Willy Limond passes away: Eddie Hearn pays tribute to late 'sports ambassador' on Beterbiev vs. Bivol Presser

Willie Limond He was a warrior inside and outside the squared circle. The former British champion tragically lost his life after falling ill while driving near Glasgow on Monday morning, when he was found unresponsive inside his car. The boxing world is surrounded by sadness, eddie hearn My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Limond's family.

Limond, 45, had carved out the image of a boxer who bounced back strongly from defeat. It also represented his life outside the ring.Notably, he fought opponents such as Eric Morales, Anthony Crolla, ricky burnsand Amir Khan, he sent him to the canvas for the first time in his career when the two met for the Commonwealth title in 2007. His impressive record of 42 wins and 6 losses spoke of similar courage and never-give-up spirit. Those same values ​​have earned him a respected reputation in British boxing, something Hearn acknowledged during the fight. artur beterbiev versus Dmitry Bivol Press conference.

Eddie Hearn pays tribute to Willy Limond

The British promoter began his speech by paying tribute to Limond and his family at this difficult time.he also him “Great Ambassador” He perfectly embodied the spirit of boxing during his 24-year career.

Mr Hahn said: “Thank you everyone for joining us today. Just before we go into this fight, I would like to pay my respects to the family of Willie Limond, who unfortunately lost his life today. He is a great ambassador for the sport of boxing. Rest in peace, Willie Limond, and may God bless his family. ” he added.

Interestingly, the former British boxer's first love wasn't boxing. It was soccer. He started as a footballer for Albion Rovers at the age of 19 and won five caps in the late 1990s. But then he ended up quitting the sport to try his hand at boxing, and the boxing community is lucky he did. He soon found his calling in boxing, winning British super-featherweight, super-lightweight and lightweight titles. The Glasgow native also has WBU Lightweight and IBO Intercontinental Lightweight qualifications under his belt and will be a positive influence on the fighters he has met and fought over his long career.

Boxing fraternity joins in memory of fallen star

Limond, who had announced his retirement after withdrawing from the fight against Burns, had decided to return to the ring against Burns. Joe Laws After hearing the news of his opponent's untimely death, Laws set up a GoFundMe page and is trying to raise $10,000 for Limond's family. Laws writes: “Could we all donate a few pounds for this great man? Give him the send-off he deserves and any conversion would sponsor the boxing careers of his two sons. Rimondo's Name Live on – make the old man proud.”

Similarly, alex arthurA fellow fighter and longtime friend of Limond, they met when he was 13 years old. He saw in Limond a funny and hyperactive child whose punching skills amazed him. he continued, “We became very good friends after that, but of course we ended up fighting with each other! That only made us better friends! I love you, Willie.”

Former All England Champion curtis woodhouse, who had admired Limondo, also expressed his condolences. Woodhouse lost to him for the Commonwealth title in 2014.him “Great Fighter” and “Great man,” Mr Woodhouse said: “Even after fights, we kept in touch and always laughed together. Absolutely boneless. Rest In Peace Champion.”

Boxing fans will never forget Willie Limond's courage and big heart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Limond family during this difficult time.