An autistic teenager who used to be a self-confessed "couch potato" turned his life around - thanks to boxing legend Anthony Joshua.

Matthew Key started training at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club, where the heavyweight started his career, in order to get more active.

His autism contributed to him being "sullen, angry and difficult" in PE lessons.

But when Joshua - the undefeated champion - came in for a session - the rest became history.

"He sparred with me," said Matthew, 15. "My nose started bleeding, but despite that I just wanted to keep going. My ultimate ambition is to get every belt in the heavyweight division."

Matthew, who goes to Waverley School in Enfield, has also begun taking part in Panathlon tournaments for disabled people.

He also credits the tournament to his new drive.

He added: "There’s no doubt about it, Panathlon has given me a better future,” he said. “It has let me focus that negative energy into something positive instead of just mucking about.

"I’ve now started boxing at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club."

He took part in a tournament at the London 2012 venue last week, where his team finished second.

It included sports from boccia, precision beanbag to new-age kurling and field athletics, as well as table cricket.

He added: "It means a lot to compete here because I idolise Olympians and Paralympians and to know that they've performed where I'm competing right now means a lot. It shows I'm following in their footsteps."

He was given a silver medals from GB Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson at the Copper Box Arena on Thursday.