Ken Buchanan

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Ken Buchanan Template:Post-nominals (28 June 1945 – 1 April 2023) was a Scottish professional boxer who competed between 1965 and 1982. He held multiple championships at lightweight; the World Boxing Association (WBA) and Ring magazine titles from 1970 to 1972; and the World Boxing Council (WBC) title in 1971, briefly reigning as undisputed champion until being stripped of the WBC title four months later. At regional level he held the British title twice in 1968 and 1973, and the European title from 1974 to 1975.

Boxing career

Early career

Before turning pro, Buchanan was the 1965 ABA featherweight champion. He started boxing professionally on 20 September 1965, beating Brian Tonks by a knockout in the second round in London. He spent much of the early parts of his career fighting undistinguished opponents in England. His Scottish debut came in his 17th fight, when he outpointed John McMillan over 10 rounds on 23 January 1967. Prior to that, he had also beaten Ivan Whiter by a decision in eight rounds.[1]

Lightweight challenger

Buchanan extended his winning streak to 23 consecutive bouts before challenging Maurice Cullen on 19 February 1968 for the British lightweight title in London. He knocked Cullen out in the 11th round and became a world classified lightweight challenger.[1][2]

He continued his way up the world lightweight rankings by defeating Leonard Tavarez, Angel Robinson Garcia and Whiter (in a rematch) among others, but on 29 January 1970, he found his first stone on the boxing road when he challenged future WBC junior welterweight champion Miguel Velasquez in Madrid, for the European lightweight title. Buchanan lost a 15-round decision to Velazquez, but nevertheless, he continued his ascent towards the number one spot in the rankings by beating Tavarez in a rematch, Chris Fernandez and Brian Hudson, the latter of whom was beaten by a knockout in five in a defence of the British lightweight title.[3]

World champion

In September of that year, Buchanan travelled to Puerto Rico, where he would meet Ismael Laguna, the world lightweight champion from Panama, on 26 September 1970. Many experts believed San Juan's warm weather would affect Buchanan, but he upset those who thought that way and beat Laguna by a 15-round decision to become world's lightweight champion.[4]

At that time, the WBA and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC), were in the middle of a feud, and Buchanan was not allowed to defend the WBA title fight in Great Britain. He finished 1970 beating Donato Paduano by a 10-round decision in a non-title bout on 7 December 1970.[5]

Buchanan defeated Rubén Navarro in Los Angeles on 12 February 1971, defended the WBA championship, and acquired the vacant WBC championship.[6][7][8]

And thus he became the undisputed world lightweight champion.[9][10]

After that, Buchanan was allowed to defend the world championship fight in Great Britain. Buchanan defeated former world junior welterweight champion Carlos Morocho Hernández by knockout in round eight of a non-title bout, in Wembley on 11 May 1971.[11][12]

Stripping of title

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". He was stripped of the WBC title for failing to defend against Pedro Carrasco on 25 June 1971.[13]

Despite this setback, he remained the WBA world lightweight champion. Then, he flew to New York City to meet Laguna again, this time defending his world title. Buchanan retained the title with another decision over Laguna on 13 September 1971.[14]

His next fights were a couple of non-title affairs, one in London and one in South Africa. The South African fight against Andries Steyn in Johannesburg was a mismatch with his opponent's corner throwing in the towel in the third round on 29 April 1972.[15]

His next defence came on 26 June 1972, against Panama's greatest, the then undefeated Roberto Durán at the Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York, in a bout which had a highly controversial ending. Durán was ahead on all three cards at the end of the 13th round, when both fighters exchanged punches after the bell. Buchanan went down, writhing in pain from a low blow, that Buchanan's trainer, Gil Clancy, said was caused by a knee to the groin. Referee Johnny LoBianco awarded the fight to Durán, insisting that the blow that took down Buchanan was "in the abdomen, not any lower" and that he felt that Buchanan would be unable to continue fighting.[16]

The New York Times columnist Red Smith wrote that LoBianco had to award the victory to Durán, even if the punch was a low blow, as "anything short of pulling a knife is regarded indulgently" in American boxing.[17]

Durán's refusal to honour the contract to face Buchanan

In his next fight, Buchanan beat former three-time world champion Carlos Ortiz by a knockout in six, also at Madison Square Garden on 20 September 1972.[18]

Buchanan finished 1972 with a win over Chang Kil Lee on 4 December 1972.[19]

On 28 June 1972, Roberto Durán signed to defend it against Buchanan on 20 October 1972. However, Durán broke that agreement when the Panamanian Government insisted he make his first defence in Panama. He did, knocking out Jimmy Robertson on 20 January 1973.[20]

Durán also had signed a second contract with the MSG on 25 October 1972, to defend against Buchanan on or before 30 June 1973.[20]

Once again Durán broke the agreement, and subsequently had his licence suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission on 4 April 1973. The commission also warned Durán that his title recognition would be withdrawn.[20]

The New York State Athletic Commission had been attempting for two years (1972–1974) to get Durán to honour an agreement to fight Buchanan. But Durán refused to honour the contract.[20][21][22][23][24][25]

Later career

In 1973, Buchanan started out by beating future world lightweight champion Jim Watt by a decision after 15 rounds, to regain the British lightweight title. Soon, he embarked on another international tour that included more fights in the United States, several fights in Denmark, and one fight in Canada. He won each of those fights, leading towards a challenge of European lightweight champion Antonio Puddu in Italy, and Buchanan added the European lightweight championship belt to his shelf by defeating Puddu by a decision in 15 rounds.[1]

He retained the title by beating Tavarez for the third time, this time by a knockout in 14 at Paris, and then he travelled to Japan to fight for the world title again. This time, however, he was defeated by a decision in 15 rounds by the WBC's world champion, Guts Ishimatsu.[1]

Buchanan re-grouped once again, and won in a defence of the European lightweight title against Giancarlo Usai by a knockout in 12. But he retired from 1976 to 1978, leaving the European lightweight title vacant.[1][26]

When he returned to professional boxing in 1978, he won two straight bouts, but everything else started going backwards for him. Challenging Charlie Nash in Copenhagen, he lost by a decision in twelve. In 1980, he won two bouts in a row, but after that, he lost five bouts in a row, finally retiring for good after losing to George Feeney by a decision in eight on 25 January 1982. In 2000, he was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.[1][27][28] In 2002 he was inducted into the Scottish Sport Hall of Fame.[29]

Death

Buchanan died on 1 April 2023, at the age of 77. He had been suffering from dementia.[30][31][32][33]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
69 Loss 61–8 George Feeney PTS 8 25 January 1982 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
68 Loss 61–7 Lance Williams PTS 8 24 November 1981 Wembley Arena, Wembley Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
67 Loss 61–6 Langton Tinago PTS 10 4 April 1981 National Sports Centre, Harare (Salisbury)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
66 Loss 61–5 Steve Early PTS 12 26 January 1981 Tower Ballroom, Edgbaston, BirminghamScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
65 Win 61–4 Des Gwilliam PTS 8 20 October 1980 Bingley Hall, BirminghamScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
64 Win 60–4 Najib Daho KO 7 (10) 5 May 1980 World Sporting Club, MayfairScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
63 Loss 59–4 Charlie Nash UD 12 6 December 1979 Brondby Hallen, BrondbyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For European lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
62 Win 59–3 Eloi De Souza PTS 8 6 September 1979 Randers Hallen, RandersScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
61 Win 58–3 Benny Benitez PTS 8 28 June 1979 Randers Hallen, RandersScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
60 Win 57–3 Giancarlo Usai TKO 12 (15) 25 July 1975 Cagliari Football Stadium, Cagliari Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained European lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
59 Loss 56–3 Guts Ishimatsu UD 15 27 February 1975 Metropolitan GymScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58 Win 56–2 Leonard Tavarez TKO 14 (15) 16 December 1974 Parc des Expositions, ParisScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained European lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57 Win 55–2 Winston Noel TKO 2 (10) 21 November 1974 K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
56 Win 54–2 Antonio Puddu TKO 6 (15) 1 May 1974 Cagliari Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won European lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
55 Win 53–2 Joe Tetteh KO 3 (10) 4 April 1974 K.B. Hallen, CopenhagenScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
54 Win 52–2 Jose Peterson PTS 10 7 February 1974 K.B. Hallen, CopenhagenScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53 Win 51–2 Miguel Araujo KO 1 (10) 6 December 1973 K.B. Hallen, CopenhagenScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
52 Win 50–2 Frankie Otero TKO 6 (10) 11 October 1973 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
51 Win 49–2 Edwin Malave TKO 7 (10) 1 September 1973 Felt Forum, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50 Win 48–2 Frankie Otero UD 10 29 May 1973 Convention Center, Miami BeachScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
49 Win 47–2 Hector Matta PTS 10 27 March 1973 Royal Albert Hall, KensingtonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 46–2 Jim Watt PTS 15 29 January 1973 Albany Hotel, GlasgowScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won British lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 45–2 Chang-Kil Lee TKO 2 (10) 4 December 1972 Madison Square Garden, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 44–2 Carlos Ortiz RTD 6 (10) 20 September 1972 Madison Square Garden, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Loss 43–2 Roberto Durán TKO 13 (15) 26 June 1972 Madison Square Garden, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA and The Ring lightweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 43–1 Andries Steyn RTD 3 (10) 29 April 1972 Rand Stadium, JohannesburgScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 42–1 Al Ford PTS 10 28 March 1972 Empire Pool, WembleyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 41–1 Ismael Laguna UD 15 13 September 1971 Madison Square Garden, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA and The Ring lightweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 40–1 Carlos Morocho Hernández TKO 8 (10) 11 May 1971 Empire Pool, WembleyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 39–1 Ruben Navarro UD 15 12 February 1971 Sports Arena, Los AngelesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA and The Ring lightweight titles;
Won vacant WBC lightweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 38–1 Donato Paduano UD 10 7 December 1970 Madison Square Garden, New YorkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 37–1 Ismael Laguna SD 15 26 September 1970 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San JuanScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA and The Ring lightweight titles;
Won vacant NYSAC lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 36–1 Brian Hudson PTS 10 12 May 1970 Empire Pool, WembleyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained British lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 35–1 Chris Fernandez PTS 10 6 April 1970 Ice Rink, NottinghamScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 34–1 Leonard Tavarez PTS 10 23 February 1970 Cafe Royal, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Loss 33–1 Miguel Velasquez PTS 15 29 January 1970 Palacio de los Deportes, MadridScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant European lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 33–0 Vincenzo Pitardi TKO 2 (10) 11 November 1969 Grosvenor House, MayfairScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 32–0 Jerry Graci TKO 1 (10) 14 July 1969 Ice Rink, NottinghamScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 31–0 Jose Luis Tocida PTS 10 5 March 1969 Midlands Sporting Club, SolihullScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 30–0 Mike Cruz TKO 4 (10) 17 February 1969 World Sporting Club, MayfairScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 29–0 Frankie Narvaez PTS 10 2 January 1969 National Sporting Club, Cafe Royal, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 28–0 Ameur Lamine TKO 3 (10) 11 December 1968 Town Hall, HamiltonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 27–0 Angel Robinson Garcia PTS 10 23 October 1968 Grosvenor House, MayfairScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 26–0 Ivan Whiter PTS 8 10 June 1968 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 25–0 Leonard Tavarez PTS 8 22 April 1968 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 24–0 Maurice Cullen KO 11 (15) 19 February 1968 Hilton Hotel, MayfairScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won British lightweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 23–0 Jim McCormack PTS 12 30 October 1967 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 22–0 Al Rocca TKO 7 (8) 14 September 1967 Grosvenor House, MayfairScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 21–0 Rene Roque PTS 8 26 July 1967 Afan Lido Sports Centre, AberavonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 20–0 Winston Laud PTS 8 28 June 1967 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 19–0 Franco Brondi TKO 3 (10) 11 May 1967 Ice Rink, PaisleyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 18–0 Tommy Garrison PTS 10 14 February 1967 Royal Albert Hall, KensingtonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 17–0 John McMillan PTS 10 23 January 1967 Central Hotel, GlasgowScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 16–0 Phil Lundgren PTS 10 19 December 1966 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Al Keen PTS 8 17 October 1966 Town Hall, LeedsScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Antonio Paiva PTS 10 17 October 1966 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Mickey Laud PTS 8 8 September 1966 Empire Pool, WembleyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Ivan Whiter PTS 8 8 August 1966 Earls Court Arena, KensingtonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Brian Smyth TKO 1 (8) 12 July 1966 Afan Lido Sports Centre, AberavonScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Junior Cassidy PTS 8 11 May 1966 Wyvern Sporting Club (Midland Hotel), ManchesterScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Chris Elliott PTS 8 19 April 1966 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Tommy Tiger PTS 8 4 April 1966 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Manley Brown TKO 4 (8) 7 March 1966 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Tommy Tiger PTS 8 24 January 1966 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Junior Cassidy PTS 8 13 December 1965 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Joe Okezie TKO 3 (8) 22 November 1965 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Billy Williams TKO 3 (6) 1 November 1965 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Vic Woodhall TKO 2 (6) 18 October 1965 Wyvern Sporting Club (Midland Hotel), Manchester Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Brian Rocky Tonks TKO 2 (6) 20 September 1965 National Sporting Club, PiccadillyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

The Ring magazine titles

Regional/International titles

Undisputed titles

Statue

Bronze statue of Ken Buchanan in a fighting pose
Statue of Ken Buchanan

On 14 August 2022, a statue of Ken Buchanan was unveiled on Little King Street, Edinburgh. It is located near the St James Quarter, at the top of Leith Walk. Buchanan attended the unveiling, along with many fans.[34] It was created by Scottish sculptor Alan Herriot, and cast at Powderhall Bronze.

See also

References

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  1. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ "Buchanan Rallies to Outpoint Laguna for Lightweight Title in Puerto Rico". The New York Times, 27 September 1970.
  5. ↑ "Buchanan's Speed Defeats Paduano". The New York Times, 8 December 1970.
  6. ↑ "W.B.C. say Fight is for title", Evening Times (Glasgow), 11 February 1971.
  7. ↑ "WBC approve Buchanan bout", The Glasgow Herald, 12 February 1971.
  8. ↑ World Boxing Council Ratings (March 1971)
    Template:In lang "Clasificaciones de Marzo Según el Consejo Mundial de Boxeo", UPI, El Informador (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico), 11 March 1971.
    WBC Ratings on March 1971
    Lightweight (Spanish: Livianos)
    Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

    Champion: Ken Buchanan (Great Britain)
    1. Pedro Carrasco (Spain)
    2. Mando Ramos (United States)
    3. Miguel Velasquez (Spain)
    4. René Barrientos (Philippines)
    5. Rubén Navarro (United States)
    6. Gerard Ferrat (Mexico)
    7. Carlos Hernandez (Venezuela)
    8. Erubey "Chango" Carmona (Mexico)
    9. Shinichi Kadota (Japan)
    10. Al Ford (Canada)

  9. ↑ Gutteridge, Reg. "King Ken, World Champion after a shock knock-down", Evening Times (Glasgow), 13 February 1971.
  10. ↑ "World Champion home to-night", The Glasgow Herald, 15 February 1971.
  11. ↑ "Classic show by Buchanan", The Glasgow Herald, 12 May 1971.
  12. ↑ "Great Buchanan has the fans cheering", Evening Times (Glasgow), 12 May 1971.
  13. ↑ "Buchanan's (WBC) title withdrawn", The Glasgow Herald, 26 June 1971.
  14. ↑ "Buchanan Retains Title By Outpointing Laguna", The New York Times, 14 September 1971.
  15. ↑ "Ken to settle in S Africa?", Evening Times (Glasgow), 1 May 1972.
  16. ↑ Goldstein, Richard. "Johnny LoBianco, 85, Referee In Controversial Duran Bout", The New York Times, 21 July 2001. Accessed 1 October 2009.
  17. ↑ Smith, Red. "And New Champion", The New York Times, 28 June 1972; accessed 1 October 2009.
  18. ↑ "Oritz Retires After Buchanan Stops Him in 6 Rounds", The New York Times, 21 September 1972.
  19. ↑ "Buchanan and Seeley Give 2 Koreans Ring Lessons", The New York Times, 5 December 1972.
  20. ↑ a b c d "People in Sports: Duran Barred", The New York Times, 5 April 1973.
  21. ↑ Smith, Red. "Red Smith", The New York Times, 27 April 1973.
  22. ↑ "People in Sports: Beliveau Turns Down W.H.A.’ s Million", The New York Times, 11 July 1973.
  23. ↑ "Dooley Says Duran Bout May Be Off", The New York Times, 13 August 1974.
  24. ↑ "Ultimatum Endangers Duran Bout", The New York Times, 14 August 1974.
  25. ↑ "Verbal Jabs End Duran Bout", The New York Times, 15 August 1974.
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

Sporting positions

Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check British lightweight champion
19 February 1968 – 1971
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Willie Reilly
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check British lightweight champion
29 January 1973 – 1973
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Jim Watt
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check European lightweight champion
1 May 1974 – 1976
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Fernand Roelands

Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBA lightweight champion
26 September 1970 – 26 June 1972 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
The Ring lightweight champion
26 September 1970 – 26 June 1972 Template:S-ttl/check
Vacant
Title last held by
Ismael Laguna 		WBC lightweight champion
12 February 1971 – 25 June 1971
Stripped Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Pedro Carrasco
Undisputed lightweight champion
12 February 1971 – 25 June 1971
Titles fragmented Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Roberto Durán
Records

Template:S-before

Oldest Living British World Champion
6 October 2017 – 1 April 2023 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-after

Template:Sugar Ray Robinson Award Template:Authority control

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