THERE are more than 300 statues in central London that honour the great and the good from most walks of life. Astonishingly, my research reveals there is not one that glorifies the deeds of a British sportsman. But that anomaly should at last be rectified next year particularly if it's by public demand. That's because an 8ft-high bronze statue of Sir Henry Cooper has been commissioned by the thousand-strong London Ex-Boxers Association. Cooper died seven months ago two days before his 77th birthday and the obituaries agreed that Our 'Enry transcended his sport. The former British and European heavyweight champion, the first and only boxer to be knighted, was regarded as a national treasure. Ray Caulfield, LEBA's treasurer said: "Our members unanimously agreed there could be no finer tribute to Henry than to see a larger-than-life statue in the capital. "It would be a fitting memorial to an outstanding champion and gentlemen." Carl Payne, the renowned sculptor, has agreed to undertake the project. Two examples of Payne's work are the statue of Randy Turpin, the ex-world middleweight champion, that stands in the centre of Warwick and the other is of Sir Stanley Matthews that graces Stoke's Britannia Stadium. It is not unusual for bronze models weighing half a ton or more and sculptured by someone of Payne's reputation to cost in the region of £100,000. But because Cooper was one of Payne's boyhood heroes, the ardent fight fan has generously offered to cut his fee to £60,000. He said: "It was 10 years ago when I was introduced to Henry when he graciously gave up his time to come to Warwick to unveil Turpin's statue. "Like everyone else, I was thrilled to meet him and was captivated by his modesty and friendliness. "He told me, 'If I'm ever fortunate enough to have a statue done of me, I would love you to make it'. "So you can imagine how proud I was when LEBA contacted me and asked if I would do it. I jumped at the chance." Caulfield and his team now have the task of raising £60,000. But he said: "We are hoping a number of Henry's showbusiness buddies will contribute and I expect members of the public will want to donate. "The boxing fraternity will certainly do their bit. I've already got £8,000 in the kitty one of our members has given £5,000." Once Payne gets started, it will take him at least nine months to complete. Then will come the big question. Where should Sir Henry's statue be located? Southwark Council have given permission for it to be erected in the park opposite the Thomas A'Beckett pub in the Old Kent Road where Cooper trained for most of his fights. But I feel strongly that Henry deserves to be put on a pedestal at a far more famous landmark. Back to top of page