Thanks William. Using your information we've found out more about Haens.
Gustaaf Haens was a Belgian heavyweight, a diamond cutter by trade, who came to Britain, liked it and stayed. He was born on 1st July, 1924. We find him on the bills in 1949 with opponents that included Jack Atherton, Billy Joyce, Gerry Hoggarth and Mike Marino. In 1952 he wrestled at the Royal Albert Hall in London, opponents Mario Matassa and George McLean. He settled in Preston, Lancashire, where he married a local girl. We have found a Gustaaf Haens who married Mary Eastham at Preston in 1945, but have not established this was definitely our man. Here’s the interesting bit about Gustaaf’s career. In 1954 he retired from wrestling and took up professional boxing, trained by Dick Knowles, and made his boxing debut on Fred Bamber’s promotion at Preston on 17th January, 1955. His opponent was Dennis Lockton and Gustaaf lost the four round contest on points. It was a short career, just the one match according to boxrec.com. He returned to wrestling and was last seen in 1959. Gustaaf Haens died in 1996.
Very interesting Hack. I know members of the Eastham family who live in the Longridge area and spoke with one of them to see whether she knew of Mary Eastham and possibly Haens. However she couldn't recall them, but is to check on the situation for me with her cousins.
1996 sounds about right for Gerry's visit. Derik Standen would by that time have lost most of his mobility (he apparently died in his mid 70's after, I understand, a long work related illness - I was originally under the impression he suffered an early death, but Gerry corrected me on this point) and Gerry used to visit and drive him around.
Thanks William. Using your information we've found out more about Haens.
Gustaaf Haens was a Belgian heavyweight, a diamond cutter by trade, who came to Britain, liked it and stayed. He was born on 1st July, 1924. We find him on the bills in 1949 with opponents that included Jack Atherton, Billy Joyce, Gerry Hoggarth and Mike Marino. In 1952 he wrestled at the Royal Albert Hall in London, opponents Mario Matassa and George McLean. He settled in Preston, Lancashire, where he married a local girl. We have found a Gustaaf Haens who married Mary Eastham at Preston in 1945, but have not established this was definitely our man. Here’s the interesting bit about Gustaaf’s career. In 1954 he retired from wrestling and took up professional boxing, trained by Dick Knowles, and made his boxing debut on Fred Bamber’s promotion at Preston on 17th January, 1955. His opponent was Dennis Lockton and Gustaaf lost the four round contest on points. It was a short career, just the one match according to boxrec.com. He returned to wrestling and was last seen in 1959. Gustaaf Haens died in 1996.