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The names Billy Robinson and Billy Joyce were intrinsically linked for 1960s wrestlers fans. Robinson had learnt much of his technique from Joyce whilst learning his trade at Billy Riley’s Gym in Wigan. Robinson said that Joyce was the greatest technical heavyweight of his generation.
Twenty-two years Robinson’s senior BIlly Joyce’s career was entering the twilight years as Robinson entered the professional ranks. Twilight years maybe, but he still had a lot of steam and no one could take away, or come close to matching, Joyce’s technical ability.
From the outset in 1957 it was clear that Robinson was destined for the pinnacle of the heavyweight ranks. Touted by many as the successor to Billy Joyce the champion would never relinquish that position to a lesser man so Robinson would just have to wait.
Billy Robinson had certainly had his moments but the prize remained out of his grasp. The two men had met only occasionally since Robinson’s 1957 debut, with Joyce’s supremacy remaining intact. Four British title opportunities and a European title chance had all ended with Joyce still British and European champion.
The Manchester clash on 18th May 1963 had been a near thing, a fifteen round scoreless draw, but a draw was not good enough. All that was to change on 12th June, 1965, at Belle Vue, Manchester. Of Joyce’s two titles it was the European heavyweight championship up for grabs on this summer’s evening, not both titles as erroneously reported in The Wrestler magazine.
Heritage’s Eddie Rose was ringside and remembers the roar of the 6,500 fans packed into the hall. There was no doubt where the loyalties of the fans lay, and the cheer went up as the M.C. introduced challenger Billy Robinson. Joyce was a man to respect, not love.
As was to be expected it was a gritty match from the start. Both men were cautious to begin with, but Robinson was the first to show signs of impatience. At this stage in both men’s careers if Robinson was ever going to overcome his master he would have no greater chance than in front of these 6,500 adoring fans. Almost five minutes gone and
Robinson went on the offensive, culminating in a crushing piledriver that shook the champion who was relieved to hear the sound of the bell.
Robinson’s offensive did not last for long of course. Joyce was an experienced and wily champion and had the measure of the challenger in the second round. It was nip and tuck with both wrestlers getting frustrated at times which resulted in a number of bad tempered exchanges, Both men applied clever holds, but their opponent repeatedly demonstrated the ability to counter, much to the delight of the crowd, This was real wrestling, there could have been no better way to counter the wrestling expose articles that had appeared in the press a few weeks earlier.
The stalemate was broken in round four when Robinson surprised everyone by snatching the first fall with a wrestler’s bridge and folding press.
Joyce’s response was just what we would have expected. He came back with renewed aggression to the point of receiving a public warning from referee Doug DeRelwyskow. Joyce viciously punished the challenger, initially with head locks and arm locks, and then turning his attention to Robinson’s leg, finally rewarded with a single leg Boston submission in round six.
The volume in the hall decreased as the fans became subdued as it looked like the injured Robinson may not be able to resume the contest. There was huge relief as he climbed to his feet just as the bell sounded for round seven.
Never one for niceties the champion went straight for the injured leg. “Break,” ordered De Relwyskow to no avail. A second command to break was ignored and an exasperated issues Joyce with his second public warning.
An angry Joyce began to remonstrate with the referee. The on-going argument gave Robinson much needed time to recover. With Joyce’s concentration broken by his perceived injustice the challenger seized his opportunity. Quick as a flash Robinson moved in and caught the off-guard challenger, executed a perfect Suplex and held Joyce’s shoulders to the mat for the count of three.
Volume returned to maximum as the audience voiced their approval. Billy Robinson was now European heavyweight champion, Both men would live to fight another day.
With thanks to Eddie Rose for his memories
Page added 07/06/2026
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