Off to Alaska

Gotch began training with Burns in the catch-as-catch-can style, which allowed submission holds and even some choke holds. He won a series of matches in Iowa then set off for Alaska, where wrestling and boxing were big attractions in the rough and tumble mining towns. He assumed the name of Frank Kennedy and became champion of the Klondike. His biggest victory came over long-time champion Silas Archer. Gotch earned nearly $30,000 in his six-month stay in Alaska, and also learned a very painful lesson. A top-ranked heavyweight pugilist by the name of Frank Slavin was also working the camps, taking on all comers in boxing.

A boxing match was arranged between the two Franks, and Gotch climbed into the ring to try another man's sport. It was NOT a mixed boxing/wrestling match, but a strict boxing contest. Slavin, relying on skills learned through many years of boxing, battered Gotch bloody. Finally, in the fourth round, Gotch pushed Slavin into a corner, grabbed him and threw him through the ropes into the crowd. Gotch was immediately disqualified. Years later, Gotch said he learned a good lesson...never take on another man in the other's field of expertise, but make him fight your style.

Gotch narrowly escaped a watery death when he was scheduled to leave for home on an ill-fated vessel called the Skagway. Though his trunk of clothes was on board, Frank was detained by friends at the last moment who wanted to give him a big sendoff, and missed the ship. It sank a few hours later, with 36 people drowning.