Former world champion Josh Taylor says boxing “will be a duller place” without Willie Limond, who has died at age 45.
A Legend Remembered
Ex-British and Commonwealth light-welterweight champion Limond won 42 of his 48 professional fights from 1999 to 2023—and 13 by knockout—although only three bouts took place after 2016.
Four of his losses were to fighters who won world titles: Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales, and Ricky Burns.
A Devastating Loss
“It’s a terrible day for Scottish sport,” Taylor told BBC Scotland.
“The man in general was a larger-than-life character. He was always funny. He was one of life’s good guys.
“It’s such a tragic, tragic loss. Scotland’s lost one of its favorite sons, especially in boxing. It’s a huge loss.”
A Journey Cut Short
Limond was originally a footballer, playing five times for Albion Rovers in the late 1990s.
In his distinguished boxing career, he held the British super-featherweight, light-welterweight, and lightweight titles, as well as the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight, and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight crowns.
In a post on social media, his son Jake said his “dad passed away in the early hours of the morning.”
“He fought on for nearly 10 days. Warrior,” he added on Instagram.
The Final Round
Limond fought countryman Burns in September, with the referee stopping the fight at the end of the eighth round because of excessive blood from his nose.
He announced his retirement from the sport afterward but was set to face Joe Laws at Emirates Arena in Glasgow on May 3.
A Legacy Remembered
Laws posted on Instagram: “I’m absolutely devastated. Willie just wanted to make a better life for his family.
“Willie, my old son, wait for me at the pearly gates; we can get it on. Legends never die.”
The Tragic End
Limond was found in an unresponsive state in a car in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, on April 6 and was taken to Monklands Hospital, where he died. Police Scotland say there are no suspicious circumstances.
A Career Highlight
One of Limond’s most famous bouts was a 2007 Commonwealth lightweight title meeting against Khan, when the Athens Olympics silver medallist was an unbeaten rising star.
Tributes Pour In
Former world champion Crolla posted a ‘heartbroken’ emoji on X and, along with a recent photo of himself and Limond, wrote: “Not just in boxing but in life as well. One of the best men I ever met.”
Woodhouse, who was beaten by Limond at Braehead Arena in 2014, also paid tribute to the fighter on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Final Farewell
St Andrew’s Sporting Club, who were scheduled to stage Limond’s fight with Laws, posted on social media: “Everyone at St Andrew’s Sporting Club is shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of our friend, Willie Limond.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake, Drew, Macy, and the rest of the Limond family at this time.”
Willie Limond’s legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of Scottish sports fans, leaving an indelible mark on the world of boxing. His passion, skill, and character will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.
