Title History
- New Zealand Heavyweight title defeating Al Hobman (September 7, 1967);
- NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeating George Gordienko (March 18, 1968);
- NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeating Gordon Nelson (September 26, 1968);
- NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeating Robert Bruce (September 16, 1973);
- NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeating Abdullah the Butcher (????, 1974);
- NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeating Bulldog Brower (????, 1975);
- NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight title defeating Robert Bruce (????, 1976);
Career Highlights
- 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…