William Perry was a pugilist in the 19th century and became the English Champion. from 1850-57 He was know as the Tipton Slasher and there is a statue commemorating his achievements in Coronation Gardens which is alongside the canal. This is rather appropriate as he was a canal worker.
His base until 1851 was at The Fountain Inn, opposite Coronation Gardens.
Whether this pub still produces bare-knuckle fighters I would not hazard a guess.
Of course, Leamington Spa is also on the canal and they have their boxing hero - Randolph Turpin. I remember my dad talking about him in reverential tones and relating how he beat Sugar RayRobinson in 15 rounds. (10 July 1951) for the World Middleweight title.
This was a short lived title, however, as he lost it to Robinson in September the same year.
I don't remember dad ever telling me about that.
This statue of him is in Warwick which is also on the canal but I am not sure of the connection.
Still, everyone loves a hero!
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