A statue of Britain’s youngest ever boxing world champion has been stolen by thieves in Langdon Park.
In 2014, the late Teddy Baldock had a statue erected in Poplar dedicated to his legendary career, which saw him become the widely recognised youngest world champion in British history in 1927.
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The statue was put up in Langdon Park to commemorate Baldock’s careerCredit: Shutterstock
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Baldock had an incredible rise and was a trailblazer in the squared circleCredit: Getty
Baldock, who passed away in 1971 aged 63, was one of the original pioneers for the success of the sport in the UK.
His grandson, Martin Sax, spearheaded the push to have the statue made and was a pivotal part of an unveiling ceremony attended by hundreds.
Some of the previous generation British boxing royalty attended, including flyweight king Charlie Magri and seven-timelightweight champion Colin Dunne.
However, it has been revealed that the statue has now been stolen from its location outside Langford Park DLR station.
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Thieves were confirmed to have taken the object, which means so much to the local community.
Baldock’s grandson reported the incident to the police, and talkSPORT.com have now obtained an official statement from the Metropolitan Police.
It reads: “Police were called at 20.07hrs on Sunday, 1 February following reports that a statue had been stolen from outside Langdon Park, Poplar.
“No arrests have been made at this early stage of the investigation.
“Officers are carrying out enquiries to identify those responsible and will continue to follow every available line of enquiry.
“If you have any information please contact 101 quoting CAD 6133/1Feb. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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Baldock took an army of fans to every fight he fought in across the 1920’sCredit: ShutterstockBaldock’s statue – a pillar of the community
Baldock was one of sport’s original heroes from British shores and was worshipped in his community.
His story transcended belief, that of a world bantamweight champion who rose from a working-class background in the East End of London.
The statue was a fantastic way to commemorate his legacy and meant much to Baldock’s family.
His grandson, Martin, exclusively told talkSPORT.com: “My grandad is from the East End, he turned pro when he was 14, from a poor part of the East End and won the world title at the age of 19.
“I had the idea about the statue, which took years of fundraising to get it over the line.
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Baldock was a boxing icon to his grandson and the boxing community
“My grandad was a hero to me, we had 13 former world and British champions there.
“People have blatantly turned up to a landmark of a British sporting hero, and they are going to sell it for scrap.”
Baldock’s boxing legacy
Baldock’s most famous night came in the Royal Albert Hall in May 1927 when he boxed for the world bantamweight title.
He took on US fighter Archie Bell for the vacant title, and became the only fighter to win a world title during the 1920’s.
Baldock saw both sides of boxing with his meteoric rise, and ultimately achieved it all very early on in his life.
By the age of 24, Baldock had burnt out physically from the exhausting demands of coming through the paid ranks at such a young age.
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Baldock’s legacy will live on, and the statue must be returned to continue to mark his achievementsCredit: Getty
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Baldock’s grandson has appealed to the public for news of the statue’s disappearance
He passed away, having lost his large fortune, which he generated from the sport.
But his incredible time operating as a trailblazer of the sweet science will never be forgotten.