Ken Fenelon
| Ken Fenelon | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Patrick Fenelon[1][2] |
| Born | February 26, 1909 Dubuque, Iowa |
| Died | August 8, 1972 (aged 63) |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Ken Fenelon |
| Debut | 1931 |
Ken Fenelon (born Patrick Fenelon, 26 February 1909 - 8 August 1972) was an American professional wrestler, boxer,[2] promoter and referee. He was the first NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion and the first two-time holder of the title which he held for a total of 301 days.
Early life and boxing
Fenelon was recognised in Dubuque as an all-round athlete and accomplished boxer. He enjoyed music and also performed in the Dubuque Senior High School Band.[2] It was during his time in high school that Fenelon developed an interest in professional wrestling.
In 1933 he was a boxing instructor at his local Young Men's Christian Association and also assisted with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) boxing program.[3] As well as competing and training, Fenelon also promoted local boxing events and refereed bouts.
Professional wrestling career
Fenelon's in-ring career in professional wrestling spanned from 1935-1950. He became the inaugural NWA World Junior Heavyweight champion in 1944 and held the title until May 1945 when he lost the championship to Marshall Esteppe in Toronto. He recaptured the title on March 11, 1946 when he defeated Larry Tillman in Des Moines, Iowa, becoming the first two-time holder of the championship.
A popular figure throughout the Iowa territory, Fenelon headlined many events. On August 13, 1944, he wrestled NWA World Heavyweight Champion (Iowa version) Orville Brown to a one-hour time limit draw.[4] On October 28, 1942, Fenelon defeated Gene Bowman to capture the NWA Iowa State Heavyweight championship, a title he would hold on two occasions.
Having been the regional Junior-Heavyweight champion in the territory prior to being recognised as the undisputed champion by the NWA, Fenelon defeated Eddie Campbell in 1944 in Des Moines to unify Campbell's MWA World Junior Heavyweight title with Fenelon's regional World Junior Heavyweight title[5]
Fenelon also promoted professional wrestling events, which he continued to do after retiring from in-ring competition. In 1939 he promoted an event headlined by Lord Patrick Lansdowne vs. Mike London. In 1950 he began promoting female wrestling match.[2]
Personal life
Fenelon was a multifaceted sportsman. Along with wrestling and boxing, he also played hockey and was third baseman for a local semi-professional baseball called Kool Motors.[2]
Championships and accomplishments
- National Wrestling Alliance
- NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (two times)
- NWA Iowa Heavyweight Championship (two times)[6]
- World Light Heavyweight Championship (Iowa/Nebraska-Version)[6]
References
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". wrestlingdata.com.
- ^ a b c d e "FENELON, Ken - Encyclopedia Dubuque". webcache.googleusercontent.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2017.
- ^ http://www.encyclopediadubuque.org/index.php?title=FENELON,_Ken
- ^ "1940-1949 Iowa Results". The Home of Historical Wrestling.
- ^ "Daily pro wrestling history (11/1): Lou Thesz gets NWA belt in unusual fashion". November 1, 2015.
- ^ a b Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". wrestlingdata.com.