This framed photograph hung in Jim Crockett, Jr.'s office on Briarbend
Drive in Charlotte until it closed following the sale of Crockett
Promotions to Ted Turner in late 1988. Crockett gave the photo to Paul
Jones, and it was proudly displayed in Paul's office at his body shop in
Charlotte
until Paul closed the shop in the late 1990's. Paul then gave the photo to
his friend George South.
The inscription framed below the photo reads: "November 9, 1975 / US
Heavyweight Championship Tournament / Southeast Gate Receipt Record /
Coliseum - Greensboro, NC."
The photo shows the sold out
Greensboro Coliseum, the familiar numbers surrounding the outer walls of the
coliseum, and the equally familiar rope barrier at ringside, complete with tire-and-cement anchors. Ole
Anderson and Paul Jones are battling in the first round of the
tournament in the ring. The referee is Angelo Martinelli. Ring
announcer Tom Miller and local promoter Joe Murnick can clearly be seen
at ringside. We're sure Wally Dusek is in there somewhere, too. Also at
ringside was the ring announcer for that evening Les Thatcher and Jack Adkisson (aka Fritz Von Erich),
the NWA President at the time. The Greensboro News and Record
story on the tournament reported he was part of a five-man crew that
served as judges in case of a draw.
George
South and Dick Bourne hold the framed photo from the Greensboro US
title tournament that once hung in Jim Crockett's office at Jim
Crockett Promotions in Charlotte, NC.
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