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I took it from the Rough & Tumble book by Erik Paulson, who cited in the John Pesek chapter "Catch Wrestling" by Mark Hewit, Pages 145, 148, 153 and 173.
Also the question was who the greatest Catch wrestler was, and while Catch took a little from Pehlwani they remained two different styles. Gama beat Stanislaus Zybyszko twice: once in 1910 by from what sounds like 2 and a half hours of Lay'n'Pray to get the decision, and they didn't fight again until 1928 where both were way past their prime. Stanislaus would have been 49 (and had lost rather easily to Joe Stecher a few years earlier, as mentioned) and Gama would have been 46. One source said Gama pinned Zybyszko in 30 seconds, another said Gama won by a flying fall, similar to an Ippon from a throw in Judo. (Certain contests had rules where you could win by flying fall and ones you could only win by a pin or submission.)
Also in terms of size difference, Gama although 5'9" was still 230lbs. At least 40-45lbs heavier then Pesek.
And while you say Pesek did have a legit loss (though by injury), Gama wasn't without his share of draws and matches that went to decision. From the accounts I can gather, every match Pesek wrestled, he finished.
There's an argument for Gama being the greatest overall wrestler with 5000+ wins over a 50 year career, but we were talking about Catch Wrestlers.
I think Gama was equally important for his strength and conditioning regimen and probably helped introduce Indian Club Swinging to the West, and we all know the benefit of Hindu Squats and Push ups, as well as neck bridges.
Also the question was who the greatest Catch wrestler was, and while Catch took a little from Pehlwani they remained two different styles. Gama beat Stanislaus Zybyszko twice: once in 1910 by from what sounds like 2 and a half hours of Lay'n'Pray to get the decision, and they didn't fight again until 1928 where both were way past their prime. Stanislaus would have been 49 (and had lost rather easily to Joe Stecher a few years earlier, as mentioned) and Gama would have been 46. One source said Gama pinned Zybyszko in 30 seconds, another said Gama won by a flying fall, similar to an Ippon from a throw in Judo. (Certain contests had rules where you could win by flying fall and ones you could only win by a pin or submission.)
Also in terms of size difference, Gama although 5'9" was still 230lbs. At least 40-45lbs heavier then Pesek.
And while you say Pesek did have a legit loss (though by injury), Gama wasn't without his share of draws and matches that went to decision. From the accounts I can gather, every match Pesek wrestled, he finished.
There's an argument for Gama being the greatest overall wrestler with 5000+ wins over a 50 year career, but we were talking about Catch Wrestlers.
I think Gama was equally important for his strength and conditioning regimen and probably helped introduce Indian Club Swinging to the West, and we all know the benefit of Hindu Squats and Push ups, as well as neck bridges.
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