Story of The Pugilist Rum
The Warwickshire Rum Company combines our love of Rum, with our love of local Warwickshire History.
Carefully selecting our premium base spirit, we distil our products to the highest quality, delivering a smooth comfortable mouth feel, so you may enjoy neat or with the mixer of your choice.
We are delighted to introduce our first Warwickshire Spiced blended Rum, The Pugilist, distilled with nutmeg, cinnamon, orange and all spice, it certainly packs a punch.
Randolph went down in British boxing history for sensationally winning the World Title from the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson earning himself the memorable nickname ‘The Leamington Licker’. Born in Leamington of Guyana heritage, Turpin famously humbled Robinson, who had, in his boxing career, accumulated 129 victories, only two draws and one loss. Turpin had only had 75 fights, 68 wins (45 by KO), 8 losses and 1 draw.
Randolph was one of four bothers, all great boxers, but Randolph showed early promise as an amateur as he became the first black boxer to win a senior ABA championship. Sadly Randolph’s Father died when Randolph was a baby as a result of lung damage from gas attack during WW1 and never saw the success of his offspring.
Randolph debuted as a professional in September 1946 – He took the ring by storm with 14 straight victories but hit a plateau when he drew once and was defeated twice within a handful of fights. He would avenge both of his defeats as he claimed the British middleweight belt in 1950, equalling the achievement of his brother Dick, who became the first black British champion when he beat Vince Hawkins in 1948.
Turpin became a sporting hero in Britain and a celebrated name in his home town of Leamington Spa. Randolph Turpin's name is still legendary in British boxing 70 years after his incredible world-title win over Sugar Ray Robinson.
Turpin understood that he needed to get an advantage, so he turned his hand to weight training, uncommon practice in those days for a fighter. He managed to boost his punch power and strength. His strength and power posed problems to Robinson and Robinson later acknowledged Turpin’s strength.
The fight took place in Earl’s Court, July 1951 – Turpin, as the European title holder, was picked to be Robinison’s opponent. An 18,000 strong crowd turned up to show their support.
The American champion arrived with an impressive reputation – he was an unbeaten amateur who had only lost one professional match in 132 fights.
But Turpin was undaunted, he caused Robinson issues from the start with his different approach and physical fighting style… after 15 rounds, Turpin received a points victory that gave cause for celebration! The victory propelled into a household name in Britain overnight.
A huge crowd of 10,000 people turned out for the celebratory civic reception in Leamington after Turpin claimed the World Middleweight title. He was the first British fighter reach those dizzy heights since Bob Fitzsimmons in 1891.
Sadly time as champion was brief as Turpin had signed a contract with a 90-day rematch clause. The rematch was held in New York just 2 months later in front of a crowd of over 61,000 people. Despite an impressive performance defending the title, Turpin was defeated in the 10th round. Despite his defeat, in 2001 inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame, in Canastota, New York.
Turpin’s amazing win over Robinson will always be remembered by British fight fans and lauded by the people of Leamington.
To commemorate this fabulous son of Leamington we are reaching to his Guyanan heritage and using the dark brown sugar from Guyana as the base for our rich dark rum.
Order your bottle/gift set, follow the link below
https://warwickshiregincompany.co.uk/collections/our-rums