Former British and Commonwealth champion boxer Willie Limond has died at the age of 45, his boxing club has confirmed.

He fell ill last week amid preparations for a fight.

Willie Limond
Willie Limond celebrates beating Curtis Woodhouse during the Commonwealth (British Empire) light welterweight title and BBBofC British light welterweight title bout at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow (Danny Lawson/PA)

A statement from the Scot’s boxing club, the St Andrew’s Sporting Club, 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.”

Former opponent Curtis Woodhouse was among those to pay tribute to Limond.

Willie Limond and Tyrone Nurse
Tyrone Nurse (left) and Willie Limond during the British Super-Lightweight Championship bout at the SSE Hydro, Glasgow (Danny Lawson/PA)

Limond beat Woodhouse to retain his Commonwealth light-welterweight title at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena in 2014.

Woodhouse posted on X, formerly Twitter: “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.”