Born at ‘Stradbroke’ near Woodville, Les Darcy was one of Australia’s greatest boxers. Brought up in poverty he defied the odds to hold the title of Australia’s Heavyweight Champion and the World’s Middleweight Champion before his early death at the age of 21. Somewhat of a folk hero, during his career his remarkable record in the ring, saw him win 40 out of 44 professional majors and was never knocked out.

Through supporter’s and friends’ generosity, money was raised to engage an artist to design a lifelike monument to Les Darcy. The bronze statue was unveiled in August 2000 before a large crowd in King Edward Park. The boxing pose demonstrates Les Darcy’s imposing physique and the strength he obviously had.

Les Darcy’s statue is located outside of East Maitland Bowling Club which hosts a permanent display to commemorate the astounding champion, including his own personal belongings. The statue also marks the first of eight historical sites of the Les Darcy Historical Walk, available from the Maitland Visitor Information Centre.