Ken Buchanan

After the Get Organised lunchtime concert, featuring French music, we bussed over to John Lewis, passing this relatively new statue on the way. It features the Edinburgh boxer Ken Buchanan.

The inscription below reads:

KEN BUCHANAN MBE
Born 28 June 1945 - Died 1st April 2023

Ken Buchanan of Edinburgh is regarded as one of Britain's greatest ever boxers. A genuine international star who topped the bill ahead of Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden, he defeated Ismael Laguna in Puerto Rico on 26 September 1970 to become world lightweight boxing champion. On 12 February 1971 he also defeated Ruben Navarro in Los Angeles to become undisputed lightweight champion of the world.

An immensely talented and skilled craftsman who fought the very best of his generation and gave pleasure to millions as Scotland's first truly global fighter, Ken was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the year 2000 in recognition of his outstanding achievements.

This statue was commissioned by the Ken Buchanan MBE Foundation and was unveiled by the former Lord Provosts of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross and Donald Wilson, on 14th August 2022.

The Trustees of the Foundation would like the thank all the many people of Edinburgh and beyond whose generosity made this statue possible.

Trustees and Secretary of the Foundation: Owen P Smith (Chairman), Peter Swanson, John Swanson, Jim Black and Mick Grubb; secretary Alastair Clive

Sculptor: Alan Herriot
Casting: Powderhall Bronze

It may not fit this week's theme but I have tagged it for Mono Monday, thanking laurie for hosting.