BoxRec

British boxing legend Ken Buchanan says he could make a return to the ring at the age of 63.
The former world lightweight champion, regarded by many experts as the greatest British boxer of all time, says he needs to return to make money.
"I would be the oldest professional world champion ever to make a comeback," he told 5 Live Sport.
"It wouldn't be a legal fight, it would be white-collar boxing. I've got to do it, it's the only way to make money."
The Scot, who will be 64 on 28 June, won the WBA lightweight title in 1970. He says he has already been in talks with unlicenced promoters about a comeback and has been sparring with young hopefuls at the Sparta boxing club in Edinburgh.
I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym
Buchanan would have no hope of getting a licence from the British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates professional fights, but insists he would not need one.
"A lot of people will say I can't get a licence but I don't want a licence," said the Scot, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2000.
"I'd just go to the white-collar boxing people, who I was talking to. They really wanted to hold it in Scotland but I want to go down south. It's all just talk at the moment but I won't be afraid to go through with it."
White-collar boxing first came to prominence in the United States in the mid-1990s, when men and women from white-collar professions trained to fight at special events. The World White Collar Boxing Association was set up in 2007 to try and regulate and promote the sport.
Buchanan admits a comeback could be fraught with danger.
"I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym because I'm on pain killers for the rest of my life," he said.
"The only way you can make that money is to make a comeback. I can't work, I could never get employed anywhere.
"I know it's stupid but it will work out OK. I'm in good nick, it's difficult to give it up."
Buchanan is determined to make a comeback in order to fund a legal challenge after an Edinburgh newspaper claimed he sold his five championship belts earlier this year because he needed the money.
Buchanan insists he actually sold the Lonsdale, European, WBC, WBA and Ring magazine belts to a businessman so they could be exhibited in the National Museum of Scotland.
The Scot was lightweight champion until 1972, when he relinquished his title to Roberto Duran after a controversial below-the-belt, after-the-bell punch.
The Panamanian, widely regarded as the greatest lightweight of all time, has said Buchanan was his toughest-ever opponent.
Buchanan has struggled to find a purpose in life since retiring from boxing in 1982. He set up a hotel business, which failed, and worked as a joiner.
He has gone through two divorces and is still battling alcohol problems.
"I tried the AA but couldn't take it. It (alcohol) has played a big part in my life, caused the break up of my second marriage. It has been a problem for a while."

From the BBC


Just to add my twopenneth here, I posted this on the British forum:

Yes, it is desperate stuff but Kenny has done this sort of thing before - just a couple of unlicenced paydays to get him out of bother. He certainly does not look 63. He looks about 50, can still make lightweight, has all his marbles and probably forgotten more than most boxers will ever know, certainly white collar boxers (cough, cough). White collar is white collar - no worries for probably the greatest British boxer ever, no worries whatsoever, just a toff or two who wants to be a hooligan for the night in front of his ex-Eton fags. One can hardly compare it to the real thing.
This sort of thing happened with ex-fighters all the time in the old boxing booths but today Britain thinks you are finished once you hit 60. He also exaggerates about his broken back, presumably to liven up the story (he later says he is in "good nick"). I've seen him trotting round Meadowbank Stadium (in Edinburgh) on a few Alex Arthur nights recently. He suffered his back injury years ago when our friendly police, presumably to brag to themselves they had 'done' a great fighting name, hurled him down some stairs at a Glasgow nick during Ken's drinking days. Kenny is off the bottle now and has been for years. The last time I heard about him was a year or so ago when Scottish historian Brian Donald saw him at a Sparta amateur boxing show and, almost with a gasp of total disbelief, said "he looks well."

bennie wrote:British boxing legend Ken Buchanan says he could make a return to the ring at the age of 63.
The former world lightweight champion, regarded by many experts as the greatest British boxer of all time, says he needs to return to make money.
"I would be the oldest professional world champion ever to make a comeback," he told 5 Live Sport.
"It wouldn't be a legal fight, it would be white-collar boxing. I've got to do it, it's the only way to make money."
The Scot, who will be 64 on 28 June, won the WBA lightweight title in 1970. He says he has already been in talks with unlicenced promoters about a comeback and has been sparring with young hopefuls at the Sparta boxing club in Edinburgh.
I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym
Buchanan would have no hope of getting a licence from the British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates professional fights, but insists he would not need one.
"A lot of people will say I can't get a licence but I don't want a licence," said the Scot, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2000.
"I'd just go to the white-collar boxing people, who I was talking to. They really wanted to hold it in Scotland but I want to go down south. It's all just talk at the moment but I won't be afraid to go through with it."
White-collar boxing first came to prominence in the United States in the mid-1990s, when men and women from white-collar professions trained to fight at special events. The World White Collar Boxing Association was set up in 2007 to try and regulate and promote the sport.
Buchanan admits a comeback could be fraught with danger.
"I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym because I'm on pain killers for the rest of my life," he said.
"The only way you can make that money is to make a comeback. I can't work, I could never get employed anywhere.
"I know it's stupid but it will work out OK. I'm in good nick, it's difficult to give it up."
Buchanan is determined to make a comeback in order to fund a legal challenge after an Edinburgh newspaper claimed he sold his five championship belts earlier this year because he needed the money.
Buchanan insists he actually sold the Lonsdale, European, WBC, WBA and Ring magazine belts to a businessman so they could be exhibited in the National Museum of Scotland.
The Scot was lightweight champion until 1972, when he relinquished his title to Roberto Duran after a controversial below-the-belt, after-the-bell punch.
The Panamanian, widely regarded as the greatest lightweight of all time, has said Buchanan was his toughest-ever opponent.
Buchanan has struggled to find a purpose in life since retiring from boxing in 1982. He set up a hotel business, which failed, and worked as a joiner.
He has gone through two divorces and is still battling alcohol problems.
"I tried the AA but couldn't take it. It (alcohol) has played a big part in my life, caused the break up of my second marriage. It has been a problem for a while."

From the BBC


Just to add my twopenneth here, I posted this on the British forum:

Yes, it is desperate stuff but Kenny has done this sort of thing before - just a couple of unlicenced paydays to get him out of bother. He certainly does not look 63. He looks about 50, can still make lightweight, has all his marbles and probably forgotten more than most boxers will ever know, certainly white collar boxers (cough, cough). White collar is white collar - no worries for probably the greatest British boxer ever, no worries whatsoever, just a toff or two who wants to be a hooligan for the night in front of his ex-Eton fags. One can hardly compare it to the real thing.
This sort of thing happened with ex-fighters all the time in the old boxing booths but today Britain thinks you are finished once you hit 60. He also exaggerates about his broken back, presumably to liven up the story (he later says he is in "good nick"). I've seen him trotting round Meadowbank Stadium (in Edinburgh) on a few Alex Arthur nights recently. He suffered his back injury years ago when our friendly police, presumably to brag to themselves they had 'done' a great fighting name, hurled him down some stairs at a Glasgow nick during Ken's drinking days. Kenny is off the bottle now and has been for years. The last time I heard about him was a year or so ago when Scottish historian Brian Donald saw him at a Sparta amateur boxing show and, almost with a gasp of total disbelief, said "he looks well."

Bennie, I thought I had read or heard somewhere that Ken had suffered a permanent eye injury, and had limited vision. Is that true?

Continuing with the great contenders series, let's talk featherweights.

Scartissue

FEATHER
Owen Moran (Eng) (2)
Nel Tarleton (Eng) (2)
Ray Famechon (Fra) (1)
Percy Bassett (USA) (0)
Flash Elorde (Phil) (1)
Spider Kelly (Ire) (0)
Mitsunori Seki (Jap) (4)
Dwight Hawkins (USA) (0)
Art Hafey (Can) (0)
Jose Torres (Mex) (1)
Mike Ayala (USA) (1)
Ruben Castillo (USA) (2)
Patrick Ford (Guy) (2)
Rocky Lockridge (USA) (2)
Bernard Taylor (USA ) (2)

Okay, gang, we go from thinish to thick with this Featherweight bunch and we start with Owen Moran, a turn of the century fighter who fought 10 world champs in his day, including wins over Battling Nelson, George Dixon and two draws with Abe Attell for the title. Nel Tarleton, who intermittently ruled the British Featherweight roost from '30-'47, fought Freddie Miller twice for the world crown and retired with a log of 116-20-8. Not bad for a pug with only one lung. Ray Famechon, a two time Euro boss from '48-'55, this slick Frenchman went at it with Saddler and Pep, the latter for the title. Held wins over Spider Kelly, Ronnie Clayton and Tiger Al Phillips. Percy Bassett, was a fixture in the top ten from '49-'55. Tough as nails, Bassett beat Jimmy Carter, Lew Jenkins, Harold Dade and Famechon without gaining a shot for himself. Flash Elorde, at 21 and a veteran of 39 fights, Elorde went at it with Saddler for the title, being stopped on cuts in a bout even on points. This was a rematch of a bout six months earlier, in which the young Filipino upset the titleholder in a non-title affair. He did not stay much longer at 126, but Elorde made his impact. Billy (Spider) Kelly, was as fast and elusive as his monicker suggests. British and Commonwealth Feather champ in the mid-'50s, Kelly beat Hogan (Kid) Bassey, Roy Ankrah and Sammy McCarthy. Mitsunori Seki, broke into the ratings as a Flyweight in 1960 and remained in the top ten until '68. Fought Saldivar (twice), Sugar Ramos and Howard Winstone for the title, coming up short each time. Also fought Chartchai Chionoi and Hiroshi Kobayashi. Dwight Hawkins, one bad ass thumper out of the west coast, was...uncomfortable against movers, but one could hardly blame his opponents. Let’s call their actions 'scrambled brains control'. Just ask Joe Becerra, Kuniaki Shibata and Frankie Crawford who all ended their bouts with Hawkins by looking up at him. Art Hafey, at 5' 2" this little Canadian had but one way of fighting, and this bull-like style took him to stoppage wins over Ruben Olivares, Alfredo Marcano and Famoso Gomez. His size disadvantage was most evident in losses to Arguello and 'Little Red' Lopez. Mike Ayala, this bad boy from Texas rampaged throughout the southwest in the late '70s. Wins over Romeo Anaya, Cesar Deciga and Shig Fukuyama got him his title shot, however, mainlining heroin the day of his fight and the punches of Danny Lopez kept him at arms length of the crown. Jose Torres, one of the deadliest bangers of his day. Had both Arguello and Lopez on the canvas but couldn't keep them there. Took out top ten fighters Enrique Garcia, Carlos Becerril and Saul Montana. Ruben Castillo, enjoyed success at two weights. Went to the 15 round wire with Salvador Sanchez and lost to Juan LaPorte when he had little left, both for the title. Beat contenders, Torres, Seeley and Fel Clemente. Patrick Ford, Guyanan, FECARBOX and Commonwealth Featherweight champ. Lost a razor close decision to Sanchez for the title that could easily have gone the other way. Of course, his subsequent opportunity at Pedroza's share of the crown was beyond dispute, ending in the 13th round. Held wins over Eddie Ndukwu, Enrique Solis and Diego Alcala. Rocky Lockridge, this two time 130 lb. champ first made waves as a Featherweight and battled it out in two disputed losses to Pedroza for the title. Beat Goss, Clemente and Refugio Rojas on his way up the 126 lb. ladder. Bernard Taylor, his Olympic dreams boycotted in '80, Taylor became a brilliant professional who duked it out with Eusebio Pedroza in a 15 round draw. His subsequent title opportunity saw him stopped in 8 by Barry McGuigan in a bout in which he was ahead on points.

Honorable mention: Phil Zwick, Charley Riley, Ronnie Clayton, Tiger Al Philips, Famoso Gomez, Sergio Palma, Leo Cruz.

Nice work Dan.
A guy used to work with me in the gym . Herman Mills was his name. Herman was good people. He worked my corner once or twice , helped me in the gym with my trainer.Mitts etc.
He fought Glen and Del Flannagan.
He used to talk all the time about how good those guys were. Ive never seen any tape of these guys.
Glen was a real solid feather. Do you know anything about him? Any info?

Expug wrote:Nice work Dan.
A guy used to work with me in the gym . Herman Mills was his name. Herman was good people. He worked my corner once or twice , helped me in the gym with my trainer.Mitts etc.
He fought Glen and Del Flannagan.
He used to talk all the time about how good those guys were. Ive never seen any tape of these guys.
Glen was a real solid feather. Do you know anything about him? Any info?

Pug...I seen the Flanagan's fight live on TV, good boxers both, just fair punching power, I'm almost sure that they both had 100 or so fights.

Expug wrote:Nice work Dan.
A guy used to work with me in the gym . Herman Mills was his name. Herman was good people. He worked my corner once or twice , helped me in the gym with my trainer.Mitts etc.
He fought Glen and Del Flannagan.
He used to talk all the time about how good those guys were. Ive never seen any tape of these guys.
Glen was a real solid feather. Do you know anything about him? Any info?

Brian, I saw a bit of footage on Del and met up with his family a couple of years ago. His son Terry and his wife accepted induction into the WBHF for him as he was too ill to make it. Shortly after the banquet, Del passed away. It was fitting he lived to see induction anyway. Harold Lederman was a big fan of the Flanagans. They got into breeding horses after retiring from boxing. I was looking at Glen's record, and like Del's, he fought everybody. He may have peaked at lightweight or simply just fought some of the bigger names there. I saw he fought Herman Mills in '47. Quite the boxing family.

Scartissue

Thanks Frank and Dan.
Herman always talked about the Flannagan bros.
They formed a friendship and for awhile I think Herman would visit them .
Hermans record I think is not quite complete because I think he fought under a couple names.
He says he fought Willie Pep , but under a different name. I cant remember the name.
Herman is a great guy. Quite a tap dancer too. He made a few bucks doing that also years ago.
Those were different times I guess. Thats an art form too that people dont seem to appreciate any more.

Expug wrote:Thanks Frank and Dan.
Herman always talked about the Flannagan bros.
They formed a friendship and for awhile I think Herman would visit them .
Hermans record I think is not quite complete because I think he fought under a couple names.
He says he fought Willie Pep , but under a different name. I cant remember the name.
Herman is a great guy. Quite a tap dancer too. He made a few bucks doing that also years ago.
Those were different times I guess. Thats an art form too that people dont seem to appreciate any more.

Brian, drive down to St. Louis this Summer and see a musical at the Muny theater. Great tap dancing almost every show (42nd Street this Season should be great!). Linda and I have season tickets.

http://www.muny.org/

Frank
I'm open on Sundays June 7th and the 21st. I'm leaving June 24th. Will be back July 13th. Yeah,I'd take the family. Rog[/quote]
Either date is fine with me, Roger, let see what the others have to say.
I think that any time in June is best, as it get HOT in July, August and September at Tom's Farms, well over 100 degrees....
Count me in on either dates!

Randy :TU
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Great, lets see what Rick and Rodolfo say.[/quote]
_____________________________________________________________________________

Monica & I are available on the 7th.
We'll be in N.Y. 6/14-21

-Rick

Thanks Tom. I will see if I can make a show.
My wife would enjoy that also.

Rick Farris wrote:Monica & I are available on the 7th.
We'll be in N.Y. 6/14-21

-Rick

Then, its the 7th....

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:Monica & I are available on the 7th.
We'll be in N.Y. 6/14-21

-Rick

Then, its the 7th....

I'll mark it on my calender.

Tom's Farms

http://www.yelp.com/map/toms-farms-corona

dagosd2000 wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:Monica & I are available on the 7th.
We'll be in N.Y. 6/14-21

-Rick

Then, its the 7th....

I'll mark it on my calender.

Me too.

A ROOM AT THE END OF THE HALLWAY

"I'm looking for Joe Massie's room."
"He's in room 26,"said the receptionist. "That's all the way down this hallway at the end on the left."
I came to visit my Uncle Joe. He was very sick with the cancer that had attacked his liver. Uncle Joe was my mother's brother. He was the black sheep of the family. During the War he owned a bar called Little Hawaii on the North Side of Chicago. His partner was his brother Bob. My Uncle Joe married one of the gals that hung out there every night. My Uncle Bob left his wife ,who also sat at the bar every night,for one of the hula dancers that performed with the band.My Uncle Joe fought with Patton in Normandy. My Uncle Bob watched the bar.

After the war,Uncle Joe found out his wife had been cheating on him with all the servicemen that frequented Little Hawaii. My Uncle Joe got upset with his brother for not stepping in. I guess my Uncle Bob was too interested in the hula dancer.

As I walked down the corridor and looked into several rooms I saw old people with white hair lying in beds. Sometimes there'd be a television on. No one was watching the television. When I got to room 26,I saw the name card on the door. "J. Massie." The room was darkened. There were two beds in the room. I could see my uncle in the bed by the door. The other bed was unoccupied.

"Uncle Joe," I said softly.
Uncle Joe perked his head up from the pillow.
"Who is it ?",he asked in a feeble voice.
"It's me Roger."
"Roger?"
"Yes,how do you feel today.?"

My uncle was so weak all he could move was his head and his arms very slowly.
"Roger,hand me that glass of water,"
The glass was just out of his reach on a table beside his bed. I handed it too him and he sipped some water.
"Has mother visited you today?"
"Yes,she was here in the morning."
I could barely hear his voice.

My mother was the youngest of the siblings. She visited her brother everyday. A nurse walked in with a small paper cup with some yellow pills in it.
"Time for your medicine Joe."
She was a big black woman with her hair cropped short. She gave my uncle a pill and then helped him sip some water.
"Very good Joe,"she said.
She turned to me and smiled.
"Are you his nephew?"she asked.
I nodded.
"Your uncle says he was a prize fighter."
"Oh yeah."

The nurse propped my uncle's pillow.
"I'll be back later with your dinner Joe."she said smiling.
When the nurse left the room,my uncle began crying. I looked down at him. He used to have the biggest biceps I'd ever seen as a kid. Now the old skin sagged on his arms.
"Roger,"he cried."Take me out of here. I don't want to be alone. I'll sleep on your floor.All I'll want is a little food and water"

My uncle never married again after he found out his wife had cheated on him. He made a living gambling at the track and in Las Vegas shooting craps. He lived in an old flea bag hotel downtown. He never owned a car. He'd never been a prize fighter. He was as tough as they came,but now he was dying. He caught himself and stopped crying.
"When is your mother coming back?"
"She'll be here tomorrow morning."
I don't think my uncle wanted me around as much as he wanted to see his sister.

That night my Uncle Joe passed away in his sleep. When my mother got the phone call she wept openly.
"He was just a boy,"she said crying. "Just a boy."

raylawpc wrote:

bennie wrote:British boxing legend Ken Buchanan says he could make a return to the ring at the age of 63.
The former world lightweight champion, regarded by many experts as the greatest British boxer of all time, says he needs to return to make money.
"I would be the oldest professional world champion ever to make a comeback," he told 5 Live Sport.
"It wouldn't be a legal fight, it would be white-collar boxing. I've got to do it, it's the only way to make money."
The Scot, who will be 64 on 28 June, won the WBA lightweight title in 1970. He says he has already been in talks with unlicenced promoters about a comeback and has been sparring with young hopefuls at the Sparta boxing club in Edinburgh.
I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym
Buchanan would have no hope of getting a licence from the British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates professional fights, but insists he would not need one.
"A lot of people will say I can't get a licence but I don't want a licence," said the Scot, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2000.
"I'd just go to the white-collar boxing people, who I was talking to. They really wanted to hold it in Scotland but I want to go down south. It's all just talk at the moment but I won't be afraid to go through with it."
White-collar boxing first came to prominence in the United States in the mid-1990s, when men and women from white-collar professions trained to fight at special events. The World White Collar Boxing Association was set up in 2007 to try and regulate and promote the sport.
Buchanan admits a comeback could be fraught with danger.
"I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym because I'm on pain killers for the rest of my life," he said.
"The only way you can make that money is to make a comeback. I can't work, I could never get employed anywhere.
"I know it's stupid but it will work out OK. I'm in good nick, it's difficult to give it up."
Buchanan is determined to make a comeback in order to fund a legal challenge after an Edinburgh newspaper claimed he sold his five championship belts earlier this year because he needed the money.
Buchanan insists he actually sold the Lonsdale, European, WBC, WBA and Ring magazine belts to a businessman so they could be exhibited in the National Museum of Scotland.
The Scot was lightweight champion until 1972, when he relinquished his title to Roberto Duran after a controversial below-the-belt, after-the-bell punch.
The Panamanian, widely regarded as the greatest lightweight of all time, has said Buchanan was his toughest-ever opponent.
Buchanan has struggled to find a purpose in life since retiring from boxing in 1982. He set up a hotel business, which failed, and worked as a joiner.
He has gone through two divorces and is still battling alcohol problems.
"I tried the AA but couldn't take it. It (alcohol) has played a big part in my life, caused the break up of my second marriage. It has been a problem for a while."

From the BBC


Just to add my twopenneth here, I posted this on the British forum:

Yes, it is desperate stuff but Kenny has done this sort of thing before - just a couple of unlicenced paydays to get him out of bother. He certainly does not look 63. He looks about 50, can still make lightweight, has all his marbles and probably forgotten more than most boxers will ever know, certainly white collar boxers (cough, cough). White collar is white collar - no worries for probably the greatest British boxer ever, no worries whatsoever, just a toff or two who wants to be a hooligan for the night in front of his ex-Eton fags. One can hardly compare it to the real thing.
This sort of thing happened with ex-fighters all the time in the old boxing booths but today Britain thinks you are finished once you hit 60. He also exaggerates about his broken back, presumably to liven up the story (he later says he is in "good nick"). I've seen him trotting round Meadowbank Stadium (in Edinburgh) on a few Alex Arthur nights recently. He suffered his back injury years ago when our friendly police, presumably to brag to themselves they had 'done' a great fighting name, hurled him down some stairs at a Glasgow nick during Ken's drinking days. Kenny is off the bottle now and has been for years. The last time I heard about him was a year or so ago when Scottish historian Brian Donald saw him at a Sparta amateur boxing show and, almost with a gasp of total disbelief, said "he looks well."

Bennie, I thought I had read or heard somewhere that Ken had suffered a permanent eye injury, and had limited vision. Is that true?

He never wore glasses when I saw him. I sat right next to him once, chatting away, and both eyes looked fine.

Rick...Can you call Rodolfo and see if he can make it on the 7th at Tom's Farms?

bennie wrote:

raylawpc wrote:

bennie wrote:British boxing legend Ken Buchanan says he could make a return to the ring at the age of 63.
The former world lightweight champion, regarded by many experts as the greatest British boxer of all time, says he needs to return to make money.
"I would be the oldest professional world champion ever to make a comeback," he told 5 Live Sport.
"It wouldn't be a legal fight, it would be white-collar boxing. I've got to do it, it's the only way to make money."
The Scot, who will be 64 on 28 June, won the WBA lightweight title in 1970. He says he has already been in talks with unlicenced promoters about a comeback and has been sparring with young hopefuls at the Sparta boxing club in Edinburgh.
I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym
Buchanan would have no hope of getting a licence from the British Boxing Board of Control, which regulates professional fights, but insists he would not need one.
"A lot of people will say I can't get a licence but I don't want a licence," said the Scot, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in June 2000.
"I'd just go to the white-collar boxing people, who I was talking to. They really wanted to hold it in Scotland but I want to go down south. It's all just talk at the moment but I won't be afraid to go through with it."
White-collar boxing first came to prominence in the United States in the mid-1990s, when men and women from white-collar professions trained to fight at special events. The World White Collar Boxing Association was set up in 2007 to try and regulate and promote the sport.
Buchanan admits a comeback could be fraught with danger.
"I've got a broken back and shouldn't even be in a gym because I'm on pain killers for the rest of my life," he said.
"The only way you can make that money is to make a comeback. I can't work, I could never get employed anywhere.
"I know it's stupid but it will work out OK. I'm in good nick, it's difficult to give it up."
Buchanan is determined to make a comeback in order to fund a legal challenge after an Edinburgh newspaper claimed he sold his five championship belts earlier this year because he needed the money.
Buchanan insists he actually sold the Lonsdale, European, WBC, WBA and Ring magazine belts to a businessman so they could be exhibited in the National Museum of Scotland.
The Scot was lightweight champion until 1972, when he relinquished his title to Roberto Duran after a controversial below-the-belt, after-the-bell punch.
The Panamanian, widely regarded as the greatest lightweight of all time, has said Buchanan was his toughest-ever opponent.
Buchanan has struggled to find a purpose in life since retiring from boxing in 1982. He set up a hotel business, which failed, and worked as a joiner.
He has gone through two divorces and is still battling alcohol problems.
"I tried the AA but couldn't take it. It (alcohol) has played a big part in my life, caused the break up of my second marriage. It has been a problem for a while."

From the BBC


Just to add my twopenneth here, I posted this on the British forum:

Yes, it is desperate stuff but Kenny has done this sort of thing before - just a couple of unlicenced paydays to get him out of bother. He certainly does not look 63. He looks about 50, can still make lightweight, has all his marbles and probably forgotten more than most boxers will ever know, certainly white collar boxers (cough, cough). White collar is white collar - no worries for probably the greatest British boxer ever, no worries whatsoever, just a toff or two who wants to be a hooligan for the night in front of his ex-Eton fags. One can hardly compare it to the real thing.
This sort of thing happened with ex-fighters all the time in the old boxing booths but today Britain thinks you are finished once you hit 60. He also exaggerates about his broken back, presumably to liven up the story (he later says he is in "good nick"). I've seen him trotting round Meadowbank Stadium (in Edinburgh) on a few Alex Arthur nights recently. He suffered his back injury years ago when our friendly police, presumably to brag to themselves they had 'done' a great fighting name, hurled him down some stairs at a Glasgow nick during Ken's drinking days. Kenny is off the bottle now and has been for years. The last time I heard about him was a year or so ago when Scottish historian Brian Donald saw him at a Sparta amateur boxing show and, almost with a gasp of total disbelief, said "he looks well."

Bennie, I thought I had read or heard somewhere that Ken had suffered a permanent eye injury, and had limited vision. Is that true?

He never wore glasses when I saw him. I sat right next to him once, chatting away, and both eyes looked fine.

Thanks, Bennie.

Expug wrote:Thanks Tom. I will see if I can make a show.
My wife would enjoy that also.

If you do, let me know.

scartissue wrote:Continuing with the great contenders series, let's talk featherweights.

Scartissue

FEATHER
Owen Moran (Eng) (2)
Nel Tarleton (Eng) (2)
Ray Famechon (Fra) (1)
Percy Bassett (USA) (0)
Flash Elorde (Phil) (1)
Spider Kelly (Ire) (0)
Mitsunori Seki (Jap) (4)
Dwight Hawkins (USA) (0)
Art Hafey (Can) (0)
Jose Torres (Mex) (1)
Mike Ayala (USA) (1)
Ruben Castillo (USA) (2)
Patrick Ford (Guy) (2)
Rocky Lockridge (USA) (2)
Bernard Taylor (USA ) (2)

Okay, gang, we go from thinish to thick with this Featherweight bunch and we start with Owen Moran, a turn of the century fighter who fought 10 world champs in his day, including wins over Battling Nelson, George Dixon and two draws with Abe Attell for the title. Nel Tarleton, who intermittently ruled the British Featherweight roost from '30-'47, fought Freddie Miller twice for the world crown and retired with a log of 116-20-8. Not bad for a pug with only one lung. Ray Famechon, a two time Euro boss from '48-'55, this slick Frenchman went at it with Saddler and Pep, the latter for the title. Held wins over Spider Kelly, Ronnie Clayton and Tiger Al Phillips. Percy Bassett, was a fixture in the top ten from '49-'55. Tough as nails, Bassett beat Jimmy Carter, Lew Jenkins, Harold Dade and Famechon without gaining a shot for himself. Flash Elorde, at 21 and a veteran of 39 fights, Elorde went at it with Saddler for the title, being stopped on cuts in a bout even on points. This was a rematch of a bout six months earlier, in which the young Filipino upset the titleholder in a non-title affair. He did not stay much longer at 126, but Elorde made his impact. Billy (Spider) Kelly, was as fast and elusive as his monicker suggests. British and Commonwealth Feather champ in the mid-'50s, Kelly beat Hogan (Kid) Bassey, Roy Ankrah and Sammy McCarthy. Mitsunori Seki, broke into the ratings as a Flyweight in 1960 and remained in the top ten until '68. Fought Saldivar (twice), Sugar Ramos and Howard Winstone for the title, coming up short each time. Also fought Chartchai Chionoi and Hiroshi Kobayashi. Dwight Hawkins, one bad ass thumper out of the west coast, was...uncomfortable against movers, but one could hardly blame his opponents. Let’s call their actions 'scrambled brains control'. Just ask Joe Becerra, Kuniaki Shibata and Frankie Crawford who all ended their bouts with Hawkins by looking up at him. Art Hafey, at 5' 2" this little Canadian had but one way of fighting, and this bull-like style took him to stoppage wins over Ruben Olivares, Alfredo Marcano and Famoso Gomez. His size disadvantage was most evident in losses to Arguello and 'Little Red' Lopez. Mike Ayala, this bad boy from Texas rampaged throughout the southwest in the late '70s. Wins over Romeo Anaya, Cesar Deciga and Shig Fukuyama got him his title shot, however, mainlining heroin the day of his fight and the punches of Danny Lopez kept him at arms length of the crown. Jose Torres, one of the deadliest bangers of his day. Had both Arguello and Lopez on the canvas but couldn't keep them there. Took out top ten fighters Enrique Garcia, Carlos Becerril and Saul Montana. Ruben Castillo, enjoyed success at two weights. Went to the 15 round wire with Salvador Sanchez and lost to Juan LaPorte when he had little left, both for the title. Beat contenders, Torres, Seeley and Fel Clemente. Patrick Ford, Guyanan, FECARBOX and Commonwealth Featherweight champ. Lost a razor close decision to Sanchez for the title that could easily have gone the other way. Of course, his subsequent opportunity at Pedroza's share of the crown was beyond dispute, ending in the 13th round. Held wins over Eddie Ndukwu, Enrique Solis and Diego Alcala. Rocky Lockridge, this two time 130 lb. champ first made waves as a Featherweight and battled it out in two disputed losses to Pedroza for the title. Beat Goss, Clemente and Refugio Rojas on his way up the 126 lb. ladder. Bernard Taylor, his Olympic dreams boycotted in '80, Taylor became a brilliant professional who duked it out with Eusebio Pedroza in a 15 round draw. His subsequent title opportunity saw him stopped in 8 by Barry McGuigan in a bout in which he was ahead on points.

Honorable mention: Phil Zwick, Charley Riley, Ronnie Clayton, Tiger Al Philips, Famoso Gomez, Sergio Palma, Leo Cruz.

Great weight, great fighters. As you say, Dan, Guyana's Patrick Ford gave Sal Sanchez hell for 15 rounds but was stopped in 13 by Pedroza, which is quite an interesting comparison (Pedroza made 19 defences before he lost the belt to McGuigan). Lou Duva once said Lockridge was the cutest fighter he ever promoted and Rocky so nearly pulled it out against Tony Lopez when he was miles behind on points and dropped the title (at super-feather). Leo Cruz was a favourite of mine, given he was the younger brother of ill-fated Carlos.
Incidentally take a look at the record of Patrick's Ford bother, Reggie. It gives new meaning to 'brave' management.


PS: I was in Blackpool recently and they have a photo of Ronnie Clayton in the Blackpool Tower.

Bennie, your right .I looked at Fords brothers record. They threw him in tough allright. And right away.
Reminds me of a guy I used to spar with often. Randy Smith was his name. He fought out of Chicago .
I wonder if Dan remembers him. He was a very good amateur and as a pro, he fought everyone. He was never stopped and I wouldnt be surprised if he was never down.They sent him everywhere to fight. Almost always the other guys backyard.
He would always say he was robbed . I used to smile and go along thinking thats what all of us think. In retrospect , looking at his record , I wonder.He wasnt a big puncher but he was a cutie and man , what a chin!
Dan, do you remember Smith?

Expug wrote:Bennie, your right .I looked at Fords brothers record. They threw him in tough allright. And right away.
Reminds me of a guy I used to spar with often. Randy Smith was his name. He fought out of Chicago .
I wonder if Dan remembers him. He was a very good amateur and as a pro, he fought everyone. He was never stopped and I wouldnt be surprised if he was never down.They sent him everywhere to fight. Almost always the other guys backyard.
He would always say he was robbed . I used to smile and go along thinking thats what all of us think. In retrospect , looking at his record , I wonder.He wasnt a big puncher but he was a cutie and man , what a chin!
Dan, do you remember Smith?

Smith fought over here a few times, Expug, and was never stopped. He even went 10 rounds with the dangerous Chris Eubank.

Bennie, I think he fought Mark Kaylor also.
Did you happen to see that fight?

Expug wrote:Bennie, I think he fought Mark Kaylor also.
Did you happen to see that fight?

I'm afraid I didn't, Expug, but again Mark Kaylor was one of our best, most dangerous fighters - a real lunatic.
Randy also came over with a USA amateur team to Gloucester in 1981 and was outscored by England's talented Steve Johnson.

Bennie, Ive heard that Randy passed away, but I have no details on it.
His is a story that has played out so many times in boxing history.He had a ton of talent and was a tremendously decorated amateur . He won the Golden Gloves several times, maybe even the Nationals also.
All the talent in the world but for some reason, early on , someone decided he was an opponent type and he was sent all over the world fighting in other guys backyards. Always fighting the hometown favorite. Always expected to go the distance and test the prospect but not expected to upset the prospect.Im not saying he got robbed all the time.Just that with some better management and someone looking out for him, he would definitely have been a contendor.He should have been more than a journeyman .