Also known as Olympic International Promotions
Wrestling Heritage welcomes memories, further information and corrections.
One of the biggest names on the independent wrestling circuit was Accrington’s JackTaylor and one of the biggest promotions was his Leicester based International Promotions. Pat Roach acknowledged his entry into the paid ranks, and all his subsequent successes, would have been very unlikely without the encouragement and knowledge of Jack Taylor. Not unlike a modern soccer scout Taylor would travel around the country seeking out promising young athletes to invite along to his gym in Granby Road, Leicester.
He promoted regularly throughout the North and Midlands, with the Granby Hall, Leicester being one of his main venues for over twelve years. His influence spread further afield by matchmaking for other independent promoters. When Birmingham promoter Lew Phillips became disillusioned with boxing he chose to go into the thriving wrestling business. Well aware of his own lack of experience in this field he turned to Jack Taylor to act as a mentor and matchmaker for his new business.
Not unlike a modern soccer scout Taylor would travel around the country seeking out promising young athletes to invite along to his gym in Leicester. In Leicester they would be given a try-out against an established professional before a decision was made whether or not they were worthy of further investment. Very few made the grade, and Taylor himself said that no more than a handful made it to the top.
Training at the Taylor gym gave a good foundation for a professional career, and for most that meant starting out on the independent circuit. At his peak in the 1960s Jack had three rings and promoted up to three shows around the country every night of the week.
Jack continued promoting on a reduced scale into the early years of the 21st century.
See also British Wrestling Federation
See also Wrestling Federation of Great Britain
Read our tribute to Jack Taylor
20599
Wrestling Heritage 