- Willie Limond was found unconscious in his car earlier this month
- Limond won 42 of his 48 professional fights from 1999 to 2023 – 13 of them by KO
Former boxing champion Willie Limond has died aged 45 after initially being found unconscious in his car following an attack.
Earlier this month, Limond was discovered in his car just hours before he was due to take part in a public training session in Glasgow ahead of his scheduled fight with Joe Laws on May 3.
But in the early hours of this Monday morning it was confirmed that he had died.
On social media, his son Jake – who is also a professional boxer and currently undefeated with a record of 6-0-0 – wrote as an Instagram story: ‘My father passed away in the early morning hours around 3am.
‘He fought for almost ten days. Warrior.”
Former Scottish boxing champion Willie Limond has died aged 45 after a seizure
Limond’s son Jake (right) confirmed his father’s death with a heartfelt post on Monday
Jake is one of Limond’s three children, along with his brother Drew and sister Macy
Limond Snr won 42 of his 48 professional fights between 1999 and 2023 – 13 of them by knockout – although only three fights took place after 2016.
The Glaswegian was originally a footballer, making five appearances for Albion Rovers in the late 1990s.
During his boxing career, 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.
Four of Limond’s six losses 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 compatriot Ricky Burns in the eighth round, with the referee stopping the fight at the end of the round due to excessive blood from his nose.
Limond subsequently announced his retirement from the sport, 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 fights – with four defeats against fighters who would 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
His proposed opponent paid his respects to Limond, saying: “I’m devastated, listen, my old son is waiting for me at the pearly gates and we can move on.
‘Can all my supporters and followers skip the morning coffee and throw in a few quid to give this boxing legend the send-off he deserves?’
Crolla, who defeated Limond in November 2011, posted on Instagram: ‘Not only in boxing, but in life he was one of the very best men I have ever known. It’s a pleasure to do your corner, to share the ring, but above all you have you as a friend. So many great times with you over the years.
“My heart breaks for the boys who were his best friends, his little girl and his wonderful family. Good night my friend.’
Curtis Woodhouse, who was defeated by Limond in a British title fight in 2014, paid tribute to the fighter on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Absolutely devastated when I heard the news of the passing of Willie Limond, a great fighter and a great man. We kept in touch after our fight and always laughed together. Absolutely gutted. Rest in peace champion,” the Englishman wrote.
A statement from Scotland’s boxing club, St Andrew’s Sporting Club, said: ‘Everyone at St Andrew’s Sporting Club is shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, Willie Limond.
“Willie was not only a legend of the sport, but also 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.”