The glove is one of a pair signed by the Warwick-born boxer, as well as British, Empire and European Heavyweight Champion Bruce Woodcock.

They were spotted at a car boot sale by a sporting memorabilia collector, who paid just £50 for them, as well as photographs, newspaper cuttings and boxing programmes relating to the two fighters.

Colwyn Bay auctioneers Rogers Jones Co expect the collection to fetch £400, but believe overseas bidders may push the price higher.

Auctioneer David Rogers Jones said: "It's amazing how things like these boxing gloves can turn up at a car boot sale. It was a really lucky find."

The story of the gloves goes back to Turpin's selection of Gwrych Castle near Abergele as his training camp before his fight against then world champion Sugar Ray Robinson on July 10, 1951.

Robinson was expected to win easily, but Turpin, who had started his career at Leamington Boys' Club, outfought the American over 15 rounds and became the first British title holder for 60 years.

A clause in the contract entitled Robinson to a rematch, and when Turpin returned to Wales for training, he gave the glove to a castle worker.

Unfortunately Turpin lost the rematch 64 days later when the referee stopped the fight in the tenth round.

The Woodcock glove is dated 1950, the year after Woodcock knocked out Freddie Mills to take the vacant British, European and Empire heavyweight titles.

Mr Rogers Jones added: "I can remember being taken to Gwrych Castle by my parents. It was a very grand and inspiring place but I had forgotten it was used as a training camp for boxers.

"I imagine Turpin chose to go there to get away from the pressures of all those adoring fans, but in fact many of them followed him there to watch their hero."

The Leamington fighter retired from boxing after 12 years with a record of 66 wins including 48 knockouts, 8 losses and 1 draw.

He later had financial difficulties and committed suicide in 1966, aged 37.

Turpin was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York in 2001, 50 years after his victory over Sugar Ray Robinson. A statue of him stands in Market Place, Warwick.

The auction will take place on Tuesday at 10.30am with viewing on Sunday June 28 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm and from 9am on the morning of the sale.

Call 01492 532176 or email info@rogersjones.co.uk