[The Compendium] 25 February 1961 | Episode 8

Episode: 8
Original Broadcast Date: 25 February 1961 | Taped: 15 February 1961
Presented by: Cyrankiewicz Promotions on behalf of The Crown Collaborative
Bradley & Colne Bridge Assembly Rooms, Huddersfield, England
Attendance: 621

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

Introduction

Harold William-Walker reminders us that last week Count Garibaldi beat Dave Armstrong in a bloody encounter. On behalf of the television executives he apologised for the violence. He also reminded us that following the match Vic Pegasus hit the ring and issued a challenged to the masked Count Garibaldi, who accepted. That match will come next! 

[1] British Empire Heavyweight Champion Count Garibaldi (224, Crewe, Cheshire) and Vic Pegasus (238, Salford, Lancshire) in a Two Falls, Subs. Or K.O., Six 5-Minute Rounds Non-Title Heavyweight Match that went to a double disqualification (Rd 3, 2:51, full match shown)

A wild brawl erupted between these two bitter rival in the first round, with no quarter given and no holds barred. Pegasus, fueled by a fiery intensity, came out swinging, surprising the masked Garibaldi with a flurry of punches. However, the Count, ever the cunning tactician, weathered the storm and retaliated with a devastating shoulder breaker.

In the second round the match devolved into a back-and-forth slugfest, with both men trading heavy blows. Pegasus, displaying incredible resilience, fought back against the odds, but Garibaldi's experience and power proved too much. The Count, with a vicious elbow strike, knocked down Pegasus to win the first fall.

In a desperate attempt to turn the tide in the third round, Pegasus attempted a desperate pin, but Garibaldi countered with a powerful boot to the face which infuriated Vic Pegasus who punched Garibaldi with a closed fist knocking him through the ropes to the outside. Pegasus followed up at ringside hitting Count Garibaldi with his second’s bucket only to miss. Garibaldi hit a punch of his own before sending Pegasus crashing into the ringsteps. The referee, infuriated, disqualified both men.

[2] Robert Greenwood (178, Cardiff, Wales) beat Junior Boatang (175, Luanda, Angola) in a Lightweight Two Falls, Subs. Or K.O., Six 5-Minute Rounds Match (Rd 5, Arm Bar 4:14, full match shown).

In the opening round, Junior Boatang wasted no time, using his agility to dart around Robert Greenwood, throwing quick kicks to the legs and a few swift forearm shots to Greenwood’s chest. Boatang, known for his explosive, Jerry Lynn-inspired style, attempted to take the lead early with a slick dropkick that forced Greenwood into the ropes. Greenwood, however, showed poise, catching Boatang off guard with a wristlock and transitioning to a headlock to control the pace. Boatang managed to escape with an arm drag, but Greenwood quickly regrouped, meeting Boatang’s speed with calculated counters as the round concluded evenly.

Greenwood struck first in Round 2. Starting defensively, he used his slight size advantage to corner Boatang, surprising him with a series of quick body blows. When Boatang ducked low to evade a punch, Greenwood capitalized by pulling him into a small package pin. Boatang struggled to break free, but Greenwood’s leverage proved too strong, and the referee counted three at 3:48, giving Greenwood the first fall. Boatang looked determined, nodding to Greenwood as he prepared for the next round, clearly focused on evening the score.

In Round 3, Boatang intensified his approach, moving with speed and aggression. He executed a beautiful spinning headscissors takedown that left Greenwood disoriented. Sensing an opportunity, Boatang continued with a barrage of fast strikes, targeting Greenwood’s shoulders and back. Finally, Boatang managed to take Greenwood to the mat, trapping his arms and maneuvering him into a surfboard submission. With Boatang’s knee pressed between his shoulder blades, Greenwood was forced to submit at 2:56, leveling the match at one fall each. The crowd cheered as Boatang released the hold, clearly showing respect for his resilient opponent.

The fourth round showcased a determined Greenwood, who now adopted a more tactical approach, avoiding Boatang’s high-flying maneuvers and using grounded holds to wear him down. Boatang, aware of the clock, attempted a few quick roll-ups, but Greenwood had him scouted, escaping each time with ease. Greenwood’s experience and patience were evident as he continued to grind down Boatang with a chinlock, forcing his opponent to burn energy just to escape.

In Round 5, both men were visibly fatigued, yet determined to claim victory. Boatang attempted another high-risk move, leaping from the ropes with a crossbody, but Greenwood caught him mid-air. With a quick twist, Greenwood brought Boatang to the mat and, in a swift and precise motion, locked in a tight armbar. Boatang fought desperately, writhing and reaching for the ropes, but Greenwood applied intense pressure, forcing Boatang to tap out at 4:10, securing the final fall and victory.