Amir Khan believes that children “need more role models” within the sporting world to keep them disciplined.
The 24-year-old thinks that the unrest that broke out over the country last week was caused by a “lack of jobs” and built up “anger and frustration” within certain communities.
"What happened shocked me and was a shock to everyone in Britain," Sky Sports News quotes Khan as saying. "The riots happened because of all the anger and frustration that had built up in people.
"A way of letting that out was to smash things up, beat up policemen and cause problems. Those feelings have come from the lack of jobs and the lack of funding in things like community centres.
"Kids don't have much to do and because it's the school holidays a lot of them are on the streets hanging out. They wanted something to do and ended up doing something that wasn't right.”
The WBA and IBF world light-welterweight champion is adamant that figures in sport need to set an example for young people in this country.
"Sport is very positive and in my eyes channels energy into something beneficial,” he added. "We should get as many kids as possible involved in sports. It gives them goals, teaches them discipline and how to work with other people from different backgrounds.
"Kids definitely need more role models, especially in sport. Sports stars can make such a difference.”
The Bolton-born boxer set up the Gloves Community Centre in 2007.
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