Having enjoyed a distinguished career, which included winning the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) light-welterweight crown in 2001; Billy retired from professional boxing later that year. In the years since he has pursued a number of vocations including a short-lived career as an actor.

Finally finding his niche, becoming an inspirational speaker and performance coach in recent years, Billy has established himself as a guest speaker, invited to talk at events around the country, ranging from company executives to organisations supporting young people with special needs.

Commenting on Billy’s talk, the University’s International Internship Manager, Lee Allen said: “We believe university is about more than getting a degree.

“Inviting in speakers like Billy is part of our personal development programme for students – someone who can share real practical experience of the challenges he has faced and the creative ways he has shaped his career. 

“We are keen to provide opportunities for students to hear from speakers who can inspire them for their university career and beyond.”

Speaking to students at the Luton campus, the popular locally-born and raised ex-fighter reflected on the challenges he faced after retiring from boxing.

Billy added: “The first two years of my retirement were the worst of my life.

“I was training all the time, focusing on becoming World Champion and then my career was suddenly over. I didn’t set myself a goal for once I had retired.

“I needed to reinvent myself and ultimately I wanted to make some sort of difference in the community. I like to think I have done that through my inspirational speaking with different sections of society.”

Billy’s visit to the University marks the start of a partnership that will see the 44-year-old lead monthly motivational talks with students from across the four faculties.

In addition, students on the University’s internship programme, an initiative providing them with 75 hours of work experience at the University and with local businesses and projects, will have the chance to work closely with Billy to develop a marketing campaign for his own business.