Bernard Informed me some time ago that he thought that Bert Assirati was the strongest wrestler he had seen, but were there any others who stood out as well? This question applies to all weight categories.
To the best of my knowledge this story does not feature in Blue Blood on The Mat. However adding yet another opinion Sir Atholl said that Jack Sherry was the greatest and Strongest wrestler of modern times.
You may Have a point Ray , but I can't remember where I read about the advice. I don't recall Hackenschmidt having any input into English Wrestling circa 1930.
Hackenschmidts achievements were actually before Bert was born.
, was it physique or strength with Alan Dennison, some guys who have really well developed physiques don't necessarily have great strength, I thought Andy Robin was a fairly strong guy as was Honey Boy Zimba as stated in his thread.
It was a fact that strongman Apollo (William Bankier) told Assirati not to bother with wrestling and to concentrate being the strongest man in the world.
Assirati did some unusual feats of strength that I don't think anyone has ever duplicated.
I often wonder about one other facet of Bert's personality as his tumbling act Mello and Nello was pure comedy combined with strength. he must have had a sense of humour.
When you get such a stocky man being so heavy and powerful he would take some shifting.
Surely Big Daddy was the strongest,when he broke wind Banger Walsh fell over
Milton Reid (Mighty Chang) was the build that was frightning to say the least!
I recall that a lot of wrestlers (including, I think, Billy Robinson) said that George Gordienko was the strongest man they had met.
Looks like Ray was bang on as this Heritage article cites Hackenschmidt's advice
https://www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk/bert-assirati
And even better explained here.
http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2009/04/bert-assirati-charles-smith.html
To the best of my knowledge this story does not feature in Blue Blood on The Mat. However adding yet another opinion Sir Atholl said that Jack Sherry was the greatest and Strongest wrestler of modern times.
You may Have a point Ray , but I can't remember where I read about the advice. I don't recall Hackenschmidt having any input into English Wrestling circa 1930.
Hackenschmidts achievements were actually before Bert was born.
They were all Music Hall men though.
Wonder if the info was in Oakeley's book.
, was it physique or strength with Alan Dennison, some guys who have really well developed physiques don't necessarily have great strength, I thought Andy Robin was a fairly strong guy as was Honey Boy Zimba as stated in his thread.
By the way if you talk about all weight categories consider Alan Dennison.
Back on the heavyweights, John Lees was strong.
Ernie Baldwin said that Felix Kerschitz was the strongest wrestler that he had met.
Hassan Ali Bey was always billed as the strongest man in the world !
Alan Garfield was reputed to be strong.
Add Bert and take your pick.
It was a fact that strongman Apollo (William Bankier) told Assirati not to bother with wrestling and to concentrate being the strongest man in the world.
Assirati did some unusual feats of strength that I don't think anyone has ever duplicated.
I often wonder about one other facet of Bert's personality as his tumbling act Mello and Nello was pure comedy combined with strength. he must have had a sense of humour.
When you get such a stocky man being so heavy and powerful he would take some shifting.
Hi ROBERT!-KENDO NAGASAKI possessed extremely Powerful Upper Body
Strength!-Prior to entering The Wrestling-He was set to be part of the BRITISH
Team at the 1964 TOKYO OLYMPICS!!-in Weightlifting!
Owing to the Loss of half his Forefinger-we think in an accident-He was no
longer able to Grip the Bars-and so his Career took a Different Path!!
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