Iconic Bronze Statue of Boxing Legend Teddy Baldock Stolen in Night-Time Raid
In a shocking act of theft that has left the local community reeling, the life-size bronze statue of East London boxing icon Teddy Baldock was stolen from Langdon Park in the middle of the night. The criminals left behind only the statue's shoes, a poignant reminder of the 'Pride of Poplar' who once stood proudly in the park.
Thieves Target Memorial to Britain's Youngest World Champion
The statue, valued at approximately £100,000, was cut down from its plinth on the night of Saturday, January 31. It had been erected in 2014 as a tribute to Teddy Baldock, who made history in 1927 by becoming Britain's youngest ever boxing world champion at just 19 years old, winning the World Bantamweight Title. The location in Langdon Park, near the Langdon Park DLR stop and Spotlight Youth Centre, was chosen to honour his roots in Poplar.
Martin Sax, Baldock's grandson and the driving force behind the statue's creation, expressed his devastation and fear that the thieves may sell the bronze for scrap metal. "It took a lot of effort getting the statue erected. We had to raise about £100,000. To know it's most likely going to be melted and turned into scrap is horrendous," he told local media. The statue had stood without incident for over a decade, never once vandalised, making this theft particularly shocking.
Community Outcry and Calls for Information
The theft has sparked outrage among boxing enthusiasts and residents alike. The team behind the London Boxing History account on social media platform X described the incident as "absolutely scandalous" and urged anyone with information to contact the police. They highlighted the immense community effort that went into fundraising and installing the statue, which was unveiled on May 16, 2014—the anniversary of Baldock's title win.
Mr Sax shared personal insights into his grandfather's legacy, noting that Baldock was a national sporting hero in the 1920s, frequently celebrated in newspapers as the "Pride of Poplar." His own journey to honour this heritage began after discovering scrapbooks of Baldock's career, leading to a campaign that involved years of research and fundraising, supported by his background as a former Royal Marine.
Appeal to Prevent Melting for Scrap
Authorities and the family are now racing against time to recover the statue before it is potentially destroyed. Mr Sax made a direct appeal to scrap metal dealers, hoping they will recognise the piece and refrain from melting it down. "I hope that any scrap metal dealers that come across it, because it would have to be a certain facility that does it, they don't melt it down," he pleaded.
Police are investigating the theft and have asked the public for assistance. Anyone with information can contact them via 101, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their website. The loss of this statue not only represents a significant financial blow but also a deep cultural wound for East London, erasing a tangible link to a pioneering sports figure whose story inspired generations.
