THERE will be a chance to support the campaign to put up a statue of Newport boxer David Pearce and enjoy a great night of music next week.

Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band will be the main attraction at the benefit gig to be held at the Ringland Labour Club on Friday, June 9.

The campaign aims to honour the Pill-born boxer became one of the most successful boxers to come out of Newport when he won the British and Welsh Heavyweight crowns in the early 1980s.

The fundraising drive is looking to raise £35,000 to pay for the memorial to David ‘Bomber’ Pearce who was British and Welsh Heavyweight Champion in the 1980s and one the most successful boxers to come out of Newport.

The campaign has got more than halfway to its £35,000 target thanks to two recent fundraising efforts.

A black-tie event at Tredegar Park Golf Club earlier this month raised £7,100 and additional recent fundraising has seen the total grow to £20,000.

There will also be a raffle and auction with framed shirts from Newport County, the Dragons and Newport RFC signed by the current players. All proceeds will go to the campaign.

Tickets cost £10.50 and are available on the door and the event starts at 7pm.