WILLIE Limond will spend the next few days taking stock after retaining his Commonwealth light-welterweight crown with a unanimous points verdict over Mitch Prince after 12 pulsating rounds at the Bellahouston Centre on Friday.
The 34-year-old recorded a 115-113, 115-113, 116-112 triumph in a Scottish modern classic, slugged out in a tribal atmosphere and acclaimed by a standing ovation from both sets of fans.
But after a draining battle to make the 140lbs weight limit, Limond is in no rush to commit himself to a second defence against former title-holder Lee McAllister. The champion even admitted he will give a move up to welterweight real consideration.
Limond said: "It was a struggle to make 10 stone so I am going to take my time before committing myself to anything. I know there is the prospect of a fight with Lee McAllister next but I will let the dust settle on this one first before sitting down with Tommy Gilmour and coming to a decision.
"I am just delighted to have come through with a victory in my first defence. Six years ago I lost my Commonwealth lightweight title in my first defence against Amir Khan, so this win means an awful lot to me."
Limond suffered a burst eardrum and damaged right hand after seeing off a ferocious challenge from Prince, who was on the floor in the first round. Then, a full-blooded epic going the distance seemed the last thing in prospect.
The Glasgwegian said his eardrum went in the second round. He added: "At times it wasn't pretty but I got the job done. That's the third time I've had a damaged eardrum and it really affects your balance but credit to Mitch Prince – he just wouldn't go away."
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