ST JOSEPH’S boxing club in Newport has created a special memorial to celebrate the career of one of the city’s most famous fighters.

Newport-born David ‘Bomber’ Pearce, who trained at St Joes, won the British heavyweight title 33 years ago this week.

Pearce, who was one of seven brothers – six of whom boxed professionally, claimed the Lonsdale belt by beating Swansea’s Neville Meade at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall in September 1983.

Meade, who was defending his British title for the first time, had beaten Pearce at the Double Diamond Club in Caerphilly in January 1980 when the referee stopped the fight in the second round.

But the Newport fighter gained his revenge three years later, when the referee stopped the rematch in his favour in the ninth round.

After the fight he said: “I have never trained so hard in all my life. That was for my father, the people of Newport and also for me.”

Pearce joined the list of Welsh fighters to become British heavyweight champion, which also includes Jack Petersen, Tommy Farr, Johnny Williams and Joe Erskine.

The ‘Bomber’ went on to challenge for the European title in March 1984 and twice knocked down French-based Moroccan Lucien Rodriguez in Limoges but lost a tight 12-round decision.

Pearce’s career was then cut short when brain scan irregularities led to his suspension by the British Boxing Board of Control.

He fought just once more – in 1990 – before retiring and died aged just 41 in May 2000.

More than 16 years on he is still an inspiration to the current boxing stars at St Joes, who include IBF featherweight world champion Lee Selby.

In collaboration with family member Luke Pearce, the club has now decorated a section of the gym with photographs, press cuttings, fight posters and an oil painting of Newport’s only heavyweight champion.

Coach Bill Reynolds said: “We are very grateful to Luke for his donation of memorabilia as these photographs are proving to be a point of interest particularly to the younger members of the gym.

“It is clear that David has left an indelible legacy on not only this club but the city of Newport and the sport of boxing.”

Luke Pearce said: “Considering David fought in an era of behemoths, and a lack of opportunities outside of London he still challenged for three of the big belts of the day.

“It is a remarkable achievement and one Newport and Gwent should be very proud of.”

Anyone wishing to view the memorial wall at the gym or who wanting to use the facilities at the gym can come along between 4.30pm and 7.30pm from Monday to Thursday.

For more information contact Roger Williams on 01633 663003.