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7th December, 1931
A Bright New Future
One year after the introduction of the new so called “All In” rules to Britain promoters were still keen to establish wrestling as a reputable sport and regional newspapers were willing to give them the benefit of any doubt.
So when Henry Irslinger wrestled Atholl Oakeley at the Victoria Hall in Nottingham it was presented as something of an occasion. Irslinger was proclaimed world light heavyweight champion and Oakeley as British heavyweight champion, though Douglas Clark would have something to say about that.
Oakeley and Irslinger’s friendship went back to the start of the All-In rules. You may recall that it was Irslinger and Ben Sherman who had travelled from South Africa the previous year to persuade Oakeley and his friend, Bill Garnon, to turn professional and help them to introduce the new styled rules to Britain.
The match was part of a combined boxing and wrestling programme, which was common at the time. One year in though it was now wrestling that was taking the lead with the boxers in a supporting role.
Six ten minute rounds, the best of three falls to decide, and clearly stated to commence at 9.00pm precisely. Former world champion Stanislaus Zybszko only served to add to the importance of the occasion.
It was to and fro during the first round. Irslinger took to the offensive from the start, throwing punches to little effect. Oakeley countered with a series of arm locks to force Irslinger to the mat. By the end of the first ten minute session it was Oakeley judged by most to have the advantage by a partisan crowd.
Round two continued to see Irslinger on the offensive with the crowd cheering Oakeley’s successive counters and the round ending with Oakeley almost, but not quite, pinned.
Things livened up in the third round. Twenty three minutes passed, the referee parted the two men, and as Oakeley turned away he was thrown across the ring by Irslinger, attacked again whilst groggy and succumbed to the first fall.
The crowd were not happy. Had they forgotten this was professional wrestling where anything could happen? Not that Irslinger had done anything too dastardly.
Such was the commotion the referee left the ring and it was announced the match would not continue unless the crowd quietened down. We presume they reluctantly behaved themselves as the match was allowed to progress.
When it did resume Irslinger did everything he could to confirm the fans were right to favour Oakeley. Dropping with all his weight on a prostate Oakeley’s back the crowd did not approve. But when he tried it for a second time Oakeley dodged out of the way, leaving Irslinger to land on the mat and strike his chin on the canvas. This was much more to their liking. The bell ended the round and a stunned Irslinger could not find his corner.
Round five began with the crowd’s hero still behind. Oakeley’s aggression in the fifth round achieved nothing more than increasing despair from his supporters.
The sixth and final round began with Oakeley charged across the ring to attack Irslinger in his corner. Irslinger’s legs flailed wildly, mostly off target. Oakeley dragged him from his corner, a flying mare, a count of three, and the equalising fall to send the fans home happy.
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