your comments
Clare Monaghan
We all loved him dearly and miss him dearly.
Gypsy Joe (Brother) from Newport
Built the wall on the copper road. Gave you the books of boxing old. Only you can know. Love you from Joe.
Daniel Walker
I'm proud to train and box out of David Pearce's memorial hall.
Dave Smith
As a keen heavyweight amateur from Grimsby circa 1981, Dave Pearce inspired me and countless others. I seem to remember at the time wondering why he and Frank Bruno never fought, the general feeling being that Frank was trying to avoid a match with Dave for obvious reasons. I feel sure it would have been a memorable fight.
Gary Burns from Newport
When are the politicians going to listen to us? Dave Pearce brought recognition to Newport and was a great ambassador for this town/city. He should be remembered for all to see in a prominent place in the city centre.
Dean, Cornwall
David Animal Pearce - I will always remember the day we met. My friend had invited me over to his house - he said he was going on an early morning 5 mile run with David. I jumped at the oportunity. I thought David was a very exciting boxer. We met, shook hands and started running. As we were running I remember thinking of two things: this guy's forearms are huge and he runs really slowly. My friend and I ran with him for about 20 minutes then decided to go on. We got back to the house then David got back about an hour later. Later that day I saw him work the heavy bag. I thought about the rabbit and tortoise scenario. He ran slowly but could he punch. I have been fortunate to see many professional boxers work the heavy bag but David came top of the list with power and ferocity. Outside the ring he was a gentleman. I never met David after that day, but the experience has always stayed with me - something I have treasured. I was saddened to hear of his death, sorely missed (big punching tortoise).
Nigel Pearce, Newport
The little bigman David was more than a champion to me and all of my brothers. He was an inspiration to all who came into contact with him. He lived his life for the sport and shall never be forgotten. I am currently in the process of writing his autobiography of his life. God bless you yucca the Champ.
Nicholas
I heard a legend that Muhammad Ali visited David at his home on Somerton Rd. Could this be true or just an urban myth? I would love to know.
Mike Clayden ,Oxfordshire
I used to meet Dave when I was training with Big Dave Townsend in Abingdon. Dave would always take the time to come over and have a chat in between sparring with Paddy Monaghan. Dave Pearce was a really nice guy and a true Boxing Champ.
Paddy Monaghan (Abingdon) & Northern Ireland
Miss ya Sloppy. My total respects always. From your friend, co trainer and 7th brother.
Chris Willis - Dave's nephew
He was a great uncle to me even though I didn't see him much but I watched his matches on videos. When I was 10 I wanted to follow his footsteps and become famous. Thank you for being his friends.
Dave Townsend ex sparring partner
A big heart and a gentleman full of guts. I sparred with David for about a year in Abingdon. It's a time I'll never forget.
Mark in Abingdon
I remember when I was in my teens growing up in Abingdon and having a visit from Paddy Monaghan. Along with him was David Pearce sitting in my parents' living room. We all thought what a nice genuine bloke he was and always looked out for his fights.
Harold
Fought in an era of giants, but still knocked them out. He avenged his only loss and was cheated out in France but still held his head high - and the work he did in the community was second to none. When will Newport city council appreciate this man just like Merthyr did for their Welsh warriors?
Carl, Swansea
True class act! Wonderful man, great fighter.
Joe, Surrey
Awesome left hook! He was cheated from a brilliant career but still made the best with what he was dealt. Great man - thank you, David "Bomber" Pearce.
Conor Crowley
I think you were a great boxer David - you were my uncle in a way. Luke has made this site brilliant and you were a legend in the making.
Richie Avery
I would like to think I had a good influence on David as he started boxing with me and his older brother Bimbo with Newport Sporting Club. He watched and learnt from Bimbo and me, and to see him follow into professional boxing was a real joy for me. I trained really hard and had the good fortune to fight his other brother Gary who was also a great boxer in his own right. I am very good friends with all the Pearce brothers and know each and every one of them are all true gentlemen, and I wish all the family the best in the future. Greatest respect.
Steve and Debs Sims, Newport
Dave had the best left hook pound for pound in the world. If he hit you on the chin, nite nite it would be. Dave was a gentleman and a very good friend. Always remember you.
Dennis Grant
My trainer told me as I entered the gym at Newport Harlequins ABC, "we'er gonna step up your training boy!" With that I found myself a willing understudy to the Great 'Bomber' Pearce. He smiled when I moaned, he laughed when missed, but most of all he taught me the most valuable lesson I believed I will ever know - be proud, be honest and be you. I went on to capture 5 Welsh Titles and a schoolboy British Title. My Family thanks you for steering me right What a man...Love you Bomber.
Roger from Cardiff
My inspiration to keep going in life! When all failed him he just kept smiling and brought joy and integrity to all who he met. God bless you David Pearce.
Peter Jones from Tredegar
I actually taught David Pearce English while he attended Duffryn Comprehensive School. Like all the Pearce boys who went there, he was a lovely lad - and he lived for boxing. Whenever I met him after he left school, he was always friendly and funny. Had he squared up to Bruno at any time, I do not believe that Bruno would have matched him: he would have been completely flummoxed by David's style. It was a tragedy that at the end of his career he was treated so shabbily by the boxing fraternity. In fact it was a period that they should look back on with shame. It is not so much Newport that has to shake itself from its torpor and show David Pearce some degree of recognition (fitting though that would be ); instead all those people in the higher echelons of boxing's governing body should realise that their dealings with Pearce were shameful, if not immoral, and they should be falling over themselves to make amends. David Pearce loved boxing. Isn't it terrible that boxing treated him so appallingly?
Gary Pearce (David's brother)
David was the iron man of boxing! Trained like a gladiator, took no prisoners in the ring. Outside he was the most gentle giant you could ever meet. He was a winner in everything he did. I miss him so much - he was not just my brother but my best friend also. See you soon, sweat box - your number one fan!!!
Boxing fan, Caerphilly
A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure. David was a diamond and Wales should recognise his achievements.
Steve, Cheshire
He was supposed to fight Lennox Lewis - how did that work? He effectively retired in 1984, 5 years before Lewis' pro-debut. If he was supposed to fight Lewis after 1989 perhaps it's as well it never happened, given what happened in his comeback fight in 1990 against some bloke called Percell Davies. That said, he was a tough guy who gave it all - more than can be said of 99% of heavyweights today.
Teresa from Newport
David had a heart of gold - and a big one at that. I remember as a kid playing in the streets of Pill he used to tease me and pull my hair - but never bullied. I was very proud to meet him once again not long before he passed away - he was a giant of man but with such a gentle way. I too believe that a lasting memorial should be erected to David's memory - like someone else said David was the true Rocky, considering his background, his lack of big name management (his father Walter being his main influence) and his own inner determination and love of the sport he was so great at. He made Newport proud and right up to the eve of his sad loss he inspired many youngsters to take up their gloves and give it a go. If you ask many boxers around the world David would be named as someone who influenced their lives - as well as many of us who was just the kid next door.
Councillor Steve Jenkins, London
We should name the new bridge in Newport after him. He always did his running around that area and the docks. It's about time somebody laid a tribute to the fine gentleman and great champion.
Richie - Newport.
Dave used to turn up at my Gym (Cridau Harlequin),and train with us (1979-80).
He would stand in the corner of the ring and take us on one at a time, we were young lads and inspired by his enthusiasm and training tips. God Bless.
paul innewport
i knew david, a man i admired and respected, i would always see him running, and would always get a wave and a smile, i think its about time newport council woke up, and put a monument to one of our finest legends,
Elvis, Illinois, USA
I was blessed to have met your former British champion David Pearce in 1990 in Iowa and Miami. He was such a great guy and was taken from this world way too soon. That man's presence - around young or old, it didn't matter, he treated every one equal. He was just a brite shining lite and touched all the American friends he met. I was told he was Newport's 1st british heavyweight champ. I hope that in his memory they can and will put a statue of him in the town centre of Newport. He was so loved by so many and gave all he had to his beloved Wales. He was a true champ and always will be to the good old USA. God bless you all.
Mark Phillips from Caerwent
Newport town centre is set for redevelopment over the next few years, this presents the council with the perfect oppurtunity to finally acknowledge people in sport who have helped not just Newport, as a town, but also raised Newport's profile outside Newport, with permanent recognition. Sport gives so much to people and touches so many people. Personally both Dave Pearce and may be Dick Richardson need to be acknowledged. I never saw Dave fight but his record ,considering his weight, and his achievements need to be recognised, as does the warmth still given to somebody who fought 20 years ago. I also think that Billy Lucas who gave so much to Newport County should be honoured. Mr Newport county, God bless Billy Lucas. There are many others too.
Anon from USA
David Pearce was a throw back to the old days. What a dynamic fighting machine - he was the real Rocky. He was loved by everyone wherever he went. It's my memories of David Bomber Pearce that prove there are angels on high. David was a bright light that shone so high and bright, touched young and old. Meek, mild David loved life and I am sure beyond any doubt that David Pearce is truly at peace with his mom and dad looking down on the rest of his family. Goodnight, God bless - you are a true champion, a modern day gladiator.
Brendan Foley from Holyhead
David was the best uncle and boxer you could ever wish for. He is still the best. Lennox Lewis refused to figh thim because of his heart speed and power. He was just like Rocky. He is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there'll ever be.
Lee Arthur, Newport
Re: David " Yukka " Pearce, British Champion Boxer.
I had the great honour from Davids family of both carrying my best mate David with the Brothers and to talk in the church about my friendship with David since 16,and more importantly about his tremendous successes and his dedication to the boxing sport, and how we met at Newport County football club where he would train with us.
I at the time asked in the church if Newport would get a statue of David and the council still to this day have not done anything for him, I wrote numerous letters to the mayor and Newport Council.
I was with the big man right up to his 41st birthday and was absolutely devastated when he died as everyone else was, we used to train and run 3 days a week almost right up to the end, but he was always laughing and enjoyed his life immensely, it was true what the Pearce brothers said about David finishing off Larry mcDonalds career in the third round, he was the new big hope in the Terry Lawless camp, a bigger hope than Frank Bruno, after that fight it was overheard by the brothers of David, from Lawless that Frank Bruno will never fight David Pearce, that punch that knocked out McDonald would of knocked out any world class fighter, and the story about David sparring with Lennox and giving him a hard time is true because I have the video of that fight, I also just recently have it first hand from Gary Mason who was also a great British Champion that his camp did fear David, hence the reason David found it hard in the end to get the fights he desired.
No one, including me, will forget the big man, with the big heart!
Skippy from Alway Amateur Boxing Club
David spent the last 9 months of his life coaching me an many others at the gym. It was good to see that even though he could no longer box, he was still in the sport. He has done more for me than I could ever ask. He will always been known to me as the Pied Piper of Newport because where ever he went he had his followers.
THANX COACH
Keith Wells
I had the pleasure of meeting Dave and his brother Nigel who also was a very nice fellow when they were in Fuengirola doing a bit of PR. We used to meet up every night for a few drinks (Dave's were non alcohol). He will always be in my memory - such a sad loss for boxing and his family. God be with you Dave and all the best Nigel.
Colm Foley from Holyhead
David was the best and he will always be the best! No matter what.
Dave Edmunds From Alway,Newport
I trained at Alway ABC Before and when David was training there and he was insperational.When he was there everyone in the gym wanted him to train them.He used to give people at The gym confidence in what they were doing and put them right when they needed to improve.His memory will be in the boxing club for as long as the boxing club is there and with every fighter he trained and new there.And the club is getting better and better and a part of the clubs sucess is down to David Pearce and is experiance and training methods.
Craig Whyte
Remember him beating Neville Hope? I was about 10 yrs old then! He was called "The Animal" think that was the finest honour his fellow professionals could bestow upon him. Too difficult to face in a championship contest which is why he never fought the likes of Frank Bruno, Joe Bugner, etc
Johnny Newport
What an achievement; the only man to bring the Heavyweight Championship Belt of Great Britain (The Lonsdale Belt) to Newport or Gwent. Truly a great man.
Dennis Caerphilly
Great champion who has done Newport and South Wales proud, hopefully Newport Council will honour David by putting up a statue in his honour, which would be greatly deserved.
Ken Coughlin Ebbw Vale
I had the pleasure of trying to right the wrongs of others when in 1986 we tried to get David back in the ring. However dark forces beat us but what I do remember was the total lack of support for this great person who really could have ben a cruiserweight Champion of the World. God rest my good friend. Miss you, take care wherever you may be.
Luke in Newport
What he did for boxing in Newport was unbelievable. He was British champion and fought for the European title which most people felt he won. He never got a shot at the world title due to politics but fought notable opponents every fight i.e. Larry McDonald, Denis Andries. He also trained kids at Alway School for boxing. Loved and missed - Newport's own Rocky.
Tyrone in Newbridge
True warrior, great champion. Shame he's been ignored by lack of knowledge. He might not have been world champion, but he was ducked and was very unlucky on the politics side. But what an achievement in bringing the Welsh and British (Lonsdale belt) title to Gwent - the only heavyweight in history to do that for Newport and surrounding area. Still in our minds, thank you David.
Paul in Bristol
One day Newport will wake up and do something to honour this man, with a statue or something. I've heard someone is doing something for him at the library, trying to build up a large archive on David Pearce which is great. About time South East Wales woke up too! David was proud to come from South East Wales and always dedicated his fights for them afterwards. A True people's champion.
Gareth from Llanelli
I was never really into boxing - I knew some of the famous fighters and watched on the odd occasion, but not until I went to the NSC London and watched a boxing match between Big Larry McDonald and David Pearce.After reading the programme I found out that David Pearce was a hot prospect but had not fought for a year and only weighed in at 13st 5 whereas BIG Larry McDonald was 6ft 4 and weighed 17st and was unbeaten - many were tipping him for world honours. So being a proud Welshman I felt I'd have to get behind my fellow Welshman because he was in for a hiding.
But when the fight started David just kept covering up and taking the big man's punches. When he got knocked back he just came back, using wonderful hooks from body to head to bring the guard down of Larry McDonald. Then in the 3rd Larry dropped his hands and one of the most devistating KO's and punches (Left Hook) I have ever seen. Not even to this day have I seen a better KO.
The crowd were on their feet and couldn't believe it - David finished McDonald's career with that left hook. After that fight I followed David and it was a great career considering the circumstances. I agree with what everyone else has said. And the man should definately be recognised - what a gentleman.
Phil in Blackwood
This man was a true hero, a people's champion and more to the point a true gentleman. Adored and missed throughout Newport and Gwent area. You only have to see the amount of comments he's received on the Johnny Owen/Welsh Warriors website and realise the story behind this man and why he should be in the Hall of Fame. Love you Dave.
Former undefeated British heavyweight boxing champion
