Jim Breaks facts for kids

James Breaks (born March 25, 1940 – died December 25, 2023) was a famous English professional wrestler. He won many important wrestling titles during his career. Jim Breaks often appeared on ITV's wrestling shows, especially World of Sport. People could read about his matches in the TVTimes magazine.

Early Life and Training

Jim Breaks was born in Bradford, England, in 1940. His family later moved to West Bowling. There, he started training as an amateur wrestler at the Windmill Club.

When he was 18, Jim joined the National Service. He worked as a physical training instructor for the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. After his service, he worked in a textile mill. But then, he met wrestling promoter Norman Morrell. This meeting inspired Jim to become a professional wrestler. He trained with Bernard Murray to start his new career.

Wrestling Career Highlights

Jim Breaks began his professional wrestling journey in December 1958. His first match was against his teacher, Bernard Murray, which he lost. After three years, he joined Dale Martin Promotions in 1962. A year later, he returned to Joint Promotions.

Winning His First Championship

In October 1963, Jim won his very first championship. He became the British Lightweight Champion. He defeated Melwyn Riss, who had held the title for almost five years. Jim kept this title for over three years. He lost it to Alan Miquet in February 1967.

European and Welterweight Titles

Just a month later, Jim won the European Lightweight Championship. He defeated Modesto Aledo. He later had to give up this title but won it back in May. In November 1967, Jim also won the British Welterweight Championship. He defeated Alan Sargeant for this title. Sargeant later won the title back from Jim.

More Lightweight Championship Reigns

In December 1968, Jim Breaks won the British Lightweight Championship again. He defeated Alan Miquet for his second reign. Six months later, Zoltan Boscik took the title from him.

Jim and Bill Ross often traded the European Lightweight Championship between 1970 and 1974. Jim won this title five times in total during this period.

In August 1971, Jim won the British Lightweight Championship for a third time. He defeated Johnny Saint. He then traded this title with other famous wrestlers. These included Jon Cortez, Bobby Ryan, Alan Miquet, Dynamite Kid, and Steve Grey. His last reign as British Lightweight Champion ended in March 1984, when he lost to Steve Grey.

Later Career and Final Titles

In September 1975, Jim lost his fifth European Lightweight Championship to Bobby Ryan. He continued to trade this title with Bobby Ryan and Johnny Saint. His seventh reign ended in March 1981 when Jon Cortez won the title.

In 1985, Jim joined All-Star Wrestling. In February 1985, he won the European Lightweight Championship for an eighth time. He defeated Jackie Robinson. He continued to trade this title with Jon Cortez, Peter Bainbridge, Steve Grey, and Kid McCoy. He held this title until he fully retired in 1991.

In November 1985, Jim Breaks won his only World Lightweight Championship. He defeated Johnny Saint for this title. He held it for over a year before Johnny Saint won it back. Jim Breaks retired from active wrestling in 1988 but wrestled part-time for three more years.

Later Life and Passing

Jim Breaks once owned a pub called the New Inn in Wyke with his ex-wife Carol.

In 1989, he helped with a play about wrestling called Trafford Tanzi And The Venus Flytrap in Huddersfield.

Jim Breaks passed away in Gran Canaria, Spain, on December 25, 2023. He was 83 years old.

Championships and Accomplishments

Jim Breaks won many championships during his wrestling career:

• British Championships
  • British Lightweight Championship (11 times)
  • British Welterweight Championship (8 times)
  • European Lightweight Championship (17 times)
  • World Lightweight Championship (1 time)