| Limond can't afford to lose showdown with Earl
(By Hugh Keevins - The Daily Record) May 10, 2008
Big Fight Countdown Limond Can't Afford To Lose WILLIE LIMOND was promised a world title shot if he wins his IBO Intercontinental lightweight fight with England's Graham Earl next month. But the loser is likely to retire. The margin between success and failure will be wafer thin at the SECC in Glasgow on June 14 when the two friends meet. Victory guarantees a crack at the full IBO world title, also in Glasgow, within 121 days regardless of whether it's Limond or Earl. But the immediate challenge for both men is to prove their time in the ring isn't up. Earl dominated the British lightweight division at one time but suffered a first-round defeat to Amir Khan last December and is determined to prove he's no has-been. Earl said: "I'm still the force I once was and this fight with Willie is my chance to prove that. "I'm not too proud to admit defeat but I didn't lose fairly and squarely against Khan. The referee did nothing to stop him manhandling me "One day Khan will be shown up for what he is. It took me a month to recover from the anger I felt after that fight but the effect it had on my kids at school was even worse. "There's no way I want to close the door on my career, though. I know they say a fighter's always the last to know when it's time to go but I know I've not gone downhill." Earl has to work hard to prove that in Limond's hometown but the champion also has a fear of time catching up with him. Limond said: "If I lose where do I go? But on the other hand I've got the incentive of becoming the mandatory challenger for the world title if I beat Graham. I never contemplated one day fighting for a world title far less winning one." The road to Limond's dream destination takes in the prospect of having to derail a friend but he won't entertain sentimentality. He said: "It's just business. It's an honour to fight such a distinguished professional as Graham. We've been friends since he sparred with Scott Harrison in Glasgow during his time as world champion. "I've fought friends twice before and it's never ideal but this fight offers a massive incentive." Limond lost to Alex Arthur and beat another Scot, Martin Watson, in a contest he described as a "12-round war". Earl can expect commitment on a similar scale when he returns to Glasgow next month. He said: "It will be a hostile environment but Willie's always had my full respect. Whatever happens we'll still be friends."  Return to previous page
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