This article from April 4, 1932 announces the Maine debut of "The Golden Greek" Jim Londos. Jim Londos was recognized as the first official champion by National Wrestling Association after he defeated Dick Shikat for the NYSAC World Title. This was not the same World Championship first worn by Georg Hackenschmidt in 1905. That title, after going through various "scandals" involving Stanislaus Zbyszko taking the title from Wayne Munn and bringing it to the Stecher brothers was eventually abolished after being withdrawn from then champion Gus Sonnenberg by more than 20 athletic commissions including New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and the wrestling section of the National Boxing Association in 1929 for failing to meet real title contenders. The National Wrestling Association recognized a World Heavyweight Champion from 1929 until 1949 when the National Wrestling Alliance was formed. This was truly an exciting time to be a fan of professional wrestling and the formation of this new off-shoot of the National Boxing Association made the World Champion Jim Londos coming to Maine seem just as important as if Frank Gotch had came to Maine 1908. All eyes in this great sport would be on us.
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| Jim Londos (Left) and Tiny Roebuck (Right) |
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