FAMILY members have paid tribute to the son of a legendary boxer, who has died aged 40.

David Powell-Pearce was the son of world champion David 'The Bomber' Pearce.

Born in 1978, he died suddenly last week from natural causes.

South Wales Argus:

Picture: With his father, David 'The Bomber' Pearce.

His mum, Christine Powell, has now led the tributes to her son, describing him as her “best friend”.

“The police came to tell me that he had passed away suddenly in his sleep,” she said.

“I am absolutely devastated. My world has fallen apart. He was my best friend and it will be so hard to move on without him.

“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:

Picture: Mr Powell-Pearce's family.

Miss Powell, who lives in Robertson Way, Malpas, said her son had very close relationships with his entire family, including his father and step-father. She added that Mr Powell-Pearce was left devastated when his boxing father died in 2000, aged only 41.

She said: “Me and my partner, who is also called David, raised him.

“My son never went anywhere without his step-father. They had a fantastic relationship and they loved one another very deeply.

“He also had a very close relationship with his dad. David never got over his father’s death. It hit him very hard.”

She added: “We are now all helping one another to sort out the funeral.”

In the last few days, the family launched a Justgiving Page, in a bid to raise money towards a funeral.

Brother Michael Powell said: “My brother Kirk, partner Chanel and her cousin Shannon thought it would be good to set up the page and get funding.

“Any help would be appreciated towards the funeral expenses."

South Wales Argus:

Picture: With his daughter.

So far for more than £1,000 has been raised.

And cousin Luke Pearce added: "It is a very sad time for the family and my personal condolences go out to David's mum Christine at this time."

He died a few months after a statue was unveiled to his father.

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.

To make a donation towards the funeral, visit bit.ly/2LY5hWz