Scotland’s Boxing Prodigy Embraces Ken Buchanan’s Legacy
In the annals of Scottish boxing, the late great Ken Buchanan stands tall as a true legend. For fellow Edinburgh native and current undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor, Buchanan’s legacy casts a long shadow that he is content to remain in.
“Ken Buchanan is the greatest Scottish boxer; his charisma, his character, his one-liners, the way he spoke, the way he carried himself, he was just a true champion and a true champion of the people,” declares Taylor with reverence. “For me, ‘King Kenny’ is the greatest, no matter what I achieve in my career.”
Buchanan, an International Boxing Hall of Famer who passed away earlier this year, had forged an illustrious career, facing the likes of Ismael Laguna, Roberto Duran, Carlos Ortiz, and fellow Scotsman Jim Watt in his 61-8 (27 KOs) record. Despite Taylor’s own remarkable accomplishments, including becoming the undisputed 140-pound king, the 33-year-old “Tartan Tornado” remains firmly in awe of Buchanan’s enduring legacy.
“I’m just happy, proud and honored to hold the same title as him and be an undisputed world champion,” says Taylor. “To be able to come back from Vegas and say to him, ‘I’d done it just like you,’ and get pictures taken with him [with the belts], that’s one of the greatest honors I’ll ever have.”
After relinquishing three titles outside the ring and losing the fourth to Teofimo Lopez in 2022, Taylor now faces a rematch with old foe Jack Catterall this Saturday in Leeds. Though questions linger about his future, the proud Scot remains steadfast in his belief that he can scale new heights in the sport.
“I’m boxing because I still feel I can get the best out of myself and I still feel I can achieve more,” he asserts. “I still believe I can become a world champion again, maybe even at a second weight.”
As Taylor navigates the next chapter of his career, the shadow of “King Kenny” Buchanan looms large, a constant reminder of the lofty standards set by Scotland’s boxing greats. For this rising star, there is no greater honor than to be mentioned in the same breath as the legendary Buchanan.
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