THE nephew of late boxing champion David Pearce wants to create a lasting memorial to his uncle - and he needs your help.

Luke Pearce is looking for memorabilia of his uncle's boxing career to help keep the former British champion's memory alive.

David Pearce, who died in May 2000 aged 41 at his home in Duffryn, Newport, became British heavyweight champion in 1983 after a knockout win against Neville Meade.

The following year, he lost on points to Lucien Rodriguez in his only attempt at the European heavyweight title. During his career he won 17 of his 21 fights.

But his family have no memorabilia of him or his boxing success and his nephew, 22, says he also wants Newport Library to have copies of items relating to his uncle's career.

Mr Pearce said: "I want other people to know how good he was, it is not just for me but also for my family."

Luke Pearce's father, Bimbo, and other brothers were also boxers. Mr Pearce said: "I am looking for pictures, magazines anything that people have, even if they are only copies.

"The only picture my father has is a portrait of him, I want them for other generations.

"If anybody wants to research or find out about him there is nothing there at the moment so I am doing this for him.

"I am proud of him and my father and uncles and I want memorabilia so we can remember him."

Mr Pearce has also spoken to Boxing News magazine in a bid to get memorabilia from across the UK.

In June the Alway Amateur Boxing Club made sure David Pearce's name will not be forgotten by naming their headquarters after him - the David Pearce Memorial Hall.

Anyone with items can call Mr Pearce on 07969 626584.