"Logic Behind the Leather" Who Are They: Carmen Basilio

Carmen Basilio (April 2, 1927- November 7, 2012) was a two weight class world champion, who began his boxing career in 1948 in Binghampton, New York.  His first professional match was against Jimmy Evans, whom he knocked out in the first round of their bout.  He went 19-3-2 in his career in New York, losing to Connie Thies by way of decision in 1949.
Basilio then took his talents out of New York and on to New Orleans in 1953, where things began to get better for him.  He began winning big fights and found his way moving up in the Welterweight division.  In 1954, Basilio went undefeated in eight bouts and in 1955, he KO'd Tony Demarco, becoming World Champion.
His next fight against Johnny Saxton was allegedly "fixed" by Saxton's manager, Frank "Blinky" Palermo, with Basilio losing his championship title by way of decision in the 15th round.  Basilio and Saxton had an immediate rematch, in which Basilio regained his title with a 9th round knockout.
But Basilio's most notable bout was against the aging 37 year old Middleweight Champion Sugar Ray Robinson.  He won Robinson's Middleweight Championship on September 23, 1957.  Ultimately, Robinson defeated Basilio in their second meeting, and from then on, Basilio fought in spurts until his retirement in 1961.
In the late 1990's, Basilio became ill, and underwent a triple bypass heart surgery.  Carmen Basilio was a great athlete and a major credit to the history of boxing.