ormer boxing champion Willie Limond, renowned for his prowess in the ring, has tragically passed away at the age of 45. The news of his demise comes after he was found unresponsive in his car following a seizure. Limond’s journey, marked by both triumph and challenge, leaves behind a legacy cherished by fans and fellow athletes alike.
Limond’s final moments unfolded on an unsuspecting Monday morning, shrouding the boxing world in sorrow. Earlier in the month, he was discovered in his vehicle, just hours before he was scheduled to partake in a public training session in Glasgow, gearing up for his planned bout with Joe Laws on May 3. The sudden turn of events, from preparation for a forthcoming match to the stark reality of his passing, left many stunned.
Among those deeply affected by Limond’s departure is his son, Jake, who also follows in his father’s footsteps as a professional boxer. Jake, who maintains an unblemished record of 6-0-0, took to social media to share the heartbreaking news of his father’s passing. In an Instagram story, he reflected on his father’s resilience, describing him as a “warrior” who fought on for nearly ten days before succumbing to fate.
Limond Sr.’s illustrious career spanned from 1999 to 2023, during which he achieved remarkable success, winning 42 of his 48 professional fights, with 13 victories by knockout. His journey to boxing glory began after transitioning from a career in football, having played for Albion Rovers in the late 1990s. Over the years, Limond secured multiple titles, including the British super-featherweight, super-lightweight, and lightweight titles, along with the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight, and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight titles.
Despite his accomplishments, Limond faced formidable opponents throughout his career, with four of his six defeats coming against fighters who would later claim world titles, including the likes of Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales, and Ricky Burns. Limond’s final match, in September, ended in defeat to fellow Scotsman Ricky Burns, with the fight halted in the eighth round due to excessive blood from his nose. Following this bout, Limond announced his retirement from the sport, only to make a surprising return to face Laws.
The boxing community rallied to pay tribute to Limond, honoring his contributions to the sport and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him. Laws, his proposed opponent for the upcoming match, expressed devastation over Limond’s passing, extending heartfelt condolences and urging supporters to honor the boxing legend’s memory. Anthony Crolla, who shared the ring with Limond in November 2011, remembered him not only as a formidable opponent but also as a cherished friend, expressing sorrow over the loss.
Curtis Woodhouse, who faced Limond in a British title fight in 2014, took to Twitter to express his devastation, recalling fond memories of their time together and hailing Limond as both a great fighter and a great man. The St Andrew’s Sporting Club, where Limond trained and forged lifelong bonds, released a statement mourning his loss, describing him as a legend of the sport and an irreplaceable presence within the community.
Limond’s passing leaves a void in the world of boxing, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and fans. As the boxing fraternity mourns the loss of one of its own, memories of Limond’s resilience, sportsmanship, and passion for the sport will endure, ensuring that his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him.
