Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "John Katan" in English language version.
The Katan match wasn't the first cage match in the Toronto territory. About six months earlier, there was a cage/fence (it was referred to both ways) match at Maple Leaf Gardens between Whipper Billy Watson and Nanjo Singh. The Hamilton promoter, Sammy Sobel, fell off the cage and bounced off the ring apron after the match. There were seven cage/fence matches in Toronto in the 1940s. Wild Bill Longson defended the NWA title in two of them.
I knew him well! Ed and I were always invited to his house after the matches when he was the promoter is Hamilton, Ontario. I wrestled him often and he was a good wrestler and very strong. (so the story makes sense) Build like a tree trunk! A wonderful guy and his wife was lovely and gracious. He was a credit to the industry!
