A SPORTING legend from Leamington was recently the talk of the House of Commons.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western, while leading a debate in Parliament, recognised the 70th anniversary of boxer Randolph Turpin winning the World Middleweight title.
Mr Western reminded the House of Randy Turpin’s stellar fight against the mighty Sugar Ray Robinson, earning him the accolade of the first black British boxer to win the World Middleweight title.
Nicknamed the ‘Leamington Licker’, there is a statue to Turpin which stands proudly stands tall in Warwick town centre.
During his speech Mr Western also recognised the Leamington boxing clubs looking to produce the next generation of boxing champions.
Mr Western recently met some of these young boxers – Serena Mali, Jaya Kalsi and Aman Kumar – at Turpin’s statue.
The MP would still like to see Turpin’s achievements recognised more nationally.
He said: “His extraordinary reputation – recognised more in the United States than here – led many to visit Warwick and Leamington to pay homage to the great man.
“Randy Turpin was an undisputed world champion. I hope he will one day get the national recognition he deserves.”
Mr Western also paid tribute to the efforts of Adrian Bush whose dedicated work helped lead to the erection of the statue of Turpin.
