Bob Cook

Bob Cook’s real interest in wrestling started after joining the Ashdown Club and, shortly afterwards in 1927, he won his first British title (lightweight). The following year, the Smithfield Market porter won both the welter- and middleweight titles, and that same year competed in the welterweight division at the Amsterdam Olympics. Given a tough draw, however, he could only finish joint fifth but did lose to the eventual silver and bronze medallists, Lloyd Appleton (USA) and Maurice Letchford (Canada).

Having added the British light-heavyweight crown in the three years 1930-32, Cook was talked into turning professional by former Ashdown team-mate, and then promoter, Atholl Oakeley. Professional wrestling was flourishing in Britain at the time and Cook was well respected by his fellow competitors and those within the sport. His full record is not known, but he was widely believed to have won both the British and European light-heavyweight titles by 1937.

Cook served in the Royal Navy during World War II as a chief stoker. He resumed his wrestling career after the War and had his last fight at the Harringay Arena in March 1950, at the age of 44.