USA to face Iran in wrestling exhibition

Jacob Varner won gold for the U.S. during the London Olympics, but the IOC wants wrestling removed from the 2020 games.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The United States will face Iran in a wrestling exhibition in Los Angeles next month.

USA Wrestling announced Thursday that the Americans will face Iran at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on May 19, four days after the two nations and Russia compete in New York City.

The exhibitions are part of the sport's efforts to get back onto the Olympic program. The IOC recommended in February that wrestling not be a core sport for the 2020 Games, though officials are fighting to retain that spot.

Iran's wrestlers are making their first trip to the United States in 10 years.

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