Dear John
I have enclosed a few posed photos of my grandfather and some action photos
        

1. Teddy Baldock v Alf Kid Pattenden for the Lonsdale Belt May 16 1929 at Olympia, London

2. Teddy Baldock v Packy O'Gatty 2 round exhibition July 1929 on board SS Leviathan, Southhampton, England

3. Teddy Baldock being presented the Lonsdale Belt by Lord Lonsdale himself May 16 1929, Olympia, London

4. Bill Poster showing an upcoming Teddy Fight

5. Teddy looking well

6. Teddy Posing

7. Teddy Posing some more

John I have also enclosed my grandfather's life story which I put together in the form of a lecture. This might contain too much text for your site so I'll leave it entirely up to you what you use. I hope these items may be of interest to you. Best Wishes, Martin Sax

TEDDY BALDOCK WORLDS BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION 1927

THE EARLY YEARS

I doubt if any London boxer enjoyed a larger following than Teddy Baldock, his brilliant box fighting, colourful style and confident bearing made him an East End idol. They called him ' The Pride of Poplar ' and whenever he fought they came along in their coach-loads to support him. A record ticket seller and an amazing box office magnet, it was no wonder that the promoters fell over themselves to engage his services. Baldock was both a speedy and destructive puncher. His left lead dazzled his opponents, his right sent them to the canvas. Born at Poplar on May 20, 1908, he picked up his boxing at a local boys youth club, boxing was in his blood. His grandfather had been a bare-knuckle scrapper, and his father Ted was a regular performer at the old Wonderland Arena, so it was hardly surprising that young Teddy showed natural aptitude for the game. Much of Teddy's time was taken up in working for his father, who operated as a street bookmaker. After winning one particular fight, the youngster's reward was a bicycle, which helped him to get around the streets of Poplar to collect the betting slips and cash, which he then took to his father at a pre-arranged pub just before the first race each day. Teddy had his first paid fight at the age of 13. He beat Young Harry Makepeace over six rounds at Barking, in 1921. He was paid seven shillings and sixpence, and it was the start of an unbeaten run, which would extend to 41 fights over more than 5 years. As a teenager, Teddy was a real handful, he went to Epsom Racing Stables and became an apprentice jockey, but was sacked within a fortnight for fighting with and knocking out a more promising rider. On another occasion an angry mother, whose son had been battered by Teddy went round to the Baldock household to complain, but gave her own son an outraged clout when she saw the diminutive size of the mite who had done the damage. When Teddy Later ran away from home, his father decided that firm discipline was needed if he was to progress as a boxer. So he took Teddy along to Joe Morris, the matchmaker at Premierland, who managed former British featherweight champion Mike Honeyman. It proved to be a smart move, because although 11 years his elder, Honeyman soon got to like Teddy. They trained together in a loft above a banana-drying shed at Dewsbury street in Poplar, and Baldock soon became a regular at Premierland. One of Teddy's early fights was against fellow East Ender Young Riley, who came in a stone heavier. It made no difference however, because the Poplar boy's speed won him the decision. Within a couple of those flyweight years, Baldock had become a top favourite at London's Premierland arena where he was billed as "The Mumtaz Mahal of The Ring"-after a speedy two-year-old racehorse owned by the Aga Khan. The Poplar boy was certainly catching the eye of many followers of boxing, and after he had knocked out Young Bowler from Bethnal Green, in his 15th paid fight on 24 january, 1924, the weekly magazine, Boxing carried the following comment:

"Teddy Baldock pleased us very much by his workmanlike dispatch of Young Bowler in a minute and a half. This kid will be a star performer before long, believe us! He is speedy, accurate, and ever ready to flash out with either hand, and he weighs as yet little over seven stone." Baldock's winning run continued through 1924 and 1925, and he was now starting to fight over 15 three minute rounds, despite his age being only 18! In 1925, Teddy took on Jack Lakey as his trainer, and his progress continued, he attracted the attention of Harry Jacobs, who was the promoter at the Royal Albert Hall. He made an offer of £1,000 for Baldock to meet British and European flyweight champion Elky Clark, but Joe Morris refused, saying:"I'm nursing this kid along, and I'm content with the small-hall money he gets in the East End until he has fully matured." Jacobs, however was not a man to give up. His persistence was eventually rewarded when he matched Teddy with Antoine Merlo, of France, at the Albert Hall in December 1925. Baldock won a stirring contest on points, and arrived home to a hero's welcome from crowds who lined his street. Delighted with his performance, Jacobs promptly booked him for a series of fights with a view to matching him, eventually with Elky Clark. The meeting never happened due to the champion's ill health. Instead, Teddy was paired with Alf Barber of Brighton, and the Albert Hall was packed to capacity. Although many people believed Barber would be the man to halt Baldock's winning run, the Poplar man hammered out a brilliant 5th round stoppage victory. The interest in Baldock was incredible, and again the streets of Poplar were crowded with cheering fans when he arrived home. Hundreds of late-night papers were sold at around midnight to those boxing enthusiasts who were anxious to get the result of the fight from the stop-press column. Just 6 weeks later, Teddy faced the hard-hitting French champion, Francois Moracchini, and again many fans thought Joe Morris had allowed his fighter to be overmatched. It was a terrific fight, and there were several rounds of non-stop, toe-to-toe punching. The Frenchman, who was down in the 12th, attacked throughout, and although Baldock got the decision, it was very close. In less than 4 years Teddy had scored 36 wins and risen to be a top liner at the Albert Hall. More than half his victories had been scored within the scheduled distance. In 1926 due to problems making the flyweight limit Teddy moved up to bantamweight, and he had the urge to try his luck in America. His father was against the idea, but after several rows, it was arranged for him to accompany Ted Broadribb and a party, including Jack Hood and Alf Mancini. It was on the eve of this departure for the United States that Teddy suffered his first defeat. In what was his 42nd paid fight, he faced Kid Nicholson from Leeds, and was disqualified in the 9th round for straying low once to often, but this was only a minor set back. Four weeks later and barely 18, Teddy was heading for America. The American trip was a huge success, during his 4 month stay Teddy had 12 contests, winning eleven and drawing the other. He was a great hit with the American fans, particularly after demolishing the Canadian bantamweight champion, Arthur De Champlaine, in 63 seconds. Top promoter Tex Rickard, admitted that had Baldock been old enough he would have given him a chance to fight for the then vacant world bantamweight title. Teddy's own highlight of the trip was buying a car and driving to Philadelphia to see Jack Dempsey train and then lose in the famous "long count" fight against Gene Tunney. Teddy returned to England as a conquering hero and his manager lost no time in cashing in on his popularity. The International Sports Syndicate had taken over the Albert Hall and offered Baldock £1,000 for three contests there, the third to be for the world title if he managed to win the first two. Teddy accepted the offer, and in his first contest for the knew promoters he knocked out East End rival Young Johnny Brown in 3 rounds. After the fight, he was asked to return to the ringside because the Prince of Wales wanted to shake his hand. Teddy was terrified and he refused, and literally had to be dragged from the dressing room to meet his royal admirer.

ENGLANDS HOPE FOR A WORLD TITLE

After Baldock stopped his second apponent, Felix Friedmann of Germany, in less than 2 rounds, the promoters cabled American Archie Bell, from Brooklyn, whom the New York Boxing Commision regarded as the leading contender for the then vacant bantamweight crown Bell, a veteran of over 60 fights agreed and travelled to England, where he set up his training quarters at "The Black Bull" at Whetstone, a popular resort for boxers in those times. While teddy deserted the East End and prepared at The Chinese Gardens at Hurstpierpoint, near Brighton. Baldock had a tremendous following, and on the evening of the fight 52 buses left the East End for the Albert Hall. The great arena was packed to capacity, and the atmosphere was electric. The American was by far the best man Baldock had faced, and the contest was fought at a terrific pace from start to finnish. It was a toe-to-toe battle, and one of the greatest ever seen in a London ring. Teddy boxed brilliantly and was in the lead after seven rounds, he even looked like stopping the American in the eighth when he dropped him to the canvas with a dazzling hook to the chin. But Bell was to experienced to be caught again and the tide turned slowly against the Londoner as the American fought his way back into contention. By the 13th there was nothing between them. With the home crowd urging him on Baldock summoned up the greater reserves and edged home a points win on the referee's card. The whole of Poplar celebrated and a few days later, Teddy was presented with an illuminated address by the Mayor of Poplar, and was awarded freedom of the Borough. Baldock was back in the ring 7 weeks later against the British featherweight champion Johnny Cuthbert. It was only a 6 rounder. A supporting bout on the Olympia show which featured Mickey Walker's World middleweight title defence against Tommy Milligan. He was not at his best and only managed a draw, nevertheless his £750 purse for the fight was a record for a 6 rounder. On 6th October 1927 Baldock's claim to the world title evaporated. His 15 rounder with the former Olympic gold medal winner , Willie Smith of South Africa was made at 8 stone 8lbs to protect Baldocks crown. But Smith scaled 2oz inside the championship weight. The fight should have been called off as Teddy was clearly still suffering from the after effects of flu, which had hampered his training. Knocked down in the 8th and reeling around on the receiving end for another 7 rounds, it was a minor miracle he lasted to hear the announcement that he was an ex-world champion at the age of twenty. Baldock was still very much in the forefront of the bantamweight division in Britain, and continued to draw phenomenal crowds. 12,000 watched him outpoint Phil Llolsky at Forest Gate Rink, and 15,000 braved an August bank holiday downpour to see him stop Bugler Harry Lake in 5 rounds at Highfield Racecourse, Blackpool. Teddy was back into his winning stride and his Sports Syndicate admirers took the Clapton Greyhound Stadium and matched him with Bantamweight champion Johnny Brown, in a supporting contest to a world flyweight title fight between Johnny Hill and Newsboy Brown of America. Teddy stopped Brown in a sensational 2nd round knockout, before a crowd of 30,000. Despite his claim to the British title, Teddy was not yet recognised as champion, because the fight had not been staged at the National Sporting Club, home of the British Boxing Board of Control. It was also claimed that Brown had forfeited the title, because almost 3 years had elapsed since he last defended it. The Board therefore recognised Alf Kid Pattenden as champion following his victory over George "kid" Nicholson in June 1928 Although he was disappointed, Baldock continued along his winning way, including an eagerly awaited return match with Phil Llolsky, who he knocked out in 3 rounds, but badly damaged his left hand. He was examined by a Harley Street Specialist, who diagnosed a fracture of the left metacarpal in 3 places, An operation was carried out, and Teddy was out of the ring for a further 5 months. Meanwhile intense rivalry had built up in the East End between fans of Baldock and those of Alf Pattenden, of Bethnal Green. Both men claimed the British Bantamweight title, and the matter was in urgent need of settlement.

WINNING THE LORD LONSDALE BELT

On 16 May 1929 the two were matched for the undisputed championship. The fight took place at Olympia, with a Lonsdale Belt at stake. They fought a hard-punching, non-stop battle that was so intense and took so much out of them both that it virtually finished their careers. For round after round, the two little men pounded each other, with neither prepared to give way. Pattenden was hit with hooks, uppercuts, and jabs from both hands, and smashes to the chin which would have floored many bigger men. His face cut and smeared with blood, Alf came back again and again. Teddy had to survive a desperate final round, when he was twice knocked through the ropes onto the ring apron. At the final bell the pair fell into each other's arms. Both were 22 at the time and both gave everything they had got. The crowd went wild and both fighters received a standing ovation.Teddy received the treasured Lonsdale Belt in the ring from Lord Lonsdale himself.

TEDDY HAD GIVEN HIS BEST

So Teddy was British bantamweight champion, but the best had been seen of him. No-one realised it at the time, but he had burned himself out. What was more unfortunate , he had broken his right hand and never given it the treatment or time it needed to repair. Without a right hand that could put a man down with one punch, he was just another fighter and now, for a change his fights began to go the distance. Meanwhile, Teddy received an offer from America of £2,000, or 17% of the gate receipts, to fight Al Brown for the World bantamweight title. So once again Baldock and his party travelled to America and commenced training. The fight was set for 17th September 1929, but was postponed for two weeks because Brown wasn't ready. Then with just a few days to go the Brown camp asked for another postponement owing to stomach problems. Teddy was being continually messed about, and in the end returned to England, his patience exhausted. He was back in action in January, 1930 against Emile Pladner of France, the former world flyweight champion. Baldock won on a foul, after the Frenchman was disqualified in the sixth for a low blow, which left the Poplar boy rolling in agony on the floor. Promoter Jeff Dickson accused Baldock of acting and was promptly hit with a libel suit. Baldock won the case with costs and Dickson had to publish a humiliating apology. Baldock never again appeared at the Albert Hall. Baldock was still winning, but clear evidence that he was declining was in September 1930, when he lost a points decision to Benny Sharkey at Newcastle. And fought a disappointing re-match with Alf Pattenden at the Black Friers Ring, which he won on points. The great Teddy Baldock appeared to have gone forever. He had one last chance of fighting fame. The world bantamweight champion Al Brown, who Teddy had travelled to America to meet without success, was making a third European tour, meeting featherweights most of the time, and making the bantamweight limit whenever it suited him to defend his title. The National Sporting Club was making one of its big efforts at survival by staging a big show at Olympia. Brown and Baldock were matched to fight in the main event of 15 rounds, at 9 stone, Browns title was not at stake. Baldock's followers had not diminished, on 21 May 1931, the big Earls Court hall was packed with 12,000 spectaters. Teddy was giving a lot away in height and reach,but was so confident of victory that he put up a side stake of £250. By the end of 11 rounds of high-class boxing Brown was probably ahead because of his reach advantage that enabled him to beat Baldock to the punch. Teddy's supporters were expecting a grand stand finish that would clinch the verdict, and they got it in the 12th round, but not in the way they expected. Right from the bell Brown tore into Baldock with a fierce attack, which took the Londoner by surprise. He backed into the ropes, held his hands high to protect his chin and took a left swing to the solar plexus that carried tremendous power behind it.

Baldock crumpled up and dropped to the canvas, crawling along on his hands an knees. He managed to hall himself up at a count of eight, but clearly was very weak and Brown, seeing a beaton man before him, set about finishing it off. He hooked left and right to the body, then switched left and right to the jaw. Down went the British champion in a heap, but again he pulled himself together and was able to rise at eight, only to be smashed down once more. For the third time his indomitable spirit enabled him to beat the count, but he took nine seconds to rise this time. Hardly had he reached the upright when another dig to the "mark"caused his legs to cave under him. Semi-conciously he was trying to get up, but the Referee, seeing he was beaten waved Brown to his corner and it was all over. At the age of 24, Teddy Baldock was a spent fighter. He had just one more contest and faced Dick Corbett, an up and coming fighter from Bethnal Green, ( who went on to win a Lonsdale Belt outright). The fight went the distance and Teddy lost the decision. A quote from the Daily Mirror read: "Baldock took his beating as a champion should. Punched from pillar to post, outboxed and outclassed, his lips swollen from punishment, his eyes and mouth reddened and battered, he fought bravely on in a lost cause, shirking nothing and always striving to make a fight of it." The next day after the fight he announced his retirement from the boxing ring, after a distinguished career of over 80 fights, with only 5 defeats and 2 draws and having held the World, European, and British bantamweight titles. Al Brown being the only man to ever stop him. His last press statement read: "I do not despair of the future, I have other interests outside the ring. For my age I have perhaps had all the fighting a man need wish for, and now when I am through, I have the sureness that I was a credit to the ring. That which happened to me last night sooner or later is the fate of all fighters. I have had my fling, I have done well, now I am finished.

THE FINAL ROUND

Teddy remained a hero in Poplar, and when he got married in 1931, the crowds were so dense that traffic in the area stopped for more than half an hour. People climbed lamp posts and stood on roof-tops trying to get a glimpse of him and his bride. When he retired from the ring, Teddy had no trade to fall back on, so he turned to street bookmaking, which he learned with his father. Sadly, he soon got in with the wrong crowd, and lost as much as £100 a day gambling on the horses and dogs. He was also drinking heavily and it wasn't long before his marriage broke up. Apart from being a reckless gambler Teddy Baldock was also a man of great generosity. He did many people favours, but lost thousands of pounds to spongers who he thought were his friends. Many loans were never repaid, and once he was broke, most of his old pals disappeared. In the later years of his life, Teddy claimed that his bookmaking venture and personal gambling cost him more than £10,000. Money from his boxing purses, which his father had supposedly been saving for him, had also disappeared, and instead of there being thousands of pounds in the bank there was now only a few hundred left. Teddy used this to get a pub, and for a while he ran "The Earl of Derby" at Forest Gate. At first he did quite well, but with the arrival of the Second World War, trade dropped off badly, and he handed the place back to the brewers. When bombs dropped on to a row of houses near to his pub, Teddy gave all his spare clothes to the homeless. A house which he owned in Barking was also destroyed, and although he received £3,000 from the War Commission, the money disappeared in no time. During the war, Teddy served with the RAF, and was posted to Scotland, where he boxed numerous exhibitions. In peacetime, he had jobs as a Physical Training Instructor at a Butlins holiday camp. He worked as a steel erector, a labourer on the docks, and a messenger in Fleet Street. As he got older however, jobs became more difficult to come by, and the old fighter went down hill rapidly. By the mid 1950's he had declined to such an extent that he was ashamed to let his own daughter see him. When he died at Rochford Infirmary in Essex on 8th March, 1971, Teddy Baldock was penniless. The man who had made £20,000 from boxing before he was 24, which in to-days money is something like £250,000. Who owned a dozen suits and a couple of cars, who lived in the plush bars and restaurants of Londons West End, had nothing. In his prime he rubbed shoulders with , Earls, and their Ladies in posh clubs, but when he died he didn't even possess a pair of pyjama's. During the last years of his life, Baldock owned just one shabby suit, and slept rough on the streets or in dirty common lodging-houses in the East End of London. When he died, not a single national newspaper recorded the fact. The man who had thrilled packed boxing arenas for almost a decade was completely forgotten.

The story of Teddy Baldock is a tragic one, but I am still proud to call him my grandfather…...By Martin Sax