| Biography | Kurt Zehe was a giant of a man, billed in Britain as Gargantua. He was brought to the United Kingdom in 1952 by Atholl Oakeley in the promoters continuing attempt to revive the all-in style, and his business, following the Second World War. The year before his visit Zehe had lost to former World heavyweight boxing champion Primo Carnera in Frankfurt. That Zehe ever made it into the wrestling ring was something of an achievement. Imprisoned by the Russian Army towards the end of the Second World War he came close to starvation.
Posters claimed Zehe towered eight feet four inches above his opponents and weighing 50 stones. That may have been something of an exaggeration, Oakeley wasnt known for modesty, but the boy was certainly big., and reputed to have stood at 7 feet 2 inches.
A huge amount of national publicity led up to Zehes 1952 contest against former champion boxer Jack Doyle. When the German arrived in London photos of Zehe lifting Doreen Oakeley, wife of Atholl, were published not just in Britain but in newspapers around the world. After all the advanced publicity the bout inevitably proved a huge anti climax and it did nothing for the reputation of Oakley or the all-in style.
Zehe found more capable heavyweights like Bert Assirati, and tall ones like Primo Carnera, a tougher proposition. Nevertheless, whatever the size of the opponent Zehe's stature made it very difficult for promoters to find convincing opponents. Zehe went on to work regularly in the film world. |