A commemorative statue of the Helston-born boxer Bob Fitzsimmons could be put up in the town – but is it something you would like to see?

Members of Helston Town Council discussed the possibility of the statue being placed in the Sunken Garden at its latest full council meeting on Thursday (June 15) following a request from a member of the public who wants to fundraise for one. 

However, a decision on the statue and if and where it should be placed in the town split members of the council.

Helston’s newly elected mayor Miles Kenchington made the decision to ‘step back’ on the proposal to find out more about the statue. He said: “I think we need to learn more about what they are proposing.

“And then come back to us again to make a decision on the area which we may be able to offer.”

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This isn't the first time the statue proposal has come to the council in Helston. In 2006, the Packet reported that Mick Timpson from Helston Rotary Club made the proposal for the statue to be placed in the town. 

Bob Fitzsimmons was born in Helston on May 26, 1863. He attended school in Helston but moved to New Zealand with his family when he was ten.

In 1891, Fitzsimmons won his first world title from Jack (Nonpareil) Dempsey in New Orleans, America. In 1896, Bob won the World Heavyweight Championship in a fight in Texas.

Bob’s legacy is already commemorated in the house he was born in on Wendron Street, Helston. A large blue circular plaque is placed on the outside wall of the house.

What are your thoughts on a Bob Fitzsimmons statue being placed in the town, and if you would like to see where would you want it to be placed? Let us know by emailing kate.lockett@newsquest.co.uk