Renowned figure in British wrestling, Kendo Nagasaki, has aspirations to become the oldest wrestler ever by stepping into the ring again this month.
With 2008 being the year of his last wrestling bout, Nagasaki is gearing up to celebrate his 83rd birthday by competing in a match that will be a notable remembrance of his debut six decades ago.
In an interview with the famous tabloid, The Sun, Nagasaki expressed no concern about his age affecting his impending match, stating,
“I’m as fit as a butcher’s dog. I still train every day, eat well and look after myself. I’m not worried. Nobody can hurt me. I’m a dinosaur with teeth. I’ve kept the training up over the years. Of course, some people are special. It’s genetics. There’s not many 82-year-olds taking on a fight like me, so I am special.”
Earlier this year, Nagasaki showed up at LDN Wrestling, hinting at a future match with Sanjay Bagga and has claimed that this bout would certify him as the oldest wrestler.
Known as Kendo Nagasaki, the wrestler’s real name is Peter Thornley, an English citizen, and he was a celebrated figure on the UK’s World of Sport show, even though he was often touted as being from Asia.
Other famous wrestlers from his era include Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks. The latter had a brief stint in WCW as the Loch Ness.