This biography contains the following:
a. Background
b. Career
c. Real Name
d. Town, State & Country
e. Age
f. Networth
g. Marital Status
h. Associates
i. Death
Background:
Gambia Masambula was among first professional wrestlers of Africa origins who broke-through Internationally. Masambula's natural strength, comic wrestling style coupled with strong passion for professional wrestling brought him to the limelight in the International community.
He reigned for 23 years amassing titles and held Africa's Heavy Weight Champion title for a while before Power Mike of Nigeria snatched the title from him in 1970. Gambia Masambula remains the first and only professional wrestler who brought Gambia to international space.
Career:
He was a Gambian Police Officer before becoming a wrestler. Masambula began his professional wrestling exploits in 1951. The British wrestling communities love his rare wrestling warrior costume and comic personality and these took him to UK, he lived in Wibsey, Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.
Wrestling trademark:
Masambula was first taken to fight in France before United Kingdom, his earlier costume was sculpturelike headgear with masquerade attire.
However, he changed style of costume when he was called by British wrestling communities where he always appear in a full leopard skin, and has a trademark headstand against the corner post, he was loved by audiences across the UK, for both his outstanding technical ability and off the cuff antics in the role of a witch doctor.
Also Read: Full Biography of Power Mike of Nigeria
Performing at the top of the game for over two decades he was described as one of the more proficient personalities in top-of-the-bill wrestling in Britain.
Retirement:
Tragically, in 1975 he retired from wrestling which was due to a serious back injury caused by faulty equipment during a match at Preston on 19th February 1975.
The pole was allegedly faulty and he successfully sued the promoters - Morrell and Beresford and ring erector, Billy Shinfield. He was awarded £20,710 in 1981 after 6 years of struggled to get compensation for this life-changing injury. he was 57 years old at that time.
Years reigned:
He was an attraction in the UK scene in the 1960s. Masambula might not be the greatest wrestler in history but he paid his due in the industry and remains till today only wrestler from Gambia who find his way to international level.
Real Name:
Manbuna Matthew Fal Jeng (ring names: Gambia Masambula or African Witch-doctor)
Battles (Wins, Draw, Losses):
He took part in notable wrestling matches such as against Mick McManus, Adrian Street and Jackie Pallo. However, later than being posted by Pete Roberts in 1975, tragically, he injured his back, ending his wrestling career.
Total Battles: 134 fights (Majority taking place in UK)
Total Win: 97
Total Loss: 21 (one to Power Mike)
Total Draw: 9
Total "No Contest": 7
Age:
Born 1925 (aged 82)
Death:
Masambula died in March 2007 in city West, Yorkshire, England.
Height:
6' 2" (188 cm)
Weight:
185 lbs (84 kg)
Networth:
Masambula's networth was never estimated before his death.
Marital status:
He's polygamous and had children and grandchildren before his death.
Associates:
Honey Boy Zimba, Power Mike, etc
Credit: ThrowbackTimes.com.ng