On This Day 12th June

In 1977 the death of Alan Muir.

Bonnie Alan Muir was the “Prince Charming” of the mat world. An Australian from Melbourne, born as Alan Holmes on 28th November, 1907, he educated was at the prestigious Melbourne Grammar School, his father had plans that Alan should become a doctor, following in his own footsteps. Alan would have none of it and became a clerk in an accounts department. As an amateur wrestler he won the Victoria heavyweight championship in 1929 and 1930, and was runner up in the 1930 Australian championship.

Abruptly leaving his job as a clerk he travelled to America to learn the professional style, making his debut in October, 1930.He returned to Australia briefly in 1932-33 and was a finalist with Tom Lurich for the newly created version of the Australian Heavyweight title at Leichhardt Stadium. Lurich emerged the winner and Alan Muir set off on his travels once again to arrive in Britain in May, 1935. King Curtis, Bulldog Bill Garnon, Jack Sherry all faced the skillful Australian, who by 1938 was claiming the title of British heavyweight champion. With the outbreak of war he returned to Australia to serve in the Australian Air Force.

In 1942 he wrestled Leo Jensen for a version of the Australian heavyweight title vacated by Fred Atkins. Again Alan came off second best. Indeed we are told he challenged almost every champion during the decade but was always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

When he retired from wrestling Alan Muir continued as a referee.