Willie Limond was a warrior inside the squared circle and also outside it. The former British champion lost his life tragically this Monday morning, as he succumbed to his condition after he was found unresponsive in his car while driving near Glasgow. The boxing world is gripped with grief, and Eddie Hearn has extended his thoughts and prayers to Limond’s family.

Limond, 45, had carved out an image of a boxer who bounced back strongly after suffering a defeat. The same vigil embodied his life outside the ring. Notably, he fought the likes of Erik Morales, Anthony Crolla, Ricky Burns, and Amir Khan, whom he sent to the canvas for the first time in his career when both crossed paths in 2007 for the Commonwealth title. His impressive record of 42-6 also told a similar story of valor and never-give-up spirit. The same values made him a respectable name in the British boxing community, which Hearn also acknowledged during the Artur Beterviev vs. Dmitry Bivol press conference.

Eddie Hearn remembers Limond’s contributions to the sport

The British promoter started his address by first paying his respects to Limond and said his thoughts were with Limond’s family during this difficult time. He also called him a “great ambassador” of boxing, as he perfectly embodied the boxing spirit during his 24-year-long career.

Hearn said, “Thanks everyone for attending today. Just before we get into this fight, I just gonna pass my regards to the family of Willie Limond, who unfortunately lost his life earlier today. A great ambassador for sport of boxing. Rest in peace Willie Limond and God bless your family.”

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Interestingly, boxing was not the former British boxer’s first love. It was soccer. Limond started out as a soccer player for Albion Rovers at the age of 19, earning 5 caps in the late 1990s. However, he would then quit the sport to try his hand at boxing, and the boxing community would thank the fact that he chose to do so. Later, Limond would find his calling in the sport, earning British titles in the super featherweight, super lightweight, and lightweight divisions. The Glasgow native would also add WBU lightweight and IBO Inter-Continental lightweight belts to his waist, making a positive impact on the fighters he met and fought during this long career.

After the news of Limond’s death emerged, many from the community paid tribute to the legend.

The boxing fraternity mourns the lost star

Limond, who had announced his retirement after dropping the fight with Burns, had decided to return to the ring against Joe Laws on May 3. After hearing the news of his opponent’s untimely death, Laws started a GoFundMe page, trying to raise $10,000 for Limond’s family. Laws wrote, “Can we all just give a couple quid for this great man. Give him the send off he deserves and any change over can go to his two boys as sponsorship for their boxing career. The Limond name lives on – go make your old man proud.”

Similarly, Alex Arthur, a fellow fighter and Limond’s long-term friend who met him when he was 13 years old remembered how he saw in Limond a funny, hyperactive kid whose punching skills blew him away. “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,” Arthur continued.

Former British champion Curtis Woodhouse, who admired Limond, also made his thoughts known. Woodhouse was on the receiving end of a loss against him in 2014, with the Commonwealth title on the line. Calling him a “great fighter” and “great man,” Woodhouse said, “We stayed in touch after our fight and always had a laugh together. Absolutely gutted. Rest In Peace champ.”

Boxing fans will remember Willie Limond for his courage and big heart. We extend our wishes and respect to the Limond family in these trying times.