A £100,000 bronze statue commemorating Britain's youngest ever world championship boxer, which was stolen by masked raiders from outside a London station, is set to be replaced with significantly enhanced security protections, according to exclusive revelations.
Investigation Draws a Blank After February Theft
Detectives released CCTV footage showing masked suspects tearing down the statue of legendary fighter Teddy Baldock in an appeal following the theft on February 1. However, the investigation has failed to produce any leads, prompting Teddy's family to pursue a replacement funded through an insurance claim.
The Pride of Poplar's Legacy
Teddy Baldock, known affectionately as the Pride of Poplar, achieved global recognition when he became the bantamweight champion of the world in 1927 at just 19 years old after defeating American boxer Archie Bell. The original statue, made possible through funds raised by his grandson Martin Sax, was unveiled outside Langdon Park DLR station near Teddy's Poplar birthplace in 2014.
The ceremony attracted boxing luminaries including former lightweight world champion Charlie Magri and lightweight Colin Dunne, who lost only three professional fights throughout his career. Thieves subsequently cut down the statue, leaving only the bronze boxing boots on the plinth located outside the Spotlight youth centre and a boxing gym.
Family Vows to Rebuild from the Boots Up
Martin Sax, a former Royal Marine, described the theft as 'soul destroying' but emphasized that it has motivated him to restore his grandfather's bronze likeness to its rightful place. He stated, 'The police have drawn a blank but we are not going to take the theft as a knockout. We are going to get up and fight back like Teddy would have wanted and would have done himself. We are going to literally build it back from the boots up.'
Martin speculated that the thieves likely stole the statue for mere hundreds of pounds from the melted bronze value, calling the act heartbreaking. However, he noted strong community support, saying, 'The community has rallied around and we are going to get a statue of my grandfather back on that plinth.'
Enhanced Security Measures Planned
The new statue will incorporate steel rods inside the legs to make cutting through more difficult. Martin acknowledged existing CCTV coverage but pointed out that criminals covering their faces renders facial recognition technology ineffective. He expressed optimism about community vigilance, stating, 'After the first theft, local people will be on the lookout for suspicious people hanging around the statue. They are very community spirited.'
Inspiration for Future Generations
Martin, who conceived the original statue idea while researching family history, emphasized that local youth groups will take center stage during the replacement statue's unveiling. He explained, 'My grandfather showed what you can achieve from humble beginnings if you work hard. He started as a fighter aged 14 and made the most of his talent.'
He added, 'I want young people to be given the confidence to go forward with their dreams even if they are from a disadvantaged area. The youth and boxing club overlooks the site of the statue and I want the young people to take inspiration from it. These thieves who took it will have won if that plinth stays empty. Teddy will be up there again—we will not let him down.'
Teddy Baldock's Illustrious Career
Teddy Baldock died at age 62 after a distinguished boxing career that included fights at prestigious venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York. He was renowned for his exceptional hand speed and agility. The thieves reportedly cut through the statue's legs before loading it onto a cargo bike and fleeing the park under darkness.
