Billy Schwer, a former British, Commonwealth, European and International Boxing Organisation title holder, recently spoke to youngsters at Barking & Dagenham College as part of its Inspiration 2013 event.

More than 40 students attended the talk, in which the Luton-born 43-year-old discussed topics such as how to deal with fears and setbacks, how to aim for success and how to keep sight of goals in life.

Student union vice president Muktar Teddy Nur, 18, from Ilford, said: “Being a sports studies student and a big boxing fan, it was great to meet Billy. His talk was really inspiring and we all took a lot away from what he said.”

Other workshops in this year’s Inspiration event included a Dragons’ Den session in which students pitched business ideas to a panel of experts, giving them the opportunity to practise their presentation skills and gain valuable business advice.