Willie Limond: ‘Terrible day for Scottish sport’ as former British champion dies aged 45

Former world champion Josh Taylor says boxing “can be a duller place” with out Willie Limond, who has died aged 45.

Ex-British and Commonwealth light-welterweight champion Limond gained 42 of his 48 skilled fights from 1999 to 2023 – and 13 by knockout – though solely three bouts occurred after 2016.

4 of his losses have been to fighters who gained world titles – Amir Khan, Anthony Crolla, Erik Morales and Ricky Burns.

“It is a horrible day for Scottish sport,” Taylor advised BBC Scotland.

“The person on the whole was a larger-than-life character. He was all the time humorous. He was one in every of life’s good guys.

“It is such a tragic, tragic loss. Scotland’s misplaced one in every of its favorite sons, particularly in boxing. It is an enormous loss.”

Limond was initially a footballer, taking part in 5 occasions for Albion Rovers within the late Nineteen Nineties.

In his distinguished boxing profession he held the British super-featherweight, light-welterweight and light-weight titles in addition to the Commonwealth light-welterweight, WBU light-weight and IBO Inter-Continental light-weight crowns.

In a submit on social media, his son Jake mentioned his “dad handed away within the early hours of the morning”.

“He fought on for close to sufficient 10 days. Warrior,” he added on Instagram.

Limond fought countryman Burns in September, with the referee stopping the battle on the finish of the eighth spherical due to extreme blood from his nostril.

He introduced his retirement from the game afterwards however was set to face Joe Legal guidelines at Emirates Enviornment in Glasgow on 3 Might.

Legal guidelines posted on Instagram: “I am completely devastated. Willie simply wished to make a greater life for his household.

“Willie my outdated son, anticipate me on the pearly gates – we will get it on. Legends by no means die.”

Limond was present in an unresponsive state in a automotive in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, on 6 April and was taken to Monklands Hospital, the place he died. Police Scotland say there are not any suspicious circumstances.