Funeral held for Scots boxing hero Willie Limond following death at 45

A funeral has been held for the former British and Commonwealth champion Willie Limond following his death at the age of 45.

Limond died in Monklands Hospital in the early hours of April 15, after he was found unconscious in a car in Coatbridge on April 6, following an apparent seizure.

The former European, British and Commonwealth champion, who won titles at three different weights, was a hugely admired and respected figure across Scottish boxing.

At his service at Daldowie Crematorium, Glasgow, on Monday, his fellow athletes paid tribute to the 45-year-old.

Mourners paid tribute to Limond at Daldowie Crematorium. SNS Group

Former opponent Ricky Burns was in attendance, as was former Scottish world champion Scott Harrison and leading promoter Alex Morrison.

Limond, who held a record of 42 wins in 48 contests, had come out of retirement on three occasions.

He had been set to face Joe Laws at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on May 3 before his passing.

Josh Taylor, who idolised Limond when starting in the sport, said Scottish boxing had lost one of its best.

“It’s really devastating news,” Taylor previously told STV. “I knew Willie really well and we kept in touch a lot over the last few years.

“When I was turning pro he was sending me message of support before my fights.

“It’s just such a sad loss to boxing in general, especially Scottish boxing.

“Willie was such a big character, a larger than life kind of guy. He was so funny, with great wit and great personality.

“One of boxing’s gems and a real good guy. It’s a devastating and sad loss.

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Scottish boxing champion Willie Limond dies aged 45 following seizure

Limond had been in a critical condition in Monklands hospital after being discovered unresponsive last week.

“He was very good. When I was coming up through the ranks as an amateur it was the likes of Alex Arthur and Willie Limond who were on telly turning pro.

“For me, he was huge and one of Scotland’s greats. He was always up there in British and Commonwealth belts and in big fights, like against Amir Khan when I thought he won.

“I just really looked up to the guy. He was one of my idols coming up through the sport.”