Hall of Famer Carmen Basilio passes away – Boxing News
Former middleweight and welterweight world champion Carmen Basilio passed away on Wednesday due to pneumonia. Basilio was 85, and he was a Hall of Famer fighter. Basilio is counted among the all time titans of middleweight and welterweight division.
Basilio was inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 at the Canastota, New York, shrine. News of Basilio’s death was announced by the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
“Carmen put Canastota on the worldwide boxing map and gave the village's residents a sense of pride that couldn't be matched anywhere in the world. During the 1950s and 1960s Carmen was everyone's hero. They talked about him in the coffee shops, grocery
stores, gas stations and barbershops all the time. And they still talk about him today. He was loved, respected and idolized. His career and memories will last forever in the Village of Canastota,” said Hall of Fame Edward Brophy.
Basilio was 85 and he expired at the Rochester General Hospital. Basilio held Canastota as his hometown, a small town outside of Syracuse. Brophy added that the Hall of Fame flags will fly at half-staff in the honour of Basilio.
Basilio was nicknamed ‘The Upstate Onion Farmer’. He was born on April 2, 1927, in Canastota. He started his professional career in 1948 and soon became one of the most famous fighters of the 1950s. He won the welterweight title in 1955 by defeating the
then champion Tony DeMarco in the 12th round in Syracuse. He went on to fight DeMarco in a rematch and retained his title. He retired from the world of boxing with 56 wins, 16 losses, 7 ties and 27 knockouts in his 13-year career. He retired in
1961.
Carmen Basilio’s loss has saddened the entire boxing fraternity, as he truly was a legend among men. In just 13 years, Basilio was able to achieve what most fighters strive to in years. His accomplishments shaped the world of boxing.
Basilio remains a historic figure who will not be forgotten, despite the fact that he is no longer with us. His achievements will always mark his era, regardless of what comes and goes.
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