Belfast boxer Carl Frampton is celebrating today after being honoured by Queen's University .
The Tigers Bay man received a Doctor of the University (DUni) for distinction in sport during a ceremony on Saturday.
The Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UMass Lowell), Professor Julie Chen was also honoured, receiving a Doctor of Science (DSc Eng) for distinction in engineering.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Frampton said: "I am delighted to accept this honorary degree from Queen’s University in my hometown of Belfast. This award means so much to me, and I am so pleased to be here to share in this day with so many other students graduating from the University."
Frampton has held the World Boxing Organization interim featherweight title since April 2018. He is a former world champion in two weight classes, having held the International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight titles between 2014 and 2016, and the World Boxing Association (Super) featherweight title from 2016 to 2017.
He became the first boxer from Northern Ireland and only the second boxer from Ireland to have held world titles in two weight classes, earning him a reputation as one of the top boxers in the world. In 2016, Frampton received an MBE for services to Boxing.
Frampton and Professor Chen were among 14 individuals who received honorary degrees this summer at Queen’s University Belfast . Other individuals awarded included internationally renowned researchers as well as leaders in business and commerce.
Professor Chen said: "I feel privileged to receive this honorary degree from Queen’s University Belfast. UMass Lowell and Queen’s have enjoyed an excellent relationship for many years and share the same vision. I look forward to continuing this great relationship and working together on future collaborations."
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