Carmen Basilio - RIP

It has been announced that former world welterweight and middleweight champion Carmen Basilio has died aged 85 in Rochester, New York after being hospitalized with pneumonia.

The 'Canastota Clouter,' as he was fondly known, began his career in 1948, winning world belts in 1955 against Tony DeMarco and more famously, against Sugar Ray Robinson in 1957, before retiring in 1961.

President of the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame, Tony Liccione stated that all were ‘devastated’ as the news of Basilio, who died at Rochester General Hospital at 3am this morning.

I'm sorry to hear that - boxing has lost yet another part of its history. Sad year for the sport.

Great fighter

Sad loss

RIP!

I came across this guy when I read Sugar Rays 'Sweet Thunder'.

RIP Carmen Basilio

Where do we stop. I'm sure a lots unknown ex-pro's died this year, as well as all round great people. They remain anonymous and no one pays respects. My thoughts go out to the unknown heroes as much Carmen.

R.I.P

Sad news, although at least it always seemed as if he was in good spirits and comfortable right up until his final days. A legitimate all-time great and his second fight with Tony DeMarco is, for my money, the greatest title fight the Welterweight division has ever seen.

R.I.P

[quote="TheMackemMawler"]Where do we stop. I'm sure a lots unknown ex-pro's died this year, as well as all round great people. They remain anonymous and no one pays respects. My thoughts go out to the unknown heroes as much Carmen.

Can't remember everyone MM but those whose light shines brighter then others such as Carman were at one time unknowns themselves,but for whatever reason had what it took to reach the top and secure legacies that we remember forever.

First Clive Dunn and now this.

Very sad news

Remember Windy was a huge fan Basilio, hope they can share a boxing conversation up above.

Sad news RIP

Rodders x

ONETWOFOREVER wrote:

Can't remember everyone MM but those whose light shines brighter then others such as Carman were at one time unknowns themselves,but for whatever reason had what it took to reach the top and secure legacies that we remember forever.

They are sportsmen, not pioneering doctors or scientists, or noble leaders.

My point is there are many unsung heroes that deserve respect, certainly more than any boxer.

I understand it's a boxing forum so i'll pipe down.

DAVE667 wrote:First Clive Dunn and now this.

Very sad news

Clive Dunn? I thought he died 20 years ago. How old was he?

92, Az.

He looked 92 30 years ago.

RIP. Both great men.

I met Carmen Basilio a couple of times; quiet guy but always with a twinkle in his eye. More from nauseating Fox Sports:

http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/Boxing-Hall-of-Famer-Carmen-Basilio-dies-at-age-85-21228901

A nice obit from The Independent:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/carmen-basilio-boxer-who-beat-sugar-ray-robinson-for-a-world-title-8307154.html

And now you know why the BHOF is in Canastota . . . . . . not the only reason perhaps, but a major contributary factor.

Also the best place in the world to get Isadore Rhapasadi's salt potatoes.

A real boxing hero and one of the toughest men to lace them up.

R.I.P