Tributes have been paid to former British and Commonwealth champion Willie Limond following the boxer’s death at the age of 45.
Limond died in hospital in the early hours of Monday morning, having been in critical condition since 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 in Scottish boxing.
On Monday, his fellow athletes paid tribute to the 45-year-old.
Limond’s boxing club said in a statement that he was “an infectious character” and “a legend”.
A statement read: “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.”
Josh Taylor said that he had idolised Limond when starting in the sport and had maintained regular contact with him in recent years, said Scottish boxing had lost one of its best.
“It’s really devastating news,” Taylor 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.
“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.
“He was such a warrior, with a great boxing brain. Just brilliant.
“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.”
Curtis Woodhouse, who fought Limond in 2014 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.”
Former world champion Alex Arthur wrote: “I met this funny hyper Glaswegian lad when I was 13 years old, when I seen him box I was blown away at how good he was. We went on to become very good friends and of course ended up fighting each other! It only made us closer friends! Love you Willie ma man.”
SNS GroupScott Harrison, who was WBO featherweight champion between 2002 and 2005, wrote: “Sad news to hear that my old pal and Scottish Boxing Legend Willie Limond has passed away thoughts and prayers are with his Family God Bless RIP Willie.”
Anthony Crolla, who won a points decision against Limond to retain his British title in 2011, shared a photograph of the two men together on social media and wrote: “Not just in boxing but in life, he was one of the very best men I’ve ever knew.
“Pleasure to do your corner, share the ring with but u most of all have u as friend. So many great times with u over the years.
“My heart breaks for the boys who was his best friends, his little girl and his amazing family. Sleep well my friend”
STV NewsLimond, who had come out of retirement on three occasions, had been set to face Joe Laws at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on May 3.
Laws said he was devastated to hear of Limond’s death.
He tweeted: “I am devastated, listen my old son wait for me at the pearly gates and we can get it on.”
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