Willie Limond: How former Commonwealth Super-Lightweight champion's final fight went beyond the ring

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Willie Limond: How former Commonwealth Super-Lightweight champion's final fight went beyond the ring

Festus Chuma 15:54 - 15.04.2024

Boxing champion Willie Limond has passed away at 45 leaving behind a storied career and a deeply grieving boxing community.

Former British and Commonwealth super-lightweight champion Willie Limond has died a week after suffering what is believed to have been a seizure. 

The tragic incident occurred just hours before he was set to participate in a public training session in Glasgow. He was 45.

Limond, who had a distinguished 24-year career in professional boxing, was found unresponsive in his car last week.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his condition on Monday. 

Over his illustrious career, Limond clinched the European super-featherweight title, as well as the Commonwealth lightweight and super-lightweight titles, and the British super-lightweight title. His record boasted 42 wins in 48 fights, with 13 victories by stoppage.

Tributes have poured in from across the boxing world. Curtis Woodhouse, a former opponent, expressed his sorrow on social media as per Mirror.

"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."

St. Andrews Boxing Club, where Limond was a beloved figure, shared their grief online: 

"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."

Alex Arthur, another fellow Scot and boxer, also remembered Limond fondly:

 "I met this funny hyper Glaswegian lad when I was 13 yrs old, when I seen him box I was blown away at how good he was. We went on to become very good friends and of course ended up fighting each other! It only made us closer friends! Love you Willie ma man."

Limond's last professional fight took place in September against Ricky Burns, another seasoned fighter from Scotland. 

He was preparing for a comeback fight against Joe Laws, scheduled for May 3 in Glasgow. 

In response to the news of Limond’s passing, Laws has initiated a fundraising campaign to support Limond's family, urging his followers to contribute: "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 their morning coffee and chuck in couple quid to give this boxing legend the send off he deserves."

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