It is 40 years since Newport's David "Bomber" Pearce challenged for the EBU heavyweight title.

David Pearce faced the two-time long standing European champion in Limoges, France in its large indoor stadium.

He was not given any hope, as the champion Rodriguez had taken the future Hall of Fame WBC champion Larry Holmes and WBA champion Micheal Dokes the distance in the USA in world title bouts.

Pearce walked in to a hostile crowd, but that was soon silenced as he give the champion his toughest war to date.

Rodriguez was hurt in the third round from a body shot and was dropped heavily twice in the eigth round taking long standing counts which was heavily criticised by commentator Reg Gutteridge. 

The champion also had a bad cut so used his experience and quality to box on the back foot for the rest of the bout to claim victory on points. The experienced referee scored the bout to Rodriguez by one point 115-114.

In the face of disappointment, Pearce was shocked as the French crowd carried him out of the ring chanting his name. 

Boxing News reported that Pearce received one of the greatest receptions from an away fighter from these shores in many years. French spectators waited hours to meet him and have autographs signed. 

Rodriguez said: "Pearce did what two world champions couldn't do! He was so strong for a small man, his power shocked me." 

Steve Bunce said: "If the European Heavyweight Championship bout had taken place in London or Cardiff Pearce would have been crowned EBU champion. If he fought today he would have been a global superstar."

As a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the fight, artist Tom Sloan has commissioned a painting to be presented to Lucien Rodriguez in Paris, France.

Laury Dizengremel, the sculptor of the statue of David "Bomber" Pearce, has put a replica statue in Cherabal, south-west France to mark the anniversary.​