Boris Malenko

Lawrence J. Simon (June 28, 1933 – August 27, 1994) better known by his ring name Boris Malenko, was an American professional wrestler who wrestled for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the 1960s and 1970s. He is the father of retired professional wrestlers Dean Malenko and Joe Malenko.

Career

On July 19, 1961, Malenko challenged "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the NWA World title in Jacksonville, Florida, but was unsuccessful. On May 16, 1967, Malenko defeated Wahoo McDaniel to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship in Tampa, Florida. On August 16, 1968, Malenko and Johnny Valentine defeated the team of Joe Scarpa (later known as Chief Jay Strongbow) and Jose Lothario for the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship titles, and four days later, Malenko defeated Eddie Graham for his first NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Championship in Jacksonville. Between 1968 and 1972, Malenko would win the Brass Knuckles title on seven more occasions, defeating the likes of Lothario, The Gladiator (Ricky Hunter), Strongbow (twice), Cyclone Negro, Bobby Duncum and Bearcat Wright.