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Mike Young was a man we met up with around 1970 on the Isle of Man, where he was living and making his way as a professional wrestler. Of course his life was not restricted to the world of Boston Crabs, side head-locks and strangle holds. Mike told us he spent much of his spare time reading the works of great poets such as Byron, Shelley, and Dylan Thomas.
Whilst poetry was a hobby, and wrestling a part-time occupation Mike was also a successful businessman, Managing Director of a building and engineering company on the island.
Add to all this he told us his busy life also included horse riding, physical education instructor at the youth club, badminton, weightlifting, and last, but not least we hope, partnering his wife in raising their children, at the time aged five and eight.
Mike came into professional wrestling when he was twenty-six. The delay was due to another combat sport being his first love. He took up amateur boxing whilst at school and competed for twelve years. Always competitive and wanting to remain physically active he considered wrestling a more suitable alternative with longer term opportunities.
He remained in the amateur wrestling ranks for three years. His job at the country required frequent travelling on the UK mainland and Mike made the most of opportunities to train in various clubs around the country.
Mike made his professional debut in 1967, wrestling a draw with Dave Wade at the Isle of Man Holiday Centre. Three years later a knock-out tournament to find the inaugural Manx lightweight champion resulted in Mike reaching the final before going down by the odd fall to Bill Kennedy. Usually one of the fans favourites Mike wasn’t afraid of mixing it with the villains and putting his amateur boxing experience to good use.
With aspirations to wrestle on the mainland against Jon Cortez and Jim Breaks, who he greatly admired, we parted company with Mike. We would very much like to hear from Mike, a family member or friend who can help us complete our story.
Page added 20/09/2026
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