#35: ‘The Tartan Legend’ by Ken Buchanan

‘The Tartan Legend’ is Ken Buchanan’s autobiography, published in 2000.

I don’t read a lot of boxers’ autobiographies as they usually follow the same dull pattern of empty, glossy celebrity books, totally lacking in substance. However, I’ve always been a big fan of Buchanan’s fighting style so I’ve had this book on my reading list for a while.

I’m also a big fan of current world champion Josh Taylor, who pays homage to Buchanan as often as possible, and I think it was because of Taylor that I was reminded to finally buy this book. It was a sad coincidence that Buchanan died shortly after I finished his autobiography.

It’s often the case that boxers are remembered for losses or uncharacteristic moments in their careers, and Ken is no different, being most famous for some for being punched up the knackers by Roberto Duran (himself remembered for the no mas incident, rather than all of his fantastically brave performances).

I really hope that the planned statue of Ken gets the funding needed, as British boxers are woefully underrepresented in this form.