Ken Buchanan, MBE, 1945-2023 - The Edinburgh Reporter

The Ken Buchanan MBE Foundation has announced the sad news that the formidable boxer died peacefully in his sleep this morning.

The foundation said: “RIP Ken always a gentleman and one of the best champions we will ever see.”

It was only in August last year that the Ken Buchanan statue was unveiled on Leith Street, a fitting tribute to one of Edinburgh’s best sportsmen ever.

Ken Buchanan was undisputed world lightweight champion who began boxing professionally in 1965, and it was in September 1970 in Puerto Rico that he beat Ismael Laguna to become the champion.

Edinburgh boxer Josh Taylor, who is current WBO and Ring magazine light-welterweight world champion, said: “I’m saddened to hear the news of the passing of my hero and Scotland’s greatest ever champ, who I take such inspiration from. RIP Ken Buchanan God bless your soul.”

First Minister, Humza Yousaf, said: “Sad to hear Scotland’s first undisputed champion of the world Ken Buchanan has died. He inspired and mentored a generation of boxing talent here in Scotland and beyond. Rest in peace Champ.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “Today Edinburgh has lost one of its most renowned sons with the death of boxing legend Ken Buchanan at the age of 77.

“Born in Leith in 1945, Ken Buchanan would go on to become Scotlands first undisputed world champion and was once voted ‘Britain’s Greatest Ever Boxer’ by the Boxing News.

“Ken won a huge local fan base for putting Edinburgh firmly on the map and in 2016 he was presented with the Edinburgh Award. It is very fitting that his famous fighting hands have been immortalised on a flagstone outside the City Chambers.

“Throughout his life, he showed great appreciation for his native city and its people, and just last August crowds gathered to celebrate as a statue of Ken was unveiled at a public ceremony on Leith Walk.

“On behalf of the city, I want to convey heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Ken’s family and friends. Our city mourns one of its most celebrated sons. May he rest in peace and I’m sure his legacy will be longstanding.”

Ken Buchanan 3 March 2017 with his handprints in the quad at the City Chambers

Former boxer, Barry McGuigan, said: “So very sorry to hear of the death of the amazing Ken Buchanan RIP.”

Ken travelled to MSG to beat the great Ismael Laguna for the WBA Lightweight Title way back in 1971. He was an outlier with his unique boxing style and he was a fabulous man,God Bless you Ken

He was one of the recipients of the Edinburgh Award in 2016, and was honoured with a civic reception and an engraved Loving Cup which he received from the Rt Hon Lord Provost.

Last year Ken’s son disclosed that his father had dementia.