Ricky Burns established his dominance early in what may be the swan song of his boxing career.
In a clash between two seasoned Scottish fighters, Ricky Burns secured the win by forcing Willie Limond’s corner to throw in the towel after the eighth round.
From the get-go, Burns took the upper hand, causing Limond to bleed from the nose in the early stages of the bout.
As the fight unfolded, Limond’s nose issues escalated, leaving the referee with no option but to intervene.
Following the match, Limond confirmed he was hanging up his gloves, while Burns also suggested he might be doing the same.
“In a dream scenario, my last fight would’ve been in Glasgow,” Burns, hailing from Coatbridge, told BBC Scotland.
“I’ve always maintained that once I quit boxing, there’s no turning back. I want to go out on my terms. If this is it, so be it. That said, if a tempting offer comes along and the wife approves, then let’s rumble.”
At 40, Burns has given his hometown of Glasgow some unforgettable nights of boxing, notably his 2010 win over Roman Martinez to secure his first world title.
Having been absent from the Glasgow ring since 2017, Burns yearned to feel that electrifying atmosphere once more before possibly retiring.
Limond, who has faced boxing legends like Amir Khan and Erik Morales, entered the ring at 44 years old. Given his sparse activity—only two fights in the last six years—it was challenging to gauge the level of competition he could offer Burns.
Early on, a few of Limond’s overhand rights barely missed the mark, while Burns landed a clean combination, setting the tone for the fight as the ex-three-weight world champ found his groove.
Throughout the contest, Limond attempted to be the aggressor, but Burns’ slick movements consistently got the better of him. By the end of the second round, Limond’s nose was a bloody mess.
By the fourth round, a solid uppercut from Burns left Limond’s face awash in blood, presumably from a broken nose. Yet, the underdog persevered, managing to counterattack Burns with a decent right hand.
Despite the grueling contest, neither was willing to call this an exhibition match. Limond continued to search for openings, even if he was absorbing more than he was dishing out.
In the sixth, a powerful uppercut from Burns snapped Limond’s head back, leading many to wonder if his corner would step in and halt the bout.
Possibly sensing this, Limond, whose 19-year-old son Jake also won on the undercard, sought a knockout punch to turn the tide. However, the savvy Burns was having none of it. He amped up the pressure, and by the end of the eighth round, the referee decided he had seen enough and stopped the fight.
Burns received the grand Glasgow farewell he had longed for. While some may question the wisdom of two fighters with a combined age of 84 stepping into the ring, there’s no doubting the grit and heart both displayed.
When asked about his future in boxing, Limond kept it brief: “I’m done. I’ve got to pass the torch. I can’t keep doing this anymore. Though, I must say, being back in the ring felt good, even if taking all those hits didn’t.”
In other action on the undercard, Andy Tham showcased his talents by claiming the Scottish featherweight title, defeating Jack Turner with a sixth-round stoppage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ricky Burns vs Willie Limond
Who won the boxing match between Ricky Burns and Willie Limond?
Ricky Burns emerged victorious, forcing Willie Limond’s corner to throw in the towel at the end of the eighth round.
Did either fighter announce their retirement after the match?
Yes, Willie Limond confirmed his retirement from boxing in the aftermath of the match. Ricky Burns also hinted that this might be his final fight, although he left the door slightly ajar for a potential return.
Where did the match take place?
The article does not specify the exact location, but Ricky Burns mentioned that he always dreamed of having his final fight in Glasgow.
What was the age of the fighters?
Ricky Burns is 40 years old, and Willie Limond is 44 years old, bringing their combined age to a noteworthy 84.
Were there any significant moments in the fight?
Ricky Burns dominated from the beginning, causing Willie Limond to bleed from the nose early in the fight. Despite Limond’s attempts at aggression, Burns remained in control throughout.
Was this a title fight?
The article doesn’t specify if this was a title fight, but it does mention that Ricky Burns is a former three-weight world champion and that the fight has been significant for both veterans.
Did anything notable happen in the undercard?
Yes, Andy Tham won the Scottish featherweight title by defeating Jack Turner in a sixth-round stoppage. Willie Limond’s 19-year-old son, Jake, was also victorious on the undercard.
What’s next for Ricky Burns?
While Burns hinted that this might be his last fight, he did leave the possibility open for a return, stating that if a good opportunity comes along and his wife gives the green light, he would consider it.
How did the fans react to the fight?
While the article doesn’t provide information on fan reactions, it does mention that Burns received the grand Glasgow farewell he had longed for, suggesting that the event was likely well-received.
Did Willie Limond have previous notable fights?
Yes, Willie Limond has previously faced off against boxing legends like Amir Khan and Erik Morales. However, his activity has been sparse in recent years, with only two fights in the last six.
More about Ricky Burns vs Willie Limond
- Ricky Burns’ Boxing Record
- Willie Limond’s Career Highlights
- Interview with Ricky Burns Post-Fight
- Official Fight Stats and Scorecard
- History of Scottish Boxing
- Boxing Legends: Amir Khan and Erik Morales
- BBC Scotland’s Coverage of the Fight
- Profile of Andy Tham, Scottish Featherweight Champion
- Upcoming Boxing Events in Glasgow
- How Age Affects Boxing Performance
10 comments
Dude, the combined age of 84 got me thinking…shouldn’t there be an age cap or somethin? But gotta admit, they both fought like they were in their prime.
Anyone else cried a bit when Limond said he’s done? No? just me then.
Man, what a bout! Burns still got it at 40. Though gotta say, Limond showed some serious heart too, even with that messed up nose. Props!
Not sure how i feel about this fight. Good action but Limond hasn’t fought much recently, so was it a fair match?
Ricky Burns’ win over Roman Martinez back in 2010 is still the stuff of legends. If this was his last fight, he went out in style. What a career!
If burns is leavin, who’s the next big thing in Scottish boxing? Andy Tham lookin promising.
Anyone else think that Limond’s son Jake might pick up where dad left off? Kid’s got some moves. Watched him on the undercard.
Andy Tham on the undercard tho… that’s a name we gotta keep an eye on. Kid’s going places.
Can’t believe Limond finally hung up his gloves. End of an era, folks. and Burns maybe too? Say it ain’t so!
That referee had no choice but to step in. Safety first, guys. But salute to both fighters for the show!