Professional Wrestler. Born Houston Harris in Little Rock, Arkansas, he grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. After training with Joe Savoldi, he made his ring debut in 1951. Originally, he was dubbed "Boo Boo" Brazil, but a printing mistake on an advertisement led to a life as Bobo Brazil. In the early days of his career, segregation limited his engagements as promoters would only match him against other black wrestlers. Brazil, however, became such a popular figure, fans clamored for more of him, and led to a breakdown of the color barrier in the sport, and Brazil's role in history as "the Jackie Robinson of professional wrestling." Further, he became the first black wrestler to win the NWA world heavyweight title on October 18, 1962. He broke down another wall in 1970 when he teamed with El Mongol to defeat Mr. Ito and The Great Ota in the first racially-mixed match in Atlanta. He achieved further success holding many regional NWA championships in the Detroit, Toronto, Florida, San Francisco and Mid-Atlantic regions throughout his career. Peers claimed he had the hardest head in the sport, finishing off rivals with a rapid series of head butts he called the "Coco Butt." He opened Bobo's Grill, a local landmark, in his home town of Benton Harbor, Michigan in the 1970s. In 1994, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Professional Wrestler. Born Houston Harris in Little Rock, Arkansas, he grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. After training with Joe Savoldi, he made his ring debut in 1951. Originally, he was dubbed "Boo Boo" Brazil, but a printing mistake on an advertisement led to a life as Bobo Brazil. In the early days of his career, segregation limited his engagements as promoters would only match him against other black wrestlers. Brazil, however, became such a popular figure, fans clamored for more of him, and led to a breakdown of the color barrier in the sport, and Brazil's role in history as "the Jackie Robinson of professional wrestling." Further, he became the first black wrestler to win the NWA world heavyweight title on October 18, 1962. He broke down another wall in 1970 when he teamed with El Mongol to defeat Mr. Ito and The Great Ota in the first racially-mixed match in Atlanta. He achieved further success holding many regional NWA championships in the Detroit, Toronto, Florida, San Francisco and Mid-Atlantic regions throughout his career. Peers claimed he had the hardest head in the sport, finishing off rivals with a rapid series of head butts he called the "Coco Butt." He opened Bobo's Grill, a local landmark, in his home town of Benton Harbor, Michigan in the 1970s. In 1994, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bio by: Iola
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