Recently I was discussing with BERNARD THE GHOUL'S First Appearance at NEW ST. JAMES HALL NEWCASTLE on JUNE 20TH 1948 against JIMMY HUSSEY!!
We talked about the Report of this Match in 'HANDBAGS'- and particularly the mention of
how the REFEREE-MIKE HOWLEY 'Frisked' THE GHOUL-presumably for 'hidden weapons'!
At the time this Official's Name didn't 'Register' with me-and I thought no more about him!!
Well looking thru my Collection of 1940's HANDBILLS/FLYERS-as I am doing a lot these Days-and thoroughly enjoying it by the way!- Guess what I 'Discovered'??
This MIKE HOWLEY was also a Wrestler!!-Can't see him in the A-Z at all either!
Do the RIOTS know this Guy?-Does BERNARD know of him as a Fighter??
Here he is below..........FROM 1944!!!
MAIN MASK
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/1935-Mike-Howley-Batley-Wrestler-Holds-Harold-Angus-To-Draw-/233199637437?hash=item364bc813bd
Sorry MM. Never heard of Mike Howley until his name came up this time.
I did a bio on Nilan.
https://www.wrestlingheritage.com/onthetrailoftommynilan
Mike Howley again but this time from Sligo and having a go at another belt.
They billed him from everywhere. Career was about 1935-1950 They
even gave him a title.
Interesting to read that 2 bouts were of 60 minutes duration and 1 bout was of 30 minutes. Only one of the bouts was best 2 of 3 falls!
Was this a standard in 40’s?
Cheers
I wonder if he's any relation to wrestler/referee Roy Howley.