A BOXER from Newport could receive a posthumous award from the city council as part of plans to erect a statue in his honour.

David “Bomber” Pearce, a former steelworker, rose to the top of sport in the UK during the 1980s where he became British and Welsh heavyweight champion.

Pearce, who hailed from strong boxing stock with seven brothers competing in the sport, died at the age of 41 in 2000.

At the time of his title-winning peak, he was quoted as saying “I did it for Newport”. This was a point driven home by Councillor Kevin Whitehead during a council meeting on Tuesday.

The councillor is part of a campaign to erect a permanent memorial for the man dubbed ‘Newport’s Rocky’ in the city centre.

The appeal is headed by the David ‘Bomber’ Pearce Statue Committee, which was co-founded by the boxer’s nephew Luke Pearce.

Since launching in 14 months ago the appeal, which has been backed by the Argus, has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the statue, which has since been built and delivered to the city.

It will be unveiled along Newport’s riverfront on June 9, the meeting heard.

“The appeal went viral, the social media campaign was massive with people getting in touch from all over the world, in places like Bermuda and Canada,” said Cllr Whitehead.

“The generosity of people has been quite staggering, particularly the people of Newport.”

Speaking during leader’s questions, Cllr Whitehead then asked Councillor Debbie Wilcox to consider a posthumous award for Pearce.

He said: “Ahead of the unveiling, would the leader consider a much-deserved posthumous award, such as the freedom of the city, to a real Newport sporting hero?

“David Pearce said ‘I did it for Newport’, will Newport now do it for David Pearce?”

In reply, Cllr Wilcox said: “Would I consider it? Of course, without a shadow of a doubt. It would be fitting.”

Cllr Wilcox also congratulated the fundraising efforts of the David ‘Bomber’ Pearce Statue Committee – praise welcomed by Cllr Whitehead.