Date: 12th February 1971
Venue: Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USATitle: WBC & WBA World Lightweight Titles
Promoter: Olympic Boxing - Aileen Eaton
Ken Buchanan
(
38
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 134 1/2 lbs
Ruben Navarro
(
24
-
2
-
2
)
Weight: 135 lbs
Undisputed World Lightweight Champion Ken Buchanan made his first defence at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California against local fighter Ruben Navarro. The Scotsman had won the title in San Juan, Puerto Rico from Ismael Laguna five months earlier.
A non-title 10 round points win over unbeaten Canadian Donato Paduano (22-0-0) at Madison Square Garden was the only action Buchanan enjoyed since his title-winning effort over Laguna.
Navarro came in at 72 hours notice after Buchanan's original opponent, Mando Ramos, pulled out with a groin injury, although he was in training for a February 25th meeting with Jimmy Robertson.
Navarro did well in the early rounds by rushing the normally composed champion, taking him out of his stride but, Buchanan settled down and ran out a clear winner on the judge's scorecards.
Scores: Arthur Mercante 9-4 | Harry Gibbs 9-2 | Lee Grossman 9-4.