TRIBUTES have flooded in for Willie Limond after succumbing to his condition following a suspected seizure.
Willie, 45, was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge.
The boxer was due to fight Geordie scrapper Joe Laws in a comeback bout in Glasgow next month.
That bout was being promoted by St Andrew’s Sporting Club and they announced the sad news of Limond’s death on their social media channels.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
Son announces passing on social media
His son Jake announced his passing on social media.
He wrote: “Dad passed away in the early hours of the morning.
“He fought on for near enough 10 days. Warrior.
Tributes have flooded in from the popular fighter since his death was announced.
What titles did Willie win?
He held the British super-featherweight, super-lightweight and lightweight titles.
He also held the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU lightweight and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight titles.
Who was boxer Willie Limond and how old was he?
Willie was a 45-year-old Scottish boxer.
Before boxing, he started as a footballer and made five league appearances for Albion Rovers in the 1998-99 season.
It was in 1999 when his boxing career began with a win over journeyman Lenny Hodgkins.
Willie announced his retirement after Ricky Burns fight
Willie had initially announced his retirement in the aftermath of losing to fellow veteran Ricky Burns in September.
But after a U-turn, he told how he had changed his eating and drinking habits.
He explained: “After I lost to Ricky I changed my diet and the results have been a pleasant surprise.
“For well over 20 years prior to that I didn’t have a full night’s rest ? I was getting by on three hours a night at best.
“However, ever since I made the changes things have been so much better. I cut out sugar and processed food.
“But I sleep for six hours every night now, and wake up feeling as energetic as a Duracell bunny.”
What have the police said?
Police Scotland had confirmed: “Around 8.05am on Saturday, police were called to a report of a 45-year-old man found unresponsive within a car in Coatbridge.
“The man was taken to Monklands Hospital where medical staff describe his condition as critical.
“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”
Willie’s fight against Khan
Arguably his high profile fight was with the undefeated rising superstar, and Olympic medallist, Amir Khan at London’s O2 Arena in 2007.
Although Khan ultimately prevailed, Limond gave him a real fright, becoming the first man to send Khan to the canvas in a professional fight.
‘A great fighter and a great man’
Former British champion Curtis Woodhouse, who Limond defeated for the title in 2014, said he was ‘gutted’.
He said: “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.”
Tributes flood in
Fellow Scots fighter and long term pal Alex Arthur said: “I met this funny hyper Glaswegian lad when I was 13 yrs old, when I saw him box I was blown away at how good he was.
“We went on to become very good friends & of course ended up fighting each other! It only made us closer friends!
“Love you Willie ma man.”
GoFunfMe set up for Willie Limond
Willie’s upcoming opponent Joe Laws has set up a GoFundMe page following the tragic news.
Joe said he was “absolutely devastated” following the news and wanted to “make a better life for (Willie’s) his family” by setting up the GoFundMe.
So far £800 has been raised of the £10,000 target.
Willie’s son pays tribute
Jake, 20, who was due to fight on the same bill as his dad, posted on Instagram: “My dad passed away in the early hours of the morning around 3am.
“He fought on for near enough ten days. Warrior. Love you da.”
How was Willie’s death announced?
St Andrew’s Sporting Club announced the sad news of Limond’s death on their social media channels.
They said: “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.”
When did the boxer die?
The ring king, 45, was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge.
He was rushed to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie where he remained in a critical condition until passing away.
Willie Limond dead aged 45
Willie Limond has tragically died just weeks before his return to the sport.
The ring king, 45, was found unresponsive in his car last Saturday morning in Coatbridge.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
