Key Highlights
- The bronze statue of legendary boxer Teddy Baldock has been stolen from Langdon Park in east London.
- Baldock was Britain’s youngest boxing world champion at 19 in 1927 and fought in front of huge crowds, including Madison Square Garden and the Royal Albert Hall.
- Martin Sax, Baldock’s grandson, raised £100,000 for the commemorative statue unveiled in 2014.
- The theft left only Baldock’s feet attached to the stone plinth, with his boxing boots still intact.
Lost Glory: The Theft of Teddy Baldock’s Statue
Britain lost a piece of its sporting heritage last weekend when thieves cut down the bronze statue of boxer Teddy Baldock from its plinth in Langdon Park, east London. The theft left only his feet behind, with boxing boots still attached to the stone base.
From Poplar’s Pride to Global Champion
The statue, known as “the pride of Poplar,” commemorates Baldock’s remarkable career. Born in 1907, he became a boxer at 14 and won the bantamweight world title in 1927 at just 19 years old. His achievements included fights at Madison Square Garden and the Royal Albert Hall.
A Tragic Fall from Grace
Baldock’s life took a steep turn after his boxing career. He retired early, turned to gambling and drinking, and lost much of his money when the East End was heavily bombed during World War II. His grandson, Martin Sax, who is now 56, raised £100,000 for the statue’s erection in 2014.
“I’m a mixture of upset and angry,” Sax said. “It’s an amazing piece of art, and to think that people have stolen it, and all that’s going to happen is it’ll get melted down and they’ll get scrap value for an iconic statue in the center of London of a British sporting hero— it’s very sad really.”
The Metaphorical Value
While Sax hopes media attention might deter scrap metal merchants from touching the stolen statue, the theft raises broader questions about the preservation and respect for local history and memorabilia. The theft of this statue is not just a loss to Baldock’s legacy; it’s a reminder that our past can be vulnerable to those who seek only profit.
Langdon Park council expressed shock at the incident, stating, “We are shocked to hear of the theft of the Teddy Baldock statue from Langdon Park.” The Metropolitan Police said no arrests have been made since the theft was reported on Sunday.
