[1] Tom was baptised on 25 August 1822 in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, the son of George Paddock and Elizabeth (née Morris).

Between then and 1850 he was largely undefeated in the boxing ring, and gained a reputation not only for his courage but for his foul tactics and uncontrollable temper.

[3] Three years later Paddock challenged both Harry Broome and Bill Perry to a Heavyweight Championship of England bout but both turned it down.

Paddock then claimed himself as the Heavyweight Champion of England by default,[3] though this was not generally recognised until 1856 following fifty-one rounds in the ring against Harry Broome in Manningtree.

[1][5] A book on Paddock's life is currently being penned by Tom Podmore, a Nottingham-based writer originally from Redditch.