Dave Bond
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This was originally posted in our Facebook Group as part of a series called Grappling With Color for Black History Month.
Dave Bond was born Frank Wallen on June 27, 1954.
Even before his life would take him to international fame Dave was an already successful sportsman, whether it be in rugby, football (soccer), cricket or even judo, Dave mastered every level. Through these sporting activities eventually led him into the "United Club" and there is where his life would take him to another level, he began training in the Catch-as-Catch-Can style of wrestling. It was introduced to him by Joe D'Orazio (a former Black belt in judoka as well as a famed referee), and thus transforming Frank Wallen into Dave Bond.
During training sessions he would train with the likes of Lee Bronson (mostly noted for having incredible bouts against Billy Robinson) and Mark "Rollerball" Rocco (AKA Black Tiger, you guys should know him by now). From Dave "The Lion" Bond to "Butcher" Bond to the "Soulman" Bond, he carried himself with swagger as well as backing it up with excellent technicality and hard nosed offense.
His last bout was in July of 1988 and sadly he passed on January 4, 2012.
The Caribbean Sunshine Boys, formed in 1977 and the name was given to them by Mike Marino. This tag team was actually the first time Johnny Kincaid or Dave were heavily booed! Even noted as villains Dave and Johnny TORE THE HOUSES DOWN in the UK. Going against every team from the Kung Fu Fighters to Roy St Clair and Tarzan Wilson, they were capable of having the crowds eating from the palms of their hands.
These guys were able to be super technical to match their opponents and be sneaky and evil heels when they needed to be, ripping the rule book to shreds and throwing it in the fire. The team only lasted less than a year. They caused riots, controversy and a lasting impact in professional wrestling. Both men remained best friends up until their passing.
The below videos (part one and two) are actually of the debut of both the Caribbean Sunshine Boys and the Kung Fu Fighters (Pete Roberts and Kung Fu). It took place on October 8, 1977 at the Fairfield Halls in London.
Even before his life would take him to international fame Dave was an already successful sportsman, whether it be in rugby, football (soccer), cricket or even judo, Dave mastered every level. Through these sporting activities eventually led him into the "United Club" and there is where his life would take him to another level, he began training in the Catch-as-Catch-Can style of wrestling. It was introduced to him by Joe D'Orazio (a former Black belt in judoka as well as a famed referee), and thus transforming Frank Wallen into Dave Bond.
During training sessions he would train with the likes of Lee Bronson (mostly noted for having incredible bouts against Billy Robinson) and Mark "Rollerball" Rocco (AKA Black Tiger, you guys should know him by now). From Dave "The Lion" Bond to "Butcher" Bond to the "Soulman" Bond, he carried himself with swagger as well as backing it up with excellent technicality and hard nosed offense.
His last bout was in July of 1988 and sadly he passed on January 4, 2012.
The Caribbean Sunshine Boys, formed in 1977 and the name was given to them by Mike Marino. This tag team was actually the first time Johnny Kincaid or Dave were heavily booed! Even noted as villains Dave and Johnny TORE THE HOUSES DOWN in the UK. Going against every team from the Kung Fu Fighters to Roy St Clair and Tarzan Wilson, they were capable of having the crowds eating from the palms of their hands.
These guys were able to be super technical to match their opponents and be sneaky and evil heels when they needed to be, ripping the rule book to shreds and throwing it in the fire. The team only lasted less than a year. They caused riots, controversy and a lasting impact in professional wrestling. Both men remained best friends up until their passing.
The below videos (part one and two) are actually of the debut of both the Caribbean Sunshine Boys and the Kung Fu Fighters (Pete Roberts and Kung Fu). It took place on October 8, 1977 at the Fairfield Halls in London.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Biography of Dave Bond.
Author: John Hubert Williams (Dantethescrub_ on InstaGram).
Published: October 27, 2019.
Biography: #189.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Biography of Dave Bond.
Author: John Hubert Williams (Dantethescrub_ on InstaGram).
Published: October 27, 2019.
Biography: #189.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.