Boxing fans are trying to bring back a Nottingham sporting legend to the City Centre.
Boxer William “Bendigo” Thompson used to bring crowds of thousands to the Old Market Square during the 19th century and became one of the best bare-knuckle boxers of his time.
Despite him being a historic champion, the only memorial in Nottingham is a stone statue on top of a restaurant in Sneinton.
Local fans are now trying to campaign to get Bendigo to get the same recognition as the likes of Robin Hood and Brian Clough by having a statue made of him in bronze in the city centre.
Picture: The current statue of Bendigo stands above a restaurant in Sneinton.
Ryan Walker-Drain is leading the campaign to try and give Bendigo the memorial that he deserves.
He said: “I think we should continue to celebrate people like Bendigo and not forget them. I hope that people will be talking about Carl Froch in 200 years time.
“He achieved what he achieved at that time and he dominated that era. He was the pride of Nottingham and that should be spoken about forever.”
Video: Ryan, a big fan of Bendigo believes the ‘legend’ should be remembered.
In 1835 Bendigo became the Champion of all England and 1955 saw him entered into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
The next step of the campaign is to raise its profile and try and get some more famous names on board as well. But it could take some time before any decision is reached.
To join the campaign search ‘Nottingham wants a new Bendigo statue’.
To watch the full report on the Bendigo statue campaign tune in to Notts TV at 5.30 or it will be available on catch up.
