Boxing champ Josh Taylor to be awarded Freedom of East Lothian

World champion boxer Josh Taylor will be handed the Freedom of East Lothian to mark his sporting achievements.

East Lothian councillors approved a nomination for the Tartan Tornado to be made a freeman at a virtual meeting.

Taylor, who grew up in Prestonpans, became the first British fighter to become an undisputed world champion in the four-belt era after defeating José Ramírez last month and returned to a hero’s welcome in the town.

The 30-year-old boxer will join a select group of people to be made freemen of East Lothian by the council, including Port Seton artist John Bellany, golfer Catriona Matthew, The Royal Scots Borderers, and the Lothians and Border Yeomanry.

East Lothian provost John McMillan, who nominated Taylor for the honour, said: “Josh’s achievements over a relatively short span of time have been outstanding.

“From his early successes as an amateur boxer winning medals at successive Commonwealth Games to his continued success in the highly competitive professional arena, he has excelled.

“His most recent achievement as the first British fighter to become an undisputed world champion in the four-belt era and only the fifth man in the world to achieve this status is testament to his dedication, extensive training and ambition.

“It’s an achievement that’s unlikely to be bettered within his generation of fighters and he is a fantastic role model to local young people across East Lothian.”

Although historically the freeman title came with certain rights within the county, it is now an honorary title awarded as a mark of respect.

A parade to mark Taylor’s win is being held this weekend in Prestonpans after it was given the go-ahead, with Covid safety precautions in place.

By local democracy reporter Marie Sharp