12.03.2007, 07:39
Minneapolis Tribune
Minneapolis, Minnesota
11 April 1933
By Charles Dunkley
"Double Cross Hinted During Savoldi Probe"
'Board Refuses to Recognize Joe as Champ, But Up Holds Verdict'
Chicago, April 10 - A strangle hold was clamped on professional wrestling in Illinois Monday.]
Aroused by rumors of a "double crossing." The Illinois Athletic commission issued an order indefinitely suspending the sport in the state as the result of the surprising finish of the Jim Londos-Joe Savoldi match at Chicago stadium last Friday night, which saw the former Notre Dame star victorious.
Tonigh's match cancelled
The verdict automatically cancels the match between Ed (Strangler) Lewis and Jim Browning, scheduled for Tuesday night.
The Suspension was the most drastic ruling the sport has suffered in its recent climb to popularity.
The commission refused to recognize Savoldi, who was awarded a victory over Londos, recognized as champion in some states, as the new title holder, because the commission ruled it did not recognize any champion or championshio matches and had also refused permission to have Londos announced as champion just before his match with Savoldi started. The commission said that sanction for all wrestling bouts had been issued with the understanding that they were not for any championship but were only exhibitions.
In the presence of the victor and the vanquished, attorneys and managers, Joseph Triner, chairman of the commission, rendered it's decision, which upheld the verdict of Referee Managoff in awarding a fall to Savoldi after 20:26. Both Londos and Savoldi gave their versions of just what had happened. Managoff, however, was examined privately and was not present when the principals testified.
Londos Calls Decision Unjust.
Londos declared the referee's decision was unjust. That no fall had been accomplished and that no time was he ever on his shoulders even for one second, as required by the rules.
Londos said that both he and Savoldi were entangled in the rojpes at the time referee Managoff tapped each on the shoulder and that he, Londos, understood he was to merely release his hold and return to the center of the ring to start anew.
"It was an agreement thoroughly understood by both Savoldi and myself before the bout started." Londos said. "Savoldi's legs were clearly through the ropes at the time of the decision. I had him helpless at the time I felt Managoff's slap on the back and relesased him voluntarily, only to be amazed when I learned the decision had been given to Savoldi."
Double-crossing Charged.
Londos testified he had a Japanese scissors lock on Savoldi, who was standing, but half off balance, struggling with Londos' legs in an effort to break the grip. He said Managoff was not bending down to the floor to peer underneath, as is the custom to see if Londos' shoulders were on the mat, but gave his decision after hesitating for a second while Savoldi was standing up.
The investigation was conducted in an atmosphere of scandal with the impression prevaling that there had been double-crossing. Savoldi has refused to go through with matches previosly scheduled for him on the plea that he needed a rest. He cancelled two of three matches in Indiana cities also on in Detroit scheduled for April 15.
There were reports that Savoldi has affiliated himself with a group of wrestlers working in opposition to the combination of which Londos is reported to be a member.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
11 April 1933
By Charles Dunkley
"Double Cross Hinted During Savoldi Probe"
'Board Refuses to Recognize Joe as Champ, But Up Holds Verdict'
Chicago, April 10 - A strangle hold was clamped on professional wrestling in Illinois Monday.]
Aroused by rumors of a "double crossing." The Illinois Athletic commission issued an order indefinitely suspending the sport in the state as the result of the surprising finish of the Jim Londos-Joe Savoldi match at Chicago stadium last Friday night, which saw the former Notre Dame star victorious.
Tonigh's match cancelled
The verdict automatically cancels the match between Ed (Strangler) Lewis and Jim Browning, scheduled for Tuesday night.
The Suspension was the most drastic ruling the sport has suffered in its recent climb to popularity.
The commission refused to recognize Savoldi, who was awarded a victory over Londos, recognized as champion in some states, as the new title holder, because the commission ruled it did not recognize any champion or championshio matches and had also refused permission to have Londos announced as champion just before his match with Savoldi started. The commission said that sanction for all wrestling bouts had been issued with the understanding that they were not for any championship but were only exhibitions.
In the presence of the victor and the vanquished, attorneys and managers, Joseph Triner, chairman of the commission, rendered it's decision, which upheld the verdict of Referee Managoff in awarding a fall to Savoldi after 20:26. Both Londos and Savoldi gave their versions of just what had happened. Managoff, however, was examined privately and was not present when the principals testified.
Londos Calls Decision Unjust.
Londos declared the referee's decision was unjust. That no fall had been accomplished and that no time was he ever on his shoulders even for one second, as required by the rules.
Londos said that both he and Savoldi were entangled in the rojpes at the time referee Managoff tapped each on the shoulder and that he, Londos, understood he was to merely release his hold and return to the center of the ring to start anew.
"It was an agreement thoroughly understood by both Savoldi and myself before the bout started." Londos said. "Savoldi's legs were clearly through the ropes at the time of the decision. I had him helpless at the time I felt Managoff's slap on the back and relesased him voluntarily, only to be amazed when I learned the decision had been given to Savoldi."
Double-crossing Charged.
Londos testified he had a Japanese scissors lock on Savoldi, who was standing, but half off balance, struggling with Londos' legs in an effort to break the grip. He said Managoff was not bending down to the floor to peer underneath, as is the custom to see if Londos' shoulders were on the mat, but gave his decision after hesitating for a second while Savoldi was standing up.
The investigation was conducted in an atmosphere of scandal with the impression prevaling that there had been double-crossing. Savoldi has refused to go through with matches previosly scheduled for him on the plea that he needed a rest. He cancelled two of three matches in Indiana cities also on in Detroit scheduled for April 15.
There were reports that Savoldi has affiliated himself with a group of wrestlers working in opposition to the combination of which Londos is reported to be a member.