Ken Buchanan Obituary

Ken Buchanan was a Scottish professional boxer who became the undisputed world lightweight champion in 1971.

Before turning pro, Buchanan was the 1965 ABA featherweight champion. He started boxing professionally on September 20, 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 January 23, 1967.

Buchanan was stripped of the WBC title for failing to defend against Pedro Carrasco on June 25, 1971. Despite this setback, he remained the WBA world lightweight champion.

When Buchanan 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 2002, he was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. He died on April 1, 2023, at the age 77.