Buchanan to have statue in Edinburgh

FORMER world lightweight champion Ken Buchanan is to be immortalised in the form of a statue in his home city of Edinburgh.

The body set up to erect a permanent tribute to the Leith legend has confirmed that the necessary funds to complete the project are now in place.

Nearly half a century after he was crowned champion, a local company, Powderhall Bronze, has been commissioned along with artist Alan Herriot to create a likeness of the 73-year-old.

Discussions are also ongoing with Edinburgh Council and various organisations to select a site for the statue, with Meadowbank, the redeveloped St James Centre and Ocean Terminal in the frame.

Buchanan first captured the wider boxing public’s imagination when he beat Ismael Laguna in Puerto Rico in 1970, also earning the American Boxing Writers’ Association’s Fighter of the Year award ahead of Muhammad Ali.

The following year he became undisputed world champion, beating Ruben Navarro in Los Angeles.

He subsequently lost his title 12 months later to Roberto Duran at Madison Square Garden, when he suffered a controversial low blow in the 13th round that led to him passing blood for several days.

Buchanan, who was also undefeated European and British champion, lives in retirement in his home city and is still revered by sports fans, many of whom were not even born when he ruled his division.

Owen Smith — chairman of the Ken Buchanan Foundation and the driving force behind the venture — said: ‘In boxing terms, Ken put Edinburgh on the map.’