Recently I stated that in wrestling most men get to win a title or at least be a contender at one time or another. Al Nicol , good wrestler but destined to usually being beaten by the big names like Mick and Jackie.
Well in 1959 Ted Beresford spent a good part of the year running a tournament. The story behind it is that in 1910 Peter Gotz had won a Lonsdale Belt and now at 82 years old had donated it to Joint promotions.
Young Nicol was rated as a bright prospect with Jack Dempsey favourite to win the tournament. In the final Nicol had to beat Tommy Mann the Mountevans Champ.
Here is Al Nicol.....the winner and said to be the first person after Gotz to wear this belt.
I have added some bills from 1959 to the Grantham Gallery for anyone that wants to follow all the heats. http://www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk/apps/photos/album?albumid=15883446
A find indeed Ron. Well done. very flash.