by Dick Bourne
Mid-Atlantic Gateway
A special thanks to my friend Andy McDaniel who presented me with this replica of the 1959-1973 NWA World Heavyweight Championship belt. It was the version of the NWA belt held by Pat O'Connor, Buddy Rogers, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski, Dory Funk, Jr., Harley Race and even briefly by Jack Brisco. I chronicle that belt and its history in my book Crown Jewel.
Andy wrote me a nice note, too. "I am so proud of your Jim Melby award and hated I had to miss that moment," he wrote. "I hope the detail of this belt is a great homage to your last book."
It was a generous and thoughtful gift and I treasure having it. Thanks Andy!
