Olympic champion Anthony Joshua has urged education chiefs to reinstate boxing in schools.

The London 2012 gold medal hero believes the sport will help teach youngsters vital lessons in discipline and help them stay fit amid rising concerns of youth obesity.

Joshua, 24, is part of the recent boom in British boxing and has won all four of his heavyweights bouts since turning professional last year.

Teach them a lesson: Anthony Joshua laid on a masterclass for a group of kids and says boxing should be taught in schools

He said: ‘Years ago there used to be boxing in schools which would help with discipline, self-defence and confidence.’

The Londoner, promoted by Sportsmail’s boxing columnist Eddie Hearn, returns to the ring live on Sky Sports on March 1 in Glasgow against Hector Avila added: ‘I’d love to see boxing brought back into schools in some form. It doesn’t have to be sparring or full contact boxing. Pad work, skipping, drills, bag work – they’re all good for encouraging better behaviour and better ways of living your life.

‘Boxing has helped me with discipline. It has really shaped me and made me the man I am today. I left education at 18 and since then boxing has taught me to do my own research, both in books and online, and to generally keep sharp mentally.

Packing a punch: Joshua has an unbeaten record in all four of his professional fights so far

‘It teaches you right from wrong but also what hard work is really about. If you want something you have to work hard and put the hours in, not just expect it to happen. You get out what you put into life.

‘The greatest thing about boxing is that you always hear stories about kids who came from nothing who make it and are successful at the top. It’s not about who you know, it’s about what you put in.

‘Anyone can walk into a boxing club, you don’t have to be affiliated with anyone or know anyone, especially if you’re a young kid. There are so many different cultures and beliefs in a boxing gym; it makes it a really healthy place to be.’

Rule Britannia: Joshua won the men’s super heavyweight gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London

Joshua met a group of 12 year olds in the gym to put them through their paces on boxing s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and teach them the importance of fitness and nutrition.

He added: ‘I’d recommend for kids to follow what they want to do, but if they’re looking to get into something new then I would definitely recommend boxing. There are so many heights that you can take it to, but mainly it’s just a great education.

‘There are so many great stories around the sport too, about all the great champions, it can be incredibly inspirational.’

Head-to-head: Joshua traned a group of students as part of his role in Sky’s ‘Game Changers’ show