This John DaSilva story was written in the 1960's. The title was dreamed up by the magazine editor. I would never call John bad, as he was a gentleman in and out of the ring.
Regarding the story John was always billed around Europe as a Maori Chief. However in actual fact John was Spanish, Portuguese, Tahitian descent and had no Maori blood.
I recently attended John's 70th birthday party in Auckland.
Big Bad John
U.S. Wrestling Revue Oct 1967
New Zealand's globe trotting Maori warrior Big John DaSilva has at last returned home to settle, after barnstorming his way around the globe for the past eight years.
Since New Zealand born Pat O'Connor won the world's heavyweight crown several years ago, no outstanding prospect has emerged from this country. But now DaSilva, with years of experience behind him against the top names of America, Europe and Asia, looks a great prospect for world honours. Like Pat O'Connor, John was a great amateur and held the New Zealand heavyweight title on many occasions. He was also Auckland amateur heavyweight boxing champion.
John was selected to represent New Zealand at the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. In his first contest he lost a narrow decision to the Russian Ivan Vykhristiouk. In his second match John was again beaten on points by the Iranian H. Nouri. Although beaten in both contests, John amazed his opponents with his tremendous strength.
In 1958, John represented New Zealand in the British Empire Games at Cardiff, Wales. He defeated British Champion Ken Richmond in quick time and was eventually placed fourth. John didn't return home with the rest of the team, but decided to turn professional and stay in Britain. It wasn't long before John was a top drawing card throughout the British Isles.
In the All-Nations tournament in Germany, John was placed second, a remarkable feat for a new professional. Back in England he was soon topping the bill at the Royal Albert Hall, the luxurious arena in the heart of London.
In 1960, John headed for the United States and Canada. He drew with British Empire Champion "Whipper" Billy Watson in a championship match at Hamilton. This was a terrific match with former World's Champ Watson hard pressed to save his title. At the Maple Leaf Gardens, John caused a sensation when he beat The Mighty Jumbo, the 500-pounder from Dixie.
Other top names were Buddy Rogers, Mitsu Arakawa. Dominic and Dino DeNucci, Fred Atkins, Mighty Ursus, Stan Mills, Stan Kowalski, Frankie "Farmer" Townsend, Don McLarity and Mike Valentino.
John then headed for his homeland New Zealand and amazed his followers with his polished displays. He defeated Jack Bence and Clyde Steeves before his hometown fans.
Next stop was India, where fantastic crowds attend wrestling contests. There John met Dara Singh, Sandagar Singh, Tiger Joginder, Tarlok Singh, S. S. Chandhawa and Prince Kumali. While in India John also took part in a film called "Aawara Abdullah."
Back in England, John had his greatest moment in sport, when he was elected to appear before The Duke of Edinburgh, at the Royal Albert Hall. John was at the top of the bill with the Hungarian sensation Tibor Szakacs, a former Olympic amateur, and one of the most popular wrestlers in Britain. John was beaten by the Hungarian in a wonderful exhibition of textbook wrestling which the Duke thoroughly enjoyed.
Wrestling again in Germany in the big Krefeld International Tournament against fifteen of wrestling's top stars, John emerged the winner. In this tournament, he defeated Tibor Szakacs and Texas Jack Bence and in all won twelve matches to gain top points.
Always a great supporter of amateur wrestling, John often trains with the top amateurs and worked out with Britain's top boys before the Tokyo Olympics.
In May of 1966, John, his wife Beryl and two lovely young daughters left England and set out across Europe to start their long trek to New Zealand to settle. First stop was Greece, where John drew large crowds, then to Lebanon to take part in a large international tournament.
Next stop was Singapore where John is a big favourite. After a short stop in Australia, John arrived home fit and ready to challenge all heavyweights in the dominion. First to accept the challenge was Frank Lipanovich, a local favourite whom John defeated in a great contest.
It was only a matter of weeks before John was champion of New Zealand again ' this time professional champion.
Back to Singapore to keep a promise with the promoter there, John was promptly challenged by Suraj Bhan. This challenge was for $1000 and was open to the first wrestler to beat him fairly in any style. John accepted the challenge and elected to wrestle Olympic rules. After twenty seconds the match was all over, and John was $1000 richer. On this tour he also met the "Man Mountain" of Asia, King Kong Emil Czaja and Dara Singh.
Back in New Zealand, John whipped the Maori champion Bull Potatau in 7 rounds.
John also told me of a recent Sydney match where 5000 were turned away. It wasn't long before John developed into a great favourite with the Australian crowds and promoters Barnett and Doyle are keen for John to stay there as long as possible. In recent matches he has met Ray Stevens, Brute Bernard, Skull Murphy, Roy Heffernan, The Destroyer, Johnny Boyd, Alan Penfold and Kangaroo Kennedy.
One of the greatest wrestlers New Zealand has produced and a real credit to wrestling, John will continue to be a major threat to any world title claimants. The mighty Maori is the son of a famous father. Ding DaSilva won fame as a champion axeman in the thirties and is still in excellent shape. He is always at the ringside when John is in action in Auckland.
Wood chopping is a very popular sport in New Zealand. Contestants are given tree trunks of equivalent size, the idea being to see who can chop through first. John is very enthusiastic about this sport, and claims it is first class for developing important muscles used in wrestling. No one looking at this magnificent physique will deny that he has a point there.
