Ken Buchanan defended his WBA lightweight title against Roberto Duran

Date: June 26, 1972

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Buchanan stance: orthodox

Duran stance: orthodox

Ken Buchanan turned pro in 1965. He won the British lightweight title in 1968 in his 24th bout when he knocked out Maurice Cullen in the 11th round. Buchanan suffered the only loss of his career to date when he lost on points to Miguel Velasquez in 1970 in Madrid, fighting for the vacant European lightwelt belt. Later that year, Buchanan travelled to Puerto Rico and beat Ismael Laguna on points to win the WBA lightweight title. A dispute between the WBA and the British Boxing Board of Control meant that Buchanan was never able to defend his title at home. Buchanan beat Ruben Navarro on points in hsi first defence and won a rematch with Laguna on points in his second defence.

Roberto Duran turned pro in 1968, when he was just 16. Duran's first big win was against future WBA featherweight champion Ernesto Marcel, who he stopped in the tenth round in 1970. In his 26th bout, Duran knocked out former undisputed super featherweight champion Hiroshi Kobayashi in the seventh round. In his next fight, Duran beat Angel Robinson Garcia on points. Duran was 28-0 with 24 KOs as he prepared for his first world title bout.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Ken Buchanan - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/142

Roberto Duran - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000080