Josh Warrington takes time out to support new anti-knife crime initiative

Josh Warrington is preparing for his upcoming showdown against Kiko Martinez and has the chance to become a two-time world champion.

Ahead of the bout, the 'Leeds Warrior' took some time out of his training schedule to visit Leeds Alliance Boxing Club.

In partnership with knife crime charity StreetDoctors and 11 Degrees clothing, Warrington took part in a first aid course with youngsters from the gym.

StreetDoctors is a violence reduction charity that empowers young people affected by violence with lifesaving skills and increases their understanding of the consequences of violence.

It enables them to make more informed decisions about keeping themselves and others safe.

With knife crime a serious issue across the country, Warrington supported the charity by gifting tracksuits to youngsters.

Warrington said about the initiative: "It's great to have the support of one of my partners 11 Degrees with this charity, using their commitment and reach to raise awareness about a really important initiative and support the community and young boxers.

"It's something that's not spoken about," Warrington added when speaking about knife crime in the UK. "You can go on first aid courses and you can do that specifically for a job, maybe, but this is a little bit different because knife culture is growing. And not many young people know what to do if they see someone being stabbed or concussed, they wouldn't know how to act.

"Maybe there would be the odd person who's got a relative whose a doctor or a nurse. Knife crime is a growing problem, especially in cities. I hate to say it but it's something some of these kids might see. Only last year there was an area where I grew up and in the space of a month, a lad I knew, a young boxer, had his hand cut off because of a samurai sword.

"A month later there was a fight outside my dad's house where two lads were waving machetes about like no tomorrow. People talk about it in London, it's nationwide. The main way to eradicate it would be to stop carrying knives but there's always going to be that problem, it's going to be a long time before that gets wiped out, so what's the next best thing? Saving a life.

"These kids making their way now might not ever see anything like that but in a few years' time, some of them will be old enough to go into bars and pubs and might see someone get glassed and remember this day and might end up saving a life.

"We shouldn't have knife crime but it happens so what are you going to do about it? It starts with environment, areas, discipline growing up, all different kinds of situations. But doing something like this - a 45-minute lesson and these guys can save a life," Warrington added.