Pons Paul

Paul Pons, known as the Colossus, a native of Sorgues, is a blacksmith and mechanic by profession. Trained by Pietro Damiano, he began wrestling in Bordeaux. He became national champion in Paris in 1891, then the first world wrestling champion in 1898 ahead of the Russian Pytlasiński in the tournament organized by Le Journal des Sports. His victory allowed him to open a gymnasium in Paris where he gave classes. His most famous pupil was Lavaux, known as Constant le Boucher, a Belgian wrestler. This title has earned him, since 2003, to be listed among the glories of French sport. In 1908, he issued a challenge to any French or foreign wrestler who wanted to measure himself against him. He won the tournament and received the Golden Belt.