Ex-British boxing champ Limond dies aged 45

Former British and Commonwealth boxing champion Willie Limond died aged 45, his son Jake confirmed on Monday.

Limond held the lightweight Commonwealth title between 2006-07, the super-lightweight title from 2013-14 and the British super-lightweight belt in 2014.

Still boxing in his forties, he was due to face Joe Laws on May 3. He last boxed in September 2023, when he lost by eighth-round stoppage to fellow Scot Ricky Burns.

Limond's Glasgow-based gym, St Andrew's Sporting Club, also confirmed the news on social media, saying: "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."

The British Boxing Board of Control also paid tribute to Limond.

"The British Boxing Board of Control are very saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former British and Commonwealth Champion Willie Limond," a statement said.

"Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Willie's family and friends at this difficult time."

Limond turned professional in 1999 and won 42 of his 48 fights. He was involved in high profile bouts against Amir Khan, Erik Morales and Anthony Crolla.

Limond was stopped in the sixth round by Mexican great Morales in Mexico City in 2010 and the Glasgow-based boxer gave Khan a fright in their 2007 encounter when he dropped the future world champion in the sixth round. But Khan fought back and forced him to retire in Round 8.

Information from ESPN's Nick Parkinson contributed to this report.