13 Facts About Mike Marino

Michael Harrison, better known under the ring name Mike Marino, was an English professional wrestler and a leading name during the World of Sport era in British wrestling.

At his death Marino was holder of the three Mid-Heavyweight titles active in Britain at the time.

Mike Marino turned to wrestling in the early 1950s and came to prominence after winning an international tournament in Paris in 1951.

Mike Marino appeared on the first televised wrestling match in the United Kingdom, a bout against Francis Gregory at West Ham Municipal Baths on Wednesday 9 November 1955.

Mike Marino won the World Mid-Heavyweight Championship in 1957 and went on to hold the title four times.

The European Mid-Heavyweight Championship was added in 1967, although his claim was for a time disputed Bill Howes, with Mike Marino eventually relinquishing his claim until Howes retirement.

Mike Marino eventually added the British Mid-Heavyweight Championship, winning the title in December 1966 and holding it until his death in 1981.

Mike Marino gained the nickname 'Mr Wrestling' due to his ability and his length of service.

Nonetheless Mike Marino was one of a number of wrestlers to be caught up in a 'tabloid expose' when in 1972 the News of the World published the transcripts of a dressing room conversation between Mike Marino and his opponent Albert 'Rocky' Wall discussing how their upcoming match would be arranged.

Mike Marino died in August 1981 whilst returning to his South London home from a tournament in Folkestone.

Mike Marino had been booked to wrestle Big Jim Harris at the town's Leas Cliff Hall but after being adjudged unable to perform was taken to Ashford Hospital where he was treated for a swollen tongue.

Mike Marino discharged himself the same night and left with fellow wrestler Mal Sanders but suffered from a convulsive attack as they travelled on the M20 motorway.

Mike Marino died by the roadside and was afterwards revealed to have been suffering from leukemia.