Scots boxing hero Willie Limond fighting for life after suffering seizure

Scots boxing hero Willie Limond is fighting for his life after suffering a suspected seizure while driving.

The former WBU boxing champion is understood to be in a critical condition after falling ill with an unknown condition.

The stricken fighter was discovered just after 8am on Saturday in Heatherbell Road, Coatbridge..

Police Scotland said he was found unresponsive within a car and rushed to Monklands Hospital where medical staff described his condition as critical.

It comes as the former British and Commonwealth super lightweight champion was due to come back from retirement for a third time next month.

Following the news loved ones and fans of the star have been left worried as they await an update on his condition.

Author John Wight, who wrote ‘This Boxing Game: A Journey in Beautiful Brutality’, wrote on X, formally Twitter: “Pray for Willie Limond.”

When asked what happened, the writer replied: “He’s in a bad way.”

Irvine Welsh also posted his best wishes for the boxer.

He said: "Shocked to hear the awful news about Willie Limond.

"I was talking to him on the phone only the Saturday night before last and he was so upbeat and looking forward to getting back in the ring next month.

"He has a will of iron and I’m hoping for the best possible outcome for him.

Willie's gym MXP West in Larkhall confirmed the news and asked people to keep him in their prayers.

A spokesperson said: "Not only is Willie a massive part of the gym, he’s also like a brother to myself and my own family.

"It’s been a devastating few days for his family

"Willie is one of our own please everyone I am begging you please keep him in your prayers

"I also ask that everyone respects his family’s privacy. His sons have been an absolute credit to him these last few days and I am so proud of how they are handling this.

"He also has a young daughter and partner, who is his absolute world

"Keep praying everyone."

Fan Ryan Coyle said: “I hope he’s OK. Willie has the utmost respect from everyone in the Scottish boxing community.”

Another fan wrote: “The respect Willie Limond has from the sport of Boxing is first class. I’ll pray for him.”

Limond was set to return to the ring on Friday, May 3 to take on Joe Laws in the headline bout of an event at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of the fight in February, Limond told Boxing YouTube channel IFL TV: “I believe you’re going to see the best of me in this fight. I know I’m old now but I believe you are going to see the best I am on this night. I’m not joking.”

Due to fight on the undercard was his son Jake, 20, who is also a talented boxer.

Limond became the Commonwealth lightweight champion in 2006 before moving up weights to win the super lightweight title in 2013, later adding the British super lightweight gong in 2014.

In his career of 48 fights he produced a record of 42 wins and six losses and he faced some of Scotland and Britain’s top fighters in his prime.

He and future world champ Alex Arthur squared off in 2003 in one of the biggest all-Scottish boxing matches for decades as they fought for the British crown. Arthur won by technical knockout on his way to becoming the WBO title holder.

Limond also lost to Amir Khan in 2007 to hand over the Commonwealth belt - and in 2015 he fought and lost to Anthony Crolla in a duel for the vacant British lightweight belt.

His first return from retirement came in 2019 when he beat William Warburton on points after six rounds. Limond then came back to the ring again two years ago to fight CJ Wood, this time winning via TKO.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.05am on Saturday, 6 April, 2024, police were called to a report of a 45-year-old man found unresponsive within a car in Heatherbell Road, Coatbridge.

“The man was taken to Monklands Hospital where medical staff describe his condition as critical.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

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