Willie Limond: A ‘Scottish Boxing Legend’ Who Deserves The Outpouring Of Tributes
Former European super-featherweight champion Willie Limond died in the early hours of Monday morning at the age of 45, and the outpouring of tributes are testament to his standing within the boxing world.
Limond suffered a reported seizure while driving last week, and after 10 days in the hospital, he passed away. His son, Jake, confirmed his father’s passing with a statement on Instagram.
“Shouldn’t even have to be writing a post like this at all and I normally wouldn’t but because of all the journalists and the fake news that has been spread about I have to,” he posted on Instagram. “My dad passed away in the early hours of the morning around 3am. He fought on for near enough 10 days. Warrior. Love you da.”
Boxing figures past and present have been posting their own tributed on social media throughout the day, including former undisputed super-lightweight world champion and fellow Scot Josh Taylor.
‘Scottish Boxing Legend’
“Absolutely terrible to hear about the loss of Scottish boxing legend Willie Limond,” Taylor posted. “Thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this tragic time. Rest easy big man, god bless your soul.”
Former opponent Curtis Woodhouse wrote: “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.”
Boxing Scotland, the sport’s governing body in Limond’s homeland, posted its own tribute on social media, writing: “Boxing Scotland is devastated by the news of Willie Limond’s passing. As well as being a formidable champion, Willie was a friend and colleague to us all at the High Performance Centre as a coach and mentor to the Elite Boxing Group.”
Meanwhile, former super-middleweight world champion Callim Smith posted: “Devastated to hear the news about Willie Limond. Genuinely one of the nicest men I’ve met through boxing. Thoughts are with his family at such a sad time. Rest in peace Champ.”
Limond Close To Khan Upset
The glowing tributes are more than earned for a fighter who made a massive impact on Scottish and British boxing.
Limond turned professional in November 1999 and raced to an 18-0 record in less than four years, earning himself a shot at the British super-featherweight title.
His first attempt at the title ended in defeat to Alex Arthur in July 2003, but Limond quickly bounced back, winning his next four fights, culminating in clinching the European super-featherweight title by beating Youssouf Djibaba in June 2004.
Limond added the Commonwealth lightweight title to his collection in November 2006, before defending it in the most high-profile bout of his career to date against future two-weight world champion Amir Khan in July 2007.
Limond Never Ducked A Challenge
Khan was the huge favourite but Limond came close to securing a massive upset when he had the former Olympic silver medallist down and hurt in the sixth round. However, Khan recovered to secure an eighth-round stoppage.
Again, Limond responded to his second defeat; he won his next four fights over the following 14 months and became a minor world champion by claiming the WBU lightweight title against Ryan Barrett in May 2009.
Limond then stepped up to face Mexican legend Erik Morales in September 2010, coming up short in a sixth-round defeat, before two fights later facing close friend Anthony Crolla for the British lightweight title – again falling short in a points loss.
Limond fought 10 more times, eventually hanging up his gloves in September 2023 after a defeat to former three-weight world champion and fellow Scot Ricky Burns. He retired with a professional record of 42 wins and six defeats with 13 knockouts.
In retirement, Limond continued to give back to the boxing community and became a coach and mentor at Boxing Scotland. He was a popular fighter and man, and will be remembered as a boxer who maximized his career while never ducking a challenge.
