Also known as Tom Rigby
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A Diamond Geezer
One of the sparkling young stars of the 1980s martial arts expert Ringo Rigby was a popular figure during the twilight years. He would enter the wrestling ring wearing diamond rings which he would remove prior to combat. The red boots and colourful tights added to the glamour he portrayed.
But this man was not all bling.
He came to national prominence in a televised tournament to crown a British heavy middleweight champion, losing a quarter final match with Judo Chris Adams. From that moment on the televised bouts came fast and furious, making him one of the more prominent 1980s wrestlers.
Ringo had a prior existence, the less glamorous sounding Les Hudspith, national and international judo champion. Les began learning judo whilst he was at primary school, starting out at a club in Solihull when he was just nine years old. It quickly became apparent the boy was good. Very good.
Seventeen year old Les represented the Midlands in 1965 and just two years later was selected to represent Great Britain in the European Junior Championships in Lisbon. As he senior he went on to become British middleweight champion, Welsh Open champion, European championship competitor and member of the Olympic squad. He represented England eight times. Les was also contracted to work in Sweden, Norway and Finland to teach judo in a number of different clubs.
Les was invited by Max Crabtree to train as professional wrestler at the Dale Martin gymnasium in Brixton, making his debut in 1978. The transition was a success, with Les, now Ringo, travelling the country, including five appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, initially a debut against Bobby Barnes on 25th April, 1979, and lastly against Lucky Gordon in November, 1981. The highlight of his Royal Albert Hall appearances was undoubtedly a memorable tag match partnering Chris Adams against Mick McManus and Steve Logan.
Ringo Rigby made twenty-four televised wrestling appearances between November, 1978 and September, 1986, most notably parnering Big Daddy against John Quinn and Mark Rocco in the 1979 Cup Final spectacular.
As well as travelling extensively around Britain Ringo Rigby also spent some time wrestling in California and Mexico.
Following his retirement from wrestling Les returned to coach his first love of judo, opening the Kenilworth Club in 2000, and was landlord of the Holly Bush pub in Leamington Spa.
Ringo Rigby, born in 1948, died in November, 2025.
Page added 07/12/2025
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