I just thought i would add my opinion on a book i have just finished titled Physical Chess on the life of Billy Robinson. A wonderful life story of one of the finest Wrestlers to come out of Wigan. Those great old timers of Catch as catch can wrestling will live on.
I do have one question for all Wrestling Heritage members and that is Who do you think would win in a Wrestling Match between Lou Thesz and Billy Joyce? Since both were such top wrestlers it would be an Interesting Debate.
As regards to Thesz wanting or not wanting to wrestle Bert, I understand the latter was 'doing his own thing' at the time of the challenge and was not affiliated with the British promoters in contract with the American. Thus the two couldn't have met even if they wanted to at the moment in time. However, I think if Joyce and Thesz had met in the gym, Lou may have found it hard to fall back on his 'real' wrestling experience after so long plying his trade as an entertainer. If you watch his matches he tends, just like a good singer or comedian on tour, to present a tried and tested 'act' each and every time, with little change, if any.
Both being around the same age though, even a worked match, finishing in an honourable draw would have been great viewing for the wrestling 'purists'.