The visit of the two boxing stars came as Fight for Peace released research showing that its projects have had an economic impact of £2.5 million ($4 million/€3.1 million) on Newham in East London through the prevention of crime and the personal development of its pupils.

Following their tip in September to Fight for Peace in Rio de Janeiro, Adams and Joshua explained the importance of the initiative for young people.

"Fight for Peace is an inspiring project making a huge difference to young people and their communities in London and Rio," said Adams, who became the first ever female Olympic boxing champion at London 2012.

"Boxing has a proven track record of helping people to build a better way of life and I fully support any project that can use sport to provide young people with a purpose and a structure that helps them in all aspects of their life, as Fight for Peace has done."

Joshua was equally supportive of the project.


"Fight for Peace is fantastic and it is brilliant to see how it uses boxing and education to help young adults at risk of crime and violence," he told insidethegames.

"Boxing was a sport that helped me get off the streets and make something of my life.

"It is fantastic to know that through Fight for Peace, more people like me will be able to do something positive with their lives."

Meanwhile, the new research, conducted by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Ecorys and University of East London, illustrated the project's huge benefit for young people.

It revealed that young people's participation at Fight for Peace resulted in "175 crimes avoided and £1,128,336 ($1,797,553/€1,394,037) worth of savings to society delivered".

Adams and Joshua become the latest high profile figures to back Fight for Peace, which has also received endorsement from the likes of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

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