TWO of Newport’s best known bands 2Rude and Big Macs Wholly Soul Band are joining forces this Saturday (April 1) for a fundraising evening of music at Newport’s Neon.

The concert, organised by Luke Pearce, Rob Santwris, Andrew Collingbourne and Callum Hiscott, will be raising cash to put up a statue in honour of a Newport boxing hero David Pearce.

Supporters will also have the chance to win a Wales football shirt signed by Gareth Bale and a signed GLC Newport County shirt. A painting of the champion Newport boxer will also be up for grabs.

The fundraising drive is looking to raise £35,000 to pay for the memorial to David ‘Bomber’ Pearce who was British and Welsh Heavyweight Champion in the 1980s and one the most successful boxers to come out of Newport.

David went down in history on September 22, 1983 by defeating Neville Mead to win the British Heavyweight Championship Belt.

Nephew of David and member of the campaign committee Luke Pearce says the night is a big one for the campaign. “It has the potential to help us realise our dream in remembering one of Wales’ greatest fighters,” he said.

“People can help us do this by coming to the Neon and having a wonderful evening and the great thing is they’ll be helping to make a memorial to this Newport hero.”

Around £7,000 has already been raised with collections in pubs across Newport, special events and via the recent Newport Half-Marathon.

The event starts at 8pm on Saturday April 1 and tickets cost £15. Tickets can be purchased here http://bit.ly/2lvgdNV

You can support the campaign by going to the justgiving page http://bit.ly/2lLJmXX