Panamanian great Roberto Duran has named a Scottish icon as the best defensive fighter he faced during his five decade professional career.
‘Hands of Stone’ made his debut way back in 1968 and would go on to appear on no less than 119 occasions as a professional prior to his retirement from the sport in 2005.
He became a world champion in four weight classes along the way, including a reign as the undisputed lightweight champion which he captured when he defeated Esteban de Jesus back in January of 1978.
Duran had even more success during the 1980s where he became a member of ‘The Four Kings’ alongside legendary rivals Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Duran reflected on his 1972 clash with Ken Buchanan as he claims the Scottish great was the best defensive fighter he crossed paths with during his career.
“He was hard to hit cleanly. I was very young, lacked experience, and Buchanan had been world champion for a long time. A lot of people will expect me to say Wilfred Benitez or Leonard when it comes to defense but I wasn’t prepared properly for Benitez or the Leonard rematch. Davey Moore, who I beat easily, knocked Benitez out so there’s no comparison there. I was coming into my prime against Buchanan and he made me miss often.”
Duran handed Buchanan the second defeat of his professional career at the iconic Madison Square Garden in June of 1972, capturing the WBA world lightweight title in the process.
Buchanan challenged for world honours just once more during his tenure but fell short to WBC world lightweight champion Guts Ishimatsu in February 1975.
