Ex World Mat King O'Connor in Title Shot
(St Joseph, MO Newspaper article from 6/11/71)

Former World wrestling champion Pat O'Connor will get his first shot at the Central States crown when he takes on Iowa's Harley Race in the Auditorium tonight. The clash will be one of two title events on a ring card beginning at 8:30.

O'Connor, 235, is in the midst of a campaign to regain the world crown now held by Texas' Dory Funk Jr. He hopes to use the CS title as a springboard to a match with Funk.

Race, who dropped a non title lumberjack test with The Stomper last week, has been effective against the area's senior heavyweights and is confident he can get by the threat posed by the talented O'Connor.

Sharing the spotlight will be a clash for the North American tag crown. Buddy Austin and Bob Orton will risk that prize against the fast moving Stomper and hefty Rufus Jones.

Steve Bolus will draw Japan's 6-4, 265 pound Sakaguchi as his opponent in a special event. Another import from the Orient, Tor Kamata, will be on hand to go against St Joseph's Ronnie Etchison in the added match. Rounding out the program will be a scrap between Baron Von heisinger and the Viking.