Hack , if you look on my bills early in this thread , November 1958 at Halifax beats the December 1958 alleged debut of John Lees on the Plunkett index.
Stalybridge , Anglo has a wonderful Heritage Railway Station with real ale that I can reach for free with my Greater Manchester Travel Pass. Been a few times in recent years and always think of John Lees who I think spent his whole life there. Lees is a very prominent name in that Oldham , Ashton , Saddleworth area.
Very sorry to hear of this. John Lees was a prominent heavyweight of the Golden Age of Wrestling and I saw him live on a number of occasions. Once on TV, he and Geoff Portz fought to a 0-0 draw over eight rounds, which just about used up that day’s coverage!
I remember in particular interesting bouts against Bob Sweeney, Gwyn Davies and Pietro Capello. Rest in Peace John.
John was a very impressive looking heavyweight, I think if John had started few years later he would have been a bill topper, but he was around when heavyweight wrestling had so many stellar performers, he was a credible opponent to these wrestlers but didn't quite reach that championship level, a good wrestler nonetheless, RIP John.
Very sad , by my reckoning John had passed 90 years old. Came into the game looking really good because of his bodybuilding. He was a Pioneer. Looked great when he peeled his top off and locked up with the likes of Albert Wall. The game needed plenty like John for the others to be credible. He did a great job.
Sorry to catch up on this so late and also sorry to hear this bad news although he did have a long life.
John was a regular at St James and invariably involved in the top of the bill or main supporting bout; always good value for money.
John Lees exercising ringside, Nürnberg, Germany, 1959:
John Lees entry now revised.
Thanks Ron. Sorry for not spotting that.
Hack , if you look on my bills early in this thread , November 1958 at Halifax beats the December 1958 alleged debut of John Lees on the Plunkett index.
We have added a tribute to John Lees
John Lees
Stalybridge , Anglo has a wonderful Heritage Railway Station with real ale that I can reach for free with my Greater Manchester Travel Pass. Been a few times in recent years and always think of John Lees who I think spent his whole life there. Lees is a very prominent name in that Oldham , Ashton , Saddleworth area.
I elaborate what Ron said: "He did a great job."
Absolutely. Credible in every situation, long career, generous autograph signer.
No sign of him on film, I believe? I was lucky to see him loads.
He had me getting the atlas out looking for Stalybridge.
R.I.P.
RIP John Lees, one of the best.
R.I.P. John
Very sorry to hear of this. John Lees was a prominent heavyweight of the Golden Age of Wrestling and I saw him live on a number of occasions. Once on TV, he and Geoff Portz fought to a 0-0 draw over eight rounds, which just about used up that day’s coverage!
I remember in particular interesting bouts against Bob Sweeney, Gwyn Davies and Pietro Capello. Rest in Peace John.
R.I.P. John Lees
Rip John.
RIP champ.
RIP John...........An inspiration to many.
John was a very impressive looking heavyweight, I think if John had started few years later he would have been a bill topper, but he was around when heavyweight wrestling had so many stellar performers, he was a credible opponent to these wrestlers but didn't quite reach that championship level, a good wrestler nonetheless, RIP John.
Very sad , by my reckoning John had passed 90 years old. Came into the game looking really good because of his bodybuilding. He was a Pioneer. Looked great when he peeled his top off and locked up with the likes of Albert Wall. The game needed plenty like John for the others to be credible. He did a great job.
Rip John Lees