Also known as Young Sullivan
Wrestling Heritage welcomes memories, further information and corrections.
The Friendly Friendly Islander
One of the great supporting wrestlers of the 1960s and 1970s. A skilled wrestler who played a great role in suffering to the villains he opposed. Wrestling enthusiast Ballymoss commented, “He was a very skilled wrestler and his ‘baby face’ looks were often appreciated by ladies of all ages !”
It always seemed appropriate that welterweight Leon, who appeared to have a permanent smile, came from the Pacific Island of Tonga in the Friendly Isles. We believe he was born in Tonga, moved to South Africa as a child and later, in 1951 the eight year old first stepped foot in the UK.
Leon Fortuna, or Mr (Owen) Sullivan at the time, was a sports teacher at the William Penn School in Dulwich, where he and his friend, wrestler Dick Conlon, taught wrestling to the students.
In 1960, following a short amateur career, he turned professional for Paul Lincoln, but within weeks was signed up by Dale Martin Promotions. Early opponents Tony Scarlo and Adrian Street have both spoken highly of him.
His fast, skilful style was hugely popular with fans in the South, where he mainly wrestled, and it wasn’t long before he became a nationwide favourite through the miracle of television. Amongst his more than forty televised appearances were two Cup Final Spectacular matches against John Naylor and world champion George Kidd.
In 1970 he formed one half of The Sepia Set tag-team which foundered with partner Linde Caulder’s departure two years later. He disappeared from the rings in 1978.
Owen Sullivan, known to us all as Leon Fortuna, died on 18th July, 2023, aged 81.
Page added 21/05/2024
11826
Wrestling Heritage 