BOXING hero Ken Buchanan has died aged 77.
Tributes have poured in for the former undisputed lightweight world champion.
Buchanan, nicknamed the Fighting Carpenter, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Scottish fighters of all-time.
He retired in 1982 with a 61-9 record, having knocked out 27 of his opponents.
Fans have been left devastated by the news, with one simply posting: “R.I.P Champ.”
Another reacted: “Sad news, gotta be one of the best British fighters of all-time.”
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A third commented: “May he rest in peace. Great fighter and great man.”
Light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor tweeted: “I’m saddened to hear the news of the passing of my hero and Scotland’s greatest ever champ, whom I take such inspiration from.”
Buchanan dominated his field in the 1970s, winning the WBC and Ring titles at the beginning of the decade when he secured victory over Ismael Laguna.
The Scottish hero retained his title twice against Ruben Navarro before beating Laguna again that year in their second meeting.
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In the end, he lost his bout against Roberto Duran at Madison Square Garden, New York, in 1972 and the Panamanian took the belts.
The Edinburgh-born legend had a second shot at winning the WBC lightweight title in 1975, but he was defeated by Guts Ishimatsu.
Buchanan also claimed his European lightweight title when he beat Antonio Puddu in 1974.
He went on to retain the belt twice, beating Leonard Tavarez later that year and then Giancarlo Usai in 1975.
Buchanan was European champion for five years before losing it to Charlie Nash in 1979.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
