Boxing champion Josh Taylor speaks to Preston Lodge pupils

Josh spoke online to a number of pupils from Preston Lodge High School about their achievements and the importance of sport.

The boxing star, who attended the school from 2002 to 2006, held the virtual chat with the youngsters ahead of his bid to become the world’s undisputed light welterweight boxing champion.

Among the budding sports stars he spoke to were Millie Allan, Nicole Hogg, and Daniel and Ben McCabe.

Josh had approached the Prestonpans secondary school to have a chat to the youngsters about lockdown, how they had stayed motivated and what they were looking forward to about returning to school.

Josh Taylor discussed his upcoming fight with Millie Allan

Millie spoke about her efforts to get youngsters involved in sport.

She said: “I feel like that is kind of what you need to do, especially now.

“I coach rugby on a Sunday and I do hockey for the school.

“Also, being a sports ambassador, I am just trying to get the kids into any kind of sport, any activity that they can.”

Josh Taylor discussed his upcoming fight with Nicole Hogg

Footballer Nicole, who plays for Musselburgh Windsor, was then put on the spot when the IBF and WBA Light Welterweight champion asked how many goals she had scored.

The secondary school pupil said: “Last season, I got 43 assists – the most assists in my team – but I think I only got 20-odd goals.”

Finally, Josh, who is preparing for the biggest fight of his career as he takes on fellow double world champion Jose Ramirez in a world title unification bout in Las Vegas, told Daniel and Ben he was “buzzing” ahead of the fight next month.

Ben said they were “really big fans” of both Josh and fellow Scots boxer Lee McGregor and added: “We just wanted to wish you all the best for the fight.”

Josh took time out from his gruelling training schedule to speak to the pupils at the beginning of the month.

The school already has an award in his honour, named the Josh Taylor Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Josh Taylor discussed his upcoming fight with Ben and Daniel McCabe

Afterwards, the Commonwealth Games gold medal winner tweeted: “It was class to speak with pupils from Preston Lodge and find out how they’ve been keeping, amazing to hear the resilience these kids have.

“I’m coming in with all the belts as soon as I can, bringing them home for Scotland!”

Chris Thomas, principal teacher support guidance, thanked the boxing world champion for giving up his time.

He said: “Josh spoke candidly with the pupils individually about a range of subjects, including their lockdown experience, their future plans and how they stay motivated.

“Josh commented how impressed he was with the Preston Lodge pupils’ motivation but also their sense of community and pride.

“All the pupils wished Josh the best of luck for the upcoming world championship fight.

“Hopefully we will see Josh back at the school with his winners’ belts!”

Gavin Clark, the school’s headteacher, also thanked Josh for speaking to the youngsters.

He said: “Everyone at PL is incredibly proud of Josh and his amazing achievements in boxing, and we were really touched that he took the time to catch up with some of our students as he prepares for his next big fight.

“Josh has always been really supportive of the school and we all wish him well in May!”