Former world boxing champion Billy Schwer, 40, knows what it's like to be down and out for the count.

But he's always turned defeat into advantage – and now he wants to show Luton youngsters how they, too, can make their dreams come true.

The former Challney Boys pupil has set up the Billy Schwer Foundation with his business partner Amanda Snoxell to raise funds and take their motivational message into schools across Bedfordshire.

"We want to encourage kids to believe nothing's impossible," he explains.

The father-of-one is also about to publish his first book, The Science Of Success, and is introducing the concept of mental boxing workouts to help ordinary people become true champions.

Billy's had his share of setbacks. It took him 20 years and four attempts to achieve his lifelong ambition of winning the IBO light welterweight crown.

"I was bashed up week after week," he recalls. "I had bruises and broken bones. My life was really intense and tough. I trained hard and never cut corners. I went into the ring literally prepared to die. But I always had a dream, a vision."

Success, when it came, wasn't as sweet as he expected – he lost his coveted title three months after it had been awarded. "I got frustrated, upset, disappointed. I felt a failure," he admits.

"But then you realise you can learn valuable lessons. It takes courage, persistence and determination. But defeat can drive you to create a new future."

The plucky pugilist – whose father William was Irish welterweight champion – was determined to do something he was passionate about when he laid down his gloves. But nothing inspired him.

"I got depressed, I got divorced," he says. "I thought my life was over. I'd been Billy the boxer. Now I was just Billy. I didn't know who I was."

Then he was introduced to the Landmark Forum. "They teach ontolgy – the art and science of being. And that gave me access to what I'm doing now. I feel so happy and fulfilled to be actually making a difference to people."

Billy is set to become an ambassador for Keech Hospice Care and is already a big hit with patients and their families.

He's also involved in the Extended Schools Programme and hopes to work with the Prince's Trust. His main aim is to empower young people and make them fully responsible for their own future.

If anyone can inspire Bedfordshire teenagers to grasp opportunities with both hands, it's the Luton boxing legend.

>> For more information about Billy's workshops and training sessions, ring Amanda on 07814 215780.