Duran shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Ring Magazine. He said, "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."
The Panamanian fighter's career spanned decades and included memorable bouts against the other 'Four Kings.' He fought a trilogy with Sugar Ray Leonard, winning one and losing two. He also faced Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns, losing to both. These four fighters competed against each other in epic fights throughout the 1980s.
Duran's fight with Buchanan took place in June 1972 at Madison Square Garden, New York. It was Duran's first shot at a world title, and he won by TKO in the 13th round, becoming the WBA lightweight champion at just 21 years old.
Ken Buchanan, the Scottish boxer Duran praised, had an impressive career himself. He was once the undisputed lightweight champion and had notable wins against Ismael Laguna and Ruben Navarro. Buchanan's final fight was in 1982, and he ended his career with a record of 61 wins (27 by knockout) and 8 losses.
Sadly, Buchanan battled dementia later in life and passed away in 2023 at the age of 77.
Duran's praise for Buchanan's skills, even when compared to faster and stronger opponents like Sugar Ray Leonard, shows the lasting impression the Scottish boxer made on one of the sport's all-time greats.