Posted March 6, 201114 yr comment_5466683 Les Kellett vs. Tug Holton 2/22/75 Johnny Saint vs. Jackie Robinson 1/13/81 - This was the first bout of a one-day lightweight knockout tourney. It went less than five minutes but the action was just spectacular, with complicated grappling exchanges unfolding at tremendous speed. Saint did his signature spot of rolling into a ball so he offered no limbs to attack and then countering with unorthodox takedowns. It struck me as a kind of action that was unique to WOS, so I'm nominating it despite the duration. Steve Grey vs. Bobby Ryan 1/13/81 - This was another good match from the tourney but even shorter and not quite as flashy. It can stay on the shelf. Steve Grey vs. Johnny Saint 1/13/81 - This certainly wasn't the best match I've seen from these two, but it was still nifty, with all kinds of clever roll-ups and grappling counters you wouldn't see anywhere else. They worked to the 10-minute time limit, forcing the ref to decide the winner. He picked Grey, who had produced more nearfalls. This is one of the promotion's signature match-ups so I'll nominate this, even though it wasn't their masterpiece. Pete Roberts vs. Mark Rocco 5/28/80 - This made me wish that Rocco had worked bigger guys more often, because he was forced to slow down and focus his work. He developed a tremendous attack on Roberts' leg, eventually taking the first fall by submission. He spent the rest of the match verging on disqualification as he pushed the envelope in going after the wounded limb. Roberts sold beautifully for his part and I loved his ability to mix touches of brawling into his grappling. His attempt to earn a fall in the last round to escape with a draw felt really dramatic. Great match and an easy nomination. Bert Royal vs. Roy St. Clair 7/31/76
