Lewis says he is looking forward to getting more involved in Laureus projects and would also like to involve his own charity foundation...

"Laureus is one of the world leaders in grassroots sports programmes" he said...

Earlier this year Lennox met youngsters at a Street League community sports project in central London that is supported by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an encounter that left the former Olympic gold medallist impressed...

The former champ, who experts including George Foreman have described as "the greatest heavyweight of all time" and who includes Muhammad Ali as one of his biggest fans, explained his growing involvement with the charity...

"Through my support for Laureus I have witnessed what a huge impact sport can have on communities around the world. I was very impressed by the young people I met... he said.

"It just goes to show that when they are given guidance and support, they can turn their lives around and become positive role models for society.

"I am testament to that, as sport enabled me to turn my life around. I look forward to be being able to do what I can to help in the future."

Laureus promotes grassroots sports programmes that make a difference to young people and wider communities, and comprises the Laureus World Sports Academy, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Awards... The organisation benefits from sponsors, private donors and fundraising support...

Former undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion Lewis has regularly talked about the power of sport to act as a force for social good and the importance of sports figures acting as proper role models...

The Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Edwin Moses greeted Lennox at an event at the Olympic Games in London...

Moses said of Lewis, who is increasingly being recognised as one of the all-time greats of boxing, that: "he believes passionately in the responsibility of the greatest sportsmen and women to give something back to society."

Lennox becomes ambassador of a foundation that spreads the message that sport is good and runs sport related programmes that work on themes like HIV/AIDS education, inclusivity and tolerance...

The charity promotes positive and alternative pathways to young people via its projects, which are all about fun and fitness as well as making a difference...