Willie Limond was a boxing warrior who could leave you doubled over by a body punch or a belly laugh

A roar went around the Hydro as thousands of Scottish boxing fans hailed a hero.

Willie Limond may have lost to Ricky Burns but he went out there like a warrior. Just like he always did. And just like he did until the tragic end yesterday, more than a week battling for his life in hospital following a suspected seizure. Limond won plenty of bouts in his distinguished career but this was one he couldn’t win. And it’s a loss that has hit hard for everyone in Scottish boxing, and sport in general in this country and beyond.

Limond was thrilling, brave, bold and skilful boxer. But more than that. He was one of the game’s good guys. A top class person as well as professional. His passing is devastating for his family and friends, and for everyone who has crossed his path or cheered him on for more than two decades in the ring. Limond was set to return to the ring next month against Joe Laws at the Emirates Arena at the age of 45 as well.

And – cruelly – he has rarely looked better. When he returned to the ring for that Burns bout last year he joked about having to lose four stone to get into shape. Not this time. When the Laws fight was announce he was lean and loving and being in tip top condition.

He was his usual bundle of energy and busting with pride at boxing on the same card as his son Jake, with promises of another fight down the line with other boy Drew. It’s hard to comprehend that will now never happen. Scotland has lost a cracker.

And a guy who has certainly left his mark. Any one who encountered Limond had to get ready for a sore stomach. If it was in the ring then it would be brutal body shots. Outside it, prepare for belly laughs.

A few minutes in his company would leave you doubled over at his patter.