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Based in London Matsport Promotions was formed in May, 1958, by three top class wrestlers defecting from Joint Promotions, Joe D’Orazio, George Kidd and Eddie Capelli. They were part of a group of promoters that called themselves the British Wrestling Federation, setting themselves up in opposition to Joint Promotions.
Matsport put on first rate shows around the country using big names such as Bert Assirati and Ray Hunter in addition to themselves. Tony Scarlo told us of his first wrestling tour was to Scotland for Matsport, “My first date started in Glasgow, then Greenock, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and finishing in Dundee, George Kidd’s home town.”
Matsport Promotions continued until the end of 1961 when the wrestlers returned to the Joint Promotions fold. Kidd returned to Joint Promotions in December, 1961, followed by Capelli early in 1962 which led to a British welterweight championship reunification contest with Jack Dempsey. Joe D’Orazio took up refereeing duties for Dale Martin Promotions and later succeeded Charles Mascall in the Dale Martin publicity department.
Read our tribute to Joe D’Orazio
Read our tribute to George Kidd
Read our tribute to Eddie Capelli
See also British Wrestling Federation
19906
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