Tributes have been paid to a grappling grandad who was one of the oldest wrestlers

Liverpool-born Buddy Ward came out of RETIREMENT at the age of 75 to face fellow World of Sport icon Johnny Saint in April 2010.

The six times married, dad-of-30 lost the bout by count-out, but in doing so set a temporary world record.

The Ellesmere Port hardman even appeared on comedian Russell Howard’s satirical Good News programme to promote the clash.

Tributes have poured in for the former soldier and scrap metal dealer, whose funeral was held this week after he died at the age of 80.

Ciarán McConnell, the owner of Liverpool-based wrestling company Infinite PROMOTIONS, said: "Buddy was one of Merseyside's most renowned wrestlers during his tenure in the ring.

"He was Infinite head trainer 'Gypsy' John Kenny's first ever opponent in the Queen's Hall, Widnes in 1970. He beat John with a tombstone, that legitimately knocked him out!

"God bless Buddy."

Brian J O HanlonBuddy Ward
Buddy, real name Alfred Woodward, was the brother of British welterweight and middleweight champion Brian 'Goldbelt' Maxine.

He terrified generations of fight fans as ‘Doctor Death’ from the 1950s through to his retirement in the 1970s - suffering two cauliflower ears and a broken nose along the way.

In total the former male stripper and stripshow promoter fought around 4,000 matches and counted the most famous wrestler of the day, Big Daddy, as a friend.

The website wrestlingheritage.co.uk described him as a tough and skilful competitor "who could hold his own with anyone in the ring".

It said: "In the early 1960s a frequent opponent was a young 'German' who went on to become Steve Veidor, also from Ellesmere Port.

"The contrasting styles of the tough guy Buddy Ward with the clean cut Veidor was one repeated time and again.

"Buddy learned how to work a crowd and he worked them well without the need to resort to too much skulduggery."

Ward went on to wrestle across Europe and in Australia and to appear for the British national confederation, Joint PROMOTIONS.
When asked why he decided to return to the ring after more than 30 years in retirement, the 15-stone self-styled ‘Champion of Cheshire’ said: “I looked in the mirror and I decided I didn’t look too bad.

“I know I can still do it. Wrestling is like making love. You never forget how. I hope so anyway.”

Buddy made his last appearance at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall last month for Teeside-based EPW American Wrestling.

The company said: "He was given a standing ovation for his years of service to the wrestling BUSINESS.

“We are so proud to have had him on our show, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Following his RETIREMENT he worked with Bob and Jean Bell to organise the Ellesmere Port Wrestlers Reunion.

Buddy's son Gary Woodward said on Facebook: “However you knew my dad, or by what name, it could have been Buddy or Alf, or Kojak is his legal name, he was a character, life and soul of the party and lived life to the full.

“I have so many crazy happy memories, just like so many of his friends, and family. RIP xxxx.”

The oldest man to ever have a wrestling MATCH is thought to be Scottish brawler Dave Kidney, who wrestled at the age of 79 in 2011.

However, the oldest woman to ever compete is WWE Legend Mae Young, who took part in a bout in November 2010 when 87-years-old.