Ex-boxer and Hull KR owner receive freedom of city

Tommy Coyle (right) said it was an honour to receive the award alongside Neil Hudgell

A former boxer turned entrepreneur has been given the Freedom of the City of Hull during a ceremony.

Tommy Coyle, 36, who became Commonwealth lightweight champion in 2018 and has led charitable initiatives to tackle child poverty and youth violence, received the honour at Hull's Guildhall.

Neil Hudgell, the solicitor and Hull KR owner, was also presented with the honour.

Mr Coyle said it was tremendous honour to receive the award while standing "alongside my dear friend, Neil Hudgell".

Mr Coyle was nominated by Councillor Shane McMurray. He said: "Tommy's story is one rooted in Hull, built on hard work, humility and heart.

"Growing up in a family rooted in the city's historic Fruit Market, he learned early the values of discipline, graft and community – values that would shape his boxing career and the person he became outside the ring."

Tommy Coyle, 36, and his brothers run a fruit and veg stall in Hull city centre

Council leader Mike Ross said it was "a very fitting award" for Mr Coyle, adding: "I don't think we've seen the last of Tommy's work in the city."

In response, Mr Coyle said: "We've got some great plans for the city that I'm really proud to be from."

Mr Hudgell, who has overseen Hull KR's treble-winning season, was nominated by Councillor Daren Hale, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Hale previously described him as "a leading solicitor, philanthropist and lifelong champion for justice, sport, and regeneration in Hull".

"I'm delighted all the work Neil has put in over the years finally got the reward Rovers deserve, but Neil also deserves this for his incredible contribution," he added.

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