Former World Lightweight Champion Ken Buchanan of Scotland Dies at 77
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Edinburgh, Scotland (April 2nd, 2023)– Former World Lightweight champion Ken Buchanan, a member of International Boxing Federation Hall of Fame and the Scottish Sport Hall of Fame, has died at a nursing home in Scotland, on April 1, 2023, according to the Ken Buchanan Federation. He was 77 years old, and was suffering from Dementia. His official pro ring record was 61-8 with 27 knockouts, and one unsanctioned knockout win, between 1965 and 1983.
A winner of his first 33 pro bouts, Buchanan won the World Boxing Association and New York State Athletic Commission versions of the World Lightweight title with a 15 round split decision over then champion Ishmael Laguna at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 26, 1970. In February 1971, Buchanan unified the World Boxing Association and world Boxing Council World Lightweight titles, becoming undisputed champion, with a 15 round decision in over Ruben Navarro at Sports Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 1971 and defended against Laguna in a rematch at Madison Square Garden by winning a 15 round decision on November 15, 1971. However, Buchanan lost the WBA title when he was topped by Roberto uran in Madison Square Garden in June 1972.
In January 1973, Buchanan won the BBBofC Lightweight title with a 15 round decision over Jim Watt in Glasgow. After winning 13 comeback bouts, Buchanan lost a 15 round decision to Guts Ishimatsu in an unsuccessful attempt to regain the WBC World Lightweight title in February 1975. In 1981 and 1982, Buchanan lost four comeback attempts by decision, then won a seventh round knockout at age 38 over Johnny Claydon on March 9, 1983, at Ilford Palais London, in an unsanctioned bout, his last ring appearance. A biography of his life is available, entitled ‘The Tartan Legend’.
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