The boxing legend famously fought Mohammed Ali

Heavyweight boxing legend the late Sir Henry Cooper, who passed away on May 1 aged 76, will be remembered at the primary school he attended in Athelney Rd, Lewisham.

Cooper  grew up in Farmstead Road, Bellingham, and went to Athelney Primary School on Athelney Street. The school has planned to mark the occasion and his links with the school by planting a tree in his memory later this term.

Head teacher, Mrs Cleaver told East London lines: “At Athelney we feel that he is someone that the people of Lewisham can look up to. We remain very proud of his achievements and feel that he should be recognised for the good work he did as well as his sporting accolades”.

The Bellingham born boxer also known as ‘our Enry’ was well known for his clash with Mohammed Ali and the famous thunderous left hook which sent Ali to the ground.

Cooper began boxing as an amateur in 1949 with the Eltham Amateur Boxing Club, winning 73 of 84 bouts before going on to become British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight champion.

Lewisham council are currently still in two minds about a memorial for Cooper. A Council spokesperson said: ” The Council is currently looking at the best way to commemorate his life.”

David John, founder of Double Jab boxing gym, remembers Sir Henry Cooper’s achievements and refers to him as: “the David Beckham of his time”. He goes on to say of the memorial:  “It shouldn’t be talked about, it should definitely be done”.

Jessie Twala, trainee at Double jab, said he would be  inspired by having a memorial in Lewisham.