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Call for town to honour our king of the ring
Dave Appleton26/ 8/2008
A STATUE may be erected to honour one of the greatest sportsmen Rochdale has ever produced – a man our civic forefathers seemed reluctant to acknowledge.
The town has permanent memorials to its most famous citizens – John Bright and Gracie Fields spring immediately to mind – but curiously Rochdale has never erected a statue in honour of Jock McAvoy, one of the greatest fighters the country has ever produced.
Now boxing fans are hoping to persuade the council to remedy the omission by erecting a statue of McAvoy at Hollingworth Lake, where he held training camps ahead of his bouts.
I agree, it would be fabulous to have a statue of Jock at Hollingworth Lake. I am a very proud grand daughter of the late hero. It would be such a thrill to visit the lake with family and friends. I am hoping to help in some way.
Linsay
28/08/2008 at 09:48
28/08/2008 at 09:48
I think that a statue is a great idea.
I grew up on stories of the famous Jock McAvoy and the Babe Risko fight. My father used to tell me that the Mafia wanted Jock to throw a title fight but he said "Never!" and so he never had the chance to take the title in America.
I was also told that Jock started fighting in Shawforth and that my grandfather was the first man to put the boxing gloves on him. Apparently Jock was a new kid in the area and was being bullied.
I grew up on stories of the famous Jock McAvoy and the Babe Risko fight. My father used to tell me that the Mafia wanted Jock to throw a title fight but he said "Never!" and so he never had the chance to take the title in America.
I was also told that Jock started fighting in Shawforth and that my grandfather was the first man to put the boxing gloves on him. Apparently Jock was a new kid in the area and was being bullied.
Lancashire Lass2
27/08/2008 at 09:31
27/08/2008 at 09:31
Been years since I went to Hollingsworth Lake. Maybe it has changed.
I think that A statue way out there would not be seen by as many people.Isn't there a area closer to Rochdale centre?. Some kind of a sports arena?. We had lots of sportsmen who made names for themselves having lived in Rochdale.
I even believe my brother could be named. He did very well on the Motorcycle circuit before getting killed at Brands Hatch in l960s, We had cricketers also.
JeanneP, Rochdale, Lancashire
27/08/2008 at 02:31
27/08/2008 at 02:31
I do hope that a statue is erected of Jock McAvoy. This photo is just as I remember him. He lived on the same street as my grandmother. Howe St. and I live just around the corner. Remember him well. Use to teach the lads how to box.
Funny but I just entered his name last week in ROL. had a forum running on Rochdale famous people.
He should be remembered.
JeanneScholes Pentecost
JeanneScholes Pentecost
JeanneP, Rochdale, Lancashire
27/08/2008 at 02:22
27/08/2008 at 02:22
I think this a fantastic idea!
I have said for years the likes of Jock McAvoy and John Ellis should be celebrated in Rochdale. It is about time the acheivements of local residents are celebrated instead of focusing upon the negatives. Maybe the younger generation could be inspired if they actually knew about their local heritage. 100% support is given to this project including raising funds if necessary.
Billy Feeney
26/08/2008 at 17:35
26/08/2008 at 17:35
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If we can't support our local heros then who can we support.
31/08/2008 at 13:46