Also known as Whipper Wilson
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Doug Joyce was the Canadian-born mid-heavyweight title challenger from Rushden, the rule-bending brother of rule-abiding Ken. He was also mischieviously and misleadingly billed also as Whipper Wilson, deliberately to confuse with fellow Canadian world champion Whipper Billy Watson. The name Wilson did have some authenticity as it was the maiden name of his mother, Doris. Doug was the younger of the two wrestling Joyce brothers, born on 16th July, 1924.
One of Doug’s major claims to fame was the time he flew headlong out of the ring in a televised bout only to smash right into Kent Walton causing him to have three stitches in the wound.
Joyce made his professional debut in 1948, closer to the lightweight division in those days than the heavyweight into which he blossomed. Early opponents included Jack Queseck, Pat Kloke, Johnny Lipman and Jim Mellor.
During the 1950s Doug was a run of the mill light heavyweight until he shaved his head and changed his style. The result was an aggressive whirlwind with the ability to arouse hostile emotions amongst the fans. He remained a significant figure in British wrestling until the 1970s.
Doug Joyce died of a heart attack at his holiday home in Spain on 23rd February 1990.
Page reviewed 19/04/2022
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