MY INSPIRATION
Josh: Since turning pro it was always my dream to follow in Ken’s footsteps
KEN BUCHANAN didn’t just become the first Scot to claim the throne of undisputed world champion. He also inspired the only other man to do it.
Buchanan’s place among the boxing greats has long been established but it’s a cruel irony the fight legend’s memory is fading due to dementia after creating so many memorable moments himself.
And while Buchanan’s slow retreat from public life was confirmed by his family last week , his legacy will always be intact.
The story is well known. A decorated amateur, the kid from Northfield learned his craft in the pro ranks on tough shows down south before emerging as a contender.
Fights that echo through the ages. The knockout win to claim the British title against Maurice Cullen, the Scottish super fight with Jim Watt, the epic world title win against Ismael Laguna in the searing heat of Puerto Rico, Ruben Navarro in Los Angeles to rule the lightweight division, the controversial clash with Roberto Duran, the list goes on.
It wasn’t just the wins and the thrills – it was the tales. Topping the bill in New York’s boxing Mecca of Madison Square Garden, splitting a dressing room with big pal Muhammed Ali, getting worshipped walking down Fifth Avenue.
Buchanan’s suffered health problems in recent years but his influence can still be seen in the ring now.
Josh Taylor cleaned up the light welterweight division – the first Brit in the four belt era – when he thumped Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas last year and admitted the first thing he wanted to do when he returned was to show off the bounty to his hero. Taylor admits his hero didn’t just scale the mountain – he left the path for him to follow.
The reigning champ said: “Ken has been such an inspiration to me.
“Ever since I turned pro that was a dream of mine– following in his footsteps. We’ve gotten close over the years. He used to come to the gym when I was coming up, he’d give me advice and encouragement. He was such a legend it was always a thrill to see him.
“I told him before I became undisputed champion I was coming back with the belts for him. It was brilliant.
“He’d not been keeping too well but he came up to the house, he got to see those belts and we had a good chat. “To share the honour of being undisputed champion with him is something I’m really proud of.”
Scottish boxing doyen Tommy Gilmour was the man behind the famous Buchanan 15-round war with Watt in Glasgow in 1973.
He said: “That was one of the greatest fights seen on these shores. It was the opening night for the St Andrews Club and it has gone down in history.
“I was in Jim’s corner that evening but I was always a fan of Kenny. He was a fantastic fighter.
“Ken only fought three times in Scotland but that was down to the politics and the scene at the time.
“He was huge in America and would get mobbed in New York. He maybe didn’t quite get the recognition he deserved in his own country because of that. Imagine if he was fighting now – he’d be making tens of millions.
“Ken’s had a tough life at times since he finished up with boxing but his place in history is secure. There are plans for his statue to be unveiled and it’d be great if he’s able to be there and people get the chance to show their appreciation.”