Description
The great Scottish boxer Ken Buchanan has died at the age of 77. Buchanan became the undisputed world lightweight champion in 1971 and won his first 33 fights, finishing his career with a 61-8 win-loss record. His death was announced in a Facebook post from the Ken Buchanan Foundation, which read: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that Ken Buchanan passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning.
"More announcements to come and please give the family some time to process this sad news. RIP Ken, continue to be a gentleman and one of the greatest champions we will ever see.
Buchanan's son revealed last year that he suffers from dementia and lives in a nursing home.
The boxer won the WBA lightweight title in 1970 by defeating Ismael Laguna in a famous fight in Puerto Rico and added the WBC crown the following year with a victory over Rubén Navarro.
He was stripped of the WBC title for failing to defend it against Pedro Carrasco, then lost the WBA belt when he controversially suffered only a second loss to the great Roberto Durán.
Buchanan last fought in 1982.
Il a été nommé MBE en 1972 et a été intronisé à la fois au Temple de la renommée de la boxe internationale et au Temple de la renommée du sport écossais, tandis qu'une statue de lui dans sa ville natale d'Édimbourg a été dévoilée last year.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf tweeted: "Sad to hear Scotland's first undisputed world champion Ken Buchanan has died.
“He inspired and mentored a generation of boxing talent here in Scotland and beyond. Rest in peace Champion.
Scotsman Josh Taylor, who emulated Buchanan as the undisputed world light-welterweight champion, said on Twitter: "Saddened to hear the news of the passing of my hero and the greatest champion in Scottish history, from whom I have been so inspired." .
"RIP Ken Buchanan, God bless your soul."
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