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The North East has a rich tradition of professional wrestling and that tradition was continued for many years by Floyd Craggs, a regular worker on the independent scene in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Talk amongst the North Eastern brigade reminiscing the good old days and the name of Floyd Craggs crops up quickly and regularly, alongside those of Johnny Peters, Larry Coulton, Boy Devlin, Les Prest and more. Floyd was a wartime baby, born on 9th October, 1944 in Mickley, North Yorkshire.
He and his younger brother, Mervyn, shared an interest in wrestling and learned the business alongside their friend, Dave Parfitt, who wrestled as Johnny Peters. Floyd, Mervyn, Dave and Steve Parfitt trained regularly at Grewelthorpe Mill , and were soon considered good enough to be given regular bookings by the independent promoters such as Cyril Knowles and Ron Farrar. Mid heavyweight champion Norman Walsh also had an influence on the youngster at his gym in Thirsk.
Floyd’s potential was spotted by Max Crabtree, travelling to Halifax to train on Sunday mornings. This brought regular bookings for Joint Promotions and the sharing of the ring with Les Kellett, Dynamite Kid, Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks.
Floyd was just 34 at the time of his tragic and untimely death in 1978. The Crabtree brothers and Giant Haystacks were amongst the mourners at his funeral. Floyd’s children are seeking information and memories of their father. Please post your memories in the forum or contact us.
Floyd William Craggs: Born 9th October, 1944; died 3rd June 1978
Page added 28/07/2024
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