Bobby Managoff
ROBERT MANOOGIAN, JR. (aka Bobby Managoff), 85, died April 3, 2002, after a lengthy illness.
A second-generation wrestler, Managoff was, briefly, during the early part of World War II, a National Wrestling Association world heavyweight champion. He defeated Yvon Robert for the belt in Houston and lost it back to Wild Bill Longson in St. Louis later in the following winter of 1943.
On five occasions, he held the Montreal version of the "world" title and held many other prestigious belts all over the world in a mat career that extended beyond 30 years.
His father, Bob Managoff, Sr. (aka Big Yusiff) shows up at key points in pro wrestling history as well. He was wrestling with the legendary Frank Gotch in 1916 when the latter suffered a leg fracture that ended his career. And Bob, Sr., was referee in the Chicago Stadium the night of April 7, 1933, when Jumping Joe Savoldi "surprised" Jim Londos with a version of the world title at stake.
A sister, who worked under the name Kay Armen, made a considerable name for herself as a singer on stage and in the movies.
In 2000, at Newton, Iowa, International Wrestling Institute founder Mike Chapman bestowed his cherished Frank Gotch Award upon the handsome Chicagoan. With his passing, only Lou Thesz remains from among the world champions who reigned previous to the advent of the television age.
Jim Zordani
Article from the Caulifolwer Alley Club website about the passing of Bobby Managoff