Ken Buchanan, 77, who is often considered Scotland and the United Kingdom’s greatest ever boxer, has had a statue unveiled in his honour in Edinburgh’s city centre.
The ceremony for the unveiling of the statue was attended by the former unified world champion as he was serenaded with bagpipes in front of the crowd that was believed to be in the hundreds.
The bronze statue, which is situated on Little King Street, was a long time in the making with trustees raising £47,000 over a period of six years.
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Ross Kopel, owner of the Seconds Out Fight Store in Edinburgh’s city centre, was at the event and said: “It was a great turnout, Kenny seemed in good spirits from what I could see and it was a really family atmosphere.
“Great to see so many people there to appreciate in my opinion Britain’s greatest ever boxer. What Kenny achieved in boxing is nothing short of remarkable, especially the fact he had most of his success on the road.
“It should always be remembered what he achieved and this statue will do just that. Scotland’s own real life Rocky, statue and all.”
He was joined by avid Scottish boxing fan, Jack Wilcox, who was also in attendance at the event. He said: “Brilliant turn out and a fitting tribute to the GOAT (Greatest OF All Time) of British boxing."
The event also saw one of Buchanan’s former opponents, and ex-world champion, Jim Watt say a few words as he paid tribute to the Northfield bruiser.
The ‘Fighting Carpenter’ fought 69 times throughout his career, losing only eight and winning 27 by knockout.
Not afraid of fighting someone on foreign soil, Ken fought for the world title in Puerto Rico in 1970 against Ismael Laguna from Panama, who at the time was the WBA lightweight champion.
Buchanan then fought again on foreign soil as he was denied the opportunity to defend his title at home due to a dispute between the British Boxing Board of Control and the WBA.
He acquired the vacant WBC championship and became the undisputed world lightweight champion after defeating Rubén Navarro in Los Angeles in 1971 during his WBA defence.
Buchanan was then granted permission to defend his world championship in the UK by defeating the former world junior welterweight champion Carlos Morocho Hernández by knockout in round eight, during a bout at Wembley in May of 1971.
The plaque on the statue, which was designed and created by sculptor Alan Herriot and casted by Pwoderhall Bronze, read: “Ken Buchanan of Edinburgh is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers. A genuine international star who topped the bill ahead of Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden, he defeated Ismael Laguna in Puerto Ricoon 26 September 1970 to become world lightweight boxing champion.
“On 12 February 1971 he also defeated Ruben Navarro in Los Angeles to become undisputed lightweight champion of the world. An immensely talented and skilled craftsman who fought the very best of his generation and gave pleasure to millions as Scotland’s first truly global fighter.
“Ken was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the year 2000 in recognition of his outstanding achievements. This statue was commissioned by the Kevin Buchanan MBE Foundation and was unveiled by the former Lord Provosts of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross and Donald Wilson, on 14th August 2022.
“The trustees of the Foundation would like to thank all the many people of Edinburgh and beyond whose generosity made this statue possible. Trustees and secretary of the Foundation: Owen P Smith (Chairman), Peter Swanson, John Swanson, Jim Black and Mick Grubb; secretary Alastair Clive.”
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