Panamanian great Roberto Duran once named a legendary Scottish champion as the most skilled opponent that he ever shared a ring with.
Duran’s exceptional professional boxing career spanned across five decades with many considering him to be one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.
‘Hands of Stone’ became a world champion in four weight divisions along the way which included a reign as the undisputed lightweight champion when he defeated Esteban de Jesus back in 1978.
He later became one of boxing’s ‘Four Kings’ alongside former rivals Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, although he overlooked this legendary trio when naming his most skilled opponent in a shock revelation.
In a resurfaced feature with The Ring Magazine, Duran spoke fondly of former rival and legendary Scottish fighter Ken Buchanan, who he says was the most skilful opponent that he ever faced during his long and storied career.
“Buchanan was one of the great lightweights when it came to tactics and skill. His intelligence made him very difficult to beat even though he wasn’t a very strong opponent. Sugar Ray Leonard was faster and stronger but Buchanan had tremendous skills.”
Duran dethroned Buchanan of the WBA world lightweight title when they clashed at Madison Square Garden in June of 1972, the first world title triumph for the Panamanian icon.
Buchanan challenged unsuccessfully for the WBC lightweight title several years later although he would remain active until 1982 when his career came to an end. He is often credited with being the greatest Scottish fighter of all time.
