A KNOCKOUT piece of one of the county’s biggest sporting heroes is being displayed at Leamington Art Gallery and Museum.
The personal boxing head guard of legend Randolph Turpin has been bought by the gallery in Leamington’s Pump Rooms and is on display on the mezzanine floor.
The leather head guard was worn by Turpin throughout his career, which culminated in his defeat of Sugar Ray Robinson at Earl’s Court, London, in 1951, for the World Middleweight Boxing Title Championship.
This victory transformed Turpin into a national hero. A crowd of 18,000 people waited to cheer him at Leamington Town Hall when he returned as the world champion.
Vicki Slade, curator at the gallery, said: “We are very excited to be able to represent Turpin because he is a national sporting hero. The headguard will be on permanent display, along with a replica of a statue that stands in Warwick town centre.
“We are glad that we are able to represent Turpin’s career and life.”
Local councillors are also excited about the new addition to the museum.
Councillor Michael Doody, leader of Warwick District Council, said: “This is an important acquisition that will add to the memory of Randolph Turpin, the celebrated boxer from Leamington.
“I am sure that many people will wish to come and see it at the art gallery.”
Councillor Susan Gallagher, portfolio holder for culture, added: “I am delighted that we have been able to obtain some memorabilia belonging to Randolph Turpin as I think he is our greatest local sports hero.
“It will be fantastic to display it to remind local people how great he was.”
Known as the Leamington Licker, Turpin retired in 1958 with a record of 64 wins, one draw and eight losses.
But he shot and killed himself above his wife’s transport cafe in Leamington eight years later over health and financial worries.
He was just 37.
His 17-month-old daughter Carmen was also injured but she refuses to believe he was responsible.
Although born in Leamington, Turpin lived in neighbouring Warwick and, in 2001, a bronze statue of the boxer was unveiled in Warwick town centre.
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