Victor the wrestling bear took on all comers during Fayette Mall’s ninth anniversary celebration on Sept. 24, 1980. Victor was declawed and defanged, and he was muzzled when he wrestled. He reportedly stood 6 feet, 9 inches tall and weighed about 650 pounds, although those numbers varied, according to this story. Anyone older than 18 could wrestle Victor. Photo by Ron Garrison | Staff

University of Kentucky wrestler Fred Ringo accepted the challenge and took on Victor the traveling wrestling bear at Fayette Mall on Sept. 24, 1980, as part of the mall’s ninth anniversary celebration. Victor stood 6 feet, 9 inches tall and weighed about 650 pounds. Anyone older than 18 could wrestle Victor. Photo by Ron Garrison | Staff