THE Indian summer enjoyed by Willie Limond looks like it may be extended even further after he finally claimed the Lonsdale belt at the third time of asking.
The 35-year-old Glaswegian's quest had begun 11 years ago, but having delivered an almost flawless performance of classic orthodox boxing to depose British light-welterweight champion Curtis Woodhouse at the Braehead Arena on Friday night, the Scot is now likely to be given a shot at Michele di Rocco's European title.
After claiming a majority points decision by 116-111, 117-109, 113-113, dropping the obdurate Woodhouse twice with two beautifully cute uppercuts from both hands in the third and 11th rounds to add the British title to the Commonwealth belt he already held, Limond's reward will almost certainly be a crack at European 140lb ruler de Rocco in September, with Glasgow likely to be the venue.
"Since 2003, when I lost to Alex Arthur, the British title has eluded me and hung over me and now I finally have it," Limond said. "I may be 35 but I feel I still have more in me to give, I'd love to fight for the European title in Glasgow. I know Eddie Hearn believes it would not be hard to make the fight with di Rocco and with him having defended his title in May, then September would be a good time for both of us.
"I'd just love to fight him in Glasgow. To challenge for the European title at 35 in my hometown, after having finally added the British title to the two Commonwealth belts I have won, would be a bit of a fairy tale for me."
The only mystery surrounding Limond's almost perfect display of counter-punching boxing was the baffling draw delivered by Paisley referee Victor Loughlin.
In the other chief supporting bout, Edinburgh's Stephen Simmons stopped Wadi Camacho after one minute and one second of the 10th and final round in a defence of the former's WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title. The plodding affair failed to live up to the bad blood and trash talking of both protagonists which besmirched the build-up to the highly-anticipated encounter.
Bert Mitchell
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