Buchanan v Watt (1973)

[Autobarn]

was there really a clear winner?

has this fight's lengthy unavailability from video/DVD traders elevated it to epic status (I know, it's on youtube now)?

did this fight help buchanan get in the hall of fame?

this british title fight was the start of his campaign to win another world title (having won from hall of famer Ismael laguna, whom he beat in a rematch, and lost it to duran follow a 13th round foul).

he'd get the European belt next but was unsuccessful vs guts ishimatsu in japan. but because buchanan-watt is regarded as a classic 15-rounder, and watt went on to win a world title, on a revisionist level, did this help to elevate buchanan? ie did it make him look better afterward and get claimed as another big win?

[Giancarlo]

did this fight help buchanan get in the hall of fame?

It didn't hurt, considering what Jim went on to accomplish.

However, in my opinion, he'd already done enough to get legitimately in.

I consider him in the top 3 best post-war UK fighters.

[King Carlos]

Buchanan won, but Watt made him look pretty bad. Ken had to dig deep and fight it out to gain the edge, because Watt was timing him consistently with that jab. He really had a way of breaking a guy's rhythm with it.

[Autobarn]

Buchanan won, but Watt made him look pretty bad. Ken had to dig deep and fight it out to gain the edge, because Watt was timing him consistently with that jab. He really had a way of breaking a guy's rhythm with it.

there was a spell in the middle of the fight when watt seemed to win everything, pecking with the jab, pushing off buchanan, then catching him backing up with straight lefts and right hooks.

buchanan did have a very strong start and finish - that confident start when he took some liberties with the upstart; and late, when buchanan was able to land right crosses and combinations that threatened to overwhelm watt. buchanan had a lot of problems landing his jab and it was exciting watching him try the right and a body attack more than the norm for him.

I suppose these changes in momentum are why the fight - featuring two guys not known for their offensive skills - is considered a classic. I won't argue against it, too much. both displayed skill, guts and fitness to fight through rough patches.

buchanan must've felt he was behind because in the final 3 rounds, that was a desperation attack.

definitely a really good fight, better than many a world title contest (certainly better than buchanan-ishimatsu but not as good as, say, duran-de jesus 2).

[Arbachakov]

Poor peformance from Buchanan, and he looked a lot less sharp than he had in the couple of years previously.Made no effort to try and change his style to accomodate the southpaw angles.

maybe looked past the inexperienced Watt, as the fight was hardly expected to be a big challenge at the time, but you have to credit Watt's stylistic approach for causing the issues as well.He was a limited fighter, yet certainly one who could cause issues for most lightweights that mainly look to stay on the outside and jab with him.

[elmersalsa]

Ken Buchanan had lots of guts. He was game. What a fighter. I used to like that crisp jab he had back in his prime.