Boris Malenko

Infobox Wrestler
name=Boris Malenko


names=Boris Malenko
Laurence “Great” Malenko
The Masked Muscovite
Mr. Miami
Crusher Duggan
Otto Von Krupp
height=height|ft=5|in=10
weight=convert|220|lb|kg st|abbr=on|lk=on
birth_date=June 28 1933
death_date=August 27 1994 (aged 61)
birth_place=Tampa, Florida
death_place=Tampa, Florida
trainer=
debut=1957
retired=

Lawrence Boris Simon (June 28 1933 - August 27 1994) better known by his ring name Boris Malenko, was a former American professional wrestler who wrestled for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1960s in 1970s. He was the father of retired professional wrestlers Dean Malenko and Joe Malenko.

Career

On July 19, 1961, Buddy Rogers defeated Boris "the Great" Malenko to retain the NWA World title in Jacksonville, Florida.

During the early days of Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) territory, Boris worked under the name Otto Von Krupp. He gained the AWA World Tag Team Championship with "Texas" Bob Geigel from Dale Lewis & Pat Kennedy (who wrestled elsewhere as Bobby "Hercules" Graham).

On May 16, 1967, Boris Malenko defeated Wahoo McDaniel to win the Florida title in Tampa, Florida. On August 16, 1968, Boris Malenko & Johhny Valentine defeating Joe Scarpa & Jose Lothario for the NWA Southern Tag Team titles. Four days later, Malenko defeated Eddie Graham for the Florida Brass Knucks title in Jacksonville, Florida. On November 18, 1968, Boris Malenko defeated Jose Lothario for the Florida Brass Knucks title in Orlando, Florida.

On April 17, 1969, Malenko defeated The Gladiator (Ricky Hunter) for the Florida Brass Knucks title in Jacksonville, Florida. On June 25, 1969, Boris Malenko defeated Joe Scarpa for the Florida Brass Knucks title in Miami, Florida. On February 23, 1971, Malenko defeated Cyclone Negro for the Florida Brass Knucks title in Tampa, Florida. On January 27, 1972, Boris Malenko defeated Bobby Duncum for the Florida Brass Knucks title in Tampa, Florida. On May 9, 1972, Malenko & Bob Roop defeated Bearcat Wright & Bobby Shane to win the Florida Tag Team titles. Six days later, Malenko defeated Wright to win his seventh Florida Brass Knucks title in Orlando, Florida. On June 24, 1972, Malenko & Johnny Weaver defeated Mike Webster & The Professional to win the Florida Tag Team titles.

When Boris was in the Texas territory in the early 1970s, he often teamed with Lord Charles Montegue (who was Hans Mortier from the WWWF). Montegue also acted as Malenko's manager during this run in Texas.

Personal life

After retiring from the ring, Boris Malenko opened a gym and training center. Training wrestlers such as Buddy Landell, Barry Horowitz, Dean Malenko, Demolition Ax, Gangrel, Joe Malenko, Norman Smiley, Alex Gibson, Paul Diamond, Mark Hildreth, Perry Saturn, The Field Brothers, Sean Waltman, and Crusher Doogan among others. He died in August 1994 of cancer.

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature moves
**"Russian Sickle" (Running lariat)
**Thumb to the eye
**Biting the opponent

Championships and accomplishments

*American Wrestling Association
**AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Bob Geigel

*Championship Wrestling from Florida
**NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Championship (8 times) (Most Reigns)
**NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
**NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
**NWA Florida Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Johnny Valentine
**NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Bob Roop (1) and Johnny Walker (1)

*National Wrestling Alliance
**NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship "(Northern Division)" (1 time)¹

*NWA Big Time Wrestling
**NWA American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
**NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
**NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Killer Karl Kox

*Southeastern Championship Wrestling
**NWA Southeastern Television Championship (1 time)

¹NWA records aren't clear as to which promotion Malenko was working for when he won the title. While usually defended in Southeastern Championship Wrestling, it was occasionally used in other NWA affiliated promotions.

References

External links

* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/boris-malenko.html Profile] at Online World Of Wrestling