Boxing hero who knocked down Amir Khan in 'critical condition' and fighting for life at 45

Boxing icon Willie Limond is fighting for his life at 45 after suffering a seizure while preparing for a comeback fight.

The Scottish star - who famously knocked down Amir Khan when they met in 2007 - was found in his car on a residential street on Saturday morning. He was quickly rushed to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie, where he remains in critical condition, as reported by the Daily Express.

Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Limond's sudden state. A police spokesperson said: "Around 8.05am on Saturday, April 6, 2024, police were called to a report of a 45-year-old man found unresponsive within a car in Heatherbell Road, Coatbridge.

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"The man was taken to Monklands Hospital, where medical staff described his condition as critical. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

Limond was set to face off against Joe Laws in Newcastle in May. It's understood he was due to attend a public training session on the day he fell ill, which proceeded as planned with boxers from the undercard.

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Tributes have been flooding in for Limond, including from MXP West gym in Larkhall. A representative for the gym posted on social media: "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."

Boxing author John Wight made a heartfelt statement, which read: "Pray for Willie Limond. He's in a bad way." A fan echoed the plea, saying: "The respect Willie Limond has from the sport of boxing is first class. I'll pray for him."

The Scottish boxing legend suffered a blow during his most recent bout with Ricky Burns on September 1, 2023, swallowing a technical knockout [TKO] in the eighth round.

Prior to this, Limond had been riding high on a triumphant three-win streak that produced victories against CJ Wood, William Warburton and Michal Vosyka.

Hailing from Glasgow, Limond has carved a name for himself as a tactical maestro and fast thinker inside the ring. Over two fruitful decades, he has demonstrated versatility by competing across various weight divisions, with a primary focus on the lightweight and light welterweight classes.

Over the course of his illustrious career, the Scot has amassed considerable fame and success, highlighted by fine runs as a British and Commonwealth champion. In 2007, Limond soared to wider prominence when he defended his Commonwealth lightweight title against Amir Khan.

Despite being pegged as the underdog, Limond showed some serious grit in the ring and managed to send Khan to the canvas during their clash before ultimately succumbing via TKO.

It was only the second time in his career Khan had been knocked down, and Limond was adamant the ref's count was on the slow side in his post-fight comments.

He claimed it went way past the standard 10 seconds, and after rewatching the fight, Limond spilled: "I'm sore, not because of the damage I did but because I have just watched a tape of the fight. We sat in front of the TV. Billy Nelson [trainer] timed it."

"Thirteen seconds, the time it took the referee to count Khan to his feet. Not nine. Not even 10. I couldn't believe it. I still can't," he revealed.

His fighting spirit has earned Limond nods of approval from boxing aficionados everywhere, many of whom are rooting for the star once more amid this fresh health battle.