Former boxing champion Willie Limond has died at the age of 45 after being initially found unresponsive in his car following a seizure.
Earlier this month, Limond was discovered in his vehicle just hours before he set to partake in a public training session in Glasgow ahead of his planned bout with Joe Laws on May 3.
But in the early hours of this Monday morning it was confirmed that he had passed away.
Taking to social media, his son Jake – who is also a professional boxer and currently unbeaten with a 6-0-0 record – wrote as an Instagram story: ‘My dad passed away in the early hours of the morning around 3am.
‘He fought on for near enough 10 days. Warrior.’
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Former Scottish boxing champion Willie Limond has died aged 45 after suffering a seizure
Limond’s son Jake (right) confirmed his father’s passing on Monday with a heartfelt post
Jake is one of three children to Limond – alongside his brother Drew and sister Macy
Limond Snr won 42 of his 48 professional fights from 1999 to 2023 – including 13 by knockout – although only three bouts took place after 2016.
The Glaswegian was originally a footballer, playing five times for Albion Rovers in the late 1990s.
He held the British super-featherweight, super-lightweight and lightweight titles as well as the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight titles during his boxing career.
Four of Limond’s six defeats were against fighters who won world titles – Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales and Ricky Burns.
He last fought in September, losing by TKO to fellow Scotsman Ricky Burns in the eighth round, with the referee stopping the fight at the end of the round because of excessive blood from his nose.
Limond announced his retirement from the sport afterwards but made a U-turn to take on Laws.
Limond celebrates defending his Commonwealth lightweight world title with his sons in 2013
He won 42 of his 48 professional bouts – with four defeats against fighters who would go on to become world champions (pictured in 2007 after losing his Commonwealth belt to Amir Khan)
The Scot was due to fight again on May 3 – this time against Joe Laws (left) in Glasgow
Paying his respects to Limond, his proposed opponent said: ‘I am devastated, listen my old son wait for me at the pearly gates and we can get it on.
‘Can all my support and followers just skip tha morning coffee and chuck in couple quid give this boxing legend the send off he deserves.’
Crolla, who beat Limond in November 2011, posted on Instagram: ‘Not just in boxing but in life, he was one of the very best men I’ve ever knew. Pleasure to do your corner, share the ring with but u most of all have u as friend. So many great times with u over the years.
‘My heart breaks for the boys who was his best friends, his little girl and his amazing family. Sleep well my friend.’
Curtis Woodhouse, who was beaten in a British title fight by Limond in 2014, paid tribute to the fighter on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of Willie Limond, a great fighter and a great man. We stayed in touch after our fight and always had a laugh together. Absolutely gutted. Rest In Peace champ,’ the Englishman wrote.
A statement from the Scot’s boxing club, the St Andrew’s Sporting Club, read: ‘Everyone at St Andrew’s Sporting Club are shocked and deeply saddened at the loss of our friend, Willie Limond.
‘Willie was not only a legend of the sport, but an infectious character who will be greatly missed by us all.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Jake, Drew, Macy and the rest of the Limond family at this time.’
