SCOTTISH boxing legend Jim Watt has been honoured with a special award presented by his formal rival.

The 68-year-old Glaswegian was honoured for services and achievement to Scottish boxing at the annual Scottish Ex-Boxers Association awards.

The former world champion was handed his gong by former rival Ken Buchanan.

He became a lightweight world champion when he knocked out Alfredo Pitalua to claim Roberto Duran’s vacated title.

Buchanan, who famously went toe-to-toe with Watt back in 1973 to reclaim his British lightweight title, joked before the event:

“I can’t wait to put one on his chin. It will be a great occasion.”

SEBA secretary Hugh Dickson said: "To recognise Jim this year seemed the right thing to do. He is a true champion and I know I speak on behalf of all our members to say he is truly deserving of the award.

“It will also be nice to see him and Ken close up all these years on.”

In July, Jim Watt announced his retirement after 40 years of ringside reporting.

JIM Watt has announced his retirement after 40 years of ringside reporting.

The former world champion was the voice of the sport for many British boxing fans throughout the years.

His energetic and passionate opinions added great insight for fans of the sport and his knowledge was a hallmark of ITV and Sky Sports coverage of the sweet science.

Before he picked up the microphone Watt was regarded as one of Britain's toughest ever boxers and enjoyed world title success before being dethroned by the great Alexis Arguello in 1981.

Watt also fought fellow Scottish legend Ken Buchanan in 1973 in a fight that lives long in the memory for Scottish fans.

Daily RecordBoxing

Jim Watt is given a hug by his manager Terry Lawless as a fan runs open armed to congratulate him on his victory over opponent Alfredo Pitalua at the Kelvin HallA fan runs on as Jim Watt is hugged by manager Terry Lawless after his victory over Alfredo Pitalua at the Kelvin Hall

The 68-year-old said of his retirement from Sky Sports: ""I've had the best job in the world and I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, but now is the right time for me to retire.

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"I have so many great memories. Being at Wembley with 80,000 fans for the rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves was special. Watching Ricky Hatton defeat Kostya Tszyu in front of his home crowd in Manchester is another night I'll never forget. It's always nice when an underdog turns the tables and Ricky did that in dramatic fashion."

Watt has endured real tragedy away from the ring with his son Jim Jr died in a crash near his family home in 1995 and last year his TV presenter daughter Michelle passed away.