Scottish boxing nice Ken Buchanan has died aged 77.
Buchanan grew to become the undisputed light-weight world champion in 1971 and is one among a handful of British names to grace the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame.
He gained his first 33 fights, ending his profession with a 61-8 report.
His dying was introduced in a Fb publish from the Ken Buchanan Basis, which learn: “It’s with nice unhappiness that we’ve got to tell you that Ken Buchanan handed away peacefully in his sleep this morning.
“Extra bulletins will come and please give the household a while to course of this unhappy information. RIP Ken, nonetheless a gentleman and top-of-the-line champions we are going to ever see.”
Buchanan’s son revealed final yr that he suffers from dementia and lives in a nursing residence.
The boxer gained the WBA light-weight title in 1970 by beating Ismael Laguna in a well-known combat in Puerto Rico and added the WBC crown the next yr with a win over Ruben Navarro.
He was stripped of the WBC title for not defending it towards Pedro Carrasco, then misplaced the WBA belt as he controversially suffered solely a second loss to the good Roberto Duran.
Duran claimed the win in controversial trend after laying the Scots down with a low kick.
Duran’s supervisor promised a rematch and Buchanan made his case by producing two extra spectacular wins in Madison Sq. Backyard, defeating Jim Watt in a basic British title combat, successful the European belt and racking up wins in the entire world.
Buchanan as soon as topped the roster above Muhammad Ali at boxing’s most exalted venue, New York’s Madison Sq. Backyard, and shared his dressing room with Ali.
“We had giggle,” he stated. “I drew an imaginary line down the center of the room and stated, ‘Do not cross that or there will probably be bother’.”
Buchanan final fought in 1982.
He was made an MBE in 1972 and has been inducted into each the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame and the Scottish Sports activities Corridor of Fame, whereas a statue of him in his hometown of Edinburgh has been unveiled Final yr.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted: “Unhappy to listen to that Scotland’s first undisputed world champion Ken Buchanan has died.
“He impressed and mentored a era of gifted boxers right here in Scotland and past. Relaxation in peace Champ.”
Scotsman Josh Taylor, who emulated Buchanan when he grew to become undisputed world champion in 2021, stated on Twitter: “Sadden to listen to the information of the passing of my hero and Scotland’s biggest champion of on a regular basis, from which I draw a lot inspiration.
“RIP Ken Buchanan, God bless your soul.”
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