Votypka vs. Zola

April 22, 1921

…Then came the main and  final event of the evening. This event was between Barney Votypka H. C. A.champion, 187 pounds, vs. Leon Franz Zola, 202 pounds, Greco Roman champion. Return match; Henry McIntosh, referee: William Braun, timekeeper. The rules, catch-as-catch can, best two in three falls. After a grueling and remarkable fast work by heavy mat men in which all kinds of holds were secured and broken, Zola finally secured a leg and head lock on the H. C. A. champion and pinned his shoulders to the mat gaining the first fall in 21 minutes. After the usual 5 minutes rest the pair resumed hostilities and then real fast artistic mat work was exhibited and enjoyed by the assemblage. Several times the pair wrestled themselves locked tightly in each other arms and legs clean off the stage through the ropes and down into the first rows of spectators. Still the best of good nature prevailed. Finally, at the end of 15 minutes of hard work and after several unsuccessful efforts, Barney finally succeeded in securing his favorite hold, arm and toe hold and gradually brought his opponent’shoulders to the mat amid great rejoicing, thus making the falls even. During the 5 minutes interval it could be plainly seen that Zola was suffering from the severe grueling scissors and leg holds Barney inflicted in the two preceding bouts and when they came together for the final Zola was wary and cautious while Barney was confident and as agile as ever. After maneuvering about the ring playing for a telling hold off each other for several minutes and after securing and breaking several false holds. Barney eventually secured his favorite hold again, arm and foot hold, and at the end of 7 minutes Zola displayed the white flag in token of surrender while suffering excruciating agony and before Barney had his shoulders pinned, thus given the H. C. A. champion the second fall and match. Among the spectators who witnessed the events were citizens from various parts of Nassau County.

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