Shows were promoted by Ed Contos and booked through the Manhattan Booking Agency.

*The April 12, 1953 edition of the Baltimore Sun explained that 10 women wrestlers would be
competing in a “championship elimination wrestling tourney” next Tuesday at the Baltimore
Coliseum.  It was the “first of its kind in the East under the aupices of a State Athletic Commission.”
The winner would take the championship and a jeweled belt.  “In order to find a champion, the
tournament was arranged and entry blanks were sent to all available contenders.” Among those in
the event were Ida May Martinez, Mexican champion, “Ohio’s champion” Nell Stewart and June
Byers.

Baltimore, Maryland:  Tuesday, April 14, 1953
(The Coliseum) … Women’s Wrestling Tournament for World Championship … June Byers b. Lilly
Bitter (22:00) … Nell Stewart b. Gloria Shelton (9:00) … Violet Viann b. Joyce Ford (10:00) … Ida
May Martinez b. Mary Jane Mull (14:00) … June Byers b. Violet Viann (14:00) … Nell Stewart b. Ida
May Martinez (12:00) … June Byers b. Nell Stewart to capture the Women’s World Title (5:00) …
(promoter:  Ed Contos)
Notes:  Byers was said to be 27-years old and a veteran of 1,200 matches.  After she’d won the
tournament, Jim Holmes, chairman of the Maryland State Athletic Commission presented her with
the championship belt.  The Baltimore Sun newspaper stated that Byers’ victory was an upset.  It
also stated that “Early in the day, a telegram signed by Miss Mildred Burke criticized arrangements
made for the tournament.  The wire said, in part:  Congratulations to Ed Contos for promoting a
tournament in which Nell Stewart is to win from nobody.  I wrestled Nell Stewart last year in seven
matches for the title and defeated her seven straight falls.  These were the last matches she
wrestled me.  No champion in history has ever defended his title that many times in succession
against one opponent.  This wire is dated and timed before the Baltimore tournament.  Donna Marie
Dieckman tried to enter the tournament but was denied.” Contos reportedly said that there were
several claimants to the heavyweight title and he arranged the tournament to clarify the situation.  
He mentioned Lillian Ellison, Clara Mortenson and Mildred Burke as being claimants.  The
newspaper article stated that “each contestant looked as if she should visit a beauty parlor at the
conclusion of each event.”

Research by Tim Hornbaker
Baltimore Wrestling Results - 1953