In the 1960s there was a wrestler on the independents called Boston Blackie. I saw the name on the posters but didn't see him wrestle.
I have wondered who he was. I wondered about Ezra Francis, but then saw both their names on the same bill. Last year The Ost posted a photo of Boston Blackie. Here he is alongside Black Panther Grant Foderingham. Your thoughts on whether they are one and the same?
There was also a more recent Boston Blackie prominent in the early years of Eurosport and Welsh TV. In the A-Z both Boston Blackies have just one entry!
Thanks Eddie, well that's brought that track to a conclusion. At least if you can't remember his name it tells us he wasn't someone we do know. As for Ron's theory, that's quite feasible.
The trouble with being mid-80s. I met Boston several times but cannot remember his name! Grant: I was friendly with for many years and learned the basics of pro wrestling at his gym in Manchester. Definitely two different people. Grant was an imposing figure and a very good wrestler - a bill topper at one stage of his career and a very cheerful, positive man.
Eddie Rose😊
Thanks guys. Looks like the search continues. Special thanks to Powerlock who at least didn't uphold the suggestion I'm barking mad. If Eddie looks in on this one he might be able to throw light on the Boston Blackie mystery, or if he was mainly Midlands Pete Evans or George Luddington might be able to help.
Met Grant Foderingham on numerous occasions both in Manchester and Accrington when he wrestled there.
After studying both pictures, I would say they are not the same person. The ears are the main difference.
Another odd thing, depending on when the photographs were taken (I'm assuming more or less at the same time) and the age of the guys (both look the same age +/-, are the boots worn! Both different in style. Most wrestlers had the same boots for approx. 5-6 years or so!
Cheers
Grant Foderingham / John Grant. I think the faces are different:
A tough call as they are similar. Boston Blackie only seems to work the midlands , but then again that could have been Foderingham's alias for working outside of Manchester , but then again why would he need to. But if they have both been on the same bill then how can they be the same.
Don't think they are.Look at the ears they are different
they certainly look like the same man.