Quick Bio

Born in Canastota, NY in 1927, Carmen Basilio fought his way to the top of the boxing world.

Basilio won the New York State welterweight championship in 12 rounds over Billy Graham in 1953. Later that year, he was defeated in a title fight by world champion Kid Gavilan.

Basilio finally won the world championship by knocking out Tony DeMarco in 1955, lost it briefly in 1956 to Johnny Saxton, then knocked Saxton out to regain the title.

In 1957 Carmen moved up and won the middleweight championship over Sugar Ray Robinson. He retired from boxing in 1961.

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