Boxer Carl Froch to become honorary freeman of Nottingham

Froch said his achievements had put Nottingham "on the map"

World boxing champion Carl Froch is set to become an honorary freeman of Nottingham.

Froch, 37, who beat George Groves in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley in May, grew up in Gedling near the city.

He said it was a "very proud moment" for him and his family, and joked that the honour would allow him to take sheep over Trent Bridge.

Graham Chapman, deputy leader of Nottingham City Council, said the boxer was a "great role model".

'On the map'

Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, Brian Clough and Sir Paul Smith have all previously received the accolade.

Mr Chapman said: "[Carl is] very proud of the city and whenever there's any publicity nationally he's 'Carl Froch from Nottingham' - he's managed to brand his name along with that of the city."

Froch knocked George Groves out at Wembley in May

Froch, who holds the IBF and WBA super-middleweight titles, said: "I think it means I can take my sheep over Trent Bridge now.

"To be acknowledged by my city, to be given the honour, it's a very proud moment for me and my family."

He said his achievements had helped his home city.

The fight against Groves was a rematch following their controversial first fight

"People don't just think of Robin Hood, they think of Carl Froch now. [I've put] Nottingham on the map on a wider scale and I'm very proud to do that."

He added he wanted to fulfil a lifelong dream of fighting in Las Vegas, but that a bout at Nottingham Forest's City Ground would be the next best thing.

He will receive the honorary freeman honour at a special ceremony at the Royal Concert Hall in October.

Carl 'The Cobra' Froch

• Carl Martin Froch was born in Nottingham in July 1977

• He has won the WBC title twice and currently holds the IBF title

• Froch has a Nottingham Forest FC badge on his fight shorts

• His Groves bout had the biggest post-war attendance for a boxing match