Leeds Welterweight
Here in his own words, Al Marshall tells his story, beginning with the early years leading to a professional wrestling career in the north of England from 1969 to 1978. Read about the influence of Eric Taylor, Jack Taylor and George de Relwyskow and training with Ray Steele, Dalibar Singh and "Catweazle" Gary Cooper. Al maintains to this day that his career is thanks largely to Cyril Knowles who was the only trainer willing to take him on and give him a chance. He lists opponents from Kid Chocolate and Eric Sands to Mal Kirk, Alan Kilby and Dave Kaye, recalls being refereed by the legendary Jack Pye, and proudly reveals his lasting friendships with Adrian Street, Ray Robinson and the late Brian Glover (Leon Arras). Outside of wrestling, his interest in restoring antique suits of armour led to his nickname "Armour Plated", and work at York's world-famous Jorvik Viking Centre. Al Marshall's CV also contains acting 'extra' work with television "greats" Rik Mayall and David Jason.
The Wrestler magazine's Russell Plummer featured Al Marshall, and much of the above story, on his 1972 "Likely Lads" page.
Posed and action photos of Al Marshall
Wrestling Posters featuring Al Marshall
Notes:
Poster 43: Jack Allen show - Cyril Knowles's ringman and referee at the time.
Posters 46 & 47: Dave Bedford shows - Chris Knowles was Cyril Knowles's grandson.
Poster 40: Took place in 1969.
Poster 55: Princess Little Bird is now better known as Princess Paula.
Poster 54: Yukon Eric on Cyril Knowles's shows is now better known as Big Daddy.
Poster 48: Al Marshall show.
Poster 61: Dave Bedford show
Al's M/C work and wrestling personalities, in and out of the ring
More of Al's Famous Friends
"Armour Plated" Al Marshall
Posters courtesy of Wendy Knowles
Many thanks to Cathy Thompson, daughter of Al's partner, for sending in all of these photographs and information.
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