Carl Frampton has defended his views on boxing being taught to young people in schools.
The former two-weight world champion believes Northern Ireland should follow the template of schools in England who are using boxing to counter the problems of gang culture and knife crime.
Frampton says boxing has been proven to take young people off the streets and save lives.
The 33-year-old's comments received a mixed response on social media, but Frampton believes introducing boxing at a young age would instil "self-discipline and self-respect".
He added: "I saw they are talking about introducing boxing to schools in England to try and curb the gang culture and knife crime epidemic over there at the minute.
"When I said about introducing boxing to schools in Northern Ireland, I meant introduce it as part of PE.
"I didn't mean introduce it alongside Maths and English and have a stand alone boxing class, that's just ridiculous.
"I saw some things on social media, and a bit too much was made out of it.
"But if you introduce it, a great sport that can instil discipline, self respect, and physical and mental health fitness, then it I think it would be good.
"It has happened in schools before, and I think it can only benefit society."
Frampton's comments came at the same time that new heading guidelines in youth football were issued by the football associations of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland .
Primary age children have been banned from heading the ball, with other restrictions and graduated use protocols issued for other ages.
Some people raised the potential health risks associated with young people boxing, but Frampton said: "I don't want kids in schools sparring each other and beating each other up.
"What I am talking about is shadow boxing and skipping, learning how to box.
"Learning the fundamentals of it, learning how to get fit and enjoying it. That's all that I meant."
