Blue plaque to honour Sir Henry

Sir Henry Cooper's professional career lasted 17 years

A blue plaque to honour British heavyweight boxer Sir Henry Cooper has been unveiled at the south London gym where he trained.

The commemorative sign marks the location of the gym above the Thomas A Beckett pub in Southwark.

Sir Henry said: "I was born in Southwark and it is great to be honoured in this way."

The blue plaque is the first of six for Southwark, recognising outstanding achievements and contributions.

In a professional career lasting 17 years Sir Henry fought 55 times, winning 40 of his bouts.

He won the British and Empire heavyweight titles in 1959, which he defended successfully in the following years, retaining the British champion title for over 12 years.

He is perhaps best-known for putting Cassius Clay - later known as Muhammad Ali - on the canvas in 1963.

The 2007 blue plaque voting list saw more than 3,000 votes cast to honour people or places within the borough.

Councillor Lewis Robinson said: "It's marvellous that Southwark Council, with the help of its residents, can honour the boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper.

"This blue plaque is the first to go up as part of Southwark Council's scheme to get the people to choose, and we're delighted that they've chosen such an iconic figure."