WILLIE LIMOND, the Commonwealth light-welterweight champion, stunned a television audience of millions in July 2007 when he dumped the emerging Amir Khan on his backside at London's O2 Arena.
It should have been the bout that defined the Glaswegian's career, but Limond was denied his moment in the sun when the Olympic silver medallist recovered sufficiently to retire his opponent in the eighth round. Limond has no wish to be remembered as a nearly man, though, and it was announced yesterday that he will defend his Commonwealth crown against South African-born Mitch Prince at Bellahouston Leisure Centre on June 7.
Having shrugged off a British lightweight title defeat at the hands of Anthony Crolla 18 months ago to claim the vacant Commonwealth belt against Eddie Doyle in January, Limond is setting himself fresh goals. "I had something to prove after that performance against Crolla," he said. "I've had a few cracking fights against superstars but the one with Crolla was a step too far trying to make the weight.
"I trained harder for the Doyle fight than I had ever done and I made my point because I didn't want Eddie to be the one to end my career. I knew I had to win well and I have the same mindset for this fight. This is the level of fight that motivates and maintains your hunger. If someone had told me when I turned pro I would achieve what I have I would have accepted that, but I'm still ambitious and I want to achieve more."
Cumbernauld-based Prince, 29, added: "This is the championship bout I've wanted since I turned pro seven years ago. While Willie has had a great career, I am younger and hungrier and I believe I am going to win."
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