AN ARTIST, whose identity remains a mystery, has honoured a Gwent boxing legend by creating artwork of him to raise money for the David ‘Bomber’ Pearce Statue Fund.

Newport artist RISE has created an original artwork to honour David 'Bomber' Pearce and his sporting achievements.

The artist has created 22 limited edition prints to coincide with the number of professional bouts David Pearce fought.

Founder committee member of #NewportsRocky, Luke Pearce, has been fundraising for a statue of the boxer who lifted the coveted Lonsdale belt in 1983 having beaten Neville Meade to become the Welsh and British heavyweight champion.

Mr Pearce, who is also the boxer's nephew, has been working tirelessly to raise £56,000 for the statue.

In a boost to fundraising efforts, all proceeds from the prints, which cost £35, are being donated by RISE to the statue fundraising campaign.

RISE said “It is unique and RISE has not paid this kind of tribute to a sporting legendary figure before, David ‘Bomber’ Pearce is a true Newport hero.”

Mr Pearce said: “This a wonderful unique tribute, it makes me proud to come from Newport. Thank you RISE.”

The boxer faced adversity throughout his career and has become known as Newport's Rocky.

This included sleeping on a park bench and fighting with two broken hands the night before fighting for the European Heavyweight title in France. This was against Lucien Rodriguez, who was just taken the WBC Heavyweight champion the 12 round distance.

The Champion was knocked down three times including a 13 and 17 second long counts. Pearce defeated the Light Heavyweight Champion Dennis Andries and former World Heavyweight Champion John Tate during his career.

You can find out more about the campaign to erect a statue at www.facebook.com/NewportsRocky.