An Arnold theatre is joining the fight to fund a permanent memorial for a local boxing legend by holding a charity screening of a critically-acclaimed documentary about the sport.
Bonington Theatre is to screen the Oscar-winning film When We Were Kings next month to help raise cash for the Bendigo Memorial Fund which will use money raised to create a permanent memorial in the city for the 19th century prize fighter.
The screening of the film, a 1996 documentary about the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” heavyweight championship match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, will take place on April 15, at 7.30pm.
Money from the tickets, which cost £8, or £4 for under-18s, will go into the fund which trustees hope to one day be able to use to pay for a statue of Bendigo in the city centre.
Bendigo was born into poverty in the slums of Nottingham, but his physique and agility as a boxer brought him huge success. He is credited with inventing the ‘Southpaw’ stance, ensuring his legacy lies within the fabric of boxing forever.
His outspoken character and record in the ring attracted a massive fan base, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote a verse to the fighter, titled Bendigo’s Sermon.
Alan Dawson, who is one of the trustees for the memorial fund, said the world-famous boxer deserves a fitting memorlal in the city centre.
He said: “Despite being written about and his name being known the world over, Nottingham’s only recognition to Bendigo is a weathered and damaged ceramic statue above an old public house in Sneinton and a civic plaque which marks the building that is on the site of his birthplace.
“Bendigo deserves better recognition than this. He deserves a permanent public memorial that is fitting of his legacy. The story of Bendigo is inspiring not only to the people of Nottingham but the world over.”
The project has not been set a target date, however a forthcoming website and media updates will keep followers updated as the project develops.
