FORMER undisputed world boxing champion Josh Taylor has been honoured with the Freedom of East Lothian at a civic reception.

Friends and family of the former WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO light-welterweight champion attended the event in Haddington on Thursday evening.

Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, presented Taylor - who also won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 10 years ago during his amateur career - with a framed ‘Freedom of East Lothian’ certificate at the intimate event.

Mr McMillan, who represents Haddington, where the Prestonpans-born boxer now lives, said that the accolade was given to “people of distinction or to those who have rendered eminent service in their area”.

Taylor, who said the certificate would find pride of place in his "man cave", was full of praise for the people of East Lothian who have backed him throughout his career.

He said: "It's amazing the support that I have had since the early amateur days and going to the Commonwealth Games.

"It has been amazing what I have had from East Lothian.

"I am thankful and this community punches above its weight in terms of talent that has come out of here."

It was more than three years ago that councillors voted to make the boxer an Honorary Freeman of the county in recognition of his significant sporting achievements.

READ MORE: Josh Taylor set to be awarded the Freedom of East Lothian

But due to Covid-19 and Taylor’s considerable training and fight commitments, the formal presentation was postponed.

Mr McMillan, who was joined at the event by a number of council representatives and Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP, stressed the community’s role in helping Taylor achieve his dreams.

He said: “When you were growing up, there will have been no shortage of people around you who also dreamed of sporting greatness but we know there is a difference between dreaming and making it happen.

“Natural talent plays a huge part of course, Josh, but the importance of qualities such as discipline, perseverance and resilience cannot be overstated.

“Consistency in training and taking the knockbacks (literally in your sport, Josh), learning from them and turning them to your advantage is vital and a great example that you’ve set to others both within and outwith the ring.

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“I’m sure you would also be the first to point out the importance of good support around you – your family, your coaches, your training team and of course your partner Danielle.

“Looking around the room tonight, I can see how proud they are of you and rightly so.”

Turning professional in 2015, Taylor defeated Archie Weah in his professional debut before going on to stop Dave Ryan in his seventh fight to be crowned Commonwealth light-welterweight champion.

Victory over Ohara Davies at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena saw him add the WBC Silver light-welterweight title to his collection.

A convincing win over Ryan Martin in the World Boxing Super Series saw former Preston Lodge High School pupil Taylor set up a world title bout with Ivan Baranchyk, where he won the IBF light-welterweight title.

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A points decision over American Regis Prograis saw him add the WBA title and he then became the first Briton to become undisputed champion in the four-belt era with victory over Jose Ramirez in 2021.

Also in attendance at this evening's ceremony was family of former East Lothian Council leader the late Willie Innes.

Mr McMillan paid tribute to his party colleague and the role he had played in Josh’s route to the top.

He said: “Councillor Willie Innes recognised your potential as you were coming through the amateur ranks and was keen to make sure that you were able to develop your talents and compete on bigger and better stages.

“He worked with council officers to identify financial support for you, Josh, and other East Lothian athletes who were preparing to compete in the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 home Commonwealth Games.

“I’m proud that the Willie Innes Sports Award Fund continues to this day and look forward to seeing more of our young sportspeople continue to follow their dreams with its support, just as you’ve followed yours, Josh.

“Willie sadly passed in 2021 but he was so proud when he saw you achieve gold in Glasgow and again when you became world champion.”