[The Compendium] 7 January 1961 | Episode 1

Episode: 1
Original Broadcast Date: 7 January 1961 | Taped: 4 January 1961
Presented by: Cyrankiewicz Promotions on behalf of The Crown Collaborative
Majestic Skating Rink, Preston, England
Attendance: 794


Commentator Harold William-Walker, MC was Sylvester Rice, while the referee was Derek Whitehead.

[1] Billy Henderson (220, Wigan Lancashire) beat Arthur Carson (235, Belfast, Northern Ireland) in a Two Falls, Subs. Or K.O., Ten 5-Minute Rounds Heavyweight match (Figure Four in Rd 9, 8:56 shown)

We joined the match in the fourth round where Carson took the first fall with a backslide, using his strength to overpower Henderson.

In the fifth round Henderson is on the mat with Carson applying significant pressure to his right arm, landing a series of blows and locking in an arm bar which is only released at the end of the round.

Henderson evened the score in the sixth round, when almost from nowhere he hit a forearm smash to take Carson off his feet before locking in a textbook Boston Crab that forced Carson to submit.

We rejoined the match in the ninth round, Henderson capitalised on a mistake by Carson, applying a figure-four leglock to secure the final fall and win 2-1.

[2] Robert Greenwood (178, Cardiff, Wales) beat Eric Addinson (193, Leeds, England) Two Falls, Subs. Or K.O., Six 5-Minute Rounds (DQ 3:14 of Rd 4, full match shown)

Eric Addinson, the larger and more imposing of the two competitors, took early control of the bout, using his considerable weight advantage to dominate the lighter Robert Greenwood. In the opening round, Addinson relied on a crushing headlock, keeping Greenwood grounded and struggling to gain any foothold in the contest. Greenwood managed to break free momentarily, pushing Addinson off the ropes, but was swiftly floored by a powerful shoulder tackle. Addinson, once again locking in the headlock, left Greenwood scrambling for a way out, unable to mount much offense. However, a quick escape from a waist lock allowed Greenwood to transition into an arm bar, giving him a brief moment of control to close out the round.

The second round followed a similar pattern, with Addinson continuing to target Greenwood’s neck, determined to sap his opponent's energy. Addinson’s aggression, however, soon crossed the line, as he refused to release the hold after Greenwood reached the ropes, forcing the referee to issue a public warning. This opened a window for Greenwood, who seized the opportunity to counter with a series of rapid arm drags, sending Addinson crashing to the mat repeatedly. Each time Addinson hit the canvas, his temper flared, and his frustration became more evident. His composure snapped as he swung a closed fist, landing a punch directly to Greenwood’s face. The referee immediately issued a second public warning, but the damage was done — Addinson had abandoned all semblance of fair play.

Round 3 saw Greenwood trying to use his speed and technique to evade Addinson’s brute force, but the Leeds native was relentless. Addinson resumed his bullying tactics, shoving Greenwood into the corner and delivering a series of clubbing blows. Greenwood fought back valiantly, using his agility to slip out of danger and land a series of quick strikes to Addinson’s midsection. However, Addinson’s raw power kept him in control, and he again pushed the rules to the limit, delivering stiff shots just as the referee called for breaks.  Greenwood, visibly shaken, struggled to create momentum, but his resilience and determination kept him in the contest.

In the fourth round, the boiling tension finally reached its breaking point. Addinson, now fully embracing a rule-breaking strategy, applied a blatant chokehold on Greenwood, ignoring the referee's warnings to release. After a near-count of five, Addinson let go, but the damage to his reputation was clear. Greenwood, battered but defiant, attempted a spirited comeback with a dropkick that briefly staggered his opponent. However, Addinson quickly regained control by trapping Greenwood in the corner and unleashing an illegal series of punches. Despite the referee’s repeated commands to stop, Addinson continued his assault, leaving the official no choice but to issue a third and final public warning. At 3 minutes and 14 seconds into Round 4, the match was stopped, and Addinson was disqualified for his constant rule-breaking, handing the victory to Robert Greenwood.

[3] Jock Armstrong (150, Glasgow, Scotland) beat Roy Patrick (153, Derby, England) to win the vacant British Welterweight Championship Two Falls, Subs. Or K.O., 12 5-Minute Rounds (Folding Press, 4:51 of Rd 6, full match shown).

The opening rounds saw Armstrong, with his no-thrills, hard-nosed approach, test Patrick’s defenses with stiff upper-body strikes and neck holds. Patrick, displayed his finesse and fluid counters, responded with a series of quick escapes and precision joint locks, frustrating the more aggressive Armstrong. Patrick’s strategy was clear: use his speed and agility to wear down his opponent while conserving energy for the later stages of the bout.

By Round 3, Armstrong began to shift tactics, slowing the pace and locking Patrick into a series of punishing holds. His powerful side headlocks and tight waist control sapped Patrick's stamina, but the Derby native's resilience kept him in the game. Patrick's escape from a grounded armbar in the closing seconds of Round 3 earned him the applause of the crowd, but the physical toll was starting to show.

Round 5 marked the turning point. Patrick, realizing he was falling behind in terms of control, launched a spirited offensive, executing a series of breathtaking dropkicks and lightning-quick reversals that had Armstrong on the defensive. At one point, Patrick nearly scored the first fall with a crucifix pin, but Armstrong powered out just in time. The crowd, sensing the tension, roared as the two men exchanged rapid counters, each one searching for an opening.

It was in Round 6, however, that Armstrong's grit and veteran instincts paid off. After trading holds with Patrick for much of the round, Armstrong spotted his opportunity when Patrick attempted a high-risk crossbody from the ropes. In a split second, Armstrong caught Patrick mid-air and transitioned into a Folding Press. With Patrick’s shoulders pinned firmly to the mat, the referee counted three, awarding Armstrong the first and decisive fall at 4 minutes and 51 seconds.

As MC Sylvester Rice announced him the winner, he was presented with the Championship Belt and a bouquet of flowers.