Former British champion Willie Limond, who fought just last year, passed away at the young age of 45. The Daily Mail reported he suffered a fatal seizure. From Scotland, Limond had a fight scheduled for next month. His final record is 42-6 and he shared the ring with champions Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Ricky Burns and Anrthony Crolla. Promoter Frank Warren wrote: "We were taken aback last week to learn the news about Willie Limond fighting for his life in intensive care. Being the true fighter he is, Willie fought on before ultimately losing his life in the early hours of Monday morning at the age of just 45. We were all shocked and deeply saddened to receive this devastating bulletin. Scottish hero Willie featured on our shows across much of his decorated career and I always found him to be a lovely fella who gave everything in the ring. I now find myself grateful to have had the pleasure of Willie’s company just a matter of weeks ago at my office."
Warren continued, "It was a happy occasion because we discussed signing his young son Drew, who is a young fighter of huge promise and potential. It was lovely to see Willie again and plot out a bright future for a talented boy following in his father’s footsteps. Days later I received a text from Willie saying how happy he is that Drew was likely to team up with Queensberry and how much he was looking forward to the start of his journey as a professional. Having seen Willie in such happy circumstances only increases my shock and sadness over the untimely passing of such a great man. My thoughts are with Willie’s children, Jake, Drew and Macy and my condolences go to them, along with the rest of his family and friends. God bless Willie and rest in peace, my friend."
Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Willie Limond.
The IBA published the following tribute to Limond:
Willie Limond’s legacy in Scottish boxing is indelible. His journey began with notable achievements as an amateur, securing a bronze medal for Team Scotland at the European Cadet Championships in Elazig, Turkey, in 1995. This early success laid the foundation for a distinguished professional career, during which Willie faced off against formidable opponents including future or former World champions like Amir Khan and Erik Morales. His tenacity and skill earned him titles such as the British Light-Welterweight champion and a two-time Commonwealth champion.
However, Willie’s contributions extended far beyond the ring. At Boxing Scotland’s High Performance Centre, he dedicated himself to nurturing the Elite Boxing Group, serving as both a coach and a mentor. His commitment to developing the next generation of Scottish boxers was a testament to his passion for the sport and his desire to give back to the community that supported his career.
Amid the tributes, Chris Roberts OBE, Secretary General and CEO of the International Boxing Association (IBA) and former CEO of Boxing Scotland, shared his thoughts: ‘Willie Limond represented the true spirit of Scottish boxing. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering support for young athletes exemplified his character and his commitment to boxing. His passing is a tremendous loss to the sport, but his influence will continue to inspire future generations.’
The legacy of Willie Limond will undoubtedly live on through the many lives he touched, both in and out of the ring. His family along with the broader boxing community, will remember him not just for his accomplishments, but for his enduring spirit and his profound influence on the sport of boxing in Scotland.
