha)) to the <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.'* with =664s o& 1eo1)e )inin, the st#eet to watch a)) the ,oo&y w#est)e#s $oin, thei# acts0 The act.a) to.#na'ent was the bi,,est an$ best since the &a'e$ New

Yo#+ City GR to.#na'ent o& =>="0 <ve# ?6 'a2o# w#est)e#s we#e boo+e$ to 1a#tici1ate an$ so'e we#e the best in the nation0 It was a $o.b)e e)i'ination to.#na'ent* with th#ee ca#$s #.nnin, each wee+09:C=; Lewis an$ <4Mahoney we#e ente#e$ a)on, with s.ch 'a2o# w#est)e#s as Chie& Litt)e Wo)&* Man Mo.ntain Dean* Iincent Lo1e@* -oe Savo)$i* -i' /#ownin,* Nic+ L.t@e* Hans Stein+e* ete Meh#in,e#* Ei'an E.$o* E#nie D.se+* -oe Ma)cewic@* Ma#in )estina* Fe)i3 MiB.et* Mi+e Ro'ano* Ea#) McC#ea$y* Dean Detton an$ 'any 'o#e0 Danno &)ew in to Los An,e)es &o))owin, thei# /oston 'atch0 With the' was a.) /owse# who was 1a#t o& the #.)es co''ittee with -ac+ C.#)ey* Ray Fabiani* Toots Mon$t an$ To' ac+s0 /owse# b#o.,ht with hi' the &a'o.s "E$ Lewis be)t"* which ha$ been .se$ as the AWA tit)e be)t* b.t was now ,oin, to be 1#esente$ to the winne# o& the to.#na'ent0 E$ Don Geo#,e eithe# ha$ anothe# ve#sion o& the Lewis be)t* o# was ho)$in, his t#o.se#s .1 by han$0 % e#ha1s the Ric+a#$ /e)t was bein, .se$0(0 Lewis $i$n4t t#ave) $i#ect)y ho'e* sto11in, &o# two 2obs &o# AWA cha'1ion E$ Don Geo#,e %/.&&a)o on A1#i) !> an$ Mont#ea) on May ?(0 <n May !!* =>C"* Lewis ha$ his &i#st to.#na'ent 'atch at the <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.'* beatin, Ma#in )estina in >H""0 The news1a1e# c)ai'e$ the vete#ans w#est)e$ &o# the cha'1ionshi1 o& the o)$ &o)+4s ho'e09:C!; Danno <4Mahoney was the ea#)y &avo#ite with Chie& Litt)e Wo)&* to win the to.#na'ent an$ he #eco#$e$ wins ove# Howa#$ Cantowine %May =888F*"66 with :*FF" 1ai$ K 5"*=66( an$ Man Mo.ntain Dean %=6*666 with D*="C 1ai$ K 5"*?66(0 Lewis was sche$.)e$ to 'eet <4Mahoney on May !>* b.t Danno $#o11e$ o.t o& the to.#na'ent c)ai'in, a in2.#y0 Lewis was ,iven a $e&a.)t victo#y an$ #eboo+e$ with the .n$e&eate$ ete Meh#in,e#0 Meh#in,e# was an <)y'1ic ,a'es cha'1ion* who was see'in,)y bein, $eve)o1e$ into a 'a2o# 1#o sta#09:CC; Lewis beat Meh#in,e# in !D 'in.tes .sin, a se#ies o& hea$)oc+s an$ a bo$y s)a'0 The 2o+e in the news1a1e# was Lewis4 a,e an$ abi)ity to 1e#s1i#e0 "Lewis sweat so '.ch the boys in the &i#st #ow we#e chantin, "Rive# Stay Away F#o' My Doo#"0" The )oss was Meh#in,e#4s &i#st as a 1#o09:C:; The 'ain event on the May !> ca#$ ha$ a 'ino# .1set0 Toots Mon$t4s Chie& Litt)e Wo)&* a&te# $#ivin, Lon$os o.t o& Los An,e)es* an$ the to.#na'ent &avo#ite* was beaten by the towns new sta#* Iincent Lo1e@* when the in$ian 'isse$ a &)yin, tac+)e an$ was co.nte$ o.t o& the #in, in ?H==0 The ca#$ $#ew =6*:66 with >*C>C 1ayin, 5>*!660 Lo. Da#o ha$ been )oo+in, &o# Me3ican sta# &o# yea#s an$ with the han$so'e Lo1e@ he ha$ &o.n$ his 'an0 Wo)&4s )oss was his &i#st o& the $o.b)e8 e)i'ination to.#na'ent0 <n -.ne "* Lewis $e&eate$ the Ge#'an w#est)e# Hans Ea'1&e# at The <)y'1ic in anothe# to.#na'ent 'atch0 Lewis then went on the #oa$ to Ho.ston to w#est)e -i' Lon$os on -.ne =: in anothe# NWA tit)e 'atch0 The event was he)$ o.t $oo#s at /.&&a)o Sta$i.' in &#ont o& >*666 s1ectato#s* that 1ai$ 5=!*666* a #eco#$ &o# w#est)in, an$ bo3in, in Te3as0 Lon$os won the &i#st &a)) in != 'in.tes a&te# +o4in, E$ with a 1.nch $.#in, a b#ea+0 Lewis won the secon$ &a)) with a hea$)oc+ in =:HCD0 Lon$os too+ the thi#$ &a)) .sin, his s)ee1e# ho)$* which the &ans tho.,ht was a st#an,)e0 The c#ow$ was a)so .1set with the &act that E$4s &oot was o.tsi$e the #o1es0 A #e'atch was ta)+e$ abo.t* b.t the events that &o))owe$ en$e$ any chance o& that ha11enin,09:C"; -i' Lon$os si,ne$ &o# two 'a2o# 'atches at the be,innin, o& -.ne =>C"0 The 'ost 1.b)ici@e$ was a #et.#n to New Yo#+ City4s Yan+ee Sta$i.' &o# a 'atch on -.)y D with the 'an who #an hi' o.t o& Los An,e)es* Chie& Litt)e Wo)&0 It was the ann.a) Mi)+ F.n$ ca#$* which ha$ the bac+in, o& the Ran$o)1h Hea#st news1a1e#s0 The othe# 'atch was the bi, show$own with the .n$e&eate$ Danno <4Mahoney on -.ne !D in /oston4s Fenway a#+0 Lon$os ha$ contin.e$ bein, w#est)in,4s bi,,est bo3 o&&ice $#aw* b.t #.'o#s we#e &)yin, that he was ,ettin, #ea$y to #eti#e an$ 1ass on the tit)e0 /oth o& these 'atches ha$ "tit)e chan,e" w#itten on the'0 The ,#eat Lon$os was abo.t to &a))* an$ that was so'ethin, no t#.e &an co.)$ 'iss0 Lewis ha$ his bi,,est 'atch in the Los An,e)es in a co8'ain event on -.ne =>* =>C" a,ainst Iincent Lo1e@0 /y =>C"* the i$ea o& a )on, technica) 'atch with 1acin, was ove#0 Fans we#e co'in, to a#enas to have &.n an$ )a.,h at the c#a@y w#est)e#s b#aw)in, an$ &)yin, o.t o& the #in,0 It was one bi, 1a#ty 'ost ni,hts* an$ Lo1e@ &it into the sty)e o& the ti'e0 He ha$ been a a'ate.# w#est)e#* b.t in the 1#os he was 2.st a b#aw)e#* who4s bi, &inishe# was a e)bow o#7 1.nch to the &ace0 So Lewis ,ot 1.nche$ o.t by Lo1e@ an$ )ost0 A&te# the 'atch* Lewis ,ot .1

an$ be,an s).,,in, Lo1e@ &#o' co#ne# to co#ne#0 When the #e&e#ee an$ othe#s &ina))y se1a#ate$ the'* Lewis was hoote$ an$ showe#e$ with 1#o,#a's an$ 1ean.t she))s as he )e&t the #in, in a h.&&09:C?; The othe# 'ain event ha$ Litt)e Wo)& $e&eatin, San$o# S@abo in ="H=C to set .1 anothe# to.#na'ent 'atch with Lo1e@0 Lewis4 )ast to.#na'ent 'atch too+ 1)ace on -.ne !?* =>C"* when he )ost to E#nie D.se+ a&te# a #i,ht &o#ea#' an$ a bo$y 1#ess in DH!D0 The bi, sto#y was the 'ain event which ha$ Iincent Lo1e@ a,ain beatin, Chie& Litt)e Wo)&0 The news1a1e#s we#e &i))e$ with sto#ies won$e#in, why Lo. Da#o wo.)$ boo+ Lo1e@ ove# Litt)e Wo)&* when the In$ian was sche$.)e$ == $ays )ate# to be in a New Yo#+ City Sta$i.' show* s.11ose to $#aw 5=66*6660 The news'en won$e#e$ why Da#o wo.)$ +i)) a -ac+ C.#)ey eventO Was the C.#)ey T#.st &a))in, a1a#tO They &o.n$ o.t two $ays )ate#09:CD; <n -.ne !D* =>C"* Danno <4Mahoney $e&eate$ -i' Lon$os in &#ont o& !"*666 &ans at Fenway a#+* winnin, the NWAANew Yo#+ wo#)$ tit)es0 Lon$os $i$n4t 2.st )ose* he 'a$e the yo.n, boy )oo+ )i+e a cha'1ion0 Fo# ove# an ho.#* Danno th#ew Lon$os a)) ove# the #in,0 Wheneve# Lon$os a11)ie$ a ho)$* <4Mahoney b#o+e it .sin, s.1e#io# st#en,th0 At one ho.# an$ ten 'in.tes* as he $i$ in eve#y 'atch* Lon$os went on the o&&ensive* hittin, Danno with a se#ies o& s.1e# &ast 'oves &o))owe$ by bo$y s)a's0 /.t this ti'e the I#ish'an co.nte#e$ with &)yin, 'oves o& his own0 Not .sin, the I#ish Whi1* Danno th#ew Lon$os into the #o1es an$ ca.,ht the G#ee+ with th#ee &)yin, 'a#es0 Lon$os was whi11e$ into the #o1es a &o.#th ti'e* &o))owe$ by <4Mahoney hittin, hi' on the #ebo.n$ with a &)yin, bo$y scisso#s0 A&te# he &e)) to the 'at .n$e# the &.)) wei,ht o& Danno* Lon$os was st#a$$)e$ an$ 1inne$0 Danno ha$ $e&eate$ the ,#eat Lon$os to beco'e cha'1ion0 It was Lon$os4s &i#st t#.e 2ob in si3 yea#s an$ it was a)so the )ast one o& his ca#ee#0 The ti'e was one ho.#* =? 'in.tes an$ "6 secon$s0 In the $#essin, #oo' &o))owin, the 'atch* Lon$os c)ai'e$ that Danno was the st#on,est 'an he ha$ eve# &ace$0 His 1.b)ishe$ B.ote was "I +new a&te# the &i#st &ive 'in.tes I wo.)$ have to be ).c+y to win0 The Ei$ is ,#een* b.t with his st#en,th I be)ieve he can beat any 'an in the wo#)$0 An$ when I too+ the bo.t the New Yo#+ 1eo1)e to)$ 'e I ha$ nothin, to &ea#P I wish I +new as '.ch be&o#e I si,ne$70an$ this bo.t wo.)$ have neve# ta+en 1)ace0" Lon$os* havin, ca##ie$ the +i$ to a ,oo$ 'atch* an$ $#o11e$ his wo#)$ tit)e c)ean in the 'i$$)e o& the #in, on)y to 1#aise$ the winne# as the bette# 'an* too+ his &o#t.ne an$ when ho'e0 Danno4s co''ents we#e that Lon$os was "a #ea))y ,#eat w#est)e#" b.t not bi, eno.,h0 He then cha))en,e$ E$ Don Geo#,e the AWA Wo#)$ Cha'1ion* who was the #ea) cha'1ion in /oston09:CF; <4Mahoney then #e1)ace$ Lon$os on the Mi)+ Show in Yan+ee Sta$i.' beatin, Chie& Litt)e Wo)& %-.)y F* =>C"(0 Witho.t Lon$os o# the th#eat o& a tit)e chan,e* the show bo'be$* $#awin, =6*666 to the h.,e baseba)) sta$i.'09:C>; <n -.)y =6* =>C"* bac+ at The <)y'1ic* Lewis $e&eate$ Mi+e Ro'ano on the .n$e# ca#$ o& E#nie D.se+4s win ove# San$o# S@abo0 D.se+4s win awa#$e$ hi' 5"*666 &o# &inishin, in thi#$ 1)ace o& the <)y'1ic To.#na'ent0 <n that ni,ht* a M#0 Wi))ia' Foche#* an a.to 'echanic owe$ 'oney by Lo. Da#o* atte'1te$ to co))ect on the $ebt0 Da#o an$ Foche# ha$ a 'is.n$e#stan$in, an$ Lo. $i#ecte$ the 1o)ice to a##est the othe# 'an0 Foche# #an o.t o& the <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.' an$ soon a&te# was shot to $eath by the Los An,e)es 1o)ice0 When it was #evea)e$ that Foche# ha$ on)y been t#yin, to co))ect 'oney he was 2.sti&iab)y owe$* Da#o ha$ a 'a2o# scan$a) on his han$s0 <n -.)y !:* =>C"* o.t o& sy'1athy to the Foche# &a'i)y* Lo. Da#o c#eate$ an acco.nt o& 5"*666 &o# M#s0 Ivy Foche#0 F#o' this 'oney* M#s Foche# co.)$ with$#aw 5!" a wee+0 Da#o a)so ,ave he# 5=66* so she co.)$ ta+e he# son on a vacation t#i1 to Cata)ina Is)an$0 9::6; This R 'ove* to co.nte# the $a'a,e $one to Da#o4s #e1.tation* $i$n4t #ea))y wo#+ an$ Lo.4s 1o1.)a#ity in Los An,e)es $#o11e$0 <ve# the ne3t &ew yea#s* Da#o4s invo)ve'ent in 1#o w#est)in, at the <)y'1ic* $.e to this inci$ent an$ ba$ hea)th* )essene$0 With Lo. actin, as a &i,.#ehea$ &o# the 1#ess* the o&&ice was #.n by Lo.4s b#othe# -ac+ Da#o an$ Toots Mon$t0 The &ina) o& Da#o4s Inte#nationa) To.#na'ent was set &o# -.)y !:* =>C" with Iincent Lo1e@ ta+in, on Man Mo.ntain Dean0 <n -.)y >* Lewis w#est)e$ Lo1e@ in San F#ancisco* )osin, two o.t o& th#ee &a))s0 The sto#y)ine 1.t o.t by the <)y'1ic was that Lewis ate ).nch with Lo1e@ on -.)y ==0 An a,#ee'ent was 'a$e that Lo1e@ wo.)$ be 'ana,e$ an$ t#aine$ by St#an,)e# Lewis0 In the wee+ )ea$in, .1 to the to.#na'ent &ina)* Lewis t#aine$ Iincent* in &#ont o& the 1.b)ic* at

the <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.'0 The sto#y)ine was that Lewis bo.,ht the cont#act o& Lo1e@0 It4s 'y &ee)in, that this #e)ationshi1 was base)y 2.st sto#y)ine0 Lewis contin.e$ to w#est)e an$ 1#o'ote his own w#est)in, ca#ee# o.tsi$e o& Los An,e)es0 At ti'es the <)y'1ic 1.b)ishe$ Lewis co''ents as i& he was inG)en$a)e* when Lewis was in othe# 1a#ts o& the co.nt#y0 Lewis $i$ 'ana,e# an$ secon$ Lo1e@* when in town an$ w#est)e$ on Lo1e@ .n$e# ca#$s in the no#th8west0 Iincent Lo1e@ 1)aye$ &ootba)) an$ w#est)e$ at the Mnive#sity o& I$aho0 He was a ,oo$ )oo+in, ,.y* who ca'e &#o' a we)) to $o &a'i)y* an$ ,ave o&& the ai# o& a c.)t.#e$ 'an* '.ch )i+e En#iB.e To##es in the )ate :64s an$ Mi) Masca#as in =>?>0 Lo1e@ was the &i#st t#.e Me3ican w#est)in, sta# to co'e o.t o& Los An,e)es0 Lo1e@4s w#est)in, sty)e was b#aw)in,0 I4ve seen &i)' o& hi' an$ base)y a)) he co.)$ $o* o# atte'1t to $o* is th#ow e)bows an$ 1.nches0 He was a Me3ican ve#sion o& Danno <4Mahoney* who a)so was a b#aw)e#0 Lo1e@ was a ,oo$ ta)+e#* in S1anish an$ En,)ish* so he was ove# in Los An,e)es &o# a &ew yea#s0 I thin+ E$ Lewis was .se$ by the Da#os K Toots Mon$t to ta+e the heat o&& o& "baby&ace" Lo1e@0 Lo1e@4s b#aw)in, sty)e 'i,ht have t.#ne$ hi' hee)* i& Lewis wasn4t 1#esent to $i#ect the heat on to hi'se)&09::=; <n -.)y !:* =>C"* E$ Lewis secon$e$ Iincent Lo1e@ as he $e&eate$ Man Mo.ntain Dean two o.t o& th#ee &a))s to win the Inte#nationa) To.#na'ent* #eco,nition as Ca)i&o#nia wo#)$ cha'1ion* the "Lewis wo#)$ tit)e be)t"* an$ 5="*6660 The ca#$ so)$ o.t with =6*:66 1#esent* an$ a ,ate o& 5=D*666 with anothe# "*666 1eo1)e t.#ne$ away0 A wee+ )ate# on -.)y C=* =>C"* NWA wo#)$ cha'1ion Danno <4Mahoney w#est)e$ AWA wo#)$ cha'1ion E$ Don Geo#,e in a tit)e .ni&ication 'atch $#awin, :6*666 &ans to /#aves4 &ie)$ in /oston0 <4Mahoney won the 'atch a&te# #e&e#ee an$ heavywei,ht bo3in, cha'1ion* -a'es -0 /#a$$oc+* co.nte$ Geo#,e o.t o& the #in,0 The win ca'e as a #es.)t o& the b.n,)in, #e&e#ee /#a$$oc+* so a #e'atch was boo+e$ &o# Se1te'be# ==09::!; <4Mahoney then c)ai'e$ the .n$is1.te$ wo#)$ tit)e0 Danno $i$n4t #eceive Geo#,e4s Lewis %AWA( cha'1ionshi1 be)t beca.se it was bein, .se$ by Ca)i&o#nia wo#)$ cha'1ion Iincent Lo1e@0 <n -.)y C=* the MNITED RESS 1.b)ishe$ a note by Hen#y McLe'o#e statin, that St#an,)e# Lewis ha$ B.it active 1#o w#est)in, an$ 1)ane$ to $evote his ti'e to 'ana,in, an$ t#ainin, Iincent Lo1e@0 I $on4t +now i& McLe'o#e ha$ so'e new insi,ht o& Lewis4 intentions o# was 2.st #e1eatin, Los An,e)es sto#y)ines &o# the #est o& the nation0 Whateve#* Lewis $oes not sto1 w#est)in, an$* a&te# the -.)y !:* =>C"* he $oes act as an in #in, secon$ at The <)y'1ic A.$ito#i.' &o# Lo1e@ .nti) Ma#ch !"* =>C?0 Two $ays a&te# the to.#na'ent &ina) %-.)y !?(* Lewis w#est)e$ Man Mo.ntain Dean in Seatt)e* winnin, via $isB.a)i&ication0 <n -.)y C=* Lewis )ost two o.t o& th#ee &a))s to Hans Stein+e in o#t)an$0 <n A.,.st =C* he 'ain evente$ in Minnea1o)is* beatin, Ha) R.'be#,0 <n the .n$e# ca#$ was yo.n, Lo. Thes@0 <n Se1te'be# C* Lewis ha$ anothe# #e'atch with Ray Stee)e in Minnea1o)is0 A&te# C?H6C* #e&e#ee Mi+e Na@a#ian was +noc+e$ o.t o& the #in,* as Lewis was 1innin, Stee)e0 When the #e& #et.#ne$* Stee)e 1inne$ Lewis* who was thin+in, he ha$ won0 This win set Stee)e .1 &o# a <4Mahoney tit)e 'atch two wee+s )ate#0 Lewis then w#est)e$ on the .n$e# ca#$ o& the Se1te'be# ==* =>C" Fenway a#+ #e'atch o& <4Mahoney an$ E$ Don Geo#,e* beatin, Dic+ Davisco.#t0 Fo# the 'ain event Lewis secon$e$ &o# Geo#,e0 This ti'e <4Mahoney 1#ove$ he was cha'1ion by beatin, Geo#,e c)ean in !H66H6"0 The ca#$ $#ew !"*666 &ans09::C; A&te# Danno ha$ beaten Lewis on A1#i) !?* he a$'itte$ that E$ ha$ beaten hi' in his &i#st bo.t in Lon$on0 A #.bbe# 'atch was boo+e$ by a.) /owse# &o# /oston Ga#$en on <ctobe# ==0 <4Mahoney +e1t his %a)'ost( .n$is1.te$ wo#)$ tit)e by beatin, Lewis in =H6:H"D .sin, the I#ish whi10 Lewis on)y $#ew F*666* a $#o1 o& =!*666 &#o' thei# &i#st 'atch in /oston09:::; In =>C"* the w#est)in, noise co'in, &#o' Te3as inc#ease$ in vo).'e* an$ the 'an )ea$in, the choi# was none othe# that the hi))bi))y He#c.)es* Leo Danie) /oone "Whis+e#s" Sava,e0 Witho.t eve# havin, an e&&ect on the #est o& the nation* Whis+e#s Sava,e beca'e a w#est)in, sensation in Ho.ston $.#in, =>C"0 Li+e Man Mo.ntain Dean* he was 1)ayin, the 1a#t o& an ove#si@e$ hi))bi))y an$ the act went ove# bi,7at )east in Te3as an$ a &ew 1a#ts o& the So.th0 E$ Lewis w#est)e$ hi' twice &o# 1#o'ote# Mo##is Si,e) $.#in, the yea#0 The &i#st too+ 1)ace on <ctobe# =F0 A&te# s1)ittin, the &i#st two &a))s* Whis+e#s tho.,ht he ha$ Lewis 1ine$ b.t E$ )e, was .n$e# the #o1es0 Sava,e sta#te$ to $ance a#o.n$* thin+in, he ha$ won* b.t the #e&e#ee to)$ hi' $i&&e#ent

abo.t the sa'e ti'e as he ,ot 1otatoe$ by Lewis an$ 1ine$0 The 'atch $#ew a ,oo$ c#ow$ o& ?*6660 The #e'atch too+ 1)ace on <ctobe# !"* an$ the #es.)t ha$ Lewis bein, $isB.a)i&ie$ &o# .sin, the hea$)oc+ as a st#an,)e0 The win ove# Lewis set Sava,e .1 &o# a tit)e 'atch with <4Mahoney* which he )ost09::"; Lewis ha$ anothe# show$own with the o#i,ina) ,iant hi))bi))y as the se'i8'ain event on a Nove'be# D <4MahoneyASonnenbe#, ca#$ in St Lo.is0 This ti'e the hi))bi))y was Man Mo.ntain Dean hi'se)&0 Lewis a,#ee$ to a han$ica1 'atch in which he was to 1in Dean in !6 'in.te0 He &ai)e$ beca.se 'ost o& the 'atch was s1ent t#yin, to #evive #e&e#ee F#e$ Ioe1e)* a&te# the 'an 'o.ntain acci$enta))y &e)) on hi'0 Anyway eve#yone ha$ &.n* an$ Danno an$ G.s $#ew a c#ow$ o& =:*C!=0 9::?; G.s Sonnenbe#, neve# ,aine$ the #es1ect o& St#an,)e# Lewis &o# his w#est)in, b.t when it ca'e to $#in+in,* ba$ $#ivin, an$ ba$4e# sti)) 'a##ia,es* he was E$4s s.1e#io#09::?a; /y the en$ o& =>C"* G.s nee$e$ the .se o& a $#ive# ty1e babysitte# to ,et hi' to his 'atches sobe#0 In the #in,* Sonnenbe# co.)$ sti)) $o his 'atch an$ $#aw &ans b.t his 1.sh was en$in, beca.se o& his othe# 1#ob)e's0 <n Nove'be# =F* =>C"* Lewis beat hi' at Eansas City0 <n Nove'be# =>* =>C"* Denve# wo#)$ cha'1ion Eve#ett Ma#sha))* with the s.11o#t o& his 'ana,e# /i))y San$ow an$ 1#o'ote# Ma3 /a.'an 1oste$ 5"*666 with the Misso.#i State Co''ission as+in, &o# a 'atch with Cha'1ion Danno <4Mahoney0 Lewis was sti)) c)ose to a.) /owse# an$ co.)$ be consi$e#e$* at a,e :"* to be one o& Danno4s "1o)ice'en"0 Lewis &i)e$ a 5=*666 chec+ with the co''ission sayin, he was wi))in, to 'eet Eve#ett Ma#sha) ay any site he wante$0 -i' /#ownin, a)so 1oste$ a cha))en,e to Ma#sha))0 The co''ission then s.,,este$ a to.#na'ent between To' ac+s4Lewis an$ /#ownin, a,ainst /a.'an4s Ma#sha)) an$ Lee Wyco&&0 Nothin, ca'e &#o' this b.t it sho.)$ be note$ that by =>CD* To' ac+s was bi))in, Eve#ett Ma#sha)) as cha'1ion an$ /i))y San$ow ha$ beco'e a 1a#tne# in the St Lo.is 1#o'otion with ac+s0 A&te# Man Mo.ntain Dean beat E#nie D.se+ in " 'in.tes an$ C6 secon$ on To' ac+s4 Dece'be# " ca#$* Dean a)so &i)e$ a chec+ with the co''ission &o# a 'atch with Ma#sha))0 This .1set Lewis* who c)ai'e$ Dean ha$ no b.siness 1.ttin, .1 'oney to b.st his way into the to.#na'ent0 Lewis then o&&e#e$ to $#o1 o.t o& the to.#na'ent i& Dean co.)$ beat hi' in a st#ai,ht 'atch09::D; So the two w#est)e$ on Dece'be# =>* =>C" with E$ winnin, in &#ont o& :*?CD0 Fo# the win* Lewis was ,iven a St Lo.is tit)e 'atch with Danno <4Mahoney on -an.a#y !>* =>C?0 Danno won a,ain in &#ont o& >*=D60 QQ Contin.e to CHA TER !? F<<TN<TES :66 Most o& the insi$e in&o#'ation co'es &#o' FALL GMYS %cha1te# =F(* b.t it 'atches .1 with events an$ in&o#'ation that ca'e o.t o& )ate# co.#t t#ia)s0 I $on4t thin+ /i))y San$ow was a 'a2o# 1)aye# in the new t#.st b.t he 'ay have 'a$e 'oney by b#in, Eve#ett Ma#sha)) to the East Coast &o# a se#ies o& Lon$os 'atches0 /y =>CD* San$ow was wo#+in, with To' ac+ an$ connecte$ with a.) /owse#0 :6= ST L<MIS DAILY GL</E8DEM<CRAT* Dece'be# =:* =>CC :6! ST L<MIS DAILY GL</E8DEM<CRAT* Dece'be# !=* =>CCLIt4s inte#estin, that the shoot 'atch %O(in Ma$ison SB.a#e Ga#$en is a we)) +nown sto#y that has been cove#e$ in FALL GMYS an$ H<<EER* whi)e this St Lo.is shoot 'atch %O(is .n+nown by the 1.b)ic an$ neve# ta)+e$ abo.t by Lewis0 e#ha1s Lewis was hit too ha#$ an$ co.)$n4t #e'e'be# the event0 I4ve neve# #ea$ anythin, abo.t Stee)e b#a,,in, abo.t beatin, E$ in a "shoot40 These two w#est)e$ 'any ti'es an$ eve#y 'atch was boo+e$ to 'a+e the 1.b)ic thin+ the event was a shoot0 Lewis an$ Stee)e #es1ecte$ each othe# an$ we#e ,oo$ &#ien$s0 :6C This #e'in$s 'e o& Wi)t Cha'be#)ain4s )ast &ew yea#s 1)ayin, bas+etba)) with the Los An,e)es La+e#s0 He ha$ a,e$ an$ b.)+e$ .1* an$ the N/A ha$ wi$en the +ey so that he co.)$n4t sco#e )i+e he .se$ to0 The 1)aye#s ha$ a)so ,otten bi,,e# an$ 'o#e ta)ente$* so Wi)t concent#ate$ on $e&ense an$ #ebo.n$in,0 /.t eve#y anno.nce#* #e1o#te#* an$ &an be)ieve$ he co.)$ sti)) sco#e "6 1oints in a ,a'e70an$ sai$ so7i& he 2.st wante$ to70an$ so Wi)t was wi))in, to sc#ew .1 that ni,ht4s ,a'e by not 1)ayin, his best0 D.#in, thei# 1)ayin, ca#ee#s* 'ost N/A &o))owe#s tho.,ht /i)) R.sse)) was a bette# 1)aye# than Wi)t0 Hea$ to hea$* R.sse)) ha$ 'a$e his 1oint ove# the yea#s by winnin,0 /.t now in the co'1.te# ,ene#ation* eve#yone sees Wi)t4s #eco#$s an$ 'ost yo.n, &ans thin+ Wi)t was the 'an0 It4s the sa'e 1#ob)e' yo. have co'1a#in, -ac+ T.nney to -ac+ De'1sey o# -oe

Steche# to St#an,)e# Lewis0 The 1.b)ic #e'e'be#s the ,.y with the 'ost &a'o.s na'e0 :6: ST L<MIS DAILY GL</E8DEM<CRAT* Feb#.a#y C* =>C: :6" ASS<CIATED RESS* Feb#.a#y ==* =>C: :6? NEW Y<RE TIMES* Feb#.a#y "* =>C: :6D ST L<MIS DAILY GL</E8DEM<CRAT* Feb#.a#y =?* =>C: :6F ASS<CIATED RESS* Ma#ch !* =>C: :6> THE HIST<RY <F R<FESSI<NAL WRESTLING* Io) R? H ST L<MIS =>C6 to =>"> #esea#che$ by 2 Michae) Eenyon* Don L.ce* -a'es Me)by* Scott Tea)* an$ Steve Yohe71.b)ishe$ !66! by Scott Tea) an$ C#owba# #ess :=6 L<S ANGELES TIMES* A1#i) =?* =>C: :== L<S ANGELES TIMES* A1#i) =F* =>C: :=! THE NEW Y<RE TIMES* May ="* =>C:LI ha$n4t #esea#ch this 'atch .nti) a&te# I ha$ sta#te$ w#itin, this section an$ the sho#t 'atch +in$ o& +noc+e$ the ai# o.t o& 'e a&te# I ha$ 'a$e a bi, $ea) o.t o& the se#ies o& 'atches between Lewis an$ Ray Stee)e0 Yea#s a,o I 1.t to,ethe# the RAY STEELE REC<RD /<<E* which was a #.n tho.,ht &o# 'y )ate# -IM L<ND<S REC<RD /<<E0 So I have so'e i$eas abo.t Stee)e0 Mn)i+e with othe# 'a2o# w#est)e#s )i+e Lewis* Steche#* Gotch* an$ Lon$os* he was a wo#+in, c)ass ty1e w#est)in, sta#0 He $i$n4t own 1a#t o& the 1#o'otion an$ he $i$n4t have any 'a2o# 1#o'ote#s o# 'ana,e#s bac+in, hi' o# 1#otectin, hi'0 The on)y thin, he ha$ that othe# no#'a) w#est)in, 1e#&o#'e#s $i$n4t* was ta)ent an$ a &#ien$shi1 with -i' Lon$os0 Maybe a)) o& that #e)ates to the &act that he ha$ no w#est)in, e,o0 Even at his 1ea+* he see'e$ wi))in, to 1.)) ove# othe# w#est)e#s an$ $o 2obs0 The#e is a boo+in, #.)e in 1#o w#est)in, that says the ta)ente$ w#est)e#s can a&&o#$ to $o 2obs an$ stay ove#0 The 1e#&o#'e# ty1es with )itt)e ta)ent can4t $o 'any 2obs witho.t )osin, what the &ans we#e wi))in, to 1ay &o#0 So yo. &in$ ,.ys in the s1o#t )i+e Danno <4Mahoney* #i'o Ca#ne#a* H.)+ Ho,an %we)) I $on4t +now i& that is &ai#* Ho,an was a s'a#t wo#+e# K ha$ so'ethin,* b.t so'e &ans 1e#ceive hi' as havin, no ta)ent(* F#ench An,e)* Antonino Rocca* Mn$e#ta+e#* etc not $oin, 2obs0 As yo. co.)$n4t #ea))y +i)) the 1o1.)a#ity o& a Ch#is /enoit* Hi#oshi Hase* o# Ray Miste#io in the =>>64s by 'a+in, the' $o 2obs* Ray Stee)e co.)$ sti)) +ee1 his &ans whi)e 1.ttin, othe#s ove#0 I see Stee)e as the /i))y Robinson o& the =>C64s0 The thin, I $o notice* is that when $oes $o a 2ob* that 'i,ht be consi$e#e$ be)ow hi'* he 'a+es it sho#t0 A)) o& the ,#eat )osses to Lon$os we#e )on, 'atch* so'e two ho.#s o# )on,e#* b.t &o# the o)$ &at E$ Lewis o& =>C:* he went ho'e in == 'in.te0 In a h.,e 'atch with G.s Sonnenbe#, in St Lo.is* he $i$ the 2ob in =D 'in.tes0 I &o.n$ hi' $oin, the sa'e sho#t 'atches in othe# 'ino# )osses0 Maybe it was his way o& 1#otestin,0 Di$n4t #ea))y 'atte#* in =>:6 they 'a$e hi' NWA wo#)$ cha'1ion &o# a yea#0 :=!a This ca'e &#o' a F#ench t#ans)ation by G#e, <)ive# &#o' LE DEI<IR* May !>*=>C:888This is #esea#ch by G#e, <)ive# $one 2.st &o# this 1#o2ect0 Eve#yone 1)ease sen$ hi' a 'essa,e than+in, hi'0 A histo#ica) 'atch* not #ea))y +now abo.t0 :=C CHICAG< TRI/MNE* Se1te'be# !=* =>C:* DETR<IT FREE RESS* Se1te'be# !=* =>C:* an$ WRESTLING LIFE* L<ND<S vs LEWIS by Cha#)es /a#t)ett* A.,.st =>"" :=Ca This ca'e &#o' a F#ench t#ans)ation by G#e, <)ive# &#o' LE DEI<IR* A.,.st !F* =>C:0 :=: RING MAGAGINE* DECEM/ER =>C:* WRESTLING AM/ASSAD<R by E$ E0 S'ithLLewis "7 was sent ab#oa$ as a so#t o& a'bassa$o# 1)eni1otentia#y* a 1#ec.#so# o& ,oo$ wi))* a $e)e,ate to s1#ea$ the $oct#ine a'on, &o#ei,n co.nt#ies an$ to te)) a)) an$ s.n$#y 2.st what a &ine &ie)$ the#e is in this co.nt#y &o# w#est)in, 'en o& 'e#it an$ inte))i,ence an$ show'anshi1 an$ a)) e)se that ,oes to 'a+e .1 the w#est)e# o& this $ay an$ a,e as he is e31)oite$ by the ab)e 1#o'ote#s who a#e $oin, s.ch an e3ce))ent 2ob o& 'ass 1#o$.ction0" Aaaaaaa70 So'eti'e yo. won$e# i& Re$ /a##y eve# w#ote &o# THE RING0 )eni1otentia#y is in the $ictiona#y0 :=" DANN< MAH<NYH IRISH W<RLD WRESTLING CHAM I<N by -ohn W0 o))a#$ with -ohn Levis* an$ Michae) * <4Conne)) was a boo+ w#itten in I#e)an$ a#o.n$ =>>= as a t#ib.te to Mahoney0 It is i$ea)istic* 'a#+ish* an$ ve#y 1#o Danno <4 Mahony* b.t it is a)so see's to be one o& the bette# #esea#che$ w#est)in, boo+s an$ it see'e$ to have ha$ the co8o1e#ation o& the <4Mahony &a'i)y0 A)so A STMDY <F DANN< <"MAH<NEY THE %ALM<ST(MNDIS MTED W<RLD CHAM I<N by Steve Yohe :="a H<<EERH THE AMTHENTIC WRESTLER4S ADIENTMRES INSIDE THE /IGARRE W<RLD <F R<FESSI<NAL WRESTLING by Lo. Thes@ with Eit /a.'an* 1a,e ?6 to ?=L %F#o' this

1oint &o#wa#$ I4)) wo#+o.t in -an.a#y be&o#e he )e&t &o# -an.a#y =>C"* when

#e&e# to the boo+ as H<<EER(88Eit /a.'an 1)aces the Lewis =>C? &o))owin, Thes@4s #et.#n &o#' the Minnesota a#ea an$ Los An,e)es0 I4' 1#obab)y w#on, b.t I thin+ it too+ 1)ace in Thes@ was ve#y ,#een havin, on)y w#est)e$ in East

It sho.)$ a)so be note$ that $.#in, Lo. Thes@4s act.a) ca#ee# the sto#y a)ways ha$ Thes@ beatin, Lewis0 Si'i)a# to the sto#y o& <4Mahoney beatin, Lewis in Lon$on0 :=? L<S ANGELES ESAMINER* -an.a#y !:* =>C" :=D L<S ANGELES TIMES* -an.a#y !"* =>C" :=F L<S ANGELES HERALD* -an.a#y !F* =>C" :=> L<S ANGELES ESAMINER* -an.a#y !?* =>C" :!6 DETR<IT FREE RESS* Feb#.a#y !* =>C" :!= L<S ANGELES TIMES* an$ L<S ANGELES ILLISTRATED DAILY NEWS* Feb#.a#y !!* =>C"* an$ L<S ANGELES ESAMINER* Feb#.a#y !:* =>C" :!! L<S ANGELES HERALD an$ L<S ANGELES TIMES* Feb#.a#y !F* =>C" :!C L<S ANGELES ILLISTRATED DAILY NEWS* Ma#ch !* =>C" :!: ST L<MIS <ST DIS ATCH* Ma#ch D* =>C" :!" THE /<ST<N GL</E* -an.a#y "* =>C" :!? THE /<ST<N GL</E* -an.a#y =>* =>C" :!D NEW Y<RE TIMES* Feb#.a#y =>* =>C" :!F NEW Y<RE TIMES* Ma#ch =>* =>C" :!> NEW Y<RE TIMES* A1#i) !* =>C"LSto#y by A#th.# -0 Da)ey :C6 THE /<ST<N GL</E* A1#i) !D* =>C"LSto#y by -a'es C0 <4Lea#y :C= L<S ANGELES TIMES* A1#i) !"* =>C" :C! L<S ANGELES TIMES* May !C* =>C"LT.ote by -ac+ Sin,e# :CC L<S ANGELES ESAMINER* May !D* =>C" :C: L<S ANGELES TIMES* May C6* =>C"LT.ote by -ac+ Sin,e# A)so L<S ANGELES TIMES -.ne =* =>C"888THE S <RTS ARADE by /#aven Dye#L"7E$ Lewis* the B.on$a' "St#an,)e#" sho.)$ #eti#e7G#ay hai#e$ an$ &at* his &ace w#in+)e$ an$ sho.)$e#s stoo1e$ with the wei,ht o& yea#s* Lewis is t#.)y a t#a,ic &i,.#e as he ).'be#s abo.t the #in, on his sho#t sB.atty )e,s7Those o& .s who #e'e'be# Lewis as the hea$8c#.shin, heavywei,ht cha'1ion o& the wo#)$* hate to see the 1athetic Lewis o& to$ay70E$ owns a cho1 ho.se in G)en$a)e0" :C" THE H<MST<N <ST* -.ne ="* =>C" :C? L<S ANGELES TIMES* -.ne !6* =>C"LAtten$ance was =6*:66Lwith 1ai$ atten$ance at F*D:F an$ 5D*>660 The 1ai$ c#ow$ was )ate# anno.nce$ by the co''ission0 I thin+* with th#ee shows a wee+* Da#o ,ave away a )ot o& tic+et to these ca#$s0 We)) that o# he )ie$ abo.t atten$ance0 :CD L<S ANGELES TIMES an$ L<S ANGELES ESAMINER* -.ne !D* =>C" :CF /<ST<N GL</E* -.ne !F* =>C"888Fo# $#o11in, the tit)e to <4Mahoney* Lon$os ,ot 5"6*666 &#o' the o#i,ina) T#.st a,#ee'ent 1).s 5!6*666 &#o' the Fenway a#+ ,ate0 So'e thin+ he ,ot even 'o#e 'oney &#o' /owse#0 Loo+in, at the news1a1e# sto#ies at the ti'e* 1e#ha1s Lon$os consente$ to $oin, the 2ob beca.se eve#yone in the T#.st was &e.$in, an$ -i''y wante$ to ,et his T#.st 'oney be&o#e the who)e o#,ani@ation &e)) a1a#t0 -i' #a#e)y $i$ anythin, he $i$n4t want to $o0 <n his way ho'e to Escon$i$o* Ca)i&o#nia* he sto11e$ o&& )on, eno.,h in St Lo.is to te)) the wo#)$ he wasn4t #eti#in,0 %ST L<MIS GL</E* -.)y >* =>C"(His 1)ans we#e to ta+e ti'e o&& to b.i)$ .1 his Escon$i$o &a#' an$ then t#ave) bac+ to G#eece to visit &a'i)y0 Then* sta#tin, in =>C?* the 1)an ha$ hi' w#est)in, in E.#o1e0 :C> #obab)y beca.se o& the Hea#st news1a1e# invo)ve'ent* this is the 'ost $is1.te$ atten$ance &i,.#e in w#est)in, histo#y0 The #e1o#t o& "not 'o#e than =6*666" ca'e &#o' the Los An,e)es Ti'es -.)y >* =>C"0 He#e a#e the othe# #e1o#tsH New Yo#+ Ti'esL=!*666 Los An,e)es E3a'ine#L="*666 Los An,e)es I)).st#ate$ NewsLnot 'o#e than !"*666 DANN< MAH<NYH IRISH W<RLD WRESTLING CHAM I<NL="*666 I4ve )ea#ne$ that the )owest w#est)in, &i,.#e is .s.a))y the #i,ht n.'be#7b.t yo. be)ieve what yo. want to be)ieve0 ::6 L<S ANGELES TIMES* -.)y !"* =>C" ::= L<S ANGELES TIMES* -.)y D* =>C" an$ -.)y =!* =>C"888Iincent Lo1e@ was

act.a))y Lo. Da#o4s &o.#th atte'1t at c#eatin, a Me3ican sta# &o# Los An,e)es0 The &i#st was Fe)i3 Lo1e@* who was too )a@y to $eve)o1* &o))owe$ by Gi)be#to Ma#tine@* a ,oo$ )oo+in, ,.y* b.t a "sti&&" an$ then F#an+ "Cact.s ete" A,.ayo* ,oo$ wo#+e# b.t too s'a))0 Iincent Lo1e@ staye$ a sta# in the a#ea &o# a n.'be# o& yea#s0 He was &o))owe$ by s.ch Latin sta#s as En#iB.e To##es %=>:D to =>?C(* e$#o Mo#a)es %=>?: to =>?F(* Mi) Masca#as %=>?> to 1#esent ti'e(an$ Chavo G.e##e#o %=>D? to =>F!(0 Lo. Da#o an$ the 1#o'ote#s who &o))owe$ hi'* &o.n$ o.t that Me3ico ha$ ,#eat wo#+e#s b.t &ew t#.)y ,oo$ heavywei,hts0 To s.ccee$ in Los An,e)es* yo. he)$ on to any o& the' yo. co.)$ &in$0 ::! /<ST<N GL</E* -.)y C=* =>C"LThe &inish o& the DannoAGeo#,e 'atch saw <4Mahoney th#own &#o' the #in, as the ti'e+ee1e# o# #e&e#ee -a'es -0 /#a$$oc+ co.nt to !60 The bo3in, cha'1ion $i$n4t +now that a !6 co.nt en$e$ the 'atch* an$ Geo#,e ha$ to e31)ain the #.)e to /#a$$oc+0 /y that ti'e* Danno ha$ #et.#ne$ an$ th#ew Geo#,e o.t o& the #in,0 E$ Don* thin+in, he ha$ a)#ea$y won* too+ his ti'e #et.#nin,* so /#a$$oc+ co.nte$ hi' o.t0 /#a$$oc+* who +new the #.)es this ti'e* then ,ave the 'atch to <4Mahoney0 The 'atch #es.)ts a11ea#e$ the ne3t 'o#nin, on the &#ont 1a,e o& the /<ST<N GL</E0 ::C /<ST<N GL</E* Se1te'be# =!* =>C" ::: /<ST<N GL</E* <ctobe# =!* =>C" ::" H<MST<N CHR<NICLE* <ctobe# =C* =>C"* <ctobe# !6* =>C"* an$ <ctobe# !?* =>C" ::? ST L<MIS DAILY GL</E* Nove'be# D* =>C"LSee's that =>C" was a ,oo$ yea# &o# "Re& b.'1s" ::?a ASS<CIATED RESS* -.)y C6* =>C!88<n -.)y =>* =>C!* G.s Sonnenbe#, was $#ivin, ho'e $#.n+ &#o' a 'atch when he invo)ve$ in a a.to acci$ent in the town o& No#th An$ove#* Massach.setts0 In the othe# ca# was an o&& $.ty 1o)ice o&&ice# na'e$ Richa#$ L0 Mo##issey* who s.&&e#e$ in2.#ies an$ )ate# $ie$0 <n -.)y C6* =>C!* G.s 1)ea$e$ "not ,.i)ty" in &#ont o& Dist#ict Co.#t o& Law#ence Massach.setts to cha#,es o& 'ans)a.,hte#* $#ivin, whi)e $#.n+* an$ #ec+)ess $#ivin,0 Sonnenbe#, was bai)e$ o.t by a.) /owse# an$ the t#ia) was set &o# A.,.st !* =>C!0 I $on4t +now what ha11ene$ a&te# that b.t G.s was bac+ w#est)in, &.)) ti'e by A.,.st ="0 Yo.n, Lo. Thes@ wo.)$ be one o& Sonnenbe#,4s $#ive#s in San F#ancisco in =>C?0 ::D ST L<MIS DAILY GL</E* Dece'be# F* =>C"LInte#estin, seein, Lewis an$ San$ow 1.))in, thei# o)$ t#ic+s on each othe#0 Ma3 /a.'an was 1#o'otin, ca#$s in St Lo.is* .sin, San$ow4s cha'1ion Eve#ett Ma#sha))0 The s1)it between the two o)$ &#ien$s see's #ea) an$ I4ve &o.n$ nothin, in thei# &.t.#e #e1o#ts that 'a+es 'e thin+ anythin, eve# chan,e$

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The #$Mahoney%Shi&at Do'b(e)C*oss o+ ,-." /ein0 cha12ion wasn$t a(( that 1'ch +'n +o* Danno #$Mahoney3 Eve*yone was ta&in0 shots at hi1 in the 2*ess4 an5 wo*st sti((4 t*yin0 to hoo& hi1 in the *in03 Li&e with Wayne M'nn in ,-!"4 bein0 a non)shoote* as cha12ion b*o'0ht o't the wo*st in o22onents3 #n Feb*'a*y " 6E((is /asha*a at New #*(eans7 an5 on Feb*'a*y 8 6Whis&e*s Sava0e in Ho'ston74 #$Mahoney was set '2 +o* 5o'b(e)c*osses4 b't Danno was4 on both ni0hts4 save5 by *e+e*ee a'( 9ones3 #n Feb3 - in Ga(veston4 Danno an5 1ana0e* 9ac& McG*ath +o'n5 o't that the (oca(s ha5 a 2(an +o* his o22onent 9'an H'1be*to to 5o'b(e c*oss hi13 The co12(ete #$Mahoney 0*o'2 then 0ot '2 an5 (e+t the a*ena in +*ont o+ +ans4 an5 the state ins2ecto*3 Law s'its +o((owe54 an5 a Te:as s's2ension4 which (e5 to #$Mahoney bein0 st*i2e5 o+ the NWA 2o*tion o+ his 6a(1ost7 'n5is2'te5 wo*(5 tit(e3;<<=> #$Mahoney wasn$t any sa+e* bac& on the East coast when C'*(ey an5 /owse* boo&e5 hi1 into Ma5ison S?'a*e Ga*5en a0ainst the o(5 1a(content Dic& Shi&at on Ma*ch !4 ,-."3 Yo' wo'(5 thin& so1eone wo'(5 have (ea*ne5 so1ethin0 a+te* the +i*st Shi&at%Mahoney 1atch4 b't they ha5n$t3 Shi&at shot on Danno an5 1a5e the 6a(1ost7 'n5is2'te5 wo*(5 cha12ion s'b1it in ,=@A83;<<-> The ne:t e5ition o+ eve*y 1aBo* news2a2e* in the nation ca**ie5 the sto*y o+ Shi&at$s shoot on the 2hony cha12ion an5 the b*ea&in0 '2 o+ the W*est(in0 T*'st3 The /oston G(obe to(5 the sto*y4 b't its ve*sion ha5 Danno an5 9ac& McG*ath c(ai1in0 they ha5 been *obe5 o+ the tit(e3 Late* e5itions that sa1e 5ay ha5 /owse* sayin0 that #$Mahoney was sic& an5 ha5 si12(y co((a2se5 in the *in03 #n Ma*ch <4 /owse* anno'nce5 that the AWA sti(( *eco0niCe5 Danno #$Mahoney as wo*(5 cha12ion3 His +i*st B'sti+ication was that the 1atch was non)tit(e beca'se the state o+ New Yo*& *'(e5 a(( 1atches as e:hibitions3 That 5i5n$t so'n5 *i0ht4 so the sto*y they sett(e5 on was that the AWA tit(e co'(5 on(y chan0e in a two o't o+ th*ee +a(( 1atch 6'n5e* /oston *'(es73 So Danno co'(5 sti(( be ca((e5 a wo*(5 cha12ion4 b't he was no (on0e* a nationa( cha12ion3 He beca1e one o+ the *e0iona( cha12ions that we*e 1'(ti2(yin0 by the 5ay3 The /oston news2a2e*s too& note o+ the hy2oc*isy invo(ve5 an5 when o't o+ thei* way to e:2(ain who the *ea( cha12ion was4 an5 it wasn$t Danno3 It see1s the i5ea o+ hoo&in0 Danno was Dic& Shi&at$s a(one an5 5one o't o+ hate +o* Toots Mon5t4 E5 Lewis an5 9ac& C'*(ey3 R'5y Mi((e*4 F(o*i5a a0ent +o* the t*'st4 A( Ha+t o+ Co('1b's4 A5a1 Weis1'((e* o+ Det*oit4 an5 +o*1e* 1at cCa* /i((y San5ow we*e to(5 o+ Shi&at$s intentions be+o*ehan53 9ac& +e++e* wasn$t 2a*t o+ the 5ea(4 b't +o((owin0 the 1atch4 a55e5 Shi&at in his boo&in0s3 /'t the 5i*ty 5ee5 was 1ain(y Shi&at$s i5ea3 A+te* the 1atch4 Shi&at anno'nce5 that the tit(e was '2 +o* sa(e an5 B'st abo't eve*yone bi5 on it3 Lo' Da*o an5 Toots Mon5t o++e*e5 Shi&at DAE4EEE +o* two 1atches ve*s's Fincent Lo2eC in Los An0e(es an5 /owse* a0*ee5 to 2ay D!A4EEE +o* Dic& to *et'*n the tit(e to Danno o* (ose to Yvon Robe*t3 The s'*2*ise o++e* was +*o1 9i1 Lon5os4 who was *et'*nin0 to action an5 wante5 his tit(e bac&3 Shi&at en5e5 '2 1a&in0 a 5ea( with the San5ow%Ha+t 0*o'23 Then what was (e+t o+ the T*'st sta*te5 2(ayin0 t*ic&s with Shi&at3 /owse* owne5 a 1ana0e1ent cont*act with Shi&at$s na1e on it an5 he be0an boo&in0 Shi&at into a*enas witho't his 2e*1ission3 When the sta* 5i5n$t show +o* the 1atches4 he &new nothin0 abo't4 Shi&at was s's2en5e5 in 1ost states an5 the who(e 1ess en5e5 '2 in a Co('1b's co'*t*oo1 with eve*y 1aBo* 2*o1ote* bein0 ca(( in to testi+y3;<AE> The*e was anothe* to'*na1ent 5'*in0 ,-." in hi(a5e(2hia3 C*e5ibi(ity +o* the new sta*4 Dean Detton4 was the 0oa(3 It too& 2(ace in Feb*'a*y ,-." an5 the +ina( was St*an0(e* Lewis (osin0 to Detton on Feb*'a*y !=4 ,-."3;<AEa> The win 0ave Detton the ne:t shot at #$Mahoney tit(e in hi(a5e(2hia an5 that 5ate is sai5 to have been set +o* Ma*ch -4 a wee& a+te* the Shi&at 5o'b(e)c*oss3 So1e histo*ians thin& that Toots Mon5t was 2'ttin0 a 0*eat 5ea( o+ 2*ess'*e on a'( /owse* to a((ow #$Mahoney to 5*o2 the tit(e to Detton3;<A,> e*ha2s Toots *e1e1be*e5 Wayne M'nn4 so he &new they ha5 to 0et the c*own on a sec'*e hea5 be+o*e so1eone4 (i&e Shi&at4 c't o++ Danno$s3

The s2ectac(e o+ the 2e*+o*1ance s2o*t on t*ia( in Co('1b's 5est*oye5 whateve* c*e5itabi(ity 2*o w*est(in0 ha5 (e+t in the eyes o+ the 0ene*a( 2'b(ic3 W*est(in0 +ans a(ways 'n5e*stoo5 that the a*t +o*1 was wo*&e5 an54 (i&e to5ay they enBoye5 it4 b't the 0ene*a( 2'b(ic co'(5n$t 'n5e*stan5 the conce2t as anythin0 b't "+a&e"3 The co'*t case ca1e to an en5 when Shi&at was a((owe5 to 5*o2 the tit(e to a 'n&nown 0i11ic& 2e*+o*1e* ca((e5 A(i /abaGwhich eve*yone tho'0ht was +'nny3 /aba (ate* 0ot 5o'b(e)c*osse5 by a (i0ht heavywei0ht na1e5 Dave Levin in an 'nconvincin0 wayGan5 be+o*e (on0 the w*est(in0 wo*(5 ha5 at (east +ive cha12ions3 Soon eve*y 1aBo* an5 1ino* 2*o1ote* ha5 thei* own wo*(5 cha12ion3 To the 2'b(ic4 w*est(in0 was a Bo&e4 an5 when 1aBo* news2a2e*s sto22e5 cove*in0 it4 atten5ance 5*o22e53 *o1ote*s &new the 2'b(ic tho'0ht it$s 2*o5'ct was a Bo&e3 So they 2*o1ote5 it (i&e a Bo&e3 /y ,-<E the s2o*t was +i((e5 with 0i11ic&s (i&e 1'5 1atches o* 9e(()# 1atches o* 5ea5 +ish 1atches3 e*+o*1in0 +*ea&s beca1e w*est(in0$s bi00est 5*aws3 /e+o*e ,-." an5 the #$Mahoney%Shi&at 1atch4 w*est(in0$s sto*y(ines we*e nationa(3 The*e 1ay have been 1o*e that one cha12ion4 b't eve*yone in the co'nt*y &new who they we*e an5 the sto*y(ines invo(vin0 the13 A+te* ,-."4 the who(e s2o*t beca1e *e0iona(iCe54 with eve*y te**ito*y$s sto*y(ine wa((e5 in +*o1 a(( the othe*s3 *o1ote*$s no (on0e* wante5 inte((i0ent +ans that 'n5e*stoo5 the who(e 2ict'*e3 They wante5 i0no*ant +ans that 5i5n$t &now they we*e bein0 (ie5 too3 Facts an5 &now(e50e was so1ethin0 2*o1ote*s +o'n5 ha*5 to 5ea( with3 So a(( the wo*& that Lewis4 Steche*4 C'*(ey an5 San5ow 5i5 to *eb'i(5 the s2o*t a+te* F*an& GotchGwent to waste4 as the s2o*t +e(( into it$s 5a*& a0e3 A(( these chan0es too& 2(ace beca'se Dic& Shi&at shot on Danno #$Mahoney on Ma*ch !4 ,-."3 None o+ this a++ecte5 E5 Lewis 1'ch3 He was no (on0e* in 2owe* an5 the 2*o1ote*s 5i5n$t ca*e i+ he ca1e o* went3 He was 2'shin0 <" yea*s a0o4 +at an5 his wo*& wasn$t what it once was3 #n(y Lewis &nows how ba5 his eyes we*e3 I+ he 5*ew4 it wasn$t beca'se o+ his s&i((s4 it was his na1e an5 his (e0en53 Fo((owin0 the to'*na1ent (oss to Dean Detton4 Lewis s2ent 1ost o+ Ma*ch wo*&in0 o't o+ Seatt(e3 In A2*i( he *et'*n to G(en5a(e an5 the *esta'*ants3 It was then that he be0an secon5in0 Fincent Lo2eC in his 1atches3 In ,-."4 he beat Geo*0e Ca(Ca4 San5o* SCabo4 /i(( Lon0son4 9oe Savo(5i4 Ray Stee(e4 Chie+ Litt(e Wo(+4 #*vi((e /*own4 an5 G's Sonnenbe*03 He on(y wo*&e5 two o* th*ee ti1es a wee& an5 his (oses we*e bein0 save5 +o* so1ethin0 i12o*tantG33b't i12o*tant 1atches we*e beco1in0 ha*5 to +in53 9i1 /*ownin0 *eti*e5 +*o1 w*est(in0 in Feb*'a*y ,-."3 #n May -4 ,-." he was a51itte5 to F*ee1an Hos2ita( in 9o2(in Misso'*i 5'e to a "'(ce*ate5 sto1ach" an5 a "(ive* ai(1ent3 /*ownin0 see1e5 to be *ecove*in0 b't he 5ie5 on the a+te*noon o+ 9'ne ,-4 ,-." 5'e to a 2'(1ona*y e1bo(is13 He was b'*ie5 at S2*in0 Fa((ey Ce1ete*y at Fe*ona4 Misso'*i3;<AEb> #n o* a*o'n5 9'ne !A4 ,-."4 Mi&e Ro1ano ha5 a hea*t attac& 5'*in0 a Washin0ton DC 1atch with 9ac& Donovan an5 5ie5 in the *in03 Five 5ays (ate*4 Lewis t'*ne5 <"3 #n 9'(y !"4 ,-."4 Lewis anno'nce5 that he ha5 so(5 Fincent Lo2eC cont*act bac& to the w*est(e* an5 was no (on0e* his 1ana0e*3 In 9'(y an5 the +i*st 2a*t o+ A'0'st4 Lewis atte12t to 0et bac& into con5ition3 In wo*&o'ts he wo'(5 (ine '2 +ive yo'n0 w*est(e*s an5 w*est(e a(( o+ the1 +o* +ive 1in'tes one a+te* anothe*3 He was +ee(in0 so 0oo5 that he acce2te5 a 1atch with Lee Wy&o++ in New Yo*& City that was an e(i1ination +o* a 1atch with the new cha12ion4 Dave Levin3 Lewis acce2te5 Wy&o++ cha((en0e to 1a&e the 1atch a shoot3 Wy&o++ ha5 a *e2'tation as a +ea*e5 shoote* an5 was t*aine5 by /i((y San5ow4 who ta'0ht Lee a(( o+ Lewis$ 1oves3 The 1atch too& 2(ace at the New Yo*& City Hi22o5*o1e on A'0'st ,.4 ,-."3 The 1atch was a(( stan5 '2 +o* the +i*st ho'* an5 ,8 1in'te an5 they went to the 1at on(y beca'se Wy&o++ s(i22e53 The *est o+ the 1atch was t'00in0 an5 2'((in0 with none o+ the no*1a( 2*o w*est(in0 1oves an5 ho(5s bein0 'se53 It see1e5 (i&e the 1atch was 0oin0 to (ast a(( ni0ht4 when s'55en(y4 the two 1en +e(( o't o+ the *in0 on to the +(oo*3 They both 1a5e it bac& into *in04 b't they we*e so ti*e5 that they ha5 t*o'b(e in B'st stan5in03 Fina((y a+te* a +ew 5es2e*ate 2asses at each othe*4 they +e(( +*o1 the *in0 a0ain3 Re+e*ee Geo*0e /othne* co'nte5 both 1en o't an5 *'(e5 the 1atch a 5*aw3 Ti1e was !@,<@<A3 The c*ow5 +o* one o+ the on(y t*'e shoots in w*est(in0 histo*y was .4EEE4 b't 1ost +ans ha5 (e+t the

a*ena by the en5 o+ the 1atch3;<A!> Lewis was ve*y 5isa22ointe5 in the *es'(t an5 he be0an to (ose inte*est in his ca*ee*3 He *et'*ne5 to Seatt(e4 b't this ti1e he 5i5 1o*e Bobs3 In Se2te1be* ,-."4 (ost to San5o* SCabo4 at F*a(ey4 the 1as&e5 Re5 Sha5ow an5 even one to To* 9ohnson3 In 1i5)Se2te1be* he t*ave(e5 to Hono('('4 Hawaii an5 beat E5 Don Geo*0e an5 Fic Ch*isty3 #n #ctobe* !E4 he *et'*ne5 to Chica0o to Bob +o* 9i1 McMi((en3 The 1atch on(y 5*ew ,4AEE3 In Nove1be* an5 Dece1be*4 he 5i5 1o*e *e+e*eein0 than W*est(in03 He s2ent Ch*ist1as in Hawaii beatin0 E5 Don Geo*0e a0ain3 The Last /*i5e ) ,-.8 #n 9an'a*y ,,4 ,-.84 Lewis 1a**ie5 a Miss /obbie Lee West at Y'1a4 A*iCona3 Miss West ha5 +o*1e*(y (ive5 in Co*2's Ch*isti4 Te:as an5 M's&o0ee4 #&(aho1a3 The two ha5 &nown each othe* +o* ove* ,! yea*s3 /obby Lee was a +'(( b(oo5e5 Che*o&ee In5ian3 E5 see1e5 to (i&e In5ian wo1en an5 ha5 at (east two othe* Native A1e*ican 0i*(+*ien5s in his 2ast3 Ne&oosa an5 Wisconsin was ho1e to (a*0e n'1be*s o+ Native A1e*icans4 so Lewis was co1+o*tab(e a*o'n5 the In5ian 2eo2(e3 This was E5$s (ast 1a**ia0e an5 the two staye5 to0ethe* 'nti( Lewis$ 5eath3;<A.> The two then 2'*chase5 a ho1e in the Ho((ywoo5 Hi((s nea* La'*e( Canyon +o* D-4AEE3 The 2*o2e*ty was (ocate5 at =,<A Wi((ow G(en Roa53 It was a seven)*oo1 st'cco *esi5ence with a conc*ete 0a*a0e an5 two cotta0es on an e(abo*ate(y (an5sca2e5 ac*e o+ (an53;<A<> My tho'0ht a*e that Lewis 2*obab(y so(5 his inte*est in what was (e+t o+ his th*ee *esta'*ants in G(en5a(e4 A(ha1b*a an5 asa5ena4 2ossib(y to the Loew$s Inco*2o*ation3 His inte*est in a San Die0o Hote( a(so see1s to have been so(53 Lewis 1ay have contin'e5 wo*&in0 as a *esta'*ant 0*eete* +o* Loew$s o* 5i5 so1e wo*& +o* MGM St'5ios3 #n Ma*ch .,4 ,-.84 Robe*t 6E5 "St*an0(e*" Lewis7 F*ie5*ich +i((e5 +o* a socia( sec'*ity n'1be*3 6AAE),")E."<7 His e12(oye* was (iste5 as Loew$s Inco*2o*ation o+ C'(ve* City3 Lewis wo'(5 be associate5 with a n'1be* o+ Bobs ove* the co1in0 yea*4 none +o* ve*y (on03 The Many Cha12ions o+ ,-.8 A (i0ht heavywei0ht w*est(e*4 na1e5 Davi5 Levin4 beat A(i /aba on a 5is?'a(i+ication in New 9e*sey on 9'ne ,!4 ,-."3 It was anothe* 5o'b(e)c*oss4 this ti1e the i5ea o+ Toots Mon5t an5 9ac& +e+e*3 He st*en0then his c(ai1 to the tit(e by beatin0 Fincent Lo2eC in a Los An0e(es 'ni+ication 1atch on A'0'st ,-4 ,-."3 Levin4 in t'*n4 was beaten by Dean Detton at hi(a5e(2hia on Se2te1be* !=4 ,-." in a 1atch that (aste5 !@EA@A!3 Fe*y +ew state co11issions s'22o*te5 the Levin win ove* A(i /aba4 so /aba went on to (ose his c(ai1 to /i((y San5ow$s w*est(e*4 Eve*ett Ma*sha((4 in Co('1b's4 #hio on 9'ne !-4 ,-."3 #+ co'*se4 Danno #$Mahoney was sti(( c(ai1e5 the AWA wo*(5 tit(e3 He even (ost his tit(e4 b't not his c(ai14 to Yvon Robe*t on 9'(y ,"4 ,-." in Mont*ea(3 Late*4 a+te* Robe*t act'a((y b*o&e his a*1 in a 1atch 6Nove1be* ,=4 ,-."74 so1e wo'(5 thin& C(i++ #(sen was cha12ionG3 b't on(y o'tsi5e o+ /oston3 The NWA tit(e *e1aine5 vacant 'nti( it set '2 anothe* tit(e to'*na1ent4 than no one b't 9ohn ese& wo'(5 Boin3 So on Se2te1be* ,.4 ,-.84 the NWA *eco0niCe5 ese& as cha12ion3 9i1 Lon5os *et'*ne5 to A1e*ica in ,-.84 havin0 won 1o*e than one ve*sion o+ the tit(e in E'*o2e an5 So'th A+*ica3 Lewis was 1ost(y inactive in ,-.84 b't he 5i5 acce2t 1aBo* Bobs to Dean Detton 6Sac*a1ento)9an'a*y !A an5 Sa(t La&e City)Ma*ch ,!74 an5 San5o* SCabo 6San F*anciscoHFeb*'a*y !73 None o+ these 1atches a*e *e1e1be*e5 +o* anythin0 othe* than they ha5 Lewis w*est(in03 #n May !A4 ,-.84 Lewis 5i5 a Bob +o* +a1o's +ootba(( sta* /*on&o Na0'*si&i +o* Tony Steche* in Minnea2o(is3 This (oss by Lewis4 set Na0'*s&i '2 +o* his tit(e win ove* Dean Detton on 9'ne !-4 ,-.83 Sta*tin0 on 9'ne !A4 ,-.84 Lewis an5 wi+e /obbie Lee sai(e5 on the Matson) #ceanic Line*4 Ma*i2osa4 on a wo*(5 to'*3 They$*e +i*st sto2 was in Hono('('4 Hawaii4 whe*e he won an5 (ost a 1atch ove* two wee&s3 In A'0'st an5 the +i*st two wee&s o+ Se2te1be*4 Lewis to'*e5 New Iea(an5 an5 A'st*a(ia3 He w*est(e5 at (east = ti1es an5 on(y 5i5 two Bobs +o* Ea*( McC*ea5y3 It$s be(ieve5 he a(so to'*e5 G*eece an5 So'th A+*ica3 In Nove1be*4 he w*est(e5 an5 (ost to Hen*i DeG(ane in a*is4 F*ance3 In (ate* (i+e Lewis c(ai1e5 that4 in sto*ies to Lo' ThesC4 he w*est(e5 an5 (ost

to the G*eat Ga1a in In5ia 5'*in0 this wo*(5 to'* an5 I$ve *ea5 news2a2e* *e2o*ts that sai5 he inten5e5 to 1a&e that 1atch the cente* o+ his to'*3 It was *e2o*te5 in the 9an'a*y ,-.= iss'e o+ RING MAGAIINE4 that Lewis 1a5e the t*i2 to In5ia4 b't the 1atch +ee( a2a*t when Ga1a 5e1an5e5 th*ee 1onths to t*ain3 E5 then t*ave(e5 to a*is +o* the Bob to DeG(ane3;<AA> Lewis an5 wi+e *et'*ne5 to New Yo*& City on the Jnite5 States (ine* Washin0ton3 He then anno'nce5 he was *eti*e5 an5 2(ane5 to s2en5 the *est o+ his ti1e (ivin0 in the Ho((ywoo5 Hi((s in his new ho1e3 He a(so c*iticiCe5 the state o+ 2*o w*est(in04 sayin0 the c'**ent sty(e o+ "s(a1ban0" 0*a22(in0 was "te**ib(e an5 B'st aw+'("3 He b(a1e5 the 1ess on the 2'b(ic4 sayin0 it was B'st 0ettin0 the on(y 2*o5'ce it wo'(5 2ay +o* an5 that it hate5 an5 booe5 t*'e scienti+ic w*est(in03 He 5i5n$t 1ention the 2a*t he 2(aye5 ove* !< yea* 5eve(o2in0 the "s(a1ban0" sty(e o* how the w*est(in0 2*o1ote*s wo'(5 eat thei* chi(5*en to 1a&e a b'c&3 W*est(in0 was we(( into its "5a*& a0e"4 an5 he wasn$t wante53 The bi0 1oney 5ays we*e 0one3 F*o1 his wo*5s4 it 5i5n$t see1 (i&e E5 ha5 any 2(ans to w*est(e a0ain3 KK Contin'e to CHA TER !8 F##TN#TES <<= A 1o*e 5etai(e5 5esc*i2tion o+ the Te:as t*i2 can be +o'n5 in 1y Danno #$Mahoney /io)))" A 5isast*o's to'* o+ the So'th +o((owe5 in Feb3 ,-."3 Th*ee ti1es o22onents t*ie5 to hoo& #$Mahoney an5 on(y /owse*$s 2*eca'tions save5 the tit(e3 The sto*y to(5 is that R'5y D'se& ha5 once cont*o((e5 1ost o+ the so'th b't ha5 (ost te**ito*y an5 cont*o( a+te* the c*eation o+ the w*est(in0 t*'st3 Jsin0 9'(i's an5 Mo**is Sie0a( the 1aBo* 2*o1ote*s in Ho'ston an5 Sh*eve2o*t4 Leon /a(&in4 his chie+ (ie'tenant4 an5 the (oca( boo&e*4 Docto* La*( Sa*2o(is4 he 1a5e '2 a 2(an to o'ts1a*t /owse* an5 stea( the tit(e3

The +i*st two 5o'b(e)c*osses too& 2(ace on Feb3 " ve*s's E((is /asha*a in New #*(eans an5 on Feb3 8 in Ho'ston ve*s's Danie( /oone Sava0e 6E5 Civi(73 Danno was save5 both ti1es by the /owse* *e+e*ee a'( 9ones3 The +inish o+ the Danie( /oone Sava0e 1atch ha5 Danno th*owin0 the hi((bi((y ove* the to2 *o2e on to the +(oo*3 This was a vio(ation o+ Te:as w*est(in0 *'(es b't the *e+e*ee 9ones 5i5n$t ca(( +o* a DM3 The Te:as Co11ission (ate* *'(e5 that a *e1atch ha5 to ta&e 2(ace within -E 5ays o* Danno wo'(5 be st*i2e5 o+ the tit(e3 #n Feb3 - Danno4 Mana0e* McG*ath4 an5 a'( 9ones we*e 2*esent at the Ga(veston City A'5ito*i'1 an5 the w*est(e* ha5 been e:a1ine5 by co11ission 5octo*4 when so1eone to(5 the1 that his o22onent4 9'an H'1be*to4 ha5 2(ans to hoo& #$Mahoney3 The 0*o'2 +e(t they ha5 eno'0h4 so they (e+t the a*ena 5'*in0 the 2*e(i1ina*ies4 in +*ont o+ the (oca( +ans an5 the state ins2ecto* o+ bo:in0 an5 w*est(in03 #n Feb3 ,,4 ,-."4 Ga(veston 2*o1ote*4 Ra(2h Ha11on5s4 s'e5 #$Mahoney an5 1ana0e* +o* D,A4!,"3<E 5'e to the *'n o't3 Danno was st*i2e5 o+ the tit(e in Te:as an5 the Nationa( W*est(in0 Association soon +o((owe5 by st*i22in0 #$Mahoney o+ thei* tit(e3 With this4 the i5ea o+ an 6a(1ost7 Jn5is2'te5 Wo*(5 Tit(e was ove*3 When #$Mahoney was 'nab(e to *et'*n +o* a tit(e 1atch4 a new Te:as tit(e (ine was sta*te5 on May =4 ,-." with Leo "Whis&e*s" Sava0e as wo*(5 cha12ion3 /'t by that ti1e4 the*e we*e so 1any cha12ions4 that no one notice53" A(so see GALFEST#N DAILY NEWS4 Feb*'a*y -4 ,-."4 to Feb*'a*y ,,4 ,-." an5 ASS#CIATED RESSHMay -4 ,-."3 The tit(e (ine is (iste5 in WRESTLING TITLE HIST#RIES by Roya( D'ncan N Ga*y Wi(( on 2a0e !",3 This is the 0*eatest o+ a(( w*est(in0 histo*y boo&s an5 sho'(5 be owne5 by eve*yone inte*este5 in the to2ic3 A(so see Fa(( G'ys3 <<- NEW Y#RL TIMES4 Ma*ch !4 ,-."4 THE /#ST#N GL#/E4 Ma*ch !4 ,-."4 THE RING MAGAIINE4 A2*i( ,-.")))The +o((owin0 is +*o1 1y #$Mahoney /io@ "Two 5ays (ate* 6Ma*ch !4 ,-."7 histo*y was 1a5e in Ma5ison S?'i*e Ga*5en when Danno was 1atche5 with his o(5 +*ien5 Dic& Shi&at3 Why 9ac& C'*(ey an5 /owse* wo'(5 a((ow Shi&at bac& into the *in0 with #$Mahoney4 a+te* the A2*i( ,4 ,-.A 1ess4 is ha*5 to e:2(ainGG3My 0'ess is that Danno ha5 *'n th*ew eve*y 1aBo* conten5e* an5 Shi&at was the on(y +*esh na1e that co'(5 5*aw in New Yo*&4 so C'*(ey too& a chance that Shi&at wo'(5 be ha22y with a 0oo5 2ay5ay3 They we*e w*on03 In the Ga*5en *in04 Shi&at was the a00*esso* +*o1 the 1o1ent the be(( so'n5e53 In the +i*st 1in'te4 he too& #$Mahoney to the 1at with a w*ist(oc& an5 &e2t hi1 5own +o* the *est o+ the 1atch4 2'nishin0 the I*ish1an with ho(5 a+te* ho(53 At

no ti1e was Shi&at in any 5an0e* +*o1 Danno an5 he see1e5 to enBoy b*ea&in0 o't o+ any ho(5 atte12te5 by the cha12ion3 Ho(5 a+te* ho(5 was a22(ie54 with Danno 0ettin0 +*ee5 by c*aw(in0 to the *o2es o* by Shi&at *e(easin0 the (oc& to 0o to anothe*3 Danno (oo&e5 to be in a0ony3 The bo't saw Danno atte12t a w*ist(oc&4 which Shi&at co'nte*e5 with a +(yin0 1a*e +o((owe5 by a hea5(oc&3 This was +o((owe5 by a 9a2anese a*1)(oc& b't Danno b*o&e +*ee4 b't +e(( into a ha11e*(oc& that the Ge*1an 0ave '2 +o* a (e0 (oc&3 Danno went to the *o2es +o* a b*ea& on(y to have Shi&at 1ove hi1 to the cente* o+ the *in0 an5 with a s'55en twist ta&e hi1 bac& to the 1at3 A bo5y scisso*s an5 a 0*'e(in0 toeho(5 +o((owe5 an5 we*e b*o&e on(y by Danno *eachin0 the *o2es3 A(( these 1oves h'*t #$Mahoney an5 he (oo&e5 to be in co12(ete a0ony3 Shi&at then sec'*e5 a vicio's ha11e*(oc&3 The 1o*e Danno t*ie5 to b*ea& o't o+ it4 the 1o*e 2*ess'*e the Ge*1an 2't on3 The *e+e*ee Geo*0e /othne* a New Yo*& co11ission a22ointee an5 one o+ the 1ost *es2ecte5 1en in the s2o*t4 twice as&e5 Danno i+ he wante5 to ?'it3 Twice Danno sai54 "Yes"4 b't /othne* 5i5 nothin03 Shi&at then a22ea(e5 to /othne* that i+ he 5i5n$t sto2 it4 he was b*ea&in0 #$Mahoney$s a*13 /othne* 0ot on his &nees an5 as&e5 Danno a0ain in a voice eve*yone co'(5 hea*3 Danno c*ie54 "Yes4 he$s &i((in0 1eO Sto2 it4 I te(( yo'O" /othne* s(a22e5 Shi&at on the bac& an5 *aise5 the han5 o+ the new cha12ion3" 6Ti1e@ ,=@A87 In the *in0 an5 (ate* in the 5*essin0 *oo14 #$Mahoney an5 McG*ath 0ave no in5ication that the*e was any 5o'bt in thei* 1in5s who the cha12ion was3 They even 2*aise5 Shi&at b't as the ni0ht went on they +i*st sai5 that Danno was sti(( ti*e5 an5 sic& +*o1 the Yvon Robe*t 1atch two 5ays be+o*e3 Then Danno c(ai1e54 2*obab(y a+te* so1e coachin0 +*o1 C'*(ey o* Mon5t4 he 5i5n$t s'b1it4 that /othne* ha5 B'st 1iss *ea5 his I*ish b*o0'e4 which B'st 1a5e hi1 (oo& ba5 to the 84EEE +ans an5 *e2o*te*s who hea*5 hi1 c*y o't in 2ain3 <AE Most o+ the sto*y is +*o1 FALL GJYS by Ma*c's G*i++in3 <AEa THE HILADEL HIA INMJIER4 Feb*'a*y !-4 ,-."HThis 1atch is a(ways ca((e5 a to'*na1ent +ina(4 b't it was Lewis$ on(y 1atch in the city 5'*in0 that 2e*io53 Dean Detton ha5 beaten 9i1 /*ownin04 Hans Stein&(e4 Se*0e( La(1i&o++4 Chie+ Litt(e Wo(+4 an5 Han& /a*be*3 Detton 2ine5 Lewis a+te* a se*ies o+ +(yin0 tac&(es in .,@A,3 The news2a2e* c(ai1e5 it was Lewis +i*st (oss eve* in hi(a5e(2hia3 <AEb See the Ti1 Ho*nba&e* /io@ THE JNLN#WN CHAM I#N #F THE W#RLD)THE TJRN#FER SCISS#RS LINGH9IM /R#WNING <A, The on(y so'*ce +o* this sto*y is NATI#NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE@ THE JNT#LD ST#RY #F THE M#N# #LY THAT STRANGLED R# WRESTLING by Ti1 Ho*nba&e*4 2a0e -=3 I 0ive the c*e5it to Ti1 beca'se I thin& /owse* wante5 Danno to 5*o2 the tit(e to Yvon Robe*t an5 that$s the sto*y(ine that /owse* +o((ows in the yea*s that +o((owe53 <A! NEW Y#RL TIMES4 A'0'st ,<4 ,-.")))The Lewis%Wyco++ ca*5 was the +i*st w*est(in0 show to a22ea* at The Hi22o5*o1e3 It *e2(ace a(( the othe*s a*enas to beco1e the best in the city3 Sto*y a(so a22ea*s in FALL GJYS by Ma*c's G*i++in 6cha2te* !!7 an5 H##LER by Lit /a'1an N Lo' ThesC 2a0e P A"3)))Lewis to(5 ThesC that he was so con+i5ent o+ beatin0 Wyco++ that he w*est(e5 the 1atch with a se2a*ate5 c(avic(e3 He was 5isa22ointe5 in the *es'(t4 b't he a(so tho'0ht it was the best contest he eve* w*est(e53 <A. L#S ANGELES TIMES4 9an'a*y !,4 ,-.8 <A< L#S ANGELES TIMES4 9an'a*y !<4 ,-.8 <AA RING MAGAIINE 9an3 ,-.= "Loo&in0 +itte* than eve*4 E5 "St*an0(e*" Lewis4 2*o+essiona( w*est(in0$s a1bassa5o* o+ 0oo5 wi((4 (an5e5 in a*is a+te* a ve*y 5isa22ointin0 t*i2 to In5ia3 He*e4 in the (an5 o+ t'*bans4 Lewis ha5 1a5e 2(ans to 1eet Ga1a4 the Gan0es 0iant4 who has 5e+ie5 the 1a*ch o+ ti1e3 The contest was sc*a22e5 when the wa*y Hin5' 5e1an5e5 a th*ee 1onth t*ainin0 2e*io53 Dis0'ste5 that the "5*ea1)1atch" o+ his (on0 ca*ee* ha5 +a((en th*o'0h4 ba**e( cheste5 E5 sai(e5 +o* F*ance3"

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The Fi#st Reti#e$ent %&'() to &'*+, In -ate &'(". the boo/ FALL G0YS1 THE 2ARN0MS 3F 230NCE was w#itten an4 56b-ishe4 by s5o#tsw#ite# Ma#c6s G#i77in8 It was the 7i#st boo/ eve# w#itten with an insi4e view o7 5#o w#est-in9. an4 it b#o/e ":ay7abe" in 7#ont o7 the #ea4in9 56b-ic8 It was a c#64e inacc6#ate -oo/ at 5#o w#est-in9 histo#y an4 a-the c#a;y ha55enin9s o7 the &'(+<s8 Fo# yea#s it was the on-y be-ievab-e boo/ w#itten on w#est-in9<s histo#y an4 it was #e$e$be#e4 as the 7acts 7a4e4 7#o$ 56b-ic<s conscio6sness8 To4ay<s #esea#che#s 7in4s it to be bias in a h6n4#e4 ways an4 inacc6#ate in $any othe#. whi-e 5#o$otin9 an cynica- view o7 the a#t 7o#$8 Ma#c6s G#i77in was a news5a5e# $an who was 6se4 by Toots Mon4t in 56b-ic #e-ations 46#in9 the &'(!=&'(( wa# with >i$ Lon4os8 So $ost o7 the views in the boo/ co$es 7#o$ in7o#$ation s655-ie4 by Toots Mon4t an4 >ac/ 7e7e# %who ta-/e4 to anyone who wo6-4 -isten,8 The ove# a-- view in the boo/ is 5#o Mon4t. Lewis. Dean Detton. an4 San4ow8 3the#s -i/e Lon4os. C6#-ey. Steche#. W-a4e/ ?bys;/o. an4 Gotch have thei# #e56tation 4#a99e4 th#ew the $64. $ain-y beca6se they co--i4e4 with the i4ea that E4 Lewis was the s5o#t<s 9#eatest w#est-e#8 26t it has been w#est-in9 histo#y<s $ost in7-6entia- boo/ an4 on-y a7te# the #esea#che#s went to wo#/ in the &''+<s have we ha4 the in7o#$ation to contest it8 That bein9 sai4. St#an9-e# Lewis ca$e o6t o7 the boo/ -oo/in9 ve#y we-- in &'("@8in a 5e#ve#se /in4 o7 way8 >ac/ C6#-ey 4i4n<t see$ to ca#e o# 4e7en4 hi$se-78 The $an who ha4 #e7o#$e4 w#est-in9 into bi9 ti$e ente#tain$ent 4ie4 on >6-y &!. &'("8 He -e7t behin4 a wi7e na$e4 2essie an4 two chi-4#en na$e4 >ac/ an4 >ean8 He was b6#ie4 at Nassa6 :now-es Ce$ete#y. o#t Washin9ton. Lon9 Is-an48 I can<t te-- yo6 how -on9 Lewis -ive4 in his -6A6#io6s estate8 26t I can te-yo6 that E4 was easy with $oney an4 be7o#e -on9 he was -oo/in9 7o# $o#e8 Fo# so$e ti$e. he contin6e4 to $ana9e# his o-4 G-en4a-e #esta6#ant. which was. in -ate# #e5o#ts. ca--e4 a #esta6#ant an4 coc/tai- -o6n9e8 26t E4 #e$aine4 7a$o6s an4 his 7#ien4s we#e $ovie sta#s an4 Ho--ywoo4 ty5es. which wo6-4 $a/e -ivin9 on a #esta6#ant $ana9e#<s sa-a#y a to69h #oa4 to 7o--ow8 It sho6-4 be sai4 that eve#yone in w#est-in9 ha4 sto#ies o7 The St#an9-e# bein9 an easy to6ch8 His 5#ob-e$s with 4#in/in9 an4 with his wei9ht wo#sene4 as his ti$e beca$e 7#ee#8 It wasn<t -on9 be7o#e he wei9hte4 $o#e than (++ 5o6n4s an4 by own sto#ies. to-4 46#in9 his #e-i9io6s 5e#io4. he was an a-coho-ic8 It wasn<t -on9 be7o#e he sta#te4 $issin9 wo#/in9 o6t an4 the -i7e on the #oa4 o7 a 5#o w#est-e#8 Lewis 4i4n<t B6st $iss 5#o w#est-in9. it $isse4 hi$8 The events o7 &'(C %an4 a7te#, ha4 /i--e4 the s5o#t in the eyes o7 the 56b-ic an4 it no -on9e# 9ot the sa$e t#eat$ent 7#o$ the 5#ess8 It was consi4e# an o77 co-o# Bo/e by $ost 5eo5-e8 The new sta#s neve# we#e ab-e to #e5-ace the o-4 ones an4 b6siness was ba4 eve#ywhe#e8 The on-y AD-ist sta# -e7t was o-4 >i$ Lon4os8 The na$es o7 the o-4 sta#s B6st 9ot $o#e #es5ect. b6t they we#e 7ew o7 the$8 I7 E4 "St#an9-e#" Lewis ha4 anythin9. it was a 9#eat na$e. that 5eo5-e #e$e$be# 7#o$ a bette# ti$e@8a $o#e #es5ecte4 ti$e8 Most o-4 w#est-e#s a#en<t a--owe4 to w#est-e8 I7 they want to stay a#o6n4 the s5o#t witho6t $ovin9 65 to $ana9e$ent. it was eithe# as a #e7e#ee o# as a $ana9e#8 Lewis 4eci4e4 he was 9oin9 to 4o it a--8 3n May &). &'(). Lewis #e7e#ee4 a $atch in Los An9e-es between >i$ Lon4os an4 Dean Detton8 I thin/ >i$$y co6-4 than/ his G#ee/ 9o4s that Eince McMahon wasn<t the boo/e#. beca6se no 4o6b-eDc#oss too/ 5-ace. an4 Lewis #aise4 his han4 in victo#y8 Lewis neAt ente#e4 bac/ into the s5o#t as a $ana9e# in So6the#n Ca-i7o#nia in the be9innin9 o7 &'('8 E4 too/ a $i4Dca#4 wo#/e#. an4 5#o 7ootba-- 5-aye# with the New Yo#/ Giants. na$e4 A#th6# White an4 4eve-o5e4 hi$ into a $ainDevente#8 The 7i#st si9n o7 so$ethin9 $aBo# ta/in9 5-ace was a C+ $in6te 4#aw in San Die9o between A#th6# "Ta#;an" White an4 Lewis< o-4 #iva- >i$ Lon4os on Ma#ch !&. &'('8 Lon4os w#est-in9 4#aws with $aBo# ta-ent an4 7#ien4s -i/e Ray Stee-e an4 E4 Don

Geo#9e was one thin9. b6t a 4#aw with a "nobo4y" $6st have shoo/ the w#est-in9 wo#-4 -i/e an ea#thF6a/e8 Why wo6-4 Lon4os 56t an A#th6# White ove#G Maybe he $isse4 his o-4 7#ien4 St#an9-e# Lewis an4 saw so$e $oney in contin6in9 the #iva-#y@8 with E4 5-ayin9 the 5a#t o7 a $ana9e#8 Lewis then b#o69ht White 65 to Los An9e-es an4 chan9e4 the nic/na$e 7#o$ "Ta#;an" to "St#an9-e#"8H*ICJ When 7ans #ea4 the na$e A#t "St#an9-e#" White. they /new the $ana9e# Lewis was 5a#t o7 the show8 >ac/ Da#o<s %b#othe# o7 Lo6, b6siness was 4yin9. b6t the tea$ o7 A#t an4 E4 4#ew an 3-y$5ic A64ito#i6$ c#ow4 o7 &+.+++ to watch White cha--en9e Lon4os a9ain 7o# the wo#-4 tit-e8 White $6st have s6#5#ise4 the wo#-4 by 5innin9 Lon4os to win the 7i#st 7a--. an4 the beatin9 contin6e4 in the secon48 Lon4os -oo/e4 7inishe4. b6t he ste55e4 asi4e at the -ast secon4 o7 a 7-yin9 tac/-e atte$5t by White8 Witho6t to6chin9 the #o5es. the 5#o 7ootba--e# c#ashe4 into the #in9si4e seats. which -6c/i-y ha4 been vacate4 in the nic/ o7 ti$e8 White was co6nte4 o6t an4 ca##ie4 to the -ocahos5ita-. 6nab-e to co$e bac/ 7o# the thi#4 7a--8H*I"J Sense it was on-y ba4 -6c/ that sto55e4 Lon4os 7#o$ 4#o55in9 the tit-e to White. a #e$atch was boo/e4 by >ac/ Da#o 7o# May &+8 Da#o 4i4 this /nowin9 Lon4os was boo/e4 bac/ East an4 wo6-4n<t show 7o# the $atch8 Witho6t the sta# >i$$y. Nic/ L6t;e #e5-ace4 the G#ee/ an4 -ost to White8 St#an9-e# Lewis then c-ai$e4 the wo#-4 tit-e 7o# White 46e to the "4e7a6-t" win8 The White=L6t;e ca#4 4#ew ).+++. a -ot $o#e than they wo6-4 have 4#awn with o6t the 7a-se bi--in98 I thin/ the 5-an was 7o# a bi9 #e$atch with Lon4os. b6t it neve# ha55ene48 A7te# White beat San4o# S;abo %May &". &'(',. the Mas/e4 Ma#ve- %>i$ Hen#y May !*, an4 The 2-ac/ anthe# %>6ne !&,. he an4 Lewis B6$5 ove# to the 3-y$5ic<s o55osition. The Ho--ywoo4 Le9ion Sta4i6$8 The sto#y in the news5a5e# ha4 Lewis Boinin9 65 with his o-4 7oe. >oe Ma#sh %7o#$e# $ana9e# o7 Ma#in -estina. the o-4 ti$e "t#6st b6ste#" hi$se-7, to b#in9 heavywei9ht w#est-in9 to Ho--ywoo4. which no#$a--y 6se4 the -i9hte# wei9ht w#est-e#s8 I 4on<t be-ieve that sto#y. at the -east the 5a#t abo6t Lewis. beca6se the t#6e 5owe# at the 3-y$5ic was Toots Mon4t. an4 I can<t be-ieve Lewis wo6-4 s5-it with his o-4 7#ien48 I thin/ A#th6# White B6$5e4 7#o$ The 3-y$5ic beca6se he was 9ettin9 #i55e4 o77 on 5ayo77s by Toots an4 >ac/ Da#o %Lo6 Da#o was sic/ an4 in E6#o5e8,H*I)J So White B6$5e4. an4 9ot beat the 7i#st wee/ in Ho--ywoo4 by E4wa#4 ayson %>6-y &+,8 A 7ew 4ays -ate#. White was s6s5en4e4 by the Ca-i7o#nia Co$$ission 7o# -eavin9 the Da#o 5#o$otion8 So the A#th6# "St#an9-e#" White 56sh an4 Lewis< invo-ve$ent was ove# an4 A#t "Ta#;an" White #et6#ne4 to bein9 a $i4D-eve- w#est-e# in the #est o7 the co6nt#y8 I7 the sto#y o7 Lewis B6$5in9 to the Ho--ywoo4 Le9ion Sta4i6$ is t#6e. I see that. with hi$ si4in9 with the w#est-e#s ove# the co##65te4 5#o$ote#s at the 3-y$5ic which inc-64e4 7#ien4 Toots Mon4t@as one o7 the $ost i4ea-istic $oves I<ve seen Lewis ta/e in $y w#itin9s8 2y the -ate (+<s. the $oney $a/in9 5ositions in 5#o w#est-in9 was the "boo/in9 a9ents"8 Many o7 the o-4 5#o$ote#s ha4 $ove4 on to bein9 a9ents. boo/in9 ta-ent to a-- the bi9 an4 s$a-- 5#o$ote#s8 These $en. inc-64in9 Toots Mon4t %Ca-i7o#nia. the No#thwest. TeAas an4 the No#theast, >ac/ 7e77e# %East Coast. an4 o6t-aw 9#o65s a-- ove# the co6nt#y, an4 To$ ac/ %Misso6#i. TeAas. :ansas. an4 the So6th,. 9ot a c6t o7 eve#y ca#4 an4 4i4n<t ta/e chances -i/e the owne#s an4 5#o$ote#s8 2y the en4 o7 &'(' an4 into &'*+. the ta-ent %w#est-e#s, we#e in #evo-t at the 3-y$5ic A64ito#i6$8 They a#96e4 that Toots Mon4t. an4 the Da#o b#othe#s we#e 4ishonest an4 sho#tin9 ta-ent on 5ayo77s8 The new State Co$$ission investi9ate4 an4 a9#ee48 Toots Mon4t. Lo6 Da#o an4 >ac/ Da#o -ost thei# -icense to wo#/ in Ca-i7o#nia an4 we#e banne4 in the state8 #o$otin9 at the 3-y$5ic A64ito#i6$ was 9iven to Geo#9e ?aha#ias an4 Toots Mon4t<s boo/in9 a9ency in the state was ta/en ove# by Nic/ L6t;e8H*I'J %Late# %Se5te$be# ! &'*&, the co$$ission wo6-4 a55#ove4 o7 ?aha#ias< se--in9 o7 the 3-y$5ic 5#o$otion to Ray Fabiani o7 hi-a4e-5hia8, H*C+J 3n Feb#6a#y &. &'*+. E4<s 7athe# >acob F#ie4#ich #eti#e4 7#o$ the Ne/oosa o-ice De5a#t$ent a7te# !) yea#s o7 se#vice8 He was )& yea#s o-48 3n May &". &'*+. Lewis anno6nce4 his 5-ans to 5#o$ote boAin9 in Los An9e-es with >i$$y M6##ay who ha4 B6st F6it as $atch$a/e# at The 3-y$5ic A64ito#i6$8 Lewis c-ai$e4 he was bac/e4 by s5onso#s who ha4 K&++.+++ avai-ab-e 7o# invest$ent8 His 5-an was to sta9e th#ee o6t4oo# shows 46#in9 the s6$$e# an4 then be9in const#6ction o7 a K*++.+++ in4oo# sta4i6$ in G-en4a-e8 Nothin9 see$e4 to co$e

o6t o7 this8 I /now o7 no ca#4s eve# 5#o$ote4 by the two. an4 he neve# was ab-e to co$e 65 with $oney8 So the a#ena vent6#e 4ie48 3n >6-y &!. &'*+. the !'+ 5o6n4 Lewis $a4e the s5o#ts 5a9e by cha--en9in9 >ac/ De$5sey to a $iAe4 $a#ch at the Los An9e-es Co-ise6$ 7o# the bene7it o7 the Re4 C#oss8 Lewis c-ai$e4 he wo6-4 t#ain 4own to !*+ 5o6n4s 7o# the $atch8 Nothin9 ca$e 7#o$ the cha--en9e. an4 the two #eti#e I+ yea# o-4s 7i9htin9 4i4n<t see$ -i/e a wo#/ab-e i4ea8 Lewis was sho#t on $oney. so he 4i4 9o into t#ainin9. which $ain-y consiste4 o7 -on9 wa-/s. b6t he 4i4 -ose so$e wei9ht8 He -ate# c-ai$e4 that at one 5oint. be7o#e he sta#te4 to t#ain. he wei9hte4 (CI 5o6n4s an4 ha4 a systo-ic b-oo4 5#ess6#e ove# !++8H*C+aJ Thi#teen yea#s a7te# his tit-e win ove# >oe Steche# %Feb#6a#y !+. &'*&,. Lewis #et6#ne4 to St Lo6is to ce-eb#ate the annive#sa#y by #e7e#eein9 a $atch between NWA wo#-4 cha$5ion Ray Stee-e an4 eADcha$5ion Lo6 Thes;8 Stee-e 4e7eate4 Thes; in two st#ai9ht 7a--s a7te# Lo6 was inB6#e4 in the 7i#st 7a--8 Lewis 9ot 9oo4 #eviews as a #e7e#ee. $ovin9 his (++ 5o6n4s a#o6n4 7ast eno69h to /ee5 on to5 o7 eve#y $ove8 2etween #o6n4s. Lewis was the cente# o7 attention si9nin9 a6to9#a5hs8H*C&J 2est 5a#t o7 the ni9ht 7o# Lewis was han9in9 a#o6n4 with o-4 7#ien4s -i/e Lo6 Thes; an4 Stee-e8 Since E4<s visit with Thes;<s 7athe#. the yo6n9 boy ha4 t6#ne4 into St Lo6is< 7avo#ite w#est-e an4 a nation sta# a7te# winnin9 two ve#sions o7 the wo#-4 tit-e8 Thes; sti-- i4o-i;e4 Lewis an4 the two #e$aine4 c-ose s655o#te#s o7 each othe#8 With the wo#-4 -oc/ into anothe# Wo#-4 Wa#. A$e#ica was b6i-4in9 65 it<s a#$e4 7o#ces an4 the w#est-in9 wo#-4 was havin9 a ha#4 ti$e 7in4in9 ta-ent to 7i-- its a#enas8 Many o7 the o-4 w#est-e#s we#e bein9 #ec#6ite4 to co$e o6t o7 #eti#e$ent8 Lewis wo6-4 be the $ost 7a$o6s sta# to #et6#n8 Fo--owin9 St Lo6is. Lewis $a4e so$e $oney bein9 a s5ecia- #e7e#ee. $ain-y wo#/in9 in the So6th8 E4 the #e7e#ee was 4#awin9 7ans. an4 he wasn<t havin9 any t#o6b-e 7in4in9 wo#/8 Lewis contin6e4 to wo#/ o6t an4 he 7e-t he ha4 at -east one $o#e co$ebac/ -e7t in his ca#ee#8 The #eti#e$ent en4s1 WWII 3n Dece$be# ". &'*& the >a5anese attac/e4 A$e#ican 7o#ces at ea- Ha#bo#. b#in9 the A$e#icans into the wa#8 E4 Lewis was bac/ w#est-in9 the neAt wee/8 3n Dece$be# &+. Lewis 4e7eate4 >oe Ma#sh in No#7o-/8 In ea#-y >an6a#y &'*!. Lewis anno6nce4 he was 9oin9 to $a/e a 7a#ewe-- to6#8 A7te# ta/in9 o77 '+ 5o6n4s by wa-/in9. Lewis c-ai$e4 he was bac/ in 9oo4 con4ition8 He wo#/e4 his way 65 the East Coast an4 on >an6a#y !". &'*!. he w#est-e4 a 4#aw with Lo6 Thes; in Mont#ea-8 In the sa$e city. he 9ot so$e ty5e o7 a win ove# Mont#ea- wo#-4 cha$5ion Yvon Robe#t on Feb#6a#y &+. &'*!8 The wa# yea#s we#en<t B6st 9oo4 7o# o-4 w#est-e#s8 F#ea/s $ay have been #eBecte4 by the a#$e4 7o#ces. b6t they we#e 9#eete4 with o5en a#$s by 5#o w#est-in98 The 9#eatest o7 a-- the 7#ea/s was Ma6#ice Ti--et. bi--e4 as the F#ench An9e-. "the 69-iest $an in the wo#-48" With 7eat6#es 4e7o#$e4 by the 4isease Ac#o$e9a-y. an4 b6i-4 at I<)" an4 !)+ 5o6n4s. Ti--et beca$e w#est-in9<s 9#eatest att#action in the yea#s &'*+ to &'*!8 D6#in9 this 5e#io4. The An9e-. 6n4e# the $ana9e$ent o7 a6- 2owse#. won th#ee wo#-4 tit-es an4 beat B6st abo6t eve#y $aBo# sta# in 5#o w#est-in9 inc-64in9 Lewis8 3n Feb#6a#y &&. Lewis w#est-e4 an4 Bobbe4 to Ma6#ice Ti--et at 2oston8 The $atch was 5#obab-y was bi--e4 7o# Ti--et<s AWA wo#-4 tit-e8H*C!J 3n Feb#6a#y !* %!CG, &'*!. in a #e$atch 7o# the Mont#ea- wo#-4 tit-e. Lewis -ost to Yvon Robe#t8 E4 then wo#/e4 a#o6n4 hi-a4e-5hia. beatin9 R64y D6se/ on Feb#6a#y !+ be7o#e -osin9 to the $aBo# East Coast 5#o$ote#. E#nie D6se/. on Ma#ch C8 He 4i4 anothe# Bob 7o# Ea#- McC#ea4y in Rocheste# on Ma#ch &)8 This was 7o--owe4 by Lewis 9ettin9 beaten a9ain by Ma6#ice Ti--et in To#onto on Ma#ch &'8 Many histo#ians consi4e# Wi-4 2i-- Lon9son to be the $aBo# 5e#7o#$e# o7 the &'*+<s8 F#o$ &'*! to &'*). he 4o$inate4 St Lo6is w#est-in9. winnin9 the NationaW#est-in9 Association wo#-4 tit-e th#ee ti$es8 He was the 7athe# o7 the s/i--e4 b#aw-in9 sty-e -ate# 6se4 by :i--e# :owa-s/i. Gene :inis/i. 2#6ise# 2#o4y an4 Stan Hanson8 So$e 7ans c-ai$ he was the 7i#st hee- wo#-4 tit-e ho-4e#. b6t anyone who has #ea4 the histo#y o7 E4 Lewis in the &'!+<s /nows that isn<t t#6e8 He was w#est-in9<s bi99est 4#aw in the 5e#io4 7o--owin9 the F#ench An9e-8 Lon9son won his 7i#st NWA wo#-4 tit-e on Feb#6a#y &'. &'*! beatin9 San4o# S;abo

in St Lo6is 4#awin9 ".*C&8 His neAt 4e7ense was on Ma#ch I. 4#awin9 '.CC" beatin9 eADcha$5 Ray Stee-e8 He won a #e$atch a9ainst San4o# S;abo on Ma#ch !+ 4#awin9 ).CC)8 With w#est-in9<s "4a#/ a9e" in 76-- e77ect. these atten4ance $a#/s we#e consi4e#e4 9oo4. i7 not 9#eat. b6t on A5#i- ). &'*!. Lon9son teste4 his tit-e c-ai$s ve#se o-4 7at St#an9-e# Lewis in St Lo6is8 Lon9son 5inne4 Lewis in &(1*+. b6t both 5#ove4 thei# abi-ity to 4#aw by att#actin9 a c#ow4 o7 &!.')C8 This n6$be# $6st have st6nne4 the w#est-in9 wo#-48 It 5#obab-y was the -a#9est A$e#ican c#ow4 seen sense &'(" an4 this c#ow4 e-on9ate4 Lewis< ca#ee# by yea#s8 A5#i- &" saw Lewis w#est-in9 2i-- Lon9son in Ho6ston8 He -ost by 4isF6a-i7ication %atten4ance (.+++,. b6t that B6st sent 65 a #e$atch on May &"8 E4 -ost that one c-ean8 Lewis< 7athe#. >acob F#ie4#ich. 4ie4 at " M on A5#i- !+. &'*!. a7te# a -in9e#in9 i--ness8 The 5-ace o7 4eath was his ho$e in Ne/oosa an4 E4 an4 the #est o7 the 7a$i-y was 5#esent be4si4e8 S6#vivin9 >acob was his wi7e. Mo--a G6i-4en;o57. th#ee 4a69hte#s. M#s >ohn A$b#6ste# an4 M#s Geo#9e G-a44-in9 both o7 who$ -ive4 in Eve#ett. Washin9ton %which eA5-aine4 why Lewis w#est-e4 in the No#th West so $6ch, an4 M#s >ay 26c/-ey. o7 Wisconsin Ra5i4s an4 one son. E4 "St#an9-e#" Lewis8 >acob ha4 nine 9#an4chi-4#en an4 one 9#eatD9#an4chi-48 3n A5#i- !&. &'*!. E4 Lewis was the 7i#st $an to #e9iste#. at the A$e#ican Le9ion Ha-- o7 Ne/oosa. in the 9ene#a- #e9ist#ation o7 a-- $en *I to CI yea#s o7 a9e8 At a9e I!. nothin9 ca$e 7#o$ it8 3n May !! he #et6#ne4 to St Lo6is 7o# anothe# $atch with Ray Stee-e8 Stee-e won the $atch b6t the two 4#ew a hea-thy ).*+I8 Lewis then was si9ne4 to a55ea# in a bit 5a#t in a c-assic boAin9 $ovie ca--e4 Gent-e$an >i$ sta#in9 E##o- F-ynn8 Lewis was 5a#t o7 the 4#in/in9 5a#ty that a-ways s6##o6n4e4 F-ynn. inc-64in9 the 2a##y$o#es an4 4i#ecto# Rao6- Wa-sh. so he 5#obab-y 9ot the 5a#t beca6se o7 his o-4 7#ien4s8 Lewis 5-aye4 the 5a#t o7 a wash 65 ba#e /n6c/-e 569 boAe# na$e4 Ho9hea4. who has a 7i9ht with Wee Wi--ie Davis. en4in9 65 in Bai- with F-ynn an4 >ac/ Ca#son8 The 5-acin9 o7 the o-4 7a$o6s w#est-e# St#an9-e# Lewis in the cast see$e4 to be an insi4e Bo/e. b6t E4 is ve#y 76nny in the 5a#t8 So$e #e5o#ts c-ai$ that E4 a-so wo#/e4 as a stan4 in 7o# Wa#4 2on4. b6t I 4on<t be-ieve it8 In &'*!. 2on4 was ve#y 7it an4 s6n tanne48 Lewis -oo/e4 ve#y 7at an4 o6t o7 sha5e. #ese$b-in9 Geo#9e "The Ani$a-" Stee-e $o#e that 2on48 Lewis is ve#y 9oo4. #ea4in9 his -ines we--. an4 it<s s6#5#isin9 he 4i4n<t 9et $o#e cha#acte# 5a#ts in 7i-$s8 F#o$ May into >6-y. when 7i-$in9 was ta/in9 5-ace on Gent-e$an >i$. Lewis wo#/e4 in So6the#n Ca-i7o#nia an4 San F#ancisco8 He ha4 th#ee 4#aws with San4o# S;abo an4 9ot co6nte4 o6t o7 the #in9 in a $atch with F#an/ SeAton in San F#ancisco on >6-y "8 He a-so ha4 two $atches in San F#ancisco with Ma6#ice Ti--et. A696st !I an4 Se5te$be# &8 E4 -ost both $atches. b6t both shows 4#ew we--8H*C(J At the en4 o7 Se5te$be#. he $ove4 to the East Coast 7o# a co65-e o7 wee/s8 He then $ove4 on to the $i4Dwest 7o# a bi99e# 56sh8 LL Contin6e to CHA TER !) F33TN3TES *IC 0NITED RESS1 FA:E TAR?ANS ARE WARNED 2Y ARTH3R. 2y F#e4e#ic/ C8 3th$an. May &'. &'('MWhite a-so 9ave 65 the Ta#;an na$e beca6se E49a# Rice 26##o69hs. -ivin9 nea#by in Ta#;ana. was th#ea4in9 to s6e anyone 6sin9 the na$e8 I a-so have to $a/e a 5oint@ that A#th6# White was not the w#est-e# -ate# 6sin9 the na$e E4 "Ta#;an" White8 *I" L3S ANGELES TIMES. WHITE 23WS T3 L3ND3S. 2y F#an/ Finch. A5#i- C. &'(' *I) L3S ANGELES TIMES. STAGE SEEMS ALL SET F3R MAT STRIFE IN S30THLAND by AWo-7. >6-y (. &'(' *I' L3S ANGELES TIMESDDDM3NDTS GIEE 0 233:ING 20SINESSMNIC: L0T?E "AD3 TS" 3R HAN WRESTLERS by A- Wo-7. Se5te$be# *. &'*+ *C+ I<ve state4. ea#-ie# in this 5a5e#. the i4ea that Toots Mon4t 4est#oye4 as $6ch as he c#eate48 His ti$e in Los An9e-es is an eAa$5-e o7 it8 I7 Mon4t wante4 to ta/e c#e4it 7o# the 9oo4 yea#s in the ea#-y !+<s with San4ow an4 Lewis. then he nee4s to ta/e #es5onsibi-ity 7o# the Wayne M6nn b-6n4e#8 I7 he want to ta/e c#e4it 7o# b6i-4in9 65 New Yo#/ City in &'!'. then he nee4 to be #es5onsib-e 7o# tea#in9 it 4own by sta#tin9 a wa# with >i$ Lon4os in &'(! an4 &'((8 I7 he wante4 to c-ai$ he /e5t an a-#ea4y st#on9 Los An9e-es 9oin9 7o# 7o6# yea#s. 7ine. b6t his co##65t ways a-so 4#ove it to its /nees8 The Los An9e-es $ess wasn<t the en4

o7 Toots Mon4t an4 he then #et6#ne4 to New Yo#/ City8 He Boine4 with an A-7#e4 "A-" Maye# in a boo/in9 a9ency8 He 4i4n<t #6n w#est-in9 in the city. b6t s655-ie4 ta-ent to a-- the -oca- 5#o$otions an4 contin6e4 to have -in/s to 5#o$ote#s a-- ove# the co6nt#y8 A7te# seven yea#s with A- Maye#. he b#o/e 65 the 5a#tne#shi5 an4 7o#$e4 the Manhattan 2oo/in9 A9ency8 Mon4t then bo69ht a $aBo# 5o#tion o7 7o#$e# boAin9 cha$5ion #i$o Ca#ne#a<s cont#act an4 t6#ne4 hi$ into a 5#o w#est-e#8 Fo# two yea#s %&'*" an4 &'*),. Ca#ne#a was w#est-in9<s bi99est 4#aw8 When Ca#ne#a sta#te4 to 4ec-ine. Toots sto-e Antonino "A#9entina" Rocca 7#o$ :o-a :wa#iani8 Rocca was a h69e sta# a-- ove#. b6t #ea--y t6#ne4 into New Yo#/ City<s bi99est sta# sense >i$ Lon4os. #eDo5enin9 Ma4ison SF6a#e Ga#4en to -a#9e c#ow4s8 He was 5ayin9 a -a#9e 5o#tion o7 Toots< 9a$b-in9 4ebts into &'C(8 2oth Ca#ne#a an4 Rocca en4e4 65 b#o/e 7#o$ wo#/in9 with Toots8 Late# Toots cont#o--e4 the ea#-y ca#ee#s o7 2#6no Sa$$a#tino an4 An4#e The Giant8 To #ea4 $o#e on Toots Mon4t see Ti$ Ho#nba/e#<s boo/1 NATI3NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE1 THE 0NT3LD ST3RY 3F THE M3N3 3LY THAT STRANGLED R3 WRESTLING. $an-y a#o6n4 5a9e &+!8 *C+a DETR3IT FREE RESS. Ma#ch &I. &'*( *C& ST L30IS DAILY GL32EDDEM3CRAT. Feb#6a#y !&. &'*& *C! See MA0RICE TILLET1 THE FRENCH ANGEL by Steve Yohe *C( SAN FRANCISC3 CR3NICAL. A696st !I. &'*!DDDThe 7i#st $atch on A696st !I saw Lewis 4#o5 two o6t o7 th#ee 7a--s c-ean to Ti--et8 E4 -ost the 7i#st 7a-- to a -e9 -oc/ in ' $in6tes8 Lewis too/ the secon4 7a-- via the hea4-oc/ in '1+C8 The F#ench An9e- then beat Lewis with his own hea4-oc/ in " $in6tes8 2oth $en wo#/e4 ve#y s-ow8

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" Lewis wins Mi#$west Wo%&# Tit&e in '()! *ohn ese+ was a&so sti&& w%est&in,- Fo% ove% ten yea%s he ha# been "ho.estea#in," in Neb%as+a/ Iowa/ an# 0hio- His .ana,e% an# 1%o.ote% was A& Ha&2/ who i#o&i3e# hi. an# 1%otecte# hi. 2%o. the i#ea o2 #oin, 4obs- ese+ wasn5t &i+e .ost w%est&e%s/ he ha# .oney/ ownin, a 2a%. an# cha.1ionshi1 stab&e o2 %acin, #o,s- %o w%est&in, was a 1a%t ti.e 4ob 2o% ese+ an# on&y the o11o%t6nity o2 beatin, 2o%.e% sta%s co6&# ,et hi. in the %in,- 0ve% the yea%s/ he ,ot %even,e ove% a&& the w%est&e%s who ha# #e2eate# hi. when he was 1a%t o2 the t%6st- Late in thei% ca%ee%s he ,ot s6ch sta%s/ as *oe Steche%/ W&a#e+ 7bys3+o/ Eve%ett Ma%sha&&/ Hans Stein+&e/ an# Ma%in &estina/ to co.e to Co&6.b6s o% Linco&n to 16t hi. ove%- ese+/ hi.se&2/ ha#n5t #one a 4ob since &osin, to Ray Stee&e in St Lo6is on Nove.be% !8/ '(88- ese+ an# Lewis ha# w%est&e# at &east 2o6% ti.es/ with E# a&ways winnin,- In '()!/ Lewis nee#e# .oney/ so he was wi&&in, to 4oin ese+5s &istLewis/ wheneve% in 0.aha/ ha# cha&&en,e# ese+ to a "shoot" .atch/ b6t the Ravenna Ti,e% ha# been b6sy %acin, ,%eyho6n#s 2o% .ost o2 the yea%- When a b%ea+ in ese+5s sche#6&e o1ene# 61/ 1%o.ote% Ma9 C&ayton was ab&e to .atch the two in 0.aha 2o% 0ctobe% !:/ '()!- Tic+et 1%ices we%e sca&e# hi,he% than no%.a& ca%#s with %ese%ve seats ,oin, at ;'-<= an# ;'-': with ,ene%a& a#.ission tic+ets &iste# at == cents- The atten#ance o2 )/:::/ with the .a%+ 61 in 1%ices/ .a#e the ca%# one o2 the hi,hest ,%osses in 0.aha in yea%sLewis5 a,e was =! an# he wei,hte# !<" 1o6n#s/ whi&e ese+5s a,e was a sec%et/ b6t I be&ieve he was a%o6n# )"/ an# his wei,ht was his no%.a& '(: 1o6n#s- The .atch was bi&&e# as two o6t o2 th%ee 2a&&s with a (: .in6te ti.e &i.it- Eve%yone c&ai.e# the .atch wo6&# be an o&# sty&e shoot0nce the .atch sta%te#/ ese+ .ove# a%o6n# with his o&#$ti.e a,i&ity/ as wa%y an# c6nnin, as eve%- He 6s6a&&y was in the a#vanta,eo6s 1osition an# he ha# Lewis ,%oanin, wheneve% he a11&ie# an a%. o% &e, ho&#- Most o2 Lewis5s wei,ht was &ocate# above his waist&ine/ ,ivin, hi. a "h6.1ty$#6.1y" sha1e- He see.e# to have t%e.en#o6s st%en,th in his a%.s/ an# he concent%ate# so&e&y on a11&yin, his hea#&oc+s- He ha# the st%ate,y o2 a b6&&y/ ba#,e%in,/ shovin,/ &ettin, his wei,ht %est on ese+/ whi&e stayin, on the o22ensive- The%e was a &ot o2 inte%estin, 2encin, 2o% 1osition/ an# the two .en we%e on thei% 2eet .6ch o2 the ti.e- A2te% abo6t != .in6tes/ ese+ ,ot Lewis #own an# sta%te# to wo%+ on Lewis5 &e,s- >%ea+in, away/ Lewis sta%te# a11&yin, .a4o% hea#&oc+s/ b6t ese+ #%o11e# #own an# %eve%se# Lewis into a &e, &oc+ to win the 2i%st 2a&& in ):?:=The St%an,&e% then batt&e# bac+ to 1in ese+ with a hea#&oc+ in =?==- D6%in, the thi%# 2a&&/ Lewis hit ese+ on the 4aw an# ese+ %eta&iate#- The%e was so.e sc622&in,/ an# at one 1oint ese+ tho6,ht that the %e2e%ee Ha%%y Ca#e&& was ho&#in, his a%.s/ so Lewis co6&# ,et in a 2ew e9t%a &ic+s- ese+ 16she# Ca#e&& away an# th%ew the h6,e Lewis o6t on the %in,- His te.1e% 2&a%in,/ ese+ then th%ew the %e2e%ee o6t o2 the %in, on to1 o2 Lewis- When eve%yone ,ot bac+ into the %in,/ ese+ 2o6n# hi.se&2 #is@6a&i2ie#- Most o2 the 2ans in the .i#$west ha# neve% hea%# o2 ese+ &osin,/ an# he ha# eve%yone be&ievin, he was invincib&e/ so the win by Lewis ha# to be consi#e%e# a h6,e victo%y-A)<)B *ohn ese+ .a4o% %iva&s in the .i#$west we%e >i&& Lon,son an# 0%vi&&e >%own- He wasn5t %ea&&y on the sa.e &eve& as Lon,son/ who he&# the .o%e nationa&&y +now NWA tit&e an# wo%+e# .a4o% te%%ito%ies &i+e St Lo6is/ Te9as/ The So6th an# 61 into Cana#a- No one #%ew c%ow#s &i+e Lon,son an# his on&y t%6e %iva& 1%obab&y was Lo6 Thes3/ b6t Thes3 was &oc+e# 61 with a CS A%.y 1%ob&e. an# o6t o2 the w%est&in, 1ict6%e- ese+ an# 0%vi&&e >%own we%e tho6,ht o2 as bein, on the sa.e &eve& an# wo%+e# the sa.e a%ea>%own was a 2a%.e%Dcowboy who wo%+e# his way th%ew the .ino% shoot sty&e o2 Eansas an# Iowa to beco.e a t%6e 1%o w%est&e%- D6%in, the 1e%io# o2 '(88 to '(8</ he was consi#e%e# a .a4o% w%est&e% an# a st%on, conten#e% to *i. Lon#on5 tit&e- A2te% w%est&in, 2e&& a1a%t as a nationa& s1o%t in '(8F/ 0%vi&&e wo%+e# on the East Coast an# then "ho.estea#e#" in Co&6.b6s/ 0hio- >%own was ,oo# &oo+in,/

in a .i#$west way/ a 2ine wo%+e%/ who was 1owe%26& an# co6&# ta+e ca%e o2 hi.se&2/ in the %in, an# o6t- He ,ot ove% we&& in Co&6.b6s b6t *ohn ese+ was a&ways in the way/ %e26sin, to 4ob o% #%o1 his MWA wo%&# tit&e-A)<=B D6%in, this ti.e 1e%io#/ which I ca&& the #a%+ a,es o2 1%o w%est&in,/ the best way 2o% a sta% w%est&e% to .a+e .oney/ was to ,et into 1%o.otion an# cont%o& yo6% own te%%ito%y- Ein# o2 c%eatin, yo6% own wo%&# to wo%+ o6t o2/ an# .a+e .oney 2o% yo6%se&2/ instea# o2 %e&yin, on so.e cheatin, 1%o.ote%- 0%vi&&e >%own was the 1%ototy1e 2o% this ty1e o2 syste.- In '():/ he too+ ove% the Eansas City a%ea o2 Eansas- F%o. the%e he wo%+e# 2o% othe% 1%o.ote%s in Des Moines/ St *ose1h/ To1e+a/ Lo6isvi&&e/ an# in s.a&& town a&& ove% Eansas/ Iowa/ an# Neb%as+a- !/::: 2ans #oesn5t so6n# &i+e .6ch/ b6t at <= cent to a ;' a hea#/ a ,oo# w%est&e% co6&# .a+e ;!:: a ni,ht/ 2ive ni,hts a wee+/ cove%in, the .i#$ west- The%e 6s6a&&y we%e on&y th%ee .atches to a ca%#/ the .ain event/ a se.i$ .ain 6s6a&&y .ain 61 o2 &oca&s/ an# a o1enin, .atch 6s6a&&y .a#e 61 o2 yo6n, boys wo%+in, 2o% a 2ew b6c+s- Most o2 the c6t went to the .ain evente%s/ who ea%ne# thei% 1ayo22s by wo%+in, &on, .atches- ;!:: was .o%e .oney than .ost 1eo1&e .a#e in a .onth in '():- GIn '(=' the ave%a,e inco.e was ;!/":: a yea%H With 1%o.otin,/ an# two o% th%ee 2a%.s/ >%own beca.e a wea&thy .anThe .i#$weste%n 2an was .6ch #i22e%ent than the 2ans in Los An,e&es o% New Yo%+They #i#n5t 1ay thei% .oney to &a6,h/ watchin, 16%e action an# 1e%2o%.e%s .a+in, 26n o2 the s1o%t- They ha# a t%a#ition o2 t%6e w%est&in, an# that5s what they wante# to watch/ se%io6s w%est&in,- It was an a%ea .a#e 2o% St%an,&e% Lewis>6t w%est&in, was no &on,e% 1%o.ote# on a nationa& &eve&- These s.a&& towns +new ve%y &itt&e abo6t the sto%y&ines bein, 6se# in othe% cities- The &oca& news1a1e%s %a%e&y cove%e# w%est&in, news 2%o. anothe% te%%ito%ies/ an# the 2ans we%e +e1t in the #a%+ abo6t any sto%y&ine othe% than thei% own- So the .i#$west was 2i&&e# with #i22e%ent wo%&# tit&es- Cha.1ions co6&# &ose thei% tit&e in one town an# sti&& be #e2en#in, a wo%&# tit&e in anothe% town a,ainst the ve%y ,6y who beat hi. an# won his tit&e- The 1%o.ote%s ha# no %6&es to cont%o& the./ so they #i# what they tho6,ht co6&# .a+e the. the .ost .oney0%vi&&e >%own was a 2ine boo+e% an# he wasn5t a2%ai# to #o a 4ob o% #%o1 a tit&e to +ee1 a sto%y&ine ,oin,- He was &i.ite# in how .any sta%s he co6&# 6se/ so he boo+e# in s6ch a way as to not "b&ow" anyone o22- He w%est&e# so.e ,6ys/ &i+e >obby >%6ns/ a ':: ti.es an# +e1t it inte%estin,0n *6ne '8/ '():/ 0%vi&&e >%own #e2eate# >obby >%6ns 2o% a *ac+ 2e22e% East$ coast wo%&# tit&e in Eansas City/ Eansas/ ca&&e# the Mi#$west Wo%&# Tit&e/ which wi&& be ca&&e# the Eansas City MWA Tit&e- 0n *6ne !!/ '():/ the Co&6.b6s %o.ote% A& Ha2t st%i1e# *ohn ese+ o2 the Co&6.b6s MWA wo%&# tit&e 2o% bein, inactive an# 2ai&in, to .eet conten#e%s/ .ain&y 0%vi&&e >%own- GThis MWA tit&e ha# been awa%#e# to ese+ a2te% he ha# been st%i11e#/ 2o% no ,oo# %eason/ by the NWA on A6,6st '</ '(8"-H 0%vi&&e >%own then w%est&e# Dic+ Shi+at on *6ne !F/ '(): 2o% the vacant Co&6.b6s MWA wo%&# tit&e/ with >%own winnin,- So >%own in '()! act6a&&y he&# two #i22e%ent MWA tit&es/ b6t ve%y 2ew 2ans +new this/ beca6se each city ha# #i22e%ent sto%y&ines0%vi&&e hi%e# E# Lewis in 0ctobe% '()!/ an# the two wo%+e# to,ethe% th%o6,h o6t '()8The 2i%st .eetin, too+ 1&ace/ two #ays a2te% the win ove% ese+/ on 0ctobe% !!/ '()! in Eansas City- 8/<:: 2ans watche# >%own #e2en# his MWA tit&e by winnin, the 2i%st 2a&& with an In#ian #eath &oc+ in '(?=:- Lewis wo%+e# >%own ove% with hea#&oc+s an# won the secon# in ''?!:- >etween %o6n#s 0%vi&&e as+e# 2o% an e9t%a 2ive .in6tes %est an# Lewis a,%ee#- In the thi%# 2a&&/ Lewis th%ew 0%vi&&e o6t o2 the %in, an# was atte.1tin, to b&oc+ his %et6%n b6t ,ot hit with a tac+&e an# 1ine# in =?!:-A)<<B 0.aha wasn5t satis2ie# with the en#in, o2 the ese+DLewis .atch so a %e.atch too+ 1&ace on Nove.be% 8/ '()!- This ti.e the %es6&t was #i22e%ent- ese+ attac+e# Lewis with no .e%cy/ an# Lewis %ese.b&e# a hi,h schoo& 2ootba&& 1&aye% ,oin, a,ainst a 1%o- A2te% !< .in6tes an# =: secon#s o2 the 2i%st 2a&&/ ese+ w%i,,&e# o6t o2 a hea#&oc+ to 16t Lewis into a ho&# ca&&e# a "+nee$ove%$toe ho&#"- ese+ ha# Lewis in the ho&# 2o% ove% two .in6tes when %e2e%ee *oe 7i+.6n# sc%ea.e# at Lewis "Yo65# bette% ho&&e% "6nc&e" o% he5&& tea% the he&& o6t o2 yo6% &e,I" Lewis then &ay e9ha6ste#/ as ese+ was ,iven the 2i%st 2a&&- Fans then ,ot 61/ +nowin, the %es6&t- The %est waite# 6nti& ese+ %et6%ne# to the %in, be2o%e the ': .in6te %est was ove%- Lewis co6&# not contin6e- In the #%essin, %oo./ Lewis atte.1te# to %aise his &e, an# ,%oane#/ "Chee3/ #at ,6y

1%actica&&y #e$&e,,e# .e- At &east #e% we%e no 2o6&s/ h6hJ" The .atch #%ew 8/F::-A)<FB Lewis5 &e, .6st have %ecove%e# 2ast beca6se on Nove.be% =/ '()! in Eansas City/ Lewis #e2eate# 0%vi&&e >%own via a #ecision- The Eansas City MWA tit&e #i#n5t chan,e han#s on a #ecision/ b6t it #i# .ean the%e wo6&# be anothe% .atch0n 0ctobe% F/ '()! Mont%ea& cha.1ion/ Yvon Robe%t/ #e2eate# Wi&# >i&& Lon,son in a tit&e 6ni2ication .atch in Mont%ea&/ winnin, the NWA wo%&# tit&e- 0n Nove.be% </ Lewis was #e2eate# in St Lo6is by the new cha.1ion Yvon Robe%t in !F?="0n Nove.be% '"/ '()!/ Lewis was bac+ in Des Moines 2o% anothe% .atch with 0%vi&&e >%own- It wasn5t a tit&e .atch beca6se >%own ha# &ost his c&ai. in Des Moines in a tit&e 6ni2ication .atch with >i&& Lon,son bac+ on *6&y !!/ '()!Lewis %o6,he# 61 >%own in the 2i%st 2a&& an# 1ine# hi. 6sin, the hea#&oc+- It &oo+e# &i+e E# was ,oin, to be a cinch to soon 2inish his yo6n,e% a#ve%sa%y/ b6t >%own won both o2 the ne9t two 2a&&s 6sin, a %eve%se toe$&oc+ in )?:= an# !?==A)<"B 0n Nove.be% !=/ the .ovie GENTLEMAN *IM o1ene# nation wi#e an# beca.e one o2 E%%o& F&ynn5s bi,,est hits an# is sti&& consi#e%e# a c&assic even to#ayIt .6st have ,iven Lewis so.e ,oo# &6c+/ beca6se the ne9t #ay/ Nove.be% !</ '()!/ E# #e2eate# 0%vi&&e >%own in Eansas City 2o% it5s ve%sion o2 the MWA wo%&# tit&e0n Dece.be% '/ Lewis ,ot so.e ty1e o2 victo%y ove% *ohn ese+ in Dayton/ 0hioLewis/ was on a %o&&/ as he #e2eate# 0%vi&&e >%own in Co&6.b6s on Dece.be% 8/ '()! via co6nt o6t o2 the %in, in !< .in6tes/ winnin, that city5s ve%sion o2 the MWA wo%&# tit&eThe MWA cha.1ion then w%est&e# 2o%.e% NWA wo%&# cha.1ion/ Wi&# >i&& Lon,son/ in Lo6isvi&&e on Dece.be% "/ '()!- The 1%o.ote%/ Heywoo# A&&en/ c&ai.e# that it was he who chan,e# Robe%t F%ie#%ich na.e to St%an,&e% Lewis when E# 1e%2o%.e# at the o&# >6c+in,ha. Theate% in '('8- That ni,ht he a&&owe# any 2an who co6&# 1%ove they ha# been 1%esent in '('8 to watch the show 2%ee- Lewis beat Lon,son on a #is@6a&i2ication0n Dece.be% ':/ The St%an,&e% #e2en#e# the tit&e an# #e2eate# Lee Wyc+o22 in Eansas City- This was a %e.atch o2 thei% '(8< Ma#ison S@6a%e Ga%#en .atch/ which Lewis c&ai.e# was a shoot- Anothe% Eansas City .atch too+ 1&ace on *an6a%y ')/ '()8 an# Wyc+o22 beat Lewis/ ta+in, the Eansas City ve%sion o2 the MWA wo%&# tit&eThe St%an,&e% then &ost the Co&6.b6s ve%sion o2 the MWA tit&e to *ohn ese+ on *an6a%y !"/ '()8- Ti.e a2te% ti.e Lewis atte.1te# to ,et the hea#&oc+ on ese+ b6t the s1ee#y Ti,e% s&i11e# o6t o2 the ho&#- The en#in, saw ese+ %eve%se a bo#y s&a. into a &e,&oc+ an# Lewis s6b.itte# in != .in6tes-A)<(B At =8 yea%s o2 a,e/ St%an,&e% Lewis wo6&# neve% be ab&e to c&ai. anothe% wo%&# tit&e0n Feb%6a%y )/ Lewis &ost to 0%vi&&e >%own in Eansas City- This set >%own 61 2o% a tit&e .atch with Lee Wyc+o22 on Feb%6a%y '"/ a .atch 0%vi&&e won/ %e,ainin, his Eansas City MWA wo%&# tit&eIn Ma%ch/ Lewis a11%eciation 2o% a w%est&in, &icense in F&o%i#a was t6%ne# #own by bo9in, co..ission chai%.an F%an+ Ma%+&e/ sayin, E# was too o&# to w%est&e in the state- Lewis co6nte%e# with a cha&&en,e to #e2eat any 2ive bo9e%s in one ni,ht o% 2o%2eit a ;!/=:: bon#'()8 saw Lewis ,ettin, 16she# in Det%oit- He beat 0%vi&&e >%own twice GMa%ch ' an# Ma%ch '=H an# he ,ot two wins ove% the &ast Ga&.ostH 6n#is16te# wo%&# cha.1ion Danno 05Mahoney GA1%i& = an# A1%i& '(HLewis5 w%est&in, ca%ee% was co.in, to a c&ose an#/ 2%o. that 1oint 2o%wa%#/ wo6&# be &oo+in, 2o% othe% ty1e 4obs to s611o%t his &i2e sty&e- 0n A1%i& '(/ '()8/ it was anno6nce# that St%an,&e% Lewis was the new w%est&in, 1%o.ote% at the Det%oit A%ena Ga%#en- He %e1&ace# Lo6is Ma%+owit3- Lewis5 2i%st ca%# #%ew '/F::- Lewis c&ai.e# he wante# a .o%e #i,ni2ie# sty&e o2 w%est&in,/ b6t the news1a1e% 1ointe# o6t that the on&y #i,ni2ie# thin, at the show was Lewis/ "#%esse# to the nines"/ stan#in, at the 2%ont #oo% ,%eetin, 1at%ons whi&e a ban# se%ena#e# the. to thei% seats-A)F:B The .atches we%e sai# to be &6#ic%o6sNothin, ca.e 2%o. this an# Lewis went bac+ to w%est&in, in Cana#a an# the No%th$ eastIn To%onto Lewis &ost .atches to Ma6%ice Ti&&et GMa%ch '"H/ Leo N6.a G*6ne !)H an# Ea%& McC%ea#y G*6&y "H- He then %et6%n to Eansas to &ose MWA tit&e .atches to 0%vi&&e >%own in Eansas City GSe1te.be% !8H an# To1e+a GSe1te.be% !(H-

0n A6,6st </ '()8/ NA7TY NCISANCE a .ino% 2i&./ with Lewis in a s.a&& 1a%t/ was %e&ease#In Chica,o/ he &ost to Eo&a Ewa%iani on 0ctobe% '8/ '()8- He then s1ent Nove.be% to6%in, the East Coast/ ,ettin, wins ove% Hans Ea.12e%/ Go&#en Te%%o%/ an# >abe Sha%+ey'()) saw E# ,ettin, b6i&t 61 in Minnea1o&is by Tony Steche% 2o% a bi, .atch with >%on+o Na,6%s+i- He beat 0%vi&&e >%own G*an6a%y )H/ Een Fene&on G*an6a%y ''H an# Ray Stee&e G*an6a%y '"H/ be2o%e &osin, the bi, .atch to Na,6%s+i on *an6a%y '( in St a6&0n Ma%ch F/ '())/ >abe Sha%+ey won a to6%na.ent in >a&ti.o%e- This ,ave hi. the %i,ht to w%est&e St%an,&e% Lewis 2o% the Ma%y&an# wo%&# tit&e on Ma%ch ')Sha%+ey won the .atch an# the wo%&# tit&e- Lewis a&so &ost a tit&e %e.atch to Sha%+ey in >a&ti.o%e on Ma%ch !"Lewis then %et6%ne# to Minnea1o&is 2o% a .atch with his o&#est %iva& W&a#e+ 7bys3+o on A1%i& '"- W&a#e+ ha# neve% sto11e# w%est&in, an# was a yea% yo6n,e% that Lewis- He an# his b%othe% Stanis&a6s &ive# on a 2a%.e% nea% St *ose1h/ Misso6%i an# was active in 1%o.otin, w%est&in, in So6th A.e%ica- He ha# w%est&e# a%o6n# Eansas 2o% yea%s- At one 1oint he even wo%e a .as+ an# bi&&e# hi.se&2 as The G%eat A1o&&o- Lewis won the .atchThe ne9t wee+ in Minnea1o&is GA1%i& !=H/ Lewis was a,ain beaten by Ray Stee&eLewis then t%ave&e# to Mont%ea& 2o% a se%ies o2 .atches/ &osin, to F%an+ Se9ton on *6&y =/ '())- Se9ton was in the 1%ocess o2 beco.in, one o2 the to1 1e%2o%.e%s o2 the '():5s- In *6ne '()=/ Se9ton wo6&# #e2eat Steve Casey 2o% >oston5s AWA wo%&# tit&e Gthe tit&e o2 Lewis/ Sonenbe%,/ an# 05MahoneyH an# +ee1 it 6nti& May '(=:- Se9ton was the East coast ve%sion o2 Lo6 Thes3Lewis then %et6%ne# ho.e to the No%th$West to be nea% his siste% an# 2a.i&y- He see.e# to be on&y w%est&in, 1a%t ti.e an# his wei,ht ,ot to the 8:: 1o6n# &eve&He a&so owne# a ho.e in T6&sa/ which he an# his wi2e &ive# in o22 an# on0n&y A6,6st !8/ '())/ he ha# his &ast .atch with W&a#e+ 7bys3+o in Sa&t La+e City- Lewis won- A 2ew #ays &ate% on A6,6st !< at Ca&,a%y/ Lewis 16t ove% Ray Stee&eG6s Sonnenbe%, ha# 4oine# the CS Navy in '()8/ b6t ,ot sic+ at be,innin, o2 '())- 0n Se1te.be% (/ '()) Sonnenbe%, #ie# 2%o. Le6+e.ia at >ethea#a MD Nave& Hos1ita& at a,e ))- He was b6%ie# at a%+ Ce.ete%y in Ma%@6ette0n Se1te.be% ')/ '())/ >ob Mana,o22/ the .an who too+ >ob F%ie#%ich5s na.e/ 2o%cin, hi. to beco.e St%an,&e% Lewis in '('8/ #ie# at his ho.e at !==F Division St%eet in Chica,o0n Se1te.be% !:/ '()) Lewis ,ave an inte%view sayin, he ha# 46st co.1&ete# a ') wee+ to6% o2 CS A%.y/ Navy/ an# Ma%ine bases ,ivin, two ho6% c&asses on se&2 #e2ense- He c&ai.e# to have visite# *a1an a n6.be% o2 ti.es an# ha# &ea%ne# *6$ *its6- His stan#a%# inte%view inc&6#e# sto%ies o2 havin, w%est&e# </!:: .atch Gnot 1ossib&eH/ .a#e an# s1ent .i&&ions o2 #o&&a%s G#on5t t%y to a## 61 the n6.be%sH/ an# ha# t%ave&e# a&& ove% the wo%&#- He c&ai.s/ at ti.es/ to have visite# *a1an 2ive ti.es- 0nce is 1ossib&e/ b6t the *a1anese o2 to#ay have no %eco%# o2 hi.- Lewis even c&ai. he was a s1y 2o% A.e%ican inte&&i,ence/ havin, ta+en 1hoto o2 va%ies b6i&#in,s an# .i&ita%y 1ost whi&e in *a1an-A)F'B He t%ave&e# to Wichita on Dece.be% < to &ose two st%ai,ht 2a&&s to 0%vi&&e >%own- Re1o%ts we%e bein, ci%c6&ate# that Lewis was abo6t to %eti%e a,ain- They we%e #enie# by E#In '()=/ Lewis a,%ee# to .ana,e C&i22 G6sta2son in the No%th$West 2o% 1%o.ote% Tony Steche%- G6sta2son was a 2o%.e% Cnive%sity o2 Minnesota w%est&e%/ who ha# won the AAC an# the inte%co&&e,iate tit&e- Steche% ha# been 1%o.otin, the w%est&e% since the en# o2 '(8"- G6sta2son was a 2ine a.ate6%/ b6t as a 1%o/ he was sti22/ co&o%&ess an# &i+e# to h6%t o11onents- Steche% nee#e# so.eone to ,6i&# G6sta2son #6%in, a to6% o2 Seatt&e/ o%t&an#/ Winni1e, an# othe% .ino% cities- Lewis was o22e%e# the 4ob o2 .ana,in, C&i22/ an# E# acce1te#- Lewis wo6&# he&1 with inte%views/ secon# the w%est&e% in the %in, an# so.eti.es w%est&e on the 6n#e% ca%#s- E# nee#e# a ,oo# 4ob an# he 1e%2o%.e# his #6ties we&&When not wo%+in, with G6sta2son/ Lewis see.e# to be visitin, A%.y an# Navy bases 16ttin, on shows with a ,%o61 o2 w%est&e%s that inc&6#e# >abe Sha%+y/ Hen%y ie%s/ an# Mi&o Steinbo%nG6sta2son5s to6% was c6t sho%t on Se1te.be% 'F when he was in46%e# at Seatt&e in a .atch with See&ie Sa.a%a-A)F'B The o6t o2 sha1e Lewis was 2o%ce# to ta+e

G6sta2son5s boo+in,s an# 2o6n# hi.se&2 #oin, a &ot o2 4obs- Lo6 Thes3 was statione# at Ft Lewis/ in Taco.a/ w%est&in, when o22 #6ty- D6%in, A6,6st an# Se1te.be%/ Thes3 beat Lewis at &east 2o6% ti.es/ .ost in st%ai,ht 2a&&s- Lewis a&so #i# 4obs 2o% See&ie Sa.a%a/ R6be W%i,ht Gth%ee ti.esH/ Dic+ Raines/ an# ie%%e DeG&ane0n Se1te.be% !/ '()</ the *a1anese s6%%en#e%e#/ en#in, Wo%&# Wa% II an# 1%o w%est&in,5s &abo% sho%ta,eLate in '()=/ Lewis w%est&e# on the East Coast/ with nothin, i.1o%tant ha11enin,In '()</ To. ac+s was en,a,e# in a .a4o% w%est&in, wa% with one o2 his o&# e.1&oyees na.e# Sa. M6chnic+- 0n *an6a%y (/ '()</ Lewis w%est&e# 2o% M6chnic+/ &osin, to E# Ki%a,- The .atch #%ew )/:'=Fo&&owin, the #eath o2 Lewis5 2athe%/ his .othe% Mo&&y F%ie#%ich contin6e# to &ive in Ne+oosa b6t/ in Se1te.be% '()=/ she beca.e i&&- So she .ove# to Wisconsin Fa&&s to &ive with a #a6,hte%/ M%s- *ay >6c+&ey- 0n *an6a%y ':/ '()</ she #ie# at ) o5c&oc+ in the .o%nin,- Lewis was 1%esent in Ne+oosa 2o% the 26ne%a& an# b6%ia& on *an6a%y '!-A)F'aB In Feb%6a%y/ Lewis #i# 4obs 2o% A&i >aba GFeb%6a%y = an# < in >a&ti.o%e an# hi&a#e&1hiaH/ an# >abe Sha%&ey G>oston$Feb%6a%y ')H- He then see.e# to stic+ to %e2e%eein, 2o% the %est o2 the yea%/ in To%onto an# then in No%the%n Ca&i2o%niaLate in the yea% he atte.1te# to .a%+et a %6bbe% e9e%cise% ca&&e# the St%an,&e% Lewis5 Hea&th >6i&#e%- It %es6&te# in anothe% nothin,- Lewis c&ai.e# he so&# a .i&&ion o2 the Hea&th >6i&#e%s/ b6t a&so a#.itte# he was b%o+e-A)F8B Lewis s1ent the &ast 1a%t o2 '()< an# *an6a%y o2 '()F w%est&in, 2o% 1%o.ote% Geo%,e 7aha%ias in the a%ea a%o6n# Denve%- A2te% 16ttin, the yo6n, Eve%ett Ma%sha&& ove% nationa&&y in the 2a.o6s Los An,e&es .atch o2 A1%i& '</ '(8:/ Lewis ha# won .any %e.atches an# see.e# to avoi# any &oss to Ma%sha&&/ .ain&y beca6se o2 Eve%ett5s st%on, connection with >i&&y San#ow- The two ha#n5t .et #6%in, the yea%s Ma%sha&& was %eco,ni3e# as wo%&# cha.1ion/ b6t with Lewis nee#in, .oney an# Eve%ett .a+in, a co.ebac+ in '()</ the .atch see.e# to be a nat6%a&- The sto%y&ine sta%te# on Dece.be% 8:/ '()</ when %e2e%ee Lewis sc%ewe# 61 an# cost Ma%sha&& a Denve% .atch with a F%an+ Gon3a&es- Th%ee Denve% .atches 2o&&owe#- Ma%sha&& won the 2i%st by #is@6a&i2ication on *an6a%y </ '()F- Lewis too+ the secon# .eetin, c&ean on *an6a%y !:/ an# Ma%sha&& won the thi%# c&ean on Feb%6a%y ':- D6%in, this 1e%io#/ he a&so #i# two 4obs to To. 7aha%ias G*an6a%y " in Co&o%a#o S1%in,sH an# E# White GFeb%6a%y '! at Co&o%a#o S1%in,sH- He then %et6%ne# to the No%th$West/ both as a w%est&e% an# a %e2e%ee- He s1ent May w%est&in, in the So6th an# &ost two .atches to Don McInty%eCn&i+e Lewis/ Ma%sha&& wasn5t .a+in, a co.ebac+ in nee# o2 a 1ay#ay- Since the &ate '(8:5s/ he ha# own a &a%,e 2a%./ ,%owin, .ain&y onions an# canta&o61esEve%ett was 1%obab&y a bette% 2a%.e% than a w%est&e%- 0n *6&y (/ '()F/ he anno6nce# his %eti%e.ent an# 6n&i+e .any othe% sta%s/ he neve% %et6%ne# to the %in,- In Se1te.be% '(<8/ Eve%ett/ &oo+in, to %eti%e 2%o. 2a%.in,/ so&# th%ee .i&&ion #o&&a%s o2 2a%. &an# G'':/::: ac%esH to a ,%o61 o2 swin#&e%s an# he en#e# 61 in ban+%61tcy co6%t- He sti&& ha# eno6,h .oney to he&1 2inance the Co&o%a#o >oys Ranch/ that ,ave .any t%o6b&e yo6ths a 1&ace to .a+e ,oo# in the yea%s that 2o&&owe#- The %anch is sti&& active to#ay- Eve%ett Ma%sha&& #ie# on Feb%6a%y ':/ '(F8/ at a,e <F/ 2%o. co.1&ications 2o&&owin, s6%,e%y- His wi2e/ Ha%%iet Ma%sha&&/ #ie# at a,e (! in !::'- He &e2t .any 2%ien#s an# a #a6,hte%/ Ann Scho.b6%, o2 Denve%/ an# a son na.e# >ob-A)F8aB Lewis .ove# bac+ to Los An,e&es/ 2%o. T6&sa/ in *6ne/ '()F/ thin+in, it wo6&# be the easiest 1&ace to 2in# wo%+- 0n *6ne !=/ '()F he w%est&e# his &ast tit&e .atch/ .eetin, Ca&i2o%nia wo%&# cha.1ion En%i@6e To%%es at The 0&y.1ic A6#ito%i6.- Lewis &ost/ b6t #%ew a c%ow# o2 (/!::-A)F)B With the wa% an# the #e1%ession ove%/ 1%o w%est&in, sta%te# to co.e o6t o2 it5s Da%+ A,e an# once TK sta%te# showin, .atches it ente%e# a 1e%io# that %iva&e# the ea%&y '(8:5s 2o% 1%os1e%ity- The bi,,est #%aw in w%est&in, #6%in, '()F was e9$bo9in, cha.1ion/ %i.o Ca%ne%a0n Dece.be% F/ '()F/ 1%o.ote%s .atche# Lewis with Ca%ne%a in Mia.i- E# c&ai.e# it was the !=8%# ti.e he ha# 2&own ac%oss the co6nt%y- %i.o won the .atch an# E# too+ anothe% 1&ane t%i1 bac+ to Ca&i2o%nia-A)F=B In &ate% '()F/ *ac+ She%%y was in Hawaii c&ai.in, he was the best w%est&e% in the wo%&# an# was wi&&in, to .eet anyone- She%%y/ ha# 2o% yea%s been te&&in, 1eo1&e sto%ies abo6t how he was t%ic+e# into 4obbin, to St%an,&e% Lewis in the

New Yo%+ tit&e .atch in Ma#ison S@6a%e Ga%#en G0ctobe% ':/ '(8!H- A2te% that .atch/ he s1ent yea%s w%est&in, in En,&an# c&ai.in, to be a wo%&# cha.1ion- He was +nown as a 2ea%e# hoo+e% an#/ a2te% the Lewis .atch/ I have no +now&e#,e o2 hi. &osin,- Hono&6&6 1%o.ote%s contacte# Lewis in Ho&&ywoo#/ as+in, hi. i2 he wante# a .atch with She%%y- Lewis acce1te# 2o% ;!/=:: an# e91enses i2 he won an# nothin, i2 he &ost- Fo% a .onth the =F yea% o&# t%aine#- Wo%# ,ot bac+ to Hono&6&6 that the w%est&e% ,ettin, o22 the 1&ane was ,oin, to be the %ea& St%an,&e% Lewis- 0n the ni,ht o2 the .atch G*an- !"/ '()"H/ *ac+ She%%y #i#n5t show- With She%%y #6c+in, Lewis/ his 1&ace was ta+en by the yo6n, sta%/ >6tch Levy- Lewis won the .atch- It was the &ast .atch o2 Lewis5 ca%ee%-A)F<B In the ea%&y 1a%t o2 the yea%/ Lewis too+ the 1osition o2 Ath&etic Inst%6cto% an# ,%eete% at The Los An,e&es Ath&etic C&6b-A)FFB I thin+ Lewis an# eve%yone e&se be&ieve# his 26t6%e was in 16b&ic %e&ations/ o2 one ty1e o% anothe%- a%t o2 Lewis5 4ob entai&e# ta&+in, to boy5s c&6bs/ visitin, %e2o%. schoo&s an# ,ivin, ta&+s on 46veni&e #e&in@6ency- E# was 2at an# &oo+e# o&# in .any ways/ b6t he was h6,e an# sti&& ha# the ,%ace an# ba&ance o2 a cha.1ion- He was a ,oo# ta&+e% who a&ways en4oye# 16b&ic s1ea+in,0n Ma%ch '8/ Lewis cance&&e# a .atch in F%esno with F&ash Go%#on c&ai.in, an e&bow in46%y0n Ma%ch !(/ '()"/ Lewis5 Ca&i2o%nia w%est&in, &icense was %evo+e# a2te% he 2ai&e# the 1hysica& e9a.ination 2o% 4o6%ney.en w%est&e%s- The co..ission state# he wo6&# sti&& be a&&owe# to %e2e%ee- This/ in e22ect/ was the #ate o2 St%an,&e% Lewis5 %eti%e.ent as an active 1%o w%est&e%-A)F"B LL Contin6e to CHA TER !( F00TN0TES )<) 0MAHA W0RLD HERALD? ESESE"S DYNASTY T0 LES >y Robe%t hi11s/ 0ctobe% !'/ '()! )<= See THE 0RKILLE >R0WN RING REC0RD by Steve Yohe an# the .e.be%s o2 the IHC/ o% 0RKILLE >R0WN by Steve Yohe )<< THE EANSAS CITY EANSAN/ 0ctobe% !8/ '()! )<F 0MAHA W0RLD HERALD? ESEE EKENS LEWIS" SC0RE/ Nove.be% =/ '()! )<" THE DES M0INES REGISTER/ Nove.be% '"/ '()! )<( INTERNATI0NAL NEWS SERKICE/ *an6a%y !(/ '()8$$$I5ve hea% a %6.o%/ co.in, 2%o. the ese+ 2a.i&y/ that the%e was a ,y. shoot .atch/ #6%in, this ti.e 1e%io#/ between Lewis an# ese+- It5s sai# to have been a #%aw/ b6t I +now ve%y &itt&e abo6t this sto%y)F: CNITED RESS/ A1%i& !!/ '()8 )F' ACCELAND/ NEW 7EALAND STAR/ Se1te.be% !:/ '()) )F'a WISC0NSIN RA IDS DAILY TRI>CNE/ *an6a%y ':/ '()<MThe %e1o%t c&ai.e# M%sF%ie#%ich5s .ai#en na.e was A.e&ia G6e&#en3o12- >o%n in Sa9on Wie.e% GMa%ch !!/ '"<<H/ Ge%.any/ she ca.e to A.e%ica at a,e '< an# sett&e# at Sheboy,an Fa&&sMa%%ie# *acob F%ie#%ich in Se1te.be% '("F- She ha# ( ,%an#chi&#%en an# two ,%eat ,%an#chi&#%en)F! TAC0MA NEWS TRI>CNE/ Se1te.be% '(/ '()= )F8 0AELAND TRI>CNE/ Dece.be% '"/ '()< )F8a To %ea# .o%e abo6t Eve%ett Ma%sha&& see the >io by Steve *ohnson in THE WRESTLING 0>SERKER NEWSLETTER/ Se1te.be% !"/ !::()F) L0S ANGELES TIMES/ *6ne !</ '()< )F= MIAMI HERALD/ Dece.be% !/ '()F )F< H0N0LCLC STAR$>CLLETIN/ *an6a%y '(/ '()"M*ac+ She%%y c&ai.e# Lewis was o&# an# 2at an# a .atch with hi. wo6&# &oo+ s&ow an# ta.e- He tho6,ht the .atch wo6&# &oo+ 2a+e to the 2ans/ an# he #i#n5t want to have a te%%ib&e .atch in 2%ont o2 the.- She%%y staye# in Hawaii 2o% a 2ew .onths wo%+in, 2o% o6t&aw 1%o.ote%/ Whitey G%ovo/ bi&&e# as "the 6nc%owne# cha.1ion o2 the wo%&#"/ a,ainst the .a4o% 1%o.ote%/ A& Ea%asic+- He then %et6%ne# to the .ain &an#/ w%est&in, "o22 an# on" into the '(=:5s- He #ie#/ wo%+in, as a const%6ction wo%+e%/ in '(<(- No one eve% see.e# to ,et %ich bein, a t%6stb6ste%- Rea# Ma%+ Hewitt5s boo+ CATCH WRESTLING? R0CND TW0/ 1a,e !)F to !='/ 2o% the co.1&ete ve%sion o2 this sto%y)FF See the section on the Los An,e&es Ath&etic C&6b 6n#e% LEWIS IN L0S ANGELES section- G'(!)H )F" ASS0CIATED RESS an# 0AELAND TRI>CNE/ Ma%ch 8:/ '()"

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" Lo# Thes$ an% the two NWAs Lewis& '(ien%) Lo# Thes$) neve( ha% any %esi(e( to *o ove( seas to 'i*ht Ge(+ans, He was a -(o w(est.e( an% that was his on.y obsession, With he.- '(o+ -owe('#. '(ien%s) he (o%e o#t the wa( wo(/in* in a +e%ica. co+-any statione% at Fo(t Lewis, In A-(i.) 0"12 he was t(ans'e((e% to Fo(t Sa+ Ho#ston an% was %ischa(*e% '(o+ the A(+y on 3#.y !2) 0"12, Thes$ was a+bitio#s an% it %i%n&t ta/e the two ti+e wo(.% cha+-ion 4MWA an% NWA tit.es5 .on* to win anothe( tit.e, 6n Se-te+be( 00) 0"12) Lo# beat his *oo% '(ien% 7obby Mana*o'' 'o( the .oca. wo(.% tit.e in Mont(ea., He then (et#(ne% to St Lo#is to once a*ain beca+e the town&s 'avo(ite baby'ace by beat 7#%%y Ro*e(s in '(ont o' 00)89:, 6n 3an#a(y !;) 0"1<) Thes$ ha% his 'i(st +atch cha..en*in* 7i.. Lon*son 'o( his St, Lo#is NWA wo(.% tit.e, Lo#) whi.e sti.. Mont(ea. wo(.% cha+-ion 4#n/nown in St, Lo#is5) .ost the +atch b#t the atten%ance was 0:)098, 6n Feb(#a(y 9) 0"1<) the 'i(st T= station in St Lo#is ina#*#(ate% se(vice in St Lo#is, The 'i(st 2 inch b.ac/ an% white T= sets cost >12") b#t costs we(e *oin* to %(o- an% +ost s+a(t -eo-.e saw it as the '#t#(e o' ente(tain+ent, 6n Feb(#a(y !8) 0"1<) Lo# %(o--e% his Mont(ea. wo(.% tit.e to 7obby Mana*o'') b#t won it bac/ '(o+ Mana*o'' on A-(i. 02) 0"1<, Meanwhi.e Lon*son .ost his NWA wo(.% tit.e to Whi--e( 7i..y Watson via a %is?#a.i'ication on Feb(#a(y !0, Thes$ then -inne% cha+-ion 7i..y Watson in St Lo#is on A-(i. !:) 0"1<, At that -oint) Thes$ he.% both the NWA an% Mont(ea. wo(.% tit.es, No one co#.% -.ay the cha+-ion bette( than Lo# Thes$, He was a c.assy .oo/in* +an) who was a s#-e( ath.ete) 'ine -e('o(+e() an% the best -#(e w(est.e( o' his *ene(ation, So he he.% both tit.es 'o( +ost o' 0"1<, Late in the yea() the Mont(ea. -(o+ote( E%%ie @#in wante% to -#t his tit.e bac/ on .oca. sta( Yvon Robe(t, To+ ac/s %i%n&t want to chea-en the +o(e i+-o(tant NWA tit.e) so they ha% Thes$ 'i(st %(o- his NWA tit.e bac/ to 7i.. Lon*son on Nove+be( !0) 0"1< in St Lo#is) an% then .ose the Mont(ea. tit.e to Robe(t on Nove+be( !2, The i%ea was that Lo# wo#.% (e*ain his NWA tit.e %own, A(o#n% 3#ne :) 0"19) Lo# Thes$ with +oney an% s#--o(t '(o+ Cana%ian -(o+ote(s F(an/ T#nney) E%%ie @#in an% w(est.e(s 7i.. Lon*son an% 7obby Mana*o'') bo#*ht the St Lo#is -(o+otion '(o+ To+ ac/s, With the -(o+otion) Thes$ too/ co+-.ete cont(o. o' the o.% Nationa. W(est.in* Association wo(.% tit.e, In b#yin* the -(o+otion) Thes$ 'o#n% hi+se.' in the +i%%.e o' the St Lo#is w(est.in* wa( with his o.% '(ien% Sa+ M#chnic/, The batt.e ha% been *oin* on sense 0"1:) an% Thes$&s co+-any ha% a.ways %o+inate% M#chnic/&s si%e) b#t thin*s wo#.% chan*e, 6n 3#.y 09) 0"19)A1<9aB a n#+be( o' the s+a..e( -(o+ote(s '(o+ the +i%Cwest +et at the (esi%ent Hote. o' Wate(.oo Iowa, The *(o#- 'o(+e% an o(*ani$ation to a%% in eDchan*in* ta.ent an% batt.in* ac/s& .a(*e( St Lo#is -(o+otion, The *(o#consiste% o' in/ie Geo(*e 4Des Moines5) Tony Steche( 4Minnea-o.is5) Sa+ M#chnic/ 4St Lo#is5) 6(vi..e 7(own 4Eansas City5 an% MaD C.ayton 46+aha5, G(o#-(esi%ent in/ie Geo(*e ha% been #sin* the na+e Nationa. W(est.in* A..iance in Des Moines 4+ain.y to con'#se 'ans with To+ ac/s Nationa. W(est.in* Association5 an% the *(o#- a*(ee% to contin#e #sin* that na+e an% #se Geo(*e&s wo(.% cha+-ion) 6(vi..e 7(own 4who was a.so the Eansas City MWA wo(.% cha+-ion5, This a..iance wo(/e% we.. an% +any othe( -(o+ote(s .i/e% the i%ea) beca#se it was a way to c(eate a +ono-o.y) cont(o. ta.ent an% .owe( costs, Within a 'ew +onths A. Ha.' 4Co.#+b#s5 an% Ha((y Li*ht 4Det(oit5 ha% Foine%, 7y 0"1") even a#. 7owse( was -a(t o' the *(o#-, Two %ays .ate( on 3#.y !8 in In%iana-o.is) Thes$ %e'eate% Lon*son to beco+e the Nationa. W(est.in* Association wo(.% cha+-ion, Yo# co#.% te.. Thes$ was in cha(*e beca#se) a.+ost i++e%iate.y) E% Lewis sta(te% 'in%in* wo(/, 6n 3#.y ;8) Lewis was the s-ecia. (e'e(ee 'o( a Thes$GMana*o'' +atch in St Lo#is, Lewis was a.so *ettin* (e'e(ee Fobs with Lo#&s -a(tne(s in Mont(ea. 4E%%ie @#in5 an% To(onto 4F(an/ T#nney5, 6n Nove+be( !!) 0"19) E% Lewis was na+e% chai(+an o' a new.y o(*ani$e% *(o#ca..e% "The W(est.in* (o+ote(s& Association o' A+e(ica an% A..ie% Co#nt(ies", I

%on&t /now who these -(o+ote(s we(e b#t +y *#ess it was Thes$&s NWAssociation) so+e New Yo(/ -(o+ote(s inc.#%in* Toots Mon%t) *(o#-e% with Cana%ian -(o+ote(s F(an/ T#nney an% E%%ie @#in, I thin/ they we(e atte+-tin* to 'o(+ an a..iance o' thei( own to batt.e the new NWA..iance, At a -(ess con'e(ence he.% in a New Yo(/ Hote.) St(an*.e( Lewis was -(o+ote% to the -osition o' "Mat C$a(", The Fob consiste% o' -#b.ic (e.ation) en%in* the batt.e ove( who was the t(#e wo(.% cha+-ion) an% b(in* bac/ w(est.in* to New Yo(/&s Ma%ison S?#a(e Ga(%en, Lewis was to be -ai% >!:)888 a yea() b#t c.ai+s a(e that he (eceive% ve(y .itt.e o' that, Th(ee wee/s .ate() 3ac/ De+-sey anno#nce% he was wo(/in* with his '(ien%) Lewis) to b(in* w(est.in* bac/ to the Ga(%en, 6the( than that) nothin* (ea..y ha--ens whi.e Lewis was this w(est.in* C$a(, In 0"1") Lewis contin#e% to (e'e(ee o'' an% on, Whateve( he was +a/in*) wasn&t ve(y +#ch) an% +any -eo-.e we(e #-set in seein* the 'o(+e( *(eat cha+-ion %oin* so -oo(.y, Sa+ M#chnic/&s -osition in the St Lo#is wa( i+-(ove% with he.- o' the new NWA..iance an% its cha+-ion 6(vi..e 7(own, 3ac/ e'e( a.so he.-e% M#chnic/ by havin* his best w(est.e() 7#%%y Ro*e(s) F#+- '(o+ Thes$&s *(o#-, Fo( yea(s Ro*e(s ha% been Thes$ on.y +aFo( (iva. as the best baby'ace in St Lo#is, 7#t Thes$) Lon*son) an% ac/s hate% Ro*e(s an% %i% eve(ythin* they co#.% to /ee- hi+ %own by Fobbin* hi+ eve(y chance they *ot, In 0"1") Ro*e(s ha% t#(ne% hee.) ta/in* on a Nat#(e 7oy *i++ic/ in 'e'e(&s Ho..ywoo% -(o+otion, M#chnic/ sta(te% #sin* the hee. Ro*e(s an% he beca+e a h#*e %(aw a*ain in St Lo#is, 7y +i%C0"1") both St Lo#is -(o+otions we(e .osin* +oney, Thes$ %i%n&t enFoy -(o+otin* an% wante% to s-en% a.. his ti+e w(est.in*, M#chnic/ an% Thes$ ha% been '(ien%s be'o(e an% ta./s (es#.te% in both -(o+otions Foinin* as one, 7oth si%es -(esente% thei( a*(ee+ent at the 3#.y !") 0"1" NWA convention, Me+be(s 'e.t) that with nation wi%e netwo(/ T= stations te.evisin* w(est.in*) -(o+ote(s co#.%n&t no .on*e( a''o(% +#.ti-.e cha+-ions, So a*(ee+ents we(e +a%e 'o( 6(vi..e 7(own an% Thes$ to +eet in a tit.e #ni'ication +atch in St Lo#is on Nove+be( !") 0"1", 6(vi..e ha% -(ove% hi+se.' a 'ine cha+-ion) b#t +ost -(o+ote(s tho#*ht Thes$ wo#.% be a bette( nationa. cha+-ion, The i%ea at the ti+e was 'o( 7(own to win the #ni'ication +atch) have (et#(n +atches) with 7(own a*ain co+in* o#t on toin eve(y +aFo( city, When that see+e% to be coo.in* o'') Thes$ wo#.% win the tit.e an% sta(t the 'e#% a.. ove( a*ain #nti. 7(own was o' no '#(the( #se, 6n Se-te+be( 00) 0"1") Ray Stee.e -(obab.y the best t(#e w(est.e( o' the 0";8&s) an% *oo% '(ien% to both Lewis an% Thes$) %ie% in his s.ee- '(o+ a hea(t attac/ whi.e h#ntin* in 7oise I%aho at a*e 1", He was b#(ie% at Linco.n Neb(as/a, 6n Nove+be( 0) 6(vi..e 7(own was %(ivin* '(o+ a +atch in Des Moines to his ho+e in Eansas City) when his ca( s/i%%e% #n%e(neath a Fac//ni'e% t(ai.e(Ct(#c/, 6(vi..e s#''e(e% b(ain %a+a*e an% was in a co+a 'o( 'ive %ays, When awa/en) he was -a(a.y$e% on the .e't si%e, These inF#(ies 'o(ce% his (eti(e+ent an% he (e.in?#ishe% his NWA..iance wo(.% tit.e, 6n Nove+be( !9) 0"1") the Nationa. W(est.in* A..iance na+e% Lo# Thes$ as thei( new cha+-ion, The A..iance a.so a*(ee% that Sa+ M#chnic/ wo#.% be in cha(*e o' the cha+-ionshi- boo/in*s, The St Lo#is *(o#- 'o#n% the+se.ves in cont(o. o' the tit.e an% the A..iance) so Thes$ (ei*ne% as NWA wo(.% cha+-ion 'o( ove( siD yea(s, Lewis an% the +ana*e+ent o' the cha+-ion The convention a.so na+e% E% Lewis as its "a+bassa%o( o' *oo% wi..", It was seen as a -.aybac/ -osition a'te( a.. o' Lewis& yea(s o' se(ves, To he.- the ai.in* Lewis 'inancia..y) each NWA +e+be( sent >!: to Lewis each +onth 4othe( (e-o(ts c.ai+ the a+o#nt to be >0!):885, Lewis& Fob ha% hi+ wo(/in* as a NWA s-o/es+an) han%.in* cont(ove(sia. iss#es an% wan%e(in* '(o+ te((ito(y to te((ito(y i(onin* o#t sna*s between +e+be(s,A1<9aaB In 0":8) the(e a(e c.ai+s that Lewis +ento(e% Ti+othy Geoha*en in 6nta(io, 6n May ;) 0":8) a +ino( 'i.+ ca..e% the 76DYH6LD o-ene% in theate(s, Lewis -.aye% a s+a.. -a(t as a (e'e(ee, Lewis was sti.. wo(/in*) o'' an% on) at the Los An*e.es Ath.etic C.#b an% one o' the boys) he t(aine%) t#(ne% o#t to be Gene Le7e.., Le7e..) who was to beco+e an AAH Nationa. 3#%o Cha+-ion) a -(o w(est.e() a ha.. o' 'a+e Ho..ywoo% st#nt+an) an% a MMA -ionee() was the son o' 6.y+-ic A#%ito(i#+ -(o+ote( Ai.een "La7e.." Eaton, When not in schoo.) Gene wo#.% han* a(o#n% the 6.y+-ic *ettin* in t(o#b.e, His +othe( wo#.% sen% hi+ ove( to the L,A, Ath.etic C.#b to /ee- hi+ o#t o' he( hai(, Le7e.. wo#.% (i%e on his bi/e to the C.#b an% s-en% his

a'te(noons *ettin* tie% into /nots by the *iant St(an*.e( Lewis, Gene says Lewis wei*ht ove( ;88 -o#n%s an% .oo/e% +o(e .i/e a ba((e. than a +an, He .ea(ne% a .ot '(o+ Lewis an% c.ai+e% E% was i+-ossib.e to ta/e %own,A1<9bB With Thes$ as cha+-ion) the NWA %(ew .a(*e() with F#st abo#t eve(y +aFo( -(o+ote( a..ie% o( a +e+be(, D#(in* 0":8) Thes$ a(*#e% that he nee%e% a +ana*e( to he.- hi+ on the (oa%, Thes$ -#she% 'o( that -e(son to be E% Lewis, The(e we(e so+e o.%e( -(o+ote(s) who 'e.t that the s-o(t owe% so+ethin* to the o.% cha+-ion) whi.e othe(s 4.i/e A. Ha't5) 'i*#(e% Lewis ha% +a%e his +oney an% s-ent it) so it wasn&t thei( (es-onsibi.ity to -(ovi%e the o.% +an with socia. sec#(ity chec/s, 7#t Thes$ was a *oo% cha+-ion an% ve(y -owe('#. -(o+ote(, Eve(yone /new that to way to Lo#&s hat(e% was to show %is(es-ect towa(% Lewis, So Thes$ won the a(*#+ent an% E% Lewis beca+e Lo#&s +ana*e( in Nove+be( 0":8, E% wo#.% t(ave. ahea% o' Lo# to -(ovi%e -#b.icity 'o( his +aFo( tit.e +atches by *ettin* s-ace in .oca. news-a-e(, E% was /nown an% .i/e% by s-o(ts (e-o(te(s an% hi+ F#st wa./in* into a -(ess(oo+ was news eno#*h to *et s-ace on any s-o(ts -a*e, Re-o(te(s an% 'ans +ay have not (e+e+be(e% any o' his +atches) b#t the na+e St(an*.e( Lewis was a -a(t o' s-o(t&s .e*en%) that echo o' othe(s .i/e 7abe R#th) 3ac/ De+-sey) 7obby 3ones) 3i+ Tho(-e) an% 7i.. Ti.%en, As Thes$&s +ana*e() he was bi..e% by -(o+ote(s an% news+en as -(o w(est.in*&s *(eatest sta( an% .e*iti+ate w(est.e(, With Gotch %ea%) Steche( in a n#(sin* ho+e) an% Lon%os (#nnin* a 'a(+) who was .e't to say %i''e(ent, Thes$ /new the -(esti*e he&% (eceive F#st havin* St(an*.e( Lewis in his co(ne() wo#.% te.. the wo(.% that the -(esent cha+-ion was as *oo% as any w(est.e( who eve( .ive%, Thes$ an% Lewis we(e a -e('ect tea+, Lo# .ove% Lewis .i/e a 'athe( an% neve( *ot ti(e% o' hi+, E% to.% hi+ sto(ies) so+e o' the+ t(#e) an% showe% hi+ the best hote.s an% 'inest (esta#(ants, Thes$ was ve(y *oo% .oo/in* an% a %i*ni'ie% cha+-ion) b#t he was (ese(ve% a(o#n% so+e -eo-.e an% .ive% a %isci-.ine% .i'e sty.e, He was a.so ca(e'#. in who he +a%e '(ien%s with, In 'act) Thes$ was +o(e .i/e 3i+ Lon%os than St(an*.e( Lewis, Lewis was *(e*a(io#s an% atte+-te% to +a/e '(ien%s with eve(yone, In the (in*) Lewis was a.ways %is.i/e%) an% boos co#.% be hea(% %#(in* eve(y +atch) b#t in .i'e) he was .i/e% by F#st abo#t eve(yone he ca+e in contact with, E% a.so was anythin* b#t %isci-.ine%, I' he wante% 'oo%) he ate, I' he wante% to -a(ty) he staye% #- a.. ni*ht, I' he ha% a shot at a wo+en) he too/ he(, I' he ha% +oney) he s-ent it an% wo((ie% abo#t it .ate(, A'te( a +atch) Lo# wo#.% eat an% then s.ee-, Lewis a'te( secon%in* the cha+-ion at the a(ena) wo#.% *o o#t %(in/in*) -.ayin* ca(%s) an% havin* a *oo% ti+e, In the +o(nin*) Lo# wo#.% *et #- an% 'in% Lewis in the hote. .obby) waitin* to eat b(ea/'ast, Lewis wo#.% then .eave 'o( the neDt city) whi.e Thes$ went to the *y+, Lewis %i%n&t stay with Thes$ a.. the ti+e, He see+s to have F#st wo(/e% the +aFo( cities an% +aFo( +atches, His c#t) o' eve(y ca(% he wo(/e% on) was ! 0G! -e(cent o' the *ate,A1<9cB Many -(o+ote(s %i%n&t .i/e the %ea.) b#t Thes$ tho#*ht E% +a%e the+ +oney in the .on* (#n,A1<9%B Lewis was ensh(ine% in Wisconsin&s Ath.etic Ha.. o' Fa+e as a cha(te( +e+be( on Nove+be( !9) 0":0, 6n 6ctobe( 08) 0":1) Anton "Tony" Steche() bothe( an% 'o(+e( +ana*e( o' 3oe Steche() who was the .on* ti+e -(o+ote( in Minnea-o.is) %ie% a'te( a hea(t attac/, His -(o+otion was ta/en ove( by his son) Dennis Steche() an% Wa..y Ea(bo, 3oe Steche( was sti.. a.ive an% in *oo% -hysica. hea.th) .ivin* in a n#(sin* ho+e, The 'i(st 'ew yea(s o' Thes$&s tit.e (ei*n we(e bi* +oney winne(s) b#t by the en% o' 0":: the -#b.ic *(ew ti(e% o' watchin* w(est.in* on T=) so b#siness %(o--e% o'', In ea(.y 0":2) the 'e%e(a. *ove(n+ent sta(te% an investi*ation o' the NWA c.ai+in* the o(*ani$ation was a +ono-o.y) which it was, Most o' the s+a(t -eo-.e in -(o w(est.in* we(e te((i'ie% o' the F7I an% Thes$ was one o' the+, So in ea(.y 0":2 4so+e thin/ Dece+be( 0"::5) Thes$ so.% his sha(e o' the St Lo#is -(o+otion to Sa+ M#chnic/, Thes$&s bo%y was a.so s#''e(in* '(o+ a.. the yea(s on the (oa% %e'en%in* the tit.e, In Ma(ch Lo# inF#(e% his an/.e 4Thes$ c.ai+e% he b(o/e it5 s/iin* with his wi'e in Ca.i'o(nia, Nee%in* a vacation) with the F7I investi*ation han*in* ove( eve(yone&s hea%) Thes$ +a%e a %ea. with -(o+ote( F(an/ T#nney to .et 7i..y Watson ho.% the tit.e th(ew +ost o' 0":2, So on Ma(ch 0:) 0":2) Thes$ .ost the NWA wo(.% tit.e to Whi--e( 7i..y Watson by "co#nt o#t o' the (in*" in '(ont o' 0:)888 'ans in To(onto, The (e'e(ee was 3ac/ De+-sey,

D#(in* these events o' ea(.y 0":2) Lewis .ost his +ana*e(ia. Fob, With Thes$ no .on*e( a -owe('#. -(o+ote( an% witho#t the tit.e) the(e was no .on*e( a #se 'o( Lewis, E% (et#(ne% to his ho+e in T#.sa to .ive o#t what was .e't o' his .i'e with his wi'e 7obbie Lee West, I' Thes$&s an/.e was b(o/en) he was a ve(y 'ast hea.e(, Th(ee wee/s a'te( the tit.e .oss) Lo# was bac/ in the (in* with Watson on A-(i. 2 at St Lo#is, Lo# .ost that +atch via a %is?#a.i'ication) a (es#.t that *ot Thes$ s#s-en%e% in town 'o( 28 %ays, Thes$ ha% +ove% to the San Fe(nan%o =a..ey nea( Los An*e.es an% ha% *(own a st(on* (e.ationshi- with 6.y+-ic A#%ito(i#+ -(o+ote( 3#.es St(on*bow, A'te( the A-(i. 2 +atch) Thes$ contin#e% to w(est.e) wo(/in* a .east two +atches a wee/ 'o( the (est on the yea(, He ha% othe( atte+-ts to ta/e the tit.e away '(o+ Watson) w(est.in* the cha+-ion in Ho#ston) =anco#ve() Los An*e.es) an% San F(ancisco, Thes$&s an/.e was %oin* so we.. that the A#*#st : +atch in Los An*e.es went to a "8 +in#te %(aw, At the Se-te+be( 0":2 con'e(ence) the Nationa. W(est.in* A..iance (enewe% thei( -.e%*e to E% Lewis with a ><):88 ann#a. sa.a(y, Thes$ wante% Lewis bac/ an% E% was #se% to wo(/ with othe( w(est.e(s .i/e Do(y F#n/ S(,) 7ob E..is) e--e( Go+es an% Dic/ H#tton,A1<9eB Lewis co#(te% 7ob E..is into -(o w(est.in* %#(in* 0":2) an% sto(ies c.ai+ that E% ta#*ht E..is his "b#..%o*" hea%.oc/,A1<9'B 6n 6ctobe( 0:) 0":2) The Nationa. W(est.in* A..iance %isso.ve% #n%e( a F#%*+ent 'i.e% in the H,S, %ist(ict co#(t o' Iowa) by 3#%*e Wi..ia+ F, Ri.ey, The a*(ee+ent ha% the NWA a*(eein* to cance. a.. its eDistin* (#.es) (e*#.ations) an% by.aws an% then %(awin* #- a new co%e consistent with the te(+s o' the co#(t o(%e(, The a*(ee+ent was +a%e by the wo(/ o' Sa+ M#chnic/, It was sa'e 'o( a Thes$ (et#(n, 6n Nove+be( ") 0":2) Lo# Thes$ %e'eate% 7i..y Watson in St Lo#is by E6 to (eCwin his NWA wo(.% tit.e, Lewis was -(esent at the F.oy% atte(sonGA(chie Moo(e 'i*ht in Chica*o on Nove+be( ;8) 0":2 an% was inte(viewe% by RING MAGAIINE, 7etween May 1 an% May 0! o' 0":<) 3a-anese -(o+ote(Gw(est.e( Ri/i%o$an visite% Thes$ at his San Fe(nan%o =a..ey ho+e, He o''e(e% the cha+-ion at .east >;8)888 4(ea. +oney) #n.i/e so+e o' the othe( c.ai+s in w(est.in* histo(y5 to to#( 3a-an %e'en%in* the tit.e a*ainst Ri/i%o$an, An a*(ee+ent was +a%e 'o( 6ctobe( 0":<, A(o#n% this ti+e) -.ans we(e a.so +a%e 'o( Thes$ to to#( A#st(a.ia an% Sin*a-o(e, The NWA an% M#chnic/ %i%n&t this i%ea o' Thes$ visitin* 3a-an, They we(en&t *ettin* a c#t o' the >;8)888 an% they wo((ie% abo#t the tit.e bein* sto.en in a %o#b.eCc(oss, Ri/i%o$an chan*e% thei( -oint o' view by -ayin* the+ the no(+a. NWA boo/in* 'ees an% *ivin* M#chnic/ his no(+a. ;J, Sa+ a.so +ay have tho#*ht he was *oin* to *et a c#t o' Lo#&s >;8)888) b#t Lo# neve( .et that ha--en, To -(event the -ossibi.ity o' a tit.e %o#b.eCc(oss ove(seas) the *(o#- *ot c.eve( an% %eve.o-e% a sto(y.ine that c(eate% two NWA wo(.% cha+-ions, 6n 3#ne 01) 0":<) Lo# Thes$ see+e% to .ose the NWA wo(.% tit.e to E%o#a(% Ca(-entie( in Chica*o, In the thi(% 'a..) Thes$ h#(t his bac/ an% was %e'ense.ess, Lo# /e-t *oin* to the (o-es to save hi+se.' '(o+ bein* -ine%, The (e'e(ee sto--e% the +atch) sayin* he was %is?#a.i'yin* Thes$ 'o( not %e'en%in* hi+se.', Ca(-entie( was %ec.a(e% the winne( an% new NWA wo(.% cha+-ion,A1<"B Now) on an "#nab.e to contin#e" 'inish) a tit.e can chan*e han%s) an% that&s what see+e% to ha--en, 7#t the (e'e(ee #se% the wo(% "%is?#a.i'y" in anno#ncin* the ve(%ict an% NWA (#.es states that a tit.e cannot chan*e via a "%is?#a.i'ication", It so#n%e% .i/e so+e ty-e o' a +ista/e) b#t it was F#st a way to con'#se 'ans an% c(eate cont(ove(sy, The i%ea by eve(yone invo.ve% was to c(eate a bac/ #- cha+-ion) in case Thes$ was %o#b.eCc(osse% in 3a-an an% %(o--e% the tit.e to Ri/i%o$an o( so+eone e.se on the t(i-, I' Lo# %i% .ose so+ehow) the NWA wo#.% F#st c.ai+ he wasn&t cha+-ion) havin* .ost the tit.e to Ca(-entie(, The -.an see+e% .i/e the(e was *oin* to be a tit.e #ni'ication (e+atch in St Lo#is on Thes$&s (et#(n, The -(o+ote(s wo#.% then %eci%e who they wante% as cha+-ion) b#t the -.an %i%n&t wo(/ o#t, A'te( Lo#&s 3#ne 01 .oss) the o''icia. NWA cha+-ion see+e% to be Ca(-entie() b#t both +en %e'en%e% what they ca..e% the NWA wo(.% tit.e whe(eve( they a--ea(e%, In cities whe(e Thes$ was a--ea(in* the 'ans we(en&t to.% abo#t Ca(-entie( an% they contin#e% .i/e nothin* ha% ha--ene%, 6n 3#ne !<) 0":<) Thes$ %e'en%e% his ve(sion o' the NWA tit.e a*ainst Do(y F#n/

4'athe( o' Do(y 3R an% Te((y F#n/5 in A+a(i..o, The boo/e() o.% D(, Ea(. Sa(-o.is) c(eate% a sto(y.ine that ha% F#n/ -ayin* E% "St(an*.e(" Lewis to +ana*e an% t(ain hi+ 'o( the +atch, Lewis a--ea(e% in F#n/s co(ne() b#t the +atch en%e% #- a %(aw a'te( Lo# inF#(e% his .e*, The an*.e he.-e% %(aw a .a(*e 9)888 in s+a.. A+a(i..o,A198B So it see+s that Thes$ was sti.. atte+-tin* to +a/e his '(ien% Lewis a .itt.e +oney an% they +ay have t(ie% the sa+e sto(y.ine in othe( cities, A (e+atch between Ca(-entie( an% Thes$ too/ -.ace on 3#.y !: in Mont(ea., The +atch) which %(ew 0:)";0) en%e% in a %is?#a.i'ication when Thes$ once a*ain inF#(e% his bac/ an% /e-t c(aw.in* #n%e( the (o-es to save hi+se.' '(o+ bein* -inne% by the F(ench+an, Ca(-entie( *ot #-set beca#se Mont(ea. (e'e(ee Yvon Robe(t (e'#se% to %is?#a.i'y Thes$ .i/e the Chica*o (e'e(ee) so he -#nche% hi+) *ettin* hi+se.' %is?#a.i'ie%, 6n 3#.y !<) 0":<) San M#chni/ was ?#ote% in THE M6NTREAL STAR sayin* that the tit.e co#.%n&t chan*e on a %is?#a.i'ication an% that Ca(-entie( was sti.. NWA cha+-ion, A 28 +in#te %(aw between Ca(-entie( an% Thes$ 'o..owe% in Chica*o on A#*#st 02, A(o#n% that ti+e) Mont(ea. -(o+ote( E%%ie @#inn (ea.i$e% that he was %(awin* h#*e c(ow%s) #n.i/e St Lo#is an% the (est o' the w(est.in* wo(.%) #sin* his own wo(.% tit.e) an% the -(esti*e o' his own to- baby'ace havin* the NWA wo(.% tit.e +eant ve(y .itt.e in Mont(ea. An% the NWA #sin* Ca(-entie( was *oin* to .i+it his #se o' his own -e('o(+e(, @#inn (ea.i$e% that .osin* %ates on his to- 'ace wasn&t *oin* to +a/e hi+ any eDt(a +oney, @#inn was a.so #-set that the hate% 3ac/ 'e'e( was a..owe% to han* a(o#n% the NWA convention in St Lo#is that sta(te% in A#*#st, So @#inn -#..e% Ca(-entie( '(o+ the NWA cha+-ion sto(y.ine) s#**estin* that the NWA sho#.% F#st (#.e that Thes$ *ot his tit.e bac/ a'te( the %is?#a.i'ication win in Mont(ea., 6n A#*#st !:) 0":<) the NWA) at its convention) (#.e% that the NWA wo(.% tit.e be.on*e% with Lo# Thes$ beca#se the 3#ne 01 Thes$GCa(-entie( +atch in Chica*o was a %is?#a.i'ication an% a tit.e co#.%n&t chan*e on a %is?#a.i'ication, So E%o#a(% Ca(-entie(&s na+e was e(ase% '(o+ (eco(% boo/s) an% as 'a( as the NWA was conce(ne%) he was neve( cha+-ion, 7asica..y) the NWA F#st %isowne% thei( -ast sto(y.ine an% +ove% on, Ca(-entie( was .e't with a tit.e "c.ai+" which he wo#.% #se ove( the neDt th(ee yea() even %(o--in* it in 7oston) 6+aha) an% Los An*e.es, This e-iso%e in w(est.in* histo(y) -(etty +#ch (#ine% the i%ea o' havin* on.y one wo(.% cha+-ion, 7y this ti+e) Thes$ an% Lewis we(e both 'e% #- with the NWA, Lewis ha% .ost a .ot o' +oney beca#se chea- -(o+ote(s 'e.t his wasn&t wo(th his ; -e(cent an% Thes$ was wo(e o#t by his sche%#.e an% %ays waste% by +ino( -ayo''s in s+a.. towns, Lewis convince% Thes$ that he&% be bette( o'' %#+-in* the NWA an% *oin* o#t on his own, Lewis a(*#e% that Thes$ was a sta() who -.aye% the -a(t o' a cha+-ion bette( than anyone, He +a%e Thes$ be.ieve that he co#.% %(aw an% the -#b.ic wo#.% a.ways consi%e( hi+ the cha+-ion) even witho#t the NWA na+e association, This +eant no NWA ta/in* its c#t o' eve(y *ate) so Thes$ +i*ht even +a/e +o(e +oney) witho#t a.. the wo(/ that went with bein* NWA cha+-ion, Lewis a.so to.% Thes$ abo#t a.. the +oney to be +a%e ove(seas, D#(in* the t(i- to A#st(a.ia) Sin*a-o(e) an% 3a-an) Thes$ noti'ie% M#chnic/ by +ai. that he %i%n&t want the tit.e any .on*e( an% that Sa+ sho#.% set #- a tit.e chan*e as soon as he (et#(ne% '(o+ 3a-an, M#chnic/ an% the NWA +e+be(s nee% a new cha+-ion an% the na+es wo(thy o' the tit.e we(e s+a.. in n#+be(, Most 'e.t that 7#%%y Ro*e(s wo#.% +a/e a *oo% hee. cha+-ion) b#t Thes$ %i%n&t (es-ect Ro*e(s an% ha% a.ways (e'#se% to -#t hi+ ove(, Ro*e(s was a.so #n%e( cont(act to A. Ha't o' Co.#+b#s an% they wo((ie% abo#t (#nnin* into the sa+e t(o#b.e they ha% with E%%ie @#inn an% Ca(-entie(, This a.so e.i+inate% =e(ne Ga*ne) who was owne% by F(e% Eoh.e(, Anothe( can%i%ate was at 6&Conno(, E% Lewis ha% been a bi* s#--o(te( o' Dic/ H#tton an% his co++ents can be 'o#n% in an 0":2 +a*a$ines sayin* he 'e.t the neDt cha+-ion wo#.% be H#tton, Livin* in T#.sa in 0":;) E% +ay have even -.aye% a -a(t in the t(ainin* o' H#tton be'o(e t#(nin* -(o an% +ana*e% hi+ 'o( sho(t -e(io%s o' ti+e) when not on the (oa% with Thes$, H#tton was a th(ee ti+e NCAA Nationa. Cha+-ion on two nationa. cha+-ionshi- at 6/.aho+a AKM) a th(ee ti+es AAH cha+-ion) an% a 0"19 6.y+-ic Ga+es +e+be(, Lewis an% +ost a+ate#( o''icia.s consi%e(e% hi+ to be the 'inest

w(est.e( o' his *ene(ation, Thes$) who i%o.i$e% Lewis an% was in'.#ence% by hi+) to.% the NWA that he wante% to %(o- the tit.e to H#tton, The o(*ani$ation) sti.. wantin* Ro*e(s o( 6&Conno() ha% to *o a.on* with Thes$&s wishes) beca#se no one in w(est.in* co#.% inti+i%ate Lo# into .osin* i' he %i%n&t want to, An% he wante% to .ose to the best t(#e w(est.e() H#tton, A'te( te((ib.e t(i-s th(o#*h A#st(a.ia an% Sin*a-o(e) Thes$ en%e% his vacation with a ve(y s#ccess'#. to#( o' 3a-an, He (et#(ne% to A+e(ica in Nove+be( an% w(est.e% a 'ew +atches a(o#n% Mont(ea., 6n Nove+be( 0!) 0":<) Thes$ w(est.e% a %(aw with 7#%%y Ro*e(s in Minnea-o.is, 6ne won%e(s i' this ha% been the -(o+ote(s -.ane% tit.e chan*e) b#t Thes$ wo#.%n&t "-.ay ba..", Thes$ was then boo/e% to +eet Dic/ H#tton in To(onto on Nove+be( 01) 0":<, The sto(y.ine 'o( the +atch (ese+b.e% the F#n/ +atch in A+a(i..o) H#tton ha% (ec(#ite% St(an*.e( Lewis to +ana*e an% t(ain hi+ to %e'eat his 'o(+e( st#%ent) Thes$, This ti+e it wo(/e%, A'te( ;:L0: o' a one 'a.. +atch) H#tton ca#*ht Thes$ atte+-tin* a "Thes$ (ess" an% bo%y s.a++e% the cha+-ion twice, He then a--.ie% an ab%o+ina. st(etch an% Lo# s#b+itte%, Sa+ M#chnic/ was -(esent an% (aise% H#tton&s han%, Thes$ an% H#tton then w(est.e% a %(aw in St Lo#is on Nove+be( !!) be'o(e Lo# .e't on his E#(o-ean to#() which .aste% #nti. .ate Feb(#a(y 0":9, When he (et#(ne%) Thes$ was boo/e% o#t o' Los An*e.es by -(o+ote( 3#.es St(on*bow, He be*an bi..in* hi+se.' as Inte(nationa. Cha+-ion in E#(o-e an% contin#e% as cha+-ion in the Los An*e.es a(ea 'o( a 'ew yea(s, He a.so (an a (eso(t hote. in hoeniD, E% Lewis contin#e% .ivin* in T#.sa with his wi'e, His eyes we(e wo(st an% his hea.th) at a*e 29) wasn&t what it once was, The cha+-ion Dic/ H#tton a.so .ive% in T#.sa an% in Se-te+be( 0":9) Lewis t(ave.e% with H#tton as t(aine(G+ana*e(G-#b.icist in Cana%a an% Minnea-o.is, 6n Dece+be( !2) 0":9) he was -(esent in St Lo#is to watch H#tton %e'eat E%o#a(% Ca(-entie(, That +aFo( +atch #- %(ew on.y 1)28<, H#tton was -oo(.y -(o+ote% an% %i%n&t %(aw, He .ac/e% co.o( an% nee%e% a *i++ic/, 6n 3an#a(y ") 0":") H#tton %(o--e% the NWA tit.e to at 6&Conno( in St Lo#is) s#b+ittin* to an 6& Conno( toe ho.% in a one 'a.. +atch, A'te( .osin* a n#+be( o' (e+atches to 6&Conno() he was #se% in Los An*e.es by -(o+ote( 3#.es St(on*bow an% *iven a cowboy *i++ic/, He %i% ve(y we.. as Cowboy Dic/ H#tton in So#the(n Ca.i'o(nia) b#t was ove( sha%owe% by Lo# Thes$) F(e%%ie 7.assie an% The Dest(oye( an% neve( won the WWA wo(.% tit.e, He (eti(e% in A-(i. 0"21 to +a((y the %a#*hte( o' a +i..ionai(e an% t(ain (ace ho(ses, A'te( ;0 yea(s o' +a((ia*e) his wi'e Eathe(ine %ie% '(o+ Lo# Geh(i*&s %isease, H#tton -asse% away on Nove+be( !1) !88; at the a*e o' 98, MM Contin#e to CHA TER ;8 F66TN6TES 1<9a NATI6NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEL THE HNT6LD ST6RY 6F THE M6N6 6LY THAT STRANGLED R6 WRESTLING by Ti+ Ho(n ba/e( -a*e 9NThe %ate o' the 'i(st +eetin* o' the Nationa. W(est.in* A..iance) 3#.y 09) 0"19) can be 'o#n% on -a*e 9, I&ve a.so seen the %ate *iven as 3#.y 01) 0"19, 1<9aa NATI6NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEL THE HNT6LD ST6RY 6F THE M6N6 6LY THAT STRANGLED R6 WRESTLING by Ti+ Ho(n ba/e( -a*e <:NTi+ has o''icia. NWA -a-e( that he %#* #- (esea(chin* the NWA) so I #se sections '(o+ his boo/,The %ate o' the 'i(st +eetin* o' the Nationa. W(est.in* A..iance) 3#.y 09) 0"19) can be 'o#n% on -a*e 9, 1<9b THE G6DFATHER 6F WRESTLING by Gene Le7e.. 4The on.y a#tho(i$e% a#tobio*(a-hy5 a*e ;2 to ;9, Ho-e I cove(e% this to-ic we.. an% Le7e.. is ha--y) beca#se I %on&t want sa%istic Gene b(ea/in* +y a(+ o( nose, I *(ew #a(o#n% the 6.y+-ic A#%ito(i#+ an% I was a.ways a'(ai% o' Gene, Meetin* hi+ to%ay at the CAC %inne(s is won%e('#.) b#t I sti.. wo((y, Rea% +o(e abo#t Gene at www,GeneLe7e..,co+, 1<9c NATI6NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEL THE HNT6LD ST6RY 6F THE M6N6 6LY THAT STRANGLED R6 WRESTLING by Ti+ Ho(nba/e(C-a*e <:CIn 0":0) the NWA 'o(+e% an "E% Lewis Co++ittee" to -(esi%e ove( a.. +atte(s (e.ate% to Lewis, D#(in* the 0":0convention in T#.sa 4E%&s ho+e town5) the +e+be(shi- (ati'ie% a +eas#(e that (aise% Thes$&s -e( +atch inco+e to 0:J) *ivin* ! O J to the NWA an% ! O J 'o( Lewis& wa*e, This is in'o(+ation '(o+ Ti+&s (esea(ch o' NWA +eetin*s, 6the( so#(ces) .i/e Thes$ hi+se.' an% the boo/ H66EER) c.ai+ Lewis (eceive% ; J o' the -#(se,

1<9% I 'o#n% a F(an/ie Cain 4The G(eat Me-histo5 sto(y '(o+ the sheet WHAT E=ER HA ENED T6PQ) Iss#e R:! 4!88!Nby Scott Tea.5 that showe% the LewisGThes$ (e.ationshi- in a coo. way an% I&+ *oin* to te.. it) +ain.y beca#se it&s +y boo/ an% I can %o anythin* I wantL F(an/ie Cain L"A. Ha't ha% a +ote. an% a s+a.. (esta#(ant in Reyno.%sb#(*) 6hio, He a.so ha% a bi* 'a(+ho#se an% a 'ew cabins, The(e was a (in* set #- o#t the(e whe(e so+e o' the boys wo(/e% o#t, S-ee%y LaRance #se% to -ic/ #s /i%s #- an% ta/e #s o#t the(e, I neve( /new what E% Lewis was %oin* the(e) b#t he wo#.% co+e %own) *et in the (in*) an% +ove a(o#n% with so+e o' the /i%s, He was havin* bac/ -(ob.e+s) so he #se% to have +e wa./ on his bac/, He&% say "Get #- on +y bac/)" an% he showe% +e how to -.ace +y 'eetPnot on the s-ine) b#t on each si%e o' the s-ine, 6ne ni*ht ) E% an% Lo# ha% staye% ove(ni*ht in one o' A.&s cabins, Lo#) o' co#(se) ha% a b#sy sche%#.e an% was a.ways on the *o) so he wo#.%n&t a.ways be in the best o' +oo%s, He %(ove o#t one %ay .oo/in* 'o( E%, They ha% to *et a cab to ta/e the+ to the ai(-o(t, He wa./e% into the (esta#(ant F#st a'te( E% ha% -#t in an o(%e( 'o( -anca/es, Lo# *ot a c#- o' co''ee an% sat %own at the co#nte() waitin* 'o( E% to 'inish, E% ate the -anca/es) a bi* stac/) an% he sta(ts .oo/in* at the *.ass case whe(e they %is-.aye% the -ies, E% ha% ba% eyes) so he was s?#intin*) t(yin* to see the -ies, He as/e% the wait(ess) "What /in% o' -ie is that ove( the(eQ" She sai%) "That&s choco.ate -ie, That&s one o' o#( best se..e(s," He sai%) "Give +e a bi* -iece o' it, I +eanP,a bi* -iece," Thes$ was *ettin* anDio#s beca#se he wante% to be s#(e they %i%n&t +iss thei( -.ane, Lo# says) "E%) yo# F#st ate 'ive -anca/es .oa%e% with b#tte( an% sy(#-, Now yo#&(e eatin* a -iece o' -ie, Don&t yo# thin/ yo#&(e *oin* to a .itt.e eDt(e+eQ" E% says) "We..) I %on&t wo((y abo#t it) Lo#, I&.. F#st %(in/ a c#- o' hot co''ee, That&.. /i.. a.. the ca(bohy%(ates," Lo# says) "What %i% yo# sayQ" E% (e-eate% hi+se.', Lo# says) "We..) by *o%S Yo# /now so+ethin* that +e%ica. science %oesn&t /now," E% says) "That&s the t(o#b.e) Lo#, Yo# thin/ yo# /now eve(y %a+n thin*, That&s why yo# neve( .ea(ne% how to w(est.e," 1<9e NATI6NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEL THE HNT6LD ST6RY 6F THE M6N6 6LY THAT STRANGLED R6 WRESTLING by Ti+ Ho(nba/e() -a*e <: 1<9' NATI6NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEL THE HNT6LD ST6RY 6F THE M6N6 6LY THAT STRANGLED R6 WRESTLING by Ti+ Ho(nba/e() -a*e !18 1<" CHICAG6 TRI7HNE) 3#ne 0:) 0":< an% WRESTLING LIFE +a*a$ine 3#ne 0":<, To show how -oo(.y the NWA tit.e was %(aw.in*) the atten%ance was :)29!, 198 AMARILL6 DAILY NEWS) 3#ne !<) 0":< an% 3#ne !9) 0":<NF#n/ beat Thes$ with a s-innin* toe ho.% 'o( the 'i(st 'a.. in ;8 +in#tes, F#n/ -#t the toe ho.% on o#t si%e the (in* in the secon% 'a.. an% was %is?#a.i'ie%, Thes$&s .e* was inF#(e% in the -(ocess an% the +atch was (#.e% a %(aw,

ED "STRANGLER" LEWIS Facts within a Myth by Steve Yohe CHA TER !" The St#an$%e#&s %ast yea#s In '()(* Lewis #et+#ne, to Wisconsin Ra-i,s .o# the .+ne#a% o. his siste# Hattie /+c0%ey1 The on%y #e%atives %e.t in Wisconsin Ra-i,s we#e ne-hews at#ic0 /+c0%ey an, /en /+c0%ey1 His othe# two siste#s %ive, in the state o. Washin$ton1 In 2ctobe# o. '()(* Lewis he%-e, in the -#o t#ainin$ o. Danny Ho,$e* th#ee3ti4e nationa% co%%e$iate w#est%in$ cha4-ion at 20%aho4a 5nive#sity* who&s #eco#, in schoo% was 673" with !7 -ins1 In ea#%y '(7"* Lewis secon,e, Ho,$e in so4e o. his ea#%y -#o 4atch1 Lewis was so i4-#esse, with Ho,$e that he $ave hi4 one o. /i%%y San,ow&s o%, hea,%oc0 4achines1 Lewis ha, two s+ch 4achines in '(7"1 To,ay* one #esi,es in the Nationa% W#est%in$ Ha%% o. Fa4e an, M+se+4 in Sti%%wate#* 20%aho4a* an, the othe# is on ,is-%ay at the Dan Gab%e Inte#nationa% W#est%in$ Instit+te an, M+se+4 at Wate#%oo* Iowa1869': a+% /owse# -#o4ote, a /oston Ga#,en ca#,* on ;+%y ')* '(7"* that saw Lo+ Thes< an, E, Ca#-entie# ,#aw with =i%%e# =owa%s0i > Hans Sch4i,t1 Th#ee ,ays ea#%ie#* /owse# s+..e#e, a hea#t attac0 at his ho4e in Le?in$ton an, was ta0en to the Conco#, E4e#son Hos-ita%1 A.te# two s+#$e#ies* a+% /owse# ,ie, on ;+%y '@* '(7"1 He was b+#ie, at Le?in$ton&s Westview Ce4ete#y1869A: /y the '(7"&s* Lewis was %e$a%%y b%in, a.te# a%% the yea#s o. s+..e#in$ .#o4 T#acho4a1 He #et+#ne, to bein$ .+%%y #eti#e,* s+--o#te, by his wi.e* an, ,onations .#o4 acB+aintances1869'a: He too0 to #e%i$ion an, -#eache, in 4any Ch#istian Science ch+#ches th#o+$h o+t the 4i,3west* -%ayin$ the -a#t o. a #e-entant sinne#1 He c%ai4e, to have been "co4-%ete%y ,evote, to e?-o+n,in$ the 4essa$e o. the Lo#,1" He once was B+ote, as sayin$ "They sit o+t the#e an, %isten beca+se they&#e a.#ai, that* i. they ,on&t* I 4ay $et 4a, an, -+t a hea,%oc0 on the41" ;oe Ma%cewic<* a+% /owse#&s best -+#e w#est%e# an, one o. Lewis& to- #iva%s ,+#in$ the '(A"&s* beca4e the 4aCo# -#o4ote# in San F#ancisco in '(!)1 He was a $oo, 4an 0nown .o# his honesty an, .ai# -ayo..s1 Lewis a%ways %iste, hi4 with Steche# an, ;i4 /#ownin$ as one o. the th#ee to- hoo0e#s he w#est%e, in his ca#ee#1 In '(7'* Ma%cewic< was -+t o+t o. b+siness in San F#ancisco by Roy Shi#e* Ray Stevens an, %oca% TD1 He ,ie, on A-#i% A"* '(7A at the a$e o. 7)1 869Aa: Sa4 Avey contin+e to #+n a st#on$ w#est%in$ -#o4otion in T+%sa 20%aho4a into the '()"&s1 2n Se-te4be# A"* '()A* a %i$htnin$ st#i0e b+#ne, ,own the Co%ise+4* %eavin$ hi4 witho+t a 4aCo# a#ena1 In ;an+a#y '()9* he so%, his -#o4otion to Le#oy McG+i#01 Avey was vice -#esi,ent o. Fa#4e#s an, Me#chants State /an0* an, se#ve, as NWA t#eas+#e# +nti% A+$+st '(7"1 Sa4 Avey ,ie,* at a$e 7@* on A+$+st (* '(7A1 Lewis& $oo, .#ien, Lo+ Thes< #e4aine, one o. w#est%in$&s $#eatest sta#s1 at 2&Conno# #ei$n as NWA wo#%, cha4-ion* was ove# sha,owe, by /+,,y Ro$e#s* an, on ;+ne !"* '(7' the two ,#ew !9*""" an, a $ate o. E'A)*""" in Chica$o1 Ro$e#s won the tit%e an, #et+#ne, 4+ch o. it&s -ast $%o#y ove# the ne?t yea# an, ha%.1 /+t Ro$e#s was cont#o%%e, by Easte#n #o4ote# Dincent ;1 Mc Mahon an, the o%, schoo% NWA -#o4ote#s we#e +-set by the .ew ,ates they we#e $ettin$ with the cha4-ion1 The .act was that the No#th A4e#ica te##ito#y was too bi$ .o# one cha4-ion to cove#1 /+,,y Ro$e# ,#ew we%% b+t his bo,y was shot .#o4 yea#s o. bein$ a towo#0e#1 His wo#0 s+..e#e,* a%tho+$h .ans #ea%%y co+%,n&t te%%* an, he 4isse, a %ot o. actions ,+e to inC+#ies1 So Sa4 M+chnic0 an, the othe# NWA -#o4ote#s wante, thei# tit%e bac0 an, on the East Coast* Toots Mon,t was ta%0in$ Dincent ;1 Mahon into .o#4in$ a new o#$ani<ation* with it&s own cha4-ion1 The NWA nee,e, a new cha4-ion an, the -e#son they -ic0e, was o%, Lo+ Thes<1 2n ;an+a#y A6* '(7!* Thes< -ine, Ro$e#s in To#onto winnin$ the Nationa% W#est%in$ A%%iance wo#%, tit%e .o# the thi#, ti4e1 Thes< bein$ as0e, bac0 as cha4-ion has to be consi,e#e, one o. the $#eatest co4-%e4ents in -#o w#est%in$ histo#y1 Thes< #e4ain cha4-ion .o# th#ee yea#s* %osin$ it to .#ien, Gene =inis0i Fby ,isB+a%i.icationG in St Lo+is on ;an+a#y @* '(771 2n Nove4be# @* '(7)* Thes< ha, a w#est%in$ ,ate in T+%sa* so he .%ew into town a ,ay ea#%y so he co+%, visit with 4ento# Lewis1 Lewis see4e, in $oo, s-i#its an,

wante, Lo+ to ta0e hi4 to 20%aho4a City so the two co+%, visit a hote% they +se, to enCoy ,+#in$ thei# t#ave%in$ ,ays1 So the two too0 a ,ay %on$ t#i- to the S0i%%e#n Hote%1 E, s-ent the ,ay #e4iniscin$ abo+t his ca#ee# an, the -eo-%e he ha, 0now an, we#e $one1 He see4e, to enCoy hi4se%. an, the two ,#ove bac0 that ni$ht* so Lo+ co+%, ,e.en, his tit%e a$ainst S-+tni0 Mon#oe1 Thes< then %e.t the te##ito#y* not #ea%i<in$ that the t#i- was E,&s way o. sayin$ $oo,bye1 Seve#a% wee0s %ate#* Thes< $ot wo#, that E, was in ba, sha-e* a.te# a se#ies o. st#o0es* an, ha, been hos-ita%i<e, at the Dete#ans Hos-ita% in M+s0o$eees1 In ea#%y '(77* Lewis was hono#e, by his ho4etown o. Ne0oosa1 A ten .oot hi$h 4a#0e# was e#ecte, in the city by the So+th Woo, Co+nty Histo#ica% Co#-o#ation1 The %a#$e -%aB+e 4e4o#ia%i<e, his ca#ee# an, %iste, the na4es o. 4any o. the $#eat 4en he ha, w#est%e,1 A n+4be# o. his o%, .#ien,s we#e -#esent* b+t Lewis was +nab%e to atten, beca+se he was con.ine, to a n+#sin$ ho4e1 The 4a#0e# sti%% stan,s to,ay at the inte#section o. #os-ect Aven+e FState Hi$hway @!G an, (th St#eet1 2n A+$+st 7* '(77* Thes< sto--e, in M+s0o$ee* to see Lewis* on the way to so4e 4atches in F%o#i,a1 Lo+ $ot to the Dete#ans Hos-ita% ea#%y in the 4o#nin$ an, Lewis was s%ee-in$ in a whee%chai#1 The n+#ses to%, Thes< that E, ha, ha, a ba, ni$ht an, ha, been 4e,icate,* so Lo+ %e.t an, $ot on his -%ane .o# Ta4-a1 Late# that ,ay he $ot a -hone ca%% .#o4 ;ac0 .e.e#* who ha, visite, Lewis the a.te#noon .o%%owin$ Thes<1 .e.e# to%, Lo+ that the ,octo# .e%t Lewis was ".a,in$ .ast"1 .e.e# to%, Lo+ to $et bac0 as soon as -ossib%e1869!: E, "St#an$%e#" Lewis ,ie, in his s%ee- on A+$+st @* '(77 at a$e @71 F+ne#a% se#vices we#e he%, at the Nin,e F+ne#a% Ho4e in T+%sa1 The -#ivate se#vice was o..iciate, ove# by Wi%%a#, R+sse%%* a Ch#istian Science #ea,e# at T+%sa&s Go%,en Cha-e%1 Lewis was c#e4ate, an, %ate# b+#ie, at A#%in$ton Nationa% Ce4ete#y* A#%in$ton* Di#$inia* in section )!* $#ave !)671869!a: The two Hbys<0o b#othe#s* W%a,e0 an, Stan* contin+e, to %ive to$ethe# on thei# -i$ .a#4 nea# Savannah* Misso+#i* no#th o. St ;ose-h* Misso+#i1 The two we#e invo%ve, with the ,eve%o-4ent o. -#o w#est%in$ in So+th A4e#ica an, it&s c%ai4e, that ;ohnny Da%entine an, Ha#%ey Race wo#0e, an, #eceive, so4e t#ainin$ on thei# .a#41 The 99 yea# o%, Stanis%a+s Hbys<0o ,ie, on the .a#4 a.te# a hea#t attac0 on Se-te4be# A!* '(7@1 W%a,e0 Hbys<0o* one o. Lewis& $#eatest #iva%s* ,ie, on ;+ne '"* '(79 an, is now #estin$ at the Savannah Ce4ete#y1 I be%ieve* i. 4y co+ntin$ is co##ect* that he was @) F/o#n Nove4be# A"* '9('G1 /i%%y San,ow* Lewis& 4ana$e# an, .#ien, .#o4 '(') to '(!A* who sho+%, be $iven .+%% c#e,it .o# .in,in$ Lewis* t#ainin$ hi4 an, 4a0in$ hi4 one o. s-o#t&s $#eatest sta#s* was a* behin, the scene* -#o4ote# o. w#est%in$ in =ansas a.te# %eavin$ St Lo+is in '(!(1 The -#o.essiona% b#ea0 +- see4e, to have a%so en,e, the .#ien,shi-* beca+se a.te# '(!A Shan,ow is w#itten o+t o. Lewis& sto#y1 San,ow ,ie, on Se-te4be# ')* '(@A at the a$e o. 991 A+#e%io Fabiani* the -#o4ote# o. hi%a,e%-hia an, Los An$e%es* ,ie, at Tho4as ;e..e#son Hos-ita% in hi%a,e%-hia on A-#i% A7* '(@! at a$e 9A1 The 4an who b#o+$ht $#eat w#est%in$ to hi%a,e%-hia an, t+#ne, ;i4 Lon,os into a s+-e#sta# has yet to be a,4itte, to any W#est%in$ Ha%% o. Fa4e1 ;oe Steche# o+t %ive, Lewis by a%4ost ei$ht yea#s1 E,&s $#eatest #iva%* a.te# ove# !) yea#s o. bein$ instit+tiona%i<e,* ,ie, at the Dete#an&s Hos-ita% o. St C%o+,* Minnesota on Ma#ch A(* '(@6* at the a$e o. 9"1 His #e4ains we#e shi--e, to San F#ancisco* whe#e his wi.e %ive,* an, ;oe can be .o+n, at Cy-#ess Me4o#ia% a#0* Co4a Ca%i.o#nia FNiche * Tie# '* in the Ga#,en o. Se#enityG1 In -+b%ic* Lewis a%ways state, that Steche# was the best w#est%e# he eve# 4et* b+t he %ac0e, hea#t1 In -#ivate* with .#ien,%y insi,e#s %i0e Thes<* he&, say he ,i,n&t 0now who was the bette# w#est%e#* an, a,4itte, he&, have been beaten in sho#t ti4e i. he ha, $one to the 4at with Steche# witho+t sta%%in$1 ;i4 Lon,os %ive, o+t his %i.e C+st as he ha, -%ane, it1 W#est%in$&s $#eatest bo? o..ice sta#* ha, a ca#ee# that %aste, .#o4 '(') to '()(1 His %ast yea#s o. %i.e* we#e s-ent as a #ich $ent%e4an .a#4e# in Escon,i,o* Ca%i.o#nia1 In the '(7"&s* he so%, 4ost o. his .a#4* beco4in$ even #iche#* an, to,ay a %a#$e -o#tion o. the city o. Escon,i,o #ests on it1 5n%i0e Lewis* Lon,os wo+%, neve# sai, anythin$ ,is#es-ect.+% abo+t his o%, bitte# #iva%1 When as0e, abo+t thei# Se-te4be# A"* '(!6 batt%e in W#i$%ey Fie%,* Chica$o* that b#o0e the a%% ti4e $ate #eco#,* Lon,os a%ways -%aye, ,own his victo#y* 4a0in$ a -oint o. sayin$ that Lewis was o%, an, -ast his -#i4e1 e#ha-s he 0new Lewis -o-+%a#ity 4a,e hi4 inv+%ne#ab%e to c#itics1 Lon,os s+..e#e, a hea#t attac0 at a%o4a# Gene#a% Hos-ita% an, ,ie,

on A+$+st '(* '(@)1 He was b+#ie, at a -#i4e s-ot* ne?t to his wi.e* at the 2a0 Hi%% Me4o#ia% a#0* on a $#een hi%% ove# %oo0in$ his city o. Escon,i,o1 Toots Mon,t #e4ain a -owe# on the East Coast1 He -%aye, a 4aCo# -a#t in the -#o4otion o. w#est%in$ at Ma,ison SB+a#e Ga#,en an, .o#4e, with Dincent McMahon the Ca-ito% W#est%in$ Co#-o#ation* which %ate# beca4e 0nown as the WWF o# WWE1 He a%so -%aye, a i4-o#tant -a#t in the ca#ee#s o. Antonino Rocca an, /#+no Sa44a#tino1 /y '(7"* Mon,t acte, on%y as a sha#eho%,e# an, was se4i3#eti#e,* +se, on%y in an a,viso#y ca-acity1 He #eti#e co4-%ete in '(7(* an, 4ove, .#o4 ;ac0son Hei$hts* Lon$ Is%an,* to St Lo+is1 He ,ie, .#o4 -ne+4onia on ;+ne ''* '(@71 He was 9A1 2n ;+ne A* '(@)* the E, "St#an$%e#" Lewis be%t was a+ctione, o.. in /oston18696: ;ohn ese0 neve# ,i, anothe# Cob a.te# the St#an$%e# Lewis se#ies o. 4atch in '(6A1 His %ast 4atch too0 -%ace on ;an+a#y A9* '()(1 Li0e ;i4 Lon,os* he neve# ,#o--e, his FMWAG wo#%, tit%e in the #in$1 He a%so #an a -#o,+ctive .a#4 F( 4i%es so+th o. Ravenna* Neb#as0aG* b+t ese0 a%so ha, one o. the 4ost .a4o+s 0enne%s o. #acin$ ,o$s in the nation1 He was the on%y 4an eve# ensh#ine, in the G#eyho+n, Racin$ Ha%% o. Fa4e an, the #o W#est%in$ Ha%% o. Fa4e1 It&s sai, that ese0 #evo%+tioni<e, the s-o#t o. ,o$ #acin$* b#in$ the s+-e# ,o$ ";+st An,#ew" .#o4 A+st#a%ia to A4e#ica1 ";+st An,#ew" is a%so in the G#eyho+n, Ha%% o. Fa4e* with !" o. his o..s-#in$s1 In '(@9* it was c%ai4e, that 9"I o. the $#eyho+n,s #acin$ we#e ,escen,e, .#o4 ";+st An,#ew"1 ;ohn ese0 ,ie, .#o4 a hea#t attac0* whi%e eatin$ b#ea0.ast in Ravenna with his two o%,e# chi%,#en* E%i<abeth an, ;ac0* on Ma#ch 'A* '(@91 He was b+#ie, at Hi$h%an, Ce4ete#y* west o. Ravenna1 869): In '(@(* /obbie Lee West* Lewis& wi.e .o# ove# A( yea#s* -asse, away in T+%sa1 ;ac0 De4-sey #e4aine, a s-o#ts icon1 He contin+e, to 4a0e -+b%ic a--ea#ances an, #an a .a4o+s #esta+#ant in Manhattan1 He too0 a han,s3on a--#oach an, s-ent 4+ch o. his ti4e $#eetin$ awest#+c0 to+#ist at the ,oo#1 The -#ess ca%%e, hi4 s-o#t&s $#eatest $ent%e4an1 He ,ie, .#o4 st#o0es an, hea#t .ai%+#e on May !'* '(9!* at a$e 9@* an, is b+#ie, in the So+tha4-ton Ce4ete#y in So+tha4-ton* New Yo#01 Gene T+nney* De4-sey&s conB+e#o#* -#ece,e, hi4 in ,eath by .ive yea#s FNov1 @* '(@9G1 De4-sey&s !*""" wo#, obit+a#y was w#itten by Re, S4ith an, -#inte, on the .#ont -a$e o. the New Yo#0 Ti4es1 T+nney&s ,eath was #e-o#te, on -a$e AA with an +nby%ine, obit+a#y o. @)" wo#,s1869)a: Lo+ Thes<&s ca#ee# basica%%y en,e, a.te# a to+# o. ;a-an in A-#i% '(9A1 Sti%% in t#e4en,o+s con,ition* he #e4aine, a %e$en, .o# his wo#0o+ts in the $y41 In '(96* 4ost insi,e#s .e%t he was 4o#e than a 4atch .o# WWF wo#%, cha4-ion H+%0 Ho$an1 At ti4es* he sti%% wo+%, acce-t s-ecia% 4atches* b+t that en,e, in Dece4be# '((" in ;a-an&s To0yo Do4e when he inC+#e, his hi- in a 4atch with Masa Chono1 Li0e with Lewis* he staye, in the s-o#t by actin$ as a s-ecia% #e.e#ee an, acce-te, -ositions with -#o4otions %i0e the 5WFI in ;a-an1 With a ca#ee# that #iva%e, any in w#est%in$&s histo#y* he was hono#e, by the Ca+%i.%owe# A%%y C%+b in '((' an, %ate# that yea# #e-%ace, A#chie Moo#e as the C%+b&s #esi,ent1 Fo# the %ast -o#tion o. his %i.e he .+nctione, as -#o w#est%in$&s e%,e# states4an* an, even was a -a#t o. the best -#o w#est%in$ histo#y site on the inte#net* The Lo+ Thes< Fo#+4 at W#est%in$ C%assics1co41 He a%so beca4e a $#eat he%- to a new $ene#ation o. w#est%in$ histo#ians* an, neve# showe, his annoyance with nobo,ies who 0new histo#ica% ,ates an, B+estione, his 4e4o#y1 Lo+ co+%, not have a conve#sation witho+t -#aisin$ his o%, .#ien, an, 4ento#* E, Lewis1 Lo+ Thes< ,ie, on A-#i% A9* A""A .#o4 co4-%ications .o%%owin$ o-en hea#t s+#$e#y1 He was 97 yea#s o%,1 It wo+%, be i4-ossib%e to have a %e$iti4ate #o W#est%in$ Ha%% o. Fa4e witho+t the na4e o. St#an$%e# Lewis on it&s #o%%s an, E, is in a%% o. the 4aCo# ones inc%+,in$J The W#est%in$ 2bse#ve# News%ette# Ha%% o. Fa4e Fthe initia% c%ass o. '((7G* The #o.ession W#est%in$ Ha%% o. Fa4e F WHF o. A4ste#,a4* New Yo#0G Fthe initia% c%ass o. A""AG* Wisconsin&s Ath%etic Ha%% o. Fa4e Finitia% c%ass o. '()'G an, The Inte#nationa% W#est%in$ Instit+te an, M+se+4 Geo#$e T#a$osKLo+ Thes< Ha%% o. Fa4e Finitia% c%ass o. '()(G1 The#e is so4e a#$+4ent to the i,ea that E, "St#an$%e#" Lewis was -#o w#est%in$&s $#eatest shoote#* I be%ieve Steche#* Gotch* Ca,,oc0* ese0* Stee%e* an, so4e o. the o%,e# an, %i$hte# -e#.o#4e#s have C+st as 4+ch c%ai4 to that tit%e as E,1 An, I ,on&t be%ieve he s+#-asse, ;i4 Lon,os* Gotch* o# even H+%0 Ho$an as a w#est%in$ "sta#"* b+t when yo+ .o%%ow E, Lewis ca#ee#* yo+ .o%%ow the histo#y o. the s-o#t1 F22TN2TES

69' 2=LAH2MA SH22TERJ THE DAN H2DGE ST2RY by Mi0e Cha-4an -a$e '"@ to '"( 69'a Lewis %ive, on So+th Cincinnati Aven+e in T+%sa* an, the inte#net #e-o#t I&ve .o+n, c%ai4s he %ive, with his wi.e an, ,a+$hte#1 I. t#+e an, the ,a+$hte# wasn&t .#o4 so4e -ast /obbie Lee West #e%ationshi-* it wo+%, be a #a#e a--ea#ance o. /oba,a F#ie,#ich* the chi%, .o#4e, .#o4 Lewis& 4a##ia$e with D#1 A,a Scott Mo#ton1 /oba,a wo+%, have been in he# !"&s1 F#an0ie Cain se#ve, as ,#ive# .o# Lewis ,+#in$ these yea#s an, $ot to 0now hi4 we%%1 Fo# this -#oCect* histo#ian Steve ;ohnson* who is a e,ito# .o# THE WASHINGT2N 2ST an, a a+tho# o. 4any 4aCo# w#est%in$ boo0s inc%+,in$ a .o#th co4in$ boo0 on ;i4 Lon,os* has $one o+t o. his way to w#ite a sho#t a#tic%e on F#an0ie Cain&s .#ien,shi- with Lewis1 A FRIENDLY STRANGLER /y Steve ;ohnson E, Lewis was to w#est%in$ in the Roa#in$ Twenties what ;ac0 De4-sey was to bo?in$* a %a#$e#3than3%i.e .i$+#e that was eB+a%%y at ho4e $%a,3han,in$ the citi<en#y as he was 4a+%in$ o--onents1 His nic0na4e* "St#an$%e#"* %i.te, .#o4 Evan Lewis* no ,o+bt he%-e,L when so4e newsboy haw0in$ a tab%oi, sho+te, "St#an$%e# Lewis To-s Steche#M" the in.%ection in his voice was -#obab%y no ,i..e#ent than when he sh#ie0e, "Latest on the Manassa Ma+%e#M" o# "S+%tan o. Swat /e%ts TwoM" Lewis wie%,e, t#e4en,o+s in.%+ence in an, o+t o. the #in$* b+t it was not a%%3 enco4-assin$1 G#owin$ +- a#o+n, the Co%+4b+s* 2hio* w#est%in$ ci#c+it* F#an0ie Cain .o%%owe, Lewis& ca#ee# as a yo+n$ste#* ,isc+sse, it with othe# w#est%e#s an, event+a%%y ca4e to 0now Lewis to the -oint that he cha+..e+#e, hi4 ac#oss the co+nt#y when the %e$en,&s eyes sta#te, to .ai%1 "He wasn&t a bi$ ,#aw* hi4se%.1 He ha, to wait +nti% he $ot the #i$ht o--onent1 Li0e eve#yone e%se* he was no e?ce-tion1 He wasn&t %i0e a /+,,y Ro$e#s who co+%, ,#aw witho+t the be%t* which he ,i, .o# yea#s1 /+t E,* bac0 in those ,ays* he was #es-ecte, .o# his w#est%in$ abi%ity1 I&, seen hi4 when I was ve#y yo+n$ an, o. co+#se* he was ove# the hi%% then* b+t .#o4 what the o%,3ti4e#s to%, 4e* he was no ,i..e#ent than any wo#%, cha4-ion* as yo+ ha, to have the #i$ht o--onent to $et those 4ain $ates1" What 4a,e Lewis stan, o+t .#o4 the -ac0 was his hai%3.e%%ow3we%%34et -e#sona%ity* a sta#0 cont#ast to his in3#in$ cha#acte#* whose $#in,in$ hea,%oc0 $#i- -#ovo0e, its s$a#e o. hisses1 "I. so4eone to%, hi4 who was in the #est#oo4* that he ha, so4e .ans the#e* E, wo+%, C+4- +- an, $o 4eet hi41 Act+a%%y* he wo+%, have 4a,e a $#eat -o%itician1 2h yes* oh 4y* how he co+%, ta%0M" sai, Cain* who %ate# beca4e .a4o+s as The G#eat Me-histo1 "E, was -#obab%y the on%y -e#son I&ve seen who co+%, wa%0 into any news-a-e# a#o+n, the co+nt#y when he was 4ana$in$ w#est%e#s* an, they we#e th#i%%e, to 4eet hi41 He -#esente, hi4se%. ve#y we%%1" His .#ien,%y nat+#e -#obab%y #e-#esente, an asset when Lewis a$e, an, #e4aine, an active w#est%e#* since his wei$ht .%+ct+ate, between ove#wei$ht an, obese1 "I C+st tho+$ht by %oo0in$ at hi4 in his %ate# yea#s* it 4+st have been a st#+$$%e .o# hi4 to 0ee- in to- sha-e*" Cain sai,1 /+t he ca4e to the #in$ s4i%in$ an, he wave, at the -eo-%e1 A%ways ha, that bi$ s4i%e1 That* I thin0* he%-e, hi41" 69A THE WRESTLER F4a$a<ineG* Feb#+a#y '(7@NTHE ST2RY THEY C25LDN"T TELL A/25T ED FSTRANGLERG LEWIS /Y THE MAN WH2 SHARED HIS SECRETNThe 4an* with this +nto%, sec#et* ,i,n&t %eave +s with his na4e1 I %i0e, his Lewis B+otes an, ,on&t have a $#eat .ee% .o# Lewis& #e%i$io+s -+#s+its1 69Aa NATI2NAL WRESTLING ALLIANCEJ THE 5NT2LD ST2RY 2F THE M2N2 2LY THAT STRANGLED R2 WRESTLING by Ti4 Ho#nba0e#* -a$e A(6 69! H22=ERJ THE A5THENTIC WRESTLER&S ADDENT5RES INSIDE THE /IHARRE W2RLD 2F R2FESSI2NAL WRESTLING by Lo+ Thes< with =it /a+4an* -a$es '9' to '9A1 69!a Ma#0 Hewitt one o. wo#%,&s $#eat w#est%in$ histo#ians an, a $oo, .#ien,* who&s w#itin$ sty%e I&ve atte4-te, to co-y ove# the yea#s* has w#itten a t#ib+te to St#an$%e# Lewis C+st .o# this -#oCect an, I&ve se%ecte, this s-ot to inse#t it1

E, "STRANGLER LEWISNTHE GREATEST /y Ma#0 Hewitt E, "St#an$%e#" Lewis boaste, that .#o4 '('6 th#o+$h '(6" he was neve# %e$iti4ate%y ,e.eate, in a w#est%in$ 4atch1 Was that C+st b%+ste#* b#a$$a,ocio* o# ba%%yhooO The#e a#e 4any o-inions on C+st who was the $#eatest -#o.essiona% w#est%e# o. a%% ti4es1 Who co+%, have beaten whoO So4e conten, that F#an0 Gotch #an0s as the +nbeatab%e cha4-ion heavywei$htL othe# na4es co4e +- %i0e ;oe Steche# an, Lo+ Thes<1 How wo+%, 4o,e#n %e$it $#a--%e#s %i0e =+#t An$%e an, /#oc0 Lesna# o# a MMA .i$hte# %i0e Fe,o# E4e%ianen0o .a#e a$ainst the o%,3 ti4e#sO Ce#tain%y witho+t a ti4e 4achine* a%% this is C+st conCect+#e1 Howeve#* I a4 in the ca4- that 4aintains that Lewis wo+%, have en,e, +- on to- o. the hea- in a to+#na4ent invo%vin$ a%% the $#eats o. a%% e#as1 "St#an$%e#" Lewis was an a4a<in$ co4bination o. s0i%%* st#en$th* c+nnin$* an, en,+#ance1 In .act his sta4ina was nothin$ sho#t o. -heno4ena%1 He was -owe#.+% as a b+%%1 Lewis 0new the $#a--%in$ a#ts .#o4 A to H1 He ha, an +ncanny abi%ity to sense when an o--onent was #ea,y to 4a0e a 4ove o# $o a.te# a ce#tain ho%,* an, he was ab%e to b%oc0 it1 "Ti$e#4an" ;ohn ese0* consi,e#e, by 4any as one o.* i. not* the $#eatest -+#e catch3as3catch3can w#est%e#s who eve# %ive,* ac0now%e,$e, Lewis& 4aste#y on the 4at1 ese0 #e4a#0e, stoica%%y* "The St#an$%e# 0new how to +se his he.t e?-e#t%y1" Lewis& #ise to the to- #ea%%y too0 o.. on the Le?in$tonKLo+isvi%%e ci#c+its o. /i%% /a#ton an, ;e##y Wa%%s1 When he -a#tne#e, with the eni$4atic /i%%y San,ow* Lewis e?-%o,e, onto the nationa% scene* beco4in$ a ,o4inant .i$+#e in the -#o w#est%in$ heavywei$ht #an0s .o# the ne?t .ew ,eca,es1 E, Lewis ente#e, into the -o-+%a# c+%t+#e o. his -e#io,1 2nce his co4-etitive ,ays we#e -ast he #e4aine, an e%,e#3states4an o. the -#o w#est%in$ wo#%,1 The wi%, an, woo%y wo#%, o. -#o.essiona% w#est%in$ has a%ways been .+%% o. s4o0e an, 4i##o#s an, ci#c+s3%i0e show4anshi-1 /+t the#e is a%so an +n,e#%yin$ t#a,ition o. to+$h "shoote#s" an, occasiona% bona.i,e contests1 E, "St#an$%e#" Lewis co+%, ho%, his own on the 4at with anybo,y1 Steve Yohe has ,one an e?ce%%ent Cob o. both #esea#chin$ the %i.e an, ti4es o. Lewis an, o. -ennin$ an inte#estin$ an, hi$h%y3#ea,ab%e bio$#a-hy abo+t this %e$en,a#y cha#acte#1 Ma#0 S1 Hewitt A"'" 696 ;2HN ESE=NTHE WRESTLER FR2M RADENNA by Da%e#ie Die#0 F$#an,,a+$hte# o. ;ohnG Ma#y Lee ese0 F,a+$hte# o. ;ohnG an, Geo..#ey ese0 F$#an,son o. ;ohnG 69)a T5NNEY by ;ac0 Cavana+$h* -a$e 6"" to 6"' 69) 2ve# the yea#s* histo#ians have t#ie, to .o%%ow the -ath o. the "Lewis Cha4-ionshi- /e%t"1 A.te# ;oe Steche# ,#o--e, the +n,is-+te, tit%e to Lewis* he 0e-t his be%t FThe Steche# /e%tG1 The "Lewis /e%t" was awa#,e, to E, in =ansas City in ;an+a#y '(A' by The Cent#a% Ath%etic C%+b1 When Lewis %ost to Stanis%a+s Hbys<0o on May 7* '(A'* Stan $ot the be%t a%on$ with the tit%e1 A.te# ,e.en,in$ the tit%e a$ainst Lewis on Nove4be# A9* '(A' in Ma,ison SB+a#e Ga#,en* Hbys<0o was awa#,e, anothe# be%t by -#o4ote# Te? Ric0a#,1 This be%t is ca%%e, the "Ric0a#," o# JHbys<0o be%t"1 In bo?in$* the t#a,ition is .o# the new cha4-ion to wa#e the tit%e be%t o+t o. the #in$* b+t in the ,#essin$ #oo4* it is $iven bac0 to the o%, cha4-ion an, a new be%t is 4a,e an, %ate# awa#,e, to the new cha4-ion1 Ric0a#, was a bo?in$ -#o4ote# an, he $ave "Ric0a#, be%ts" to a%% the bo?in$ cha4-ions* so he $ave the sa4e hono# to Hbys<0o1 When Lewis #e3won the +n,is-+te, tit%e .#o4 Stan on Ma#ch !* '(AA* he $ot both the "Lewis /e%t" an, the "Ric0a#, /e%t"1 The "Ric0a#, /e%t" is neve# 4ention a.te# the May !"* '(A) tit%e tit%e 4atch with Wayne M+nn1 When Lewis ,e.eate, ;oe Steche# in St Lo+is on Feb#+a#y A"* '(A9* Steche# a$ain 0e-t his "Steche# /e%t" an, Lewis C+st 0e-t +sin$ his o%, be%t1 /i%%y San,ow an, Lewis so%, the "Lewis /e%t"* with the tit%e* to a+% /owse#

with G+s Sonnenbe#$ victo#y on ;an+a#y 6* '(A(1 Sonnenbe#$ $ave +- the "Lewis" be%t a.te# %osin$ in Los An$e%es to E, Don Geo#$e on Dece4be# '"* '(!"1 Lewis ,i, not $et the be%t bac0 a.te# the ,o+b%e3c#oss o. Geo#$e on A-#i% '!* '(!'1 /owse# -#obab%y $ave the be%t to Hen#i DeG%ane a.te# the bite 4atch in Mont#ea% on May 6* '(!' an, -asse, it bac0 to E, Don Geo#$e a.te# %osin$ on Feb#+a#y '"* '(!!1 Geo#$e +se, the be%t .o# a -e#io, o. ti4e* b+t by A-#i% A!* '(!) /owse# sent the "Lewis /e%t" to Lo+ Da#o o. Los An$e%es1 It was awa#,e, to the winne# o. an Inte#nationa% To+#na4ent1 Dincent Lo-e< won the to+#na4ent an, the "Lewis /e%t" on ;+%y A6* '(!)1 Why wo+%, /owse# $ive +- his va%+ab%e be%tO Danno 2&Mahoney ha, been in the to+#na4ent an, a .avo#ite to win it* b+t was -+%%e, a.te# /owse# $ot ;i4 Lon,os to a$#ee to Cob his NWAKNY tit%e to Danno1 Lo-e< +se, the be%t .o# the #est o. '(!) b+t -#obab%y Da#o #et+#ne, it to /owse# in '(!71 A.te# that the be%t was +se, ove# the yea#s as /owse#&s AWA cha4-ionshi- be%t $oin$ .#o4 Yvon Robe#ts FOG* to Steve Casey FFeb#+a#y ''3!9G to Ma#v Westenbe#$ Fas The Sha,owGFMa#ch !* '(!(G to G+s Sonnenbe#$ FMa#ch '7* '(!(G to Steve Casey FMa#ch A(* '(!(G to Ma+#ice Ti%%et FMay '!* '(6"G to Steve Casey FMay '!* '(6AG to San,o# S<abo FMa#ch A(* '(66OG to Yvon Robe#t F;+ne '6* '(66OG to Steve Casey FMay '!* '(6AG to Ma+#ice Ti%%et FA+$+st '* '(66G to Steve Casey FA+$+st ')* '(66G to San,o# S<abo FA-#i% A)* '(6)G to F#an0 Se?ton FMay )* '(6)G to Steve Casey F;+ne 7* '(6)G to F#an0 Se?ton F;+ne A@* '(6)G1 F#o4 -hotos the si<e o. the "Lewis /e%t" o# AWA be%t chan$e,* an, the .ee%in$ o. 4any histo#ians see4s to be that the#e was 4o#e that one be%t bein$ +se,1 The secon, be%t is not the "Ric0a#, be%t"* beca+se I have -hotos* an, it %oo0s nothin$ %i0e the "Lewis /e%t"1 In '(6(* /owse# Coine, the NWA an, he $ave the AWA tit%e an, +se o. the be%t to F#an0 Se?ton* who was bein$ -#o4ote, by A% Ha.t1 It see4s Se?ton ha, 4o#e than one be%t1 F#an0 $ave one o. the4 to Don Ea$%e a.te# ,#o--in$ the tit%e to Don Ea$%e on May A!* '()"1 hotos o. Ea$%e .#o4 Co%+4b+s show hi4 with the be%t o# a ve#sion o. the be%t1 Ea$%e was 0in, o. a hea, case > it see4s that the tit%e > be%t went to /i%% Mi%%e# FMay '* '()AG an, then /+,,y Ro$e#s FMay '()AG1 A.te# %osin$ to Ea$%e* F#an0 Se?ton sti%% c%ai4e, the tit%e in E+#o-e an, too0 a ve#y $oo, %oo0in$ ve#sion o. the "Lewis /e%t" to F#ance* whe#e he ,#o--e, both Ftit%e an, be%tG to Fe%i? MiB+et in a#is on ;an+a#y AA* '()'1 The#e a#e -hotos in the Feb#+a#y '()A iss+e o. /o?in$ an, W#est%in$ Ma$a<ine o. Fe%i? MiB+et -#esentin$ the "Lewis /e%t" to the 4an who ha, ,e.eate, hi4 .o# the E+#o-ean wo#%, tit%e* Iva# Ma#tenson1 I be%ieve the "Lewis /e%t" that was +se, by /+,,y Ro$e#s* was #et+#ne, to it&s owne# a+% /owse# an, it #e4aine, in his -ossession +nti% his ,eath in '(7"1 Atty1 Geo#$e Co%be#t* e?ec+tive o. the /owse# wi%%* .o+n, the be%t a4on$ /owse#&s be%on$in$s an, -+t it +- .o# a+ction in the -#ocess o. sett%in$ the estate1 It was -+#chase, by a /oston Cewe%e#* who -%ane, to st#i- the ,ia4on,s an, $o%,1 2nce he #ea%i<e, the histo#y o. the obCect in his -ossession* the Cewe%e# chan$e, his 4in,1 A .ew yea#s %ate#* he so%, the be%t to Geo#$e F#an0%in* hea, o. the A%%ston Movin$ Co4-any an, a 4aCo# w#est%in$ .an1 He ,is-%aye, the be%t in the win,ow o. his o..ice .o# '9 4onths* be.o#e se%%in$ it to %oca% /oston o+t%aw -#o4ote# Tony Santos1 2n A-#i% A@* '(7@* F#an0 Sca#-a won a to+#na4ent .o# the vacant "/i$ Ti4e W#est%in$ Wo#%, Ti4e"1 A.te# the win* Sca#-a was -#esente, with the "Lewis /e%t" an, the#e a#e -hotos o. Sca#-a wea#in$ it in Santos& -#o$#a4s ne?t to a E, Lewis& -hoto with the be%t1 Sca#-a #e4aine, Santos& wo#%, cha4-ion* +nti% his ,eath in ;an+a#y o. '(7(1 In %ate 7( o# the ea#%y @"&s* Santos %ent the be%t to Cowboy Ron Hi%%* who +se, it as a Li$ht Heavywei$ht tit%e be%t1 I ta%0e, to Hi%% yea#s a$o an, he sai, the be%t was ,i#ty an, #+ste, when he $ot it .#o4 Santos* b+t he c%eane, an, -o%ishe, it1 Late# it was #et+#ne, to Santos1 2n ;+ne A* '(@)* the "Lewis be%t" was -+t +- .o# a+ction* +sin$ a sea%e, bi, syste4* by Santos #o4otion F 121 /o? '(! /ac0 /ay* /oston* Mass1 2A''@G1 It was bi%%e, as the o#i$ina% wo#%,&s heavywei$ht tit%e be%t* with a -ict+#e o. Lewis

wea#in$ it1 It ha, !6 ,ia4on,s A" -t each an, a %a#$e P ca#ats1 The wei$ht o. the $o%, be%t was A P -o+n,s1 a.te# that1 I thin0 it was st#i-e, an, 4e%te, ,own by wo4en&s Cewe%#y bo? to,ay1 To 4e* that E, "St#an$%e#" G#ai% o. w#est%in$ a#ti.acts1

cente# ,ia4on, that was @ No one 0nows what ha--ene, a Cewe%e# an, is in so4e Lewis& be%t is the Ho%y