Former champion to be remembered

A new portrait of boxing legend Dick Turpin will be put up in Warwick near the statue of his brother Randolph next year.
Former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Dick Turpin who lived in the Warwick and Leamington area and died aged 69 in 1990.Former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Dick Turpin who lived in the Warwick and Leamington area and died aged 69 in 1990.
Former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion Dick Turpin who lived in the Warwick and Leamington area and died aged 69 in 1990.

Adrian Bush, chairman at Cleary’s Boxing Gym in Leamington, is leading a fundraising campaign to raise about £3,000 for the painting of Dick - who was British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion and said to have been the first black fighter to win a British boxing title.

The portrait will be put up at the Old Court House in Jury Street and Mr Bush is hoping former Heavyweight Champion David Haye will unveil the artwork early next year.

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Mr Bush, who also campaigned to have the statue of Dick’s younger brother and former World Champion Randolph installed in Market Place, said: “I’ve been in touch with members of Dick’s family and they’re really honoured that he’s being recognised.

“It’s about keeping the legacy of boxing alive in Leamington and Warwick - after the last Olympics millions of pounds are being put into the sport and you can see how popular it is through the shows we put on.

“If anybody has any other ideas to raise money for the portrait then they can get in touch with me.”

Regent Framing has donated a framed print of the photo of Dick - the original of which will be used by professional artist Paul Oz who has been commissioned to create the portrait - and this will be put up for auction at the next Cleary’s Boxing Show at the Assembly in Leamington on Friday December 13.

And at the club’s annual dinner show at Warwick School in February boxing fans can bid to win a telephone conversation with Lennox Lewis.

The proceeds from both auctions will go towards the painting.