WRESTLER PROFILES

	Wrestler: John Dasilva Real Name: Birthday: Hometown: Great Barrier Island, NZ Marital Status: Married to Beryl Thompson Height & Weight: Trained by: Debut: Previous Gimmicks: Finishing Move: The Surfboard Favorite Moves: Notable Feuds: Robert Bruce
New Zealand Heavyweight title defeating Al Hobman (September 7, 1967); New Zealand British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeated George Gordienko (March 18, 1968);
John DaSilva was a top amateur wrestler who learned the professional trade in Britain and then returned home.. John DaSilva is the son of Ding DaSilva, a champion axeman who was famous amongst New Zealanders in the 1930s.. 1956: John DaSilva represented New Zealand at the Melbourne Olympic Games.. 1958: John DaSilva represented New Zealand at the British Empire Games in Wales.. John DaSilva decided to stay in England and turn professional and became one of the top draws.. 1960: John DaSilva headed to the USA and Canada, where he wrestled such stas as Buddy Rogers, Killer Kowalski, Fred Atkins.. John DaSilva also wrestled British Empire Champion Whipper Billy Watson to a draw.. John DaSilva eventually returned to New Zealand.. September 7, 1967: John DaSilva defeated Al Hobman to win the New Zealand Heavyweight Title.. March 18, 1968: John DaSilva defeated George Gordienko to win the British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight Title.. John DaSilva went on to hold the British Empire Commonwealth Title on six different occasions. John DaSilva defended his title against Gordon Nelson, Robert Bruno, Robert Bruce, Abdullah the Butcher & Bulldog Brower.. 1977: Don Muraco defeated John DaSilva for the British Empire Commonwealth Title.. John DaSilva was called back to England to appear before The Duke of Edinburgh in the Royal Albert Hall.. ~~~He wrestled Hungarian and former Olympian Tibor Szakacs in an exhibition match.. John DaSilva travelled to Germany where he won the 15 man Krefeld International Tournament.. John DaSilva continued to train amateur wrestlers while still wrestling professionally.. John DaSilva and his family settled back in New Zealand.. John DaSilva also wrestled a in Australia for promoter Jim Barnett in Australia.. August 12, 2006--NZPWI Invitational: John DaSilva made a special appearance to present a trophy to the Tournament Winner...