Wrestling Heritage welcomes memories, further information and corrections.
A light heavyweight, known as the “Jewish whirlwind,” whose rugged style was never going to make him a fan’s favourite. Billed from Bethnal Green Al Fontayne was trained by veteran Al Lipman, Fontayne turned professional in 1958, following a stint in the RAF and boxing as an amateur.
Al worked extensively in the south and midlands of England, Austria and Germany. Those early Continental bouts included matches against far more experienced wrestlers such as Rene Lasartesse, Leif Rasmussen, Felix Gregor and George Blemenshultz.
In Britain Al worked for independent promoters, most notably Paul Lincoln.
This proved a good foundation as he received regular work most nights of the week against a range of opponents that included veterans Black Butcher Johnson, Haystacks Bright and Mike Marino to younger high fliers like Bob Kirkwood and Dave Larsen.
In 1966 the merger of Paul Lincoln Management and Dale Martin Promotions brought Al to the attention of a wider audience, including television viewers. His first television appearance came in April 1966 against Dave Morgan. He was back two months later against the more formidable Steve Veidor. There were ten further appearances over the next ten years, all against highly rated opponents including international visitors Chati Yokouchi.
Al was equally at home in rings against the smaller acrobatic antics of Johnny Kwango or the rugged heavyweight slugger Johnny Yearsley. His 1966 ko by Ricky Starr in Leeds was the talk of the town for years afterwards.
Regular work as a mid carder in Joint Promotion rings came to an abrupt ending in September 1969. We would very much like to learn more about Al Fontayne and what happened next.
Page added 04/10/2026
29356
