MOURNERS of all ages paid their final respects to a legendary boxer's son, who was described as "a gentle giant with a heart of gold".

More than 170 people packed Trinity Church, in Malpas, for the funeral of the late David 'Bomber' Pearce's son, David Powell-Pearce, who died this month aged 40.

South Wales Argus:

The funeral of David Powell-Pearce at Trinity Church, Malpas. Picture -www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

R Kelly's hit song The World's Greatest was played aloud as the coffin was carried to the front of the church.

Church elder Steven Waters, who was officiating, then delivered the eulogy as well as moving tributes from Mr Powell-Pearce's family and a friend.

He said: "He always put others before himself. He wanted to help everyone.

"And his relationship with his mum was very special."

Mr Waters added: "Whenever I think of David I always think of his big smile.

"This is the last thing I will say, and it is something David would have said, 'God bless.'"

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The coffin was then carried out to Tom Walker's 'Leave a light on'.

Jeanette Williams, a family friend, offered her condolences following the funeral, saying: "His mum and I have been best friends since we were in school.

"I know the family well and I know how difficult this time is for them.

"He was a lovely man."

And parishioner Kath Franklin described Mr Powell-Pearce as "lovely".

"David was loved in this church," she said.

"He was a lovely person. He had a wonderful heart."

Mum Christine Powell previously paid tribute to her son, describing him as "the best".

Mum Christine Powell previously paid tribute to her son, describing him as “the best”.

She said: “He was the most loving son. I could not have asked for a better child. It is a bad time for us, including his seven-year-old daughter Nartalia. He loved his daughter deeply.

South Wales Argus:

David Powell-Pearce with his daughter Nartalia at the unveiling of the David 'bomber' Pearce statue in Newport. www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk

“David never got over his father’s death. It hit him very hard.”

Mr Powell-Pearce’s late father was dubbed by many as Newport’s own Rocky, who had his first professional fight in 1978. He followed this with a succession of wins before he defeated the three-time world light heavyweight champion Dennis Andries in 1981.

But the high-point was to come two years later at St David’s Hall in Cardiff in 1983 when David fought Swansea’s Neville Meade to become the Welsh and British heavyweight champion - a title he never lost in the ring.

The internment took place at St Woolos Cemetery, with friends and family then going onto The Usk Vale for refreshments.