As a former boxer who took the Welsh Amateur Boxing Federation title in 1997, Mr Killian said he is “very excited” about the project and to “be asked to be part of this celebration”.

“Some may ask what is it that makes David Pearce stand out and his significance to Newport,” he said.

“He is the only Newport-born boxer to win a British Heavyweight Title. The idea I have for this piece will surely encapsulate who we know as ‘Newport’s Rocky’”.

Although Mr Killian doesn’t want to spoil the surprise for the piece, he said it will be filled with colour, follow a classic theme and measure 6ft by 4ft.

After his first professional fight in 1978, David Pearce rose to prominence defeating the three-time world light heavyweight champion Dennis Andries in 1981.

In St David’s Hall in Cardiff in 1983 he fought Swansea’s Neville Meade to become the Welsh and British heavyweight champion – a title he never lost in the ring.

Newport solicitor and member of the David Pearce Statue Committee, Andrew Collingbourne, said he has known artist Patrick Killian since 2005 and described him as the”perfect choice” for the project.