What are the views of other wrestling fans on England's No1 Marty Jones, as he was billed in the glory days of TV wrestling. For me the Oldham native was the backbone of ITV's coverage and his feuds with Finlay and Rocco were classic encounters.

It would have been a fitting tribute if All Star had honoured his retirement with a farewell show involving apperances from some of his opponents over the years.

There is no doubt in my mind that Marty Jones was Britains No 1, and there is no heavyweight currently on the scene who can match up to him.
One of the more complex characters in the ring, Marty Jones wrestled as the mood took him, and could change holds with the best of them in bouts that delighted the purists, or emerge as a rugged rule bender. I can still remember when he defeated French star Bobby Gaetano in October 1982 at the Fairfield, Croydon, to bring back the World mid-heavyweight belt to Britain. He later lost the belt to Dave Finlay and Steve Wright amongst others, and had to chase half way round Europe before finally getting it back in Britain from one of the members of the Hart family.
Marty did his share of travelling, and visited Japan (where he tagged with Andre the Giant) and Korea where his _style_ was highly acclaimed and it was the same story when he went to Canada in 1980. There he did well in solo bouts before joining Dynamite Kid(Tommy Billington) in the tag team partnership that was his tour highlight. The Kid /Jones combination turned out to be dynamite and in over 40 bouts they were beaten only by the World champion tag formation of Americans Larry Lane and Dory Funk Jnr.
Since Marty began his wrestling carrier in the late 1970`s it is fair to say that he has wrestled every visitor to these shores, as well as every heavyweight on the British scene, he is truly a great wrestler.
While most wrestlers are dreadful on the microphone, usually slagging off the audience, Marty was a master with the mic, which no other wrestler could match.
I last saw him in action on September 11th 2001 at Croydon when he wrestled and won against James Mason. I do not know if this was his final contest, however I am sure it was not Marty`s intention to retire then, I can only presume his legs were giving him problems, which has prevented him from having further contests.
If anyone knows how Marty is, or any news about him, then let us know. I understand that he runs a pub in the Oldham area at present.
And finally, what a good idea if "All Star" could arrange for him to appear at one or two of their venues (Hanley and Croydon perhaps) for the fans to thank him for all the pleasure he has given us over the past 25 years.
Marty Jones you are Britains No 1.

A great tribute to a truly great wrestler and entertainer - I couldn't have put it better myself.
Best wishes and a happy reirement is due to Marty, very well deserved.

If you read the Forum Marty, please contact us and let us have an update.

Hi my dad is marty jones and its true he now runs a pub in his own town of Oldham. Id just like to say thanks for the comments made i will pass the mon. I remember the travels down to the ring with him as a kid, the trips to Japan and Germany he encountered. Unfortunately he didnt get a send off but maybe one day he will. I was wondering if anyone has any videos of him, as a kid me and my brother taped over a lot of them and we'd like ot give him some of his memories back. Thankyou becky jones

Chris -
I may be wrong on this but I'm sure I watched Marty wrestle before the late 70's. I think he wrestled near the bottom of the card on Dale Martin promotions early-mid 70's. On one occasion at Norwich, a memorable bout against a young fella in orange trunks and vest called Mark Rocco !
If only we knew then what those two would ultimately contribute to wrestling.
Bloody good contest as well.

I think my timings are correct, but at my age theold grey matter gets a bit tired. Anyway, someone will surely put me right ( and stop calling me surely ) The old uns are the best !

Richard you might be correct when you say that Martys ring carrier started before the late seventies. Perhaps Becky Jones can tell us.
I get a lot of my information from vintage wrestling programmes, and one I came across had a terrific main event, as follows,
Saturday 9th August ,1980 (Belle Vue, Manchester)
Mighty John Quinn (World Heavyweight Champion), partnered by Giant Haystacks versus Tony St Clair( British Heavyweight Champion and Champion Marty Jones. Wow!!!
A month later on the 6th October at St Georges Hall, Bradford the bill was as great. Team A Bert Royal, Marty Jones, Chris Adams, Honey Boy Zimba, Alan Kilby versus Rollerball Rocco, Alan Dennison, Banger Walsh, King Ben and Young David (one day to be Davy Boy Smith)
By the way , at that time Marty was billed as coming from Northants.
Like you Richard I have seen all these terrific wrestlers, but my memory is bad when it comes to actual dates.