BUCHANAN, KEN SIGNED PHOTO

HISTORY: Ken Buchanan. A clever boxer, Buchanan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and turned pro in 1965. He won both the Scottish and British lightweight crowns before traveling to the United States and gaining world-wide recognition. In 1970, Buchanan, fighting outside of the British Empire for the first time, lost to Miguel Velasquez in Madrid, Spain, in a bid to capture the European 135-pound title. By year's end, though, he'd conquer the world. Buchanan challenged lightweight champion Ismael Laguna on September 26, 1970 in Puerto Rico. The temperature inside Hiram Bithorn Stadium reached 100-degrees as these master boxers put on a sterling exhibition. Buchanan rocked the champion in the 12th round and won the title via narrow split decision -- 145-144 (twice) and 144-145. He became the first British lightweight champ since Freddie Welsh in 1917. In 1971, Buchann successfully defended his title twice, copping 15-round decisions over Ruben Navarro in Los Angeles and Laguna at Madison