Scotland has a proud and rich history in the sport of boxing, producing many champions and legends over the years. From flyweights to heavyweights, from the early days of the sport to the modern era, Scottish boxers have shown their skill, courage, and determination in the ring. Here are some of the best Scottish boxers of all time, based on their achievements, records, and legacy.
Benny Lynch
Benny Lynch is widely regarded as the greatest Scottish boxer of all time, and one of the finest flyweights in history. Born in the Gorbals area of Glasgow in 1913, Lynch overcame poverty and hardship to become a national hero and a world champion. He won the British, European, and world flyweight titles in 1935, defeating the legendary Jimmy Wilde by knockout in 17 rounds1. He defended his titles against top contenders from around the world, drawing huge crowds and media attention. He was known for his speed, power, and aggression, as well as his charisma and humor. Sadly, his career and life were cut short by alcoholism and ill health, and he died in 1946 at the age of 33. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 19982.
Ken Buchanan
Ken Buchanan is another Scottish boxing icon, and the only undisputed world lightweight champion from the UK. He turned pro in 1965, and won the British and European titles before challenging Ismael Laguna for the world title in 1970. He traveled to Puerto Rico and defeated Laguna by a close decision in a brilliant display of boxing skill and stamina3. He defended his title against top challengers, including a unification bout with WBA champion Roberto Duran in 1972. He lost his title to Duran by a controversial stoppage in the 13th round, after being hit by a low blow that the referee ignored4. He continued to fight until 1982, winning the European title again and challenging for the world title twice more. He retired with a record of 61 wins, 8 losses, and 27 knockouts. He was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000.
Jim Watt
Jim Watt is another Scottish legend who became a world champion in the lightweight division. He turned pro in 1968, and won the British and European titles before getting his first world title shot in 1979. He faced Alfredo Pitalua for the vacant WBC title, and knocked him out in 12 rounds to become Scotland’s third world champion. He defended his title four times, against tough opponents like Charlie Nash, Sean O’Grady, and Howard Davis Jr. He lost his title to the great Alexis Arguello in 1981, in a brave and competitive fight that went the distance. He retired with a record of 38 wins, 9 losses, and 27 knockouts. He later became a respected commentator for Sky Sports. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016.
Ricky Burns
Ricky Burns is one of the most successful and popular Scottish boxers of the modern era, and the first from his country to win world titles in three weight classes. He turned pro in 2001, and won the Commonwealth super featherweight title in 2006. He became the WBO world champion in 2010, when he upset Roman Martinez by a unanimous decision. He moved up to lightweight and won the WBO title again in 2012, beating Michael Katsidis by a wide margin. He defended his title four times, including a thrilling draw with Raymundo Beltran, in which he suffered a broken jaw. He lost his title to Terence Crawford in 2014, but bounced back to win the WBA super lightweight title in 2016, defeating Michele Di Rocco by knockout in 8 rounds. He defended his title once, before losing it to Julius Indongo in a unification bout in 2017. He is still active, and has a record of 44 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw, and 16 knockouts.
Other Notable Scottish Boxers
There are many other Scottish boxers who deserve recognition for their achievements and contributions to the sport. Some of them are:
Scott Harrison, a two-time WBO world featherweight champion who had exciting fights with Manuel Medina, Wayne McCullough, and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Alex Arthur, a former WBO world super featherweight champion who had memorable battles with Michael Gomez, Nicky Cook, and Joan Guzman.
Paul Weir, a former WBO world champion in two weight classes, who won the minimumweight title in his sixth pro fight and the light flyweight title in his tenth.
Pat Clinton, a former WBO world flyweight champion who beat Isidro Perez by a split decision in 1992.
Tancy Lee, a former world flyweight champion who knocked out Jimmy Wilde in 1918, and also won European and British titles at featherweight.
Conclusion
Scotland has a proud and rich history in the sport of boxing, producing many champions and legends over the years. From flyweights to heavyweights, from the early days of the sport to the modern era, Scottish boxers have shown their skill, courage, and determination in the ring. These are some of the best Scottish boxers of all time, based on their achievements, records, and legacy. They have inspired generations of fans and fighters, and have left a lasting mark on the sport.
