How good was ken buchanan

I assume he meant in a p4p sense. I hope.

 

My understanding is that Buchanan turned down an offer for a rematch. It was a lower-money offer to fight in Panama, but an offer nonetheless. Challengers have to take the terms offered.

Of course, I know of no record of Ken's promoter ever putting together a substantial offer to Duran for a rematch. That is allowed, last I checked.

And who came up with this idea that everyone who ever beat anyone OWES them a rematch, as if you have to beat someone twice for it to count?

 

And, as noted, he did.

Not his fault if Ken didn't take the offer.

 

It wasn't so much 'you owe me' as it was contractual. There was a rematch clause written into the contract where if Duran won he was contractually obligated to give Buchanan a rematch to be promoted by Madison Square Garden. MSG tried to hold his feet to the fire for years on that one. Buchanan was a NY favorite, as was Duran. I seem to recall Duran being pissed off at MSG later that year saying he was set up against Dejesus. Just one of those rumors that flew around at the time. I do believe that DeJesus non-title put a bit of fear into the Duran camp because they would allow non-title anywhere but anytime the title was on the line it had to be in panama. They didn't start loosening up until about his 8th defense. Probably losing a ton of possible monies fighting strictly at home.

 

THE Greatest Scotsman ever...he caused such a stir in the US when he won the title.
He was every bit as good, if not better than his staunchest supporters and fans say he was.
He would show up and embarrass the lightweights of today..and...would have beaten JMM.

 

I'm a Benny lynch man myself but certainly Buchanan was excellent. A great fighter and it's a shame that all most of us can remember is Duran nailing him ok the balls for the title.

 

This thread has a special poignance...just got off the phone with a long-time bud, Chu Chu Malave, who was stopped by Ken in N.Y.

 

Kenny was one of my early favorites right as I was starting to get into boxing. Remember the 2nd Laguna fight was televised, a rare treat at the time and I was hooked. Then of course came Duran (also televised) and the bizarre ending. Kenny never did get the rematch that I think he deserved and fought on for a few more years and then faded away. A well-deserved Hall of Famer and one of my favorite boxers ever.

 

Chu Chu, with Gatti-like KOs, was a big fan favorite in NY, but his zest for training waned, knowing there was little chance of getting a title shot, 'n he wanted to move on with his life.

He knew he was supposed to be cannon fodder for Ken, but thought maybe he could land a Hail Mary 'n cash-out. It wasn't to be. Ken flattened him.

Chu Chu said Ken was the best, fastest fighter he ever faced.

 

John, I remember when he fought Ray Lampkin at the Felt. I didn't see it of course but read about it in the mags. At that time he said that was his last fight after getting belted out in 8, but then he got the call for the Buchanan fight. I saw that fight and felt Chu Chu was a damn good clubfighter, but yeah, an actual contender like Lampkin or Buchanan was always going to take his measure. He had a crowd-pleasing style.

 

Chu Chu's a loyal bud 'n still has a million-dollar smile and infectious laugh; but even at 60, give him stick in the street -- Godzilla, or not -- he'll go to war.