Older County supporters will remember that the famous Newport boxer, David Pearce, used to live in the house just outside Somerton Park. They may not know that part of his training regime was to run around the track and join the players in the gym.
“Bomber” Pearce was the undefeated Welsh & British Heavyweight Champion 1983-85. When he won his Lonsdale belt he said “This is for the people of Newport”. David was forced to retire following a brain scan but he passed on his love of the fight game by coaching youngsters at Always Amateur Boxing Club. Sadly, in May 2000, David passed away at the age of 41. Two thousand attended his funeral to bid farewell to a Newport here and a great champion.
David’s nephew, Luke Pearce, has launched an appeal for £35,000 to erect a bronze statue in Newport City Centre and we are Newport County AFC are fully supporting the campaign. There will be a bucket collection at the Crawley Town game on Saturday. If you'd like to donate more to the Statue Appeal or find out more about the campaign, Luke can be contacted at coolhandluke_28@hotmail.co.uk
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