Farmer Burns Beats Michigan Champion

Martin “Farmer” Burns är känd idag som tränare för legendariske brottaren Frank Gotch. “Farmer” Burns var en stor brottare i sin egen rätt. Burns vann amerikanska Heavy Wrestling mästare i den legitima pro wrestling eran trots att bara 165 pounds. I 1891, Burns som Iowa Heavyweight Champion tog på JC. Comstock, Michigan Heavy Champion.

J.C. Comstock was coming off an impressive victory over Jack Carkeek, the Cornish Wrestling Champion from Michigan. Based on this victory, many sporting men thought Comstock could beat “Farmer” Burns. Comstock, a true heavyweight, would have a significant size and strength advantage over Burns.

På fredag, April 24, 1891, Burns and Comstock each put up a $50 side bet to supplement the $50 dollar purse from the Rock Island, IL Sports Club. Den $150 purse was on the line, when the men met on Thursday, April 30, 1891. Comstock started strong but faded as the match continued.

The match was a three out of five falls affair. The match started at 8:45 p.m. Comstock pressed Burns but couldn’t maintain a hold on the smaller Burns. After 19 minuter, Comstock was finally able to get a hold on Burns and throw him. With a strong effort, Comstock pressed “the Farmer’s” shoulders to the mat for the first fall. It would be the only highlight for Comstock.

After ten minutes rest, the men came back for the second fall. The clearly fatiguing Comstock lasted only five and half minutes before Burns pinned him with a front nelson and hammerlock.

Two minutes into the third fall, Comstock’s nose began to bleed causing a medical stoppage. Comstock recovered a little but “Farmer” Burns picked him apart for the third fall after 25 minutes with another front nelson and hammerlock.

Comstock’s attendant’s tried desperately to fan him and restore some energy to his body but he was spent. “Farmer” Burns grabbed many holds but only put the finishing touches on the last fall when he felt comfortable Comstock was done. Han tog den fjärde och sista höst tillsammans med $150 handväska i 12 minuter med en dubbel armlock.

Martin “Farmer” Burns måste ha velat Rock Island, IL because he established his wrestling gym there. Bland andra, he trained Frank Gotch at this facility. “Farmer” Burns skulle brottas i ytterligare tio år innan han blev en heltid tränare. Många brottare var glada att se den begåvade “Farmer” pension.

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