Willie Limond, a former boxing champion, passed away at 45 after being found unresponsive in his car following a seizure. Earlier this month, he was discovered in his vehicle just hours before a public training session in Glasgow ahead of his planned bout with Joe Laws on May 3. Sadly, in the early hours of Monday morning, his death was confirmed.
His son Jake, also an undefeated professional boxer with a record of 6-0-0, shared on social media: “My dad passed away around 3am this morning. He battled on for nearly 10 days. A true warrior.”
On Monday, Limond’s son Jake (pictured right) confirmed his father’s passing with a heartfelt post.
Throughout his boxing career, he held several titles including the British super-featherweight, super-lightweight, and lightweight titles, alongside the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight, and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight titles.
Among his six defeats, four were against fighters who later became world champions, including Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales, and Ricky Burns.
His last bout was in September, where he faced fellow Scotsman Ricky Burns, succumbing to a TKO in the eighth round. Excessive bleeding from his nose led the referee to halt the fight at the round’s conclusion.
Following this defeat, Limond initially announced his retirement but later reversed his decision to take on Laws.
Limond commemorates the successful defense of his Commonwealth lightweight world title alongside his sons in 2013.
Out of his 48 professional bouts, he emerged victorious in 42, experiencing defeat four times against opponents who later claimed world titles. The photo captures him in 2007 following his loss of the Commonwealth belt to Amir Khan.
Scheduled to fight again on May 3, this time against Joe Laws (pictured left) in Glasgow, the Scot’s plans were tragically cut short.
Expressing his condolences for Limond, his intended opponent stated, “I am devastated. Listen, my old son, wait for me at the pearly gates and we can get it on. Can all my supporters and followers just skip their morning coffee and chip in a couple of quid to give this boxing legend the send-off he deserves.”
Anthony Crolla, who defeated Limond in November 2011, shared on Instagram: “Not just in boxing but in life, he was one of the very best men I’ve ever known. It was a pleasure to be in your corner, share the ring with you, but most of all, to have you as a friend. So many great times with you over the years. My heart breaks for his boys who were his best friends, his little girl, and his amazing family. Sleep well, my friend.”
Curtis Woodhouse, who faced Limond in a British title fight 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.”
