The legendary Roberto Duran once credited a Scottish boxing great with being the most skilful opponent he ever shared a ring with.
Known as ‘Hands of Stone’, Duran’s decorated professional career began way back in 1968 and would go on to span across five decades until his retirement in 2001.
The Panamanian great became a world champion in four weight classes along the way, including a brief reign as the undisputed lightweight champion which he captured when he defeated Esteban de Jesus in January of 1978.
Duran achieved further success during the 1980s where he cemented his place in boxing’s ‘Four Kings’ alongside former rivals Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Duran gave plaudits to Scottish legend Ken Buchanan who he claims was the most skilful fighter he crossed paths with during his illustrious professional 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.”
‘Hands of Stone’ stopped Buchanan in the 13th round of their showdown at Madison Square Garden in June 1972 to capture the WBA world lightweight title, the first of Duran’s career.
After suffering this unfortunate defeat, Buchanan remained active until 1982 when he would announce his retirement from the sport. The Scottish great suffered just 8 defeats against 61 victories along the way, with many regarding the Edinburgh-native as the greatest Scottish fighter of all time.
