When dad ruled World of Sport

10:13am Friday 3rd August 2007

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Millions of children grow up believing their dads are invincible tough guys, but for Dean Borg this was closer to the truth than most.

While most dads earned a crust in run-of-the-mill jobs, Dean's made his living battling it out in the wrestling ring with his twin brother, Iggy.

Tony and Iggy Borg were better known for their wrestling double-act the Borg Twins, which took them all over the country during the 1970s and 1980s.

They were World of Wrestling champions and the time is one Tony looks back on fondly.

He said: "We really enjoyed ourselves and, because we were identical twins, we had an edge over other wrestlers, particularly with tag teams.

"We really enjoyed the travel and the fame was quite nice too.

"Because we were Croydon boys the shows we used to do at Fairfield Halls would sell out a month in advance.

"We would often get recognised in the street. I gave up during the 1980s."

Now Dean fears his dad's achievements - televised on ITV's World of Sport during the golden era of British wrestling - could be forgotten.

The 41-year-old father-of-two from Orchard Way in Shirley said: "I was only young, so I have very vague memories. Obviously we are all getting older - including my dad - and we would like to find some footage of him so he can enjoy showing his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends that he was a professional wrestler and performed to a very high standard."

Dean added: "In the days of Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy and Kendo Nagasaki they were definitely on the side of the good guys, not the villains.

"I used to get really excited when I saw them fighting on the telly - they were once on right before the FA Cup. My friends all seemed to be very impressed as well.

"We were living in Bines Road, in South Croydon, at the time and they both used to wrestle at Fairfield Halls from time to time.

"Dad being a wrestler really encouraged us to get into sport and fitness, so it was a really good influence on us.

"He also used to coach our football team. I can remember him pushing us so hard during training.

"It did us the world of good because we were the fittest football team in the league."

- Dean would love to hear from anyone who has any video footage of his dad and uncle wrestling. If you can help, contact the newsroom on 020 8330 9556 or email kmcqueeney@london.newsquest.co.uk.