William Muldoon Defeats Local Wrestler

June 19, 2023 Ken Zimmerman Jr. Professional Wrestling

William Muldoon, the World Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion and physical culture proponent, came to Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 15, 1884 to face the local wrestler Fred Bauer. The match took place at the local Turnvereine Hall in Los Angeles. Muldoon was so confident of victory that he stipulated that he would throw Bauer ten times within an hour or he would be considered the loser.

Muldoon and Bauer entered the ring for the match. Both men stood 5’9″. Muldoon weighed a muscular 200 pounds. Bauer weighed a flabby 235. After preliminary introductions, Muldoon and Bauer locked up. Muldoon grabbed Bauer by the arms, threw him and pinned him in less than a minute.

William Muldoon from the Public Domain

Bauer was incensed at being pinned so quickly and ran at Muldoon. Muldoon caught Bauer in mid-rush, lifted him in the air and slammed him for the second fall in 15 seconds. It took Muldoon twice as long for the second fall as Bauer resisted him for 30 seconds.

Bauer was so disheartened by this point that Muldoon began to demonstrate his muscular control and lecture the audience on the benefits of exercise and nutrition. After two more quick falls, Bauer was going to quit but his friends talked him into continuing the contest.

Bauer should have followed his own instincts. Muldoon threw him so heavily for the sixth fall that Bauer was knocked senseless. Fortunately, the referee finally brought the contest to an end. It was doubtful if Bauer could survive four more falls from the mighty William Muldoon.

Clarence Whistler Wrestling William Muldoon from the Public Domain

Muldoon delivered similar beatings to many men. Clarence Whistler was the only man to trouble Muldoon and he only managed to wrestle Muldoon to a draw. Whistler would die very young and under mysterious circumstances in Australia on a wrestling tour. It is believed that Whistler’s heavy drinking contributed to his early death.

Muldoon would live to be 81 years old. He spent his years after retiring from the ring as America’s most celebrated personal trainer. He trained the mighty John L. Sullivan for his fight with Jake Kilrain in 1889. He would go on to train athletes, government officials and celebrities.