Former British Commonwealth champion Willie Limond has died in hospital after suffering a suspected seizure. He passed away at the age of 45.
The Scot lost in eight rounds to multi-weight world champion Ricky Burns last September and was scheduled to face Joe Laws at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow next month.
Limond vowed to continue his career and changed his diet and lifestyle with an eye on Glasgow law. Limond was scheduled to participate in an open practice at the St. Enoch Center on April 6, but police found him unresponsive in his car.
Paramedics took Mr Limond to Monklands University Hospital in Airdrie, where he remained until his death. Limond had an impressive career with 48 starts, 42 wins and 6 losses.
Former British And Commonwealth Champion Willie Limond Passes Away, Aged 45 https://t.co/AaeWeRuNHW
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) April 15, 2024
St Andrews Sports Club, which has sponsored Limond since 2019, confirmed the former champion’s death in a short statement and said its thoughts were with the Limond family.
“Everyone at St Andrews Sports Club is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of our friend Willie Limond.”
“Willie was not only a sports legend, but also a contagious person who we will all miss dearly.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake, Drew, Macy, and the rest of the Limond family at this time.”
During his long career, Limond met the likes of Alex Arthur, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla and the aforementioned Barnes. Social media has been flooded with tributes to Limond, with former opponents Alex Arthur and Curtis Woodhouse leading the tributes.
Arthur and Limond were no strangers to each other in the Scottish amateur and professional boxing world. The pair met in 2004 at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena when Arthur successfully defended his British super featherweight title against Limond.
“When I was 13 I met a funny and hyperactive boy from Glasgow,” Arthur wrote on X. “When I saw him box, I was shocked at how good he was.” Told. We became very good friends and of course we fought with each other! It made us even closer friends! I love you, Willy, my man.
Scottish boxing great has sadly died at the age of 45
The former former European, Commonwealth and British champion had been in hospital after suffering a suspected seizure while driving last week https://t.co/k4Kpd1gsh8
— Metro (@MetroUK) April 15, 2024
Woodhouse, a former British super lightweight champion, met Limond in June 2014. Limond also wanted Woodhouse’s British title to be added to the Commonwealth title Woodhouse had won the previous year from Eddie Doyle.
Despite losing to Limond by majority decision, Woodhouse paid tribute to Limond, who he befriended with Glasweijen after the 2014 contest.
“Absolutely shocked to hear of Willie Limond’s passing,” Woodhouse wrote on social media. “A great fighter and a great man.” We stayed in touch after our fights and always laughed together. Absolutely gutless. Champion, rest in peace
The boxing world is mourning the death of former Commonwealth champion Willie Limond. Limond, who died at the age of 45 from a suspected stroke, left behind a legacy of his athleticism and skill.
Limondo’s impressive 42-6 career with 48 starts is a testament to his dedication and talent in the ring. Meetings with notable figures in boxing such as Alex Arthur, Erik Morales, Amir Khan and Anthony Crolla highlight his influence on the sport.
The outpouring of tributes on social media, led by former opponents Alex Arthur and Curtis Woodhouse, reflects Limond’s respected position in the boxing world. Arthur fondly remembers their meeting, emphasizing the friendship that was born through both competition and camaraderie.
Woodhouse, who fought Limondo in a memorable match in June 2014, paid tribute to Limondo’s character both in and out of the ring. Despite her competitive background, Woodhouse speaks warmly of Limond, emphasizing their enduring friendship that transcends sports.
Limond’s death has left a hole in the hearts of many, including those at St Andrews Sports Club, which he had sponsored since 2019. The club mourns Limondo, not only as a sporting legend, but also as a dear friend whose character will be sorely missed. As the boxing community reflects on Limond’s accomplishments, his impact on the sport and the lives of those he touched remains undeniable. His memory will live on in the stories shared by his friends, fans and fellow athletes, ensuring Willy Limond’s spirit continues to inspire future generations.