THE foundation set up to have a statue erected to former world lightweight champion Ken Buchanan in Edinburgh appears to have moved a step closer to achieving its aim.
Plans to stage an annual fundraiser in the form of a senior amateur international boxing match between Scotland and England were unveiled yesterday.
The venture has the backing of the sport's governing bodies, Boxing Scotland and the ABA, with all profits earmarked for the funding of a permanent monument to the man regarded as Scotland's greatest boxer.
It is planned to stage the tournament annually, with the inaugural event pencilled in to take place at the Premier Suite venue in Staffordshire on November 30.
Midlands-based promoter Scott Murray said: "The plan is to stage the tournament on a home and away basis for the Ken Buchanan trophy and all profits will go towards the cost of a statue.
"We are still awaiting confirmation of the date but both the ABA and Boxing Scotland have given the tournament their blessing.
"Ken will be there and we also have the support of the likes of Commonwealth champion Josh Taylor and Richie Woodall, the former world super-middleweight champion.
"I've been promoting boxing shows and sports dinners for 20 years and we've had a host of big names; legends like Floyd Mayweather, Evander Holyfield, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.
"But from a British boxing perspective, they don't come any bigger than Ken. I've been a huge Buchanan fan since I was a kid and I'm thrilled to be involved.
"Richie, who is a consultant coach to the British team, has been a big help setting these plans in motion and Mickey Driscoll, who is England's lead performance coach, is also very excited."
The second staging of the tournament may go ahead in the capital as early as February, depending on the availability of a suitable venue.
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