FORMER undisputed light-welterweight boxing champion Josh Taylor will be given the Freedom of East Lothian.
Taylor, who grew up in Prestonpans and now lives in Haddington, became the first Briton to be undisputed champion in the four-belt era of boxing when he defeated Jose Ramirez three years ago.
The 33-year-old, who has only tasted defeat twice in his professional career, will receive the honour on Thursday in a civic reception.
Provost John McMillan will present the Freedom of East Lothian in recognition of Taylor’s outstanding sporting achievements in the boxing world.
Ten years ago, Taylor won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Turning professional the following year, he defeated Archie Weah on his debut in Texas.
In his seventh bout, he stopped Dave Ryan to become Commonwealth light-welterweight champion and then defeated Ohara Davies at a raucous Braehead Arena to become WBC Silver light-welterweight champion.
Taylor entered the World Boxing Super Series and became world champion for the first time when he won the IBF light-welterweight title by defeating Ivan Baranchyk, before adding the WBA (Super) light-welterweight belt when he defeated Regis Prograis in the final.
Victory over Ramirez in Las Vegas saw the former Preston Lodge High School pupil bring home the WBC and WBO light-welterweight titles alongside his WBA and IBF belts.
In 2004, East Lothian Council granted the Freedom of East Lothian to the world-renowned artist John Bellany from Port Seton.
In 2009, Catriona Matthew, Women’s Open golf champion from North Berwick, received the accolade.
In 2012, The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland – or 1 SCOTS – was granted the Freedom of East Lothian and in May 2019 it was also granted to Lothians and Border Yeomanry.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here