This is not some old **** we are talking about here, this is Ken Buchanan argubaly our greatest ever fighter. Show some respect or **** off and wank over Khan et al. Ken hasn't been the sharpest since he retired, his wife wasa no user who cleaned him out and he had the **** taken out of him in business deals etc.
This is just ridiculous. Hope it won't happen, very bad for boxing... Only very few fighters can continue boxing at a high level when they in their 40s (B-Hop), and it has been like that it the past too (Archie Moore), while others can still face tomato cans for cash (Larry Holmes), but 63 is just too late, utterly stupid and irresponsible...
There's worse things, imo, than some old man returning to work. That's his craft, its what he knows, and what he's qualified for. He isnt claiming to be a world beater, he isnt claiming a grand come back where he will be ranked, he's being honest and realistic that he wont get on no real commission approved card, he's more or less going to be entering a UK version of Toughman contests, where guys like Norman Buckland roam. It would be a different scenario if he was declaring that he was coming back to prove something. But no, he's doing it to make a few bucks, and imo, him being matched on some two bit unlicensed card, and more than likely he will be facing someone who won't be any more dangerous than himself. Who are we to blame, if there is blame to be thrown here? Boxers dont have insurance, or have a retirement fund like other people do. He was a star at one time, yes, he made alot of money, yes, he was a world champion once, yes, but should we blame him for his financial woes entirely? I mean, its an aged old story of the sport. From Sullivan to Louis to Tyson, and now its Buchanan's turn. It happens. Some things you just got to do, because you have to, the days of wanting to are passed him now. Him being involved in a senior's bout or freak show attraction is the least of anyone's worries, imo. LaMotta, Pep, Robinson, Graziano, Marciano, Johnson, Mace, Sullivan, Corbett, and many others were involved in such things when they were older and passed their best. **** happens. But life goes on. Is it sad? Sure it is. Guys who done paid the freight, made something of themselves, who are true legends of the sport and always will be, are now forced to box exhibitions or do public work outs, or fight in legit contests in unlicensed shows, for a living at 50, 60 or even 70 years old, is a shame of the worst kind, to see a hero disgraced....but to me, I see no difference in an aged old boxer doing that, and a senior citizen having to go back into the work place because somewhere along the line they ****ed up their finances or were screwed by the government.
this sounds like a cry for help from Ken Buchanen that he has to resort to this because he is so desperate for cash Pherhaps some TV channels, etc can put some media / pundit work his way for him to earn some money after all he is one of British greatest ever boxers so he would be a good choice
I give him all the respect in the world, but imo, its nothing new. Its a story as old as time its self. Jem Mace fought Charlie Mitchell for the championship of Great Britain at the age of 60 and fought exhibitions into his 70's. Buchanan was a great fighter, arguably the best Britain produced in the modern era, but it isnt anything new. These comebacks happen all the time, some more announced than others. I blame the system. Boxers dont have insurance or a retirement fund to fall back on when its all said and done. Blame the organizations, and blame the governments views...but Buchanan has his share of the blame too, and dont you forget it.
In Leith there is a council campaign to promote Leith 'I Love Leith', with different figures / events / places of interest. There is giant banners of Ken skipping in Leith and up the walk, need to try and nick one
Saddest thing is he has been down this road before with unlicensed fights after he quit when he lost to George Feeney..and will know what to expect