Albert C Haft was a wrestler, wrestling and boxing promoter and wrestling trainer who was a prominent promoter in the United States from the late 1910s until the 1960s, running his operations primarily from Columbus, Ohio.
11 Facts About Al Haft
1.
2.
Al Haft founded the Midwest Wrestling Alliance and was one of the founding members of the National Wrestling Alliance in 1948.
3.
Al Haft was involved in amateur wrestling and was the head wrestling coach at the Ohio State University, leading "The Buckeyes" to their first team title in 1923.
4.
Al Haft holds the Ohio State Second-Year Coaching Record to this day.
5.
Al Haft competed sporadically until 1932 but his full-time focus as an in-ring performer was short lived, deciding instead to focus on his growing success as a promoter.
6.
Al Haft became Pesek's manager and brokered deals for him throughout the United States and abroad.
7.
In 1929, Al Haft sent Pesek for a wrestling tour of Australia where he came out victorious.
8.
Al Haft returned to the United States a star and soon entered the discussion of World Heavyweight Championship contenders.
9.
In 1931, Al Haft created the Midwest Wrestling Association and booked a match pitting Pesek against Joe Stecher to crown the initial champion.
10.
Pesek beat Stecher and Al Haft's working relationship with Kansas and Missouri territories expanded Pesek's star-power and booking potential.
11.
An outdoor arena, Al Haft opened Al Haft's Acre at the southwest corner of Park Street and Goodale Boulevard in 1927 in Columbus.