Amir Khan believes sport has a critical role to play in combating the "anger and frustration" he blames for last week's outbreak of rioting.

Khan argues that the trouble witnessed in many British cities, most notably London and Manchester, has its roots in the bleak future facing many young people.

The WBA and IBF world light-welterweight champion would like to see sport used as a means to teach a string of important values.

"What happened shocked me and was a shock to everyone in Britain," he said.

"The riots happened because of all the anger and frustration that had built up in people.

"A way of letting that out was to smash things up, beat up policemen and cause problems.

"Those feelings have come from the lack of jobs and the lack of funding in things like community centres.

"Kids don't have much to do and because it's the school holidays a lot of them are on the streets hanging out.

"They wanted something to do and ended up doing something that wasn't right.

"Sport is very positive and in my eyes channels energy into something beneficial.

"We should get as many kids as possible involved in sports. It gives them goals, teaches them discipline and how to work with other people from different backgrounds."

Since 2007 Khan has provided an outlet for children through the Gloves Community Centre he founded in his hometown of Bolton.

The 24-year-old spent £700,000 setting up the centre, which receives 500 visitors a week, and stresses that sportsmen and women must use the influence they wield for good.

"Kids definitely need more role models, especially in sport. Sports stars can make such a difference," he said.

"I do my best to get out there. I'm very lucky to be in the position I'm in and if I can give any advice to young kids out there I'll do that.

";I go to a lot of schools and give my views on kids and how they should walk away. We need to teach them discipline."

Khan believes it will be some time before Manchester comes to terms with the scenes witnessed last week.

"Manchester was hit quite hard. Shop keepers were affected, there were fires, cars being smashed up and people getting hurt," he said.

"It's really bad to live in a community that has these problems, it makes people feel unsafe.

"I think it will take a long time for things to get back to normal. It just came out of the blue.

"I hang out a lot in Manchester and never expected it to happen there. It just shows how angry people are."

Khan, who claimed Zab Judah's IBF crown with a fifth-round knockout in Las Vegas last month, embarks on his third pilgrimage to Mecca on Monday.

"I promised myself that after winning another world title I'd go. It will be with my family," he said.

"A lot of people do it to ask for forgiveness for the bad things they have done.

"I'm going there to thank God for giving me what I have and for making me a champion. I also want to learn more about my faith.

"It gives me discipline and more confidence. it also teaches me how to do things the right way."

When he returns, Khan is eager to resume his conquest of the light-welterweight division by fighting the winner of Erik Morales against Lucas Martin Matthysse, who clash for the WBC belt next month.

"I'll fight anyone, but I definitely want the winner of Morales and Matthysse. That would be another title in the bank," he said.