A packed house in the War Memorial Auditorium, Carmen Basilio's backyard was present to witness the rematch against Johnny Saxton of Brooklyn, NY for Saxton's World Welterweight Crown. It was Wednesday, September 12, 1956 which was 68 years and a day ago yesterday.
Basilio started fast, like a revenge was necessary. And he wasn't going to let his hometown fans down. Not in his backyard. But, the question was, what was Saxton, the champion doing? He is fighting Basilio's fight! Instead of using his left jab and move from side to side like he did in the first meeting, he is right there with Basilio, fighting toe to toe! Unbelievable!
The result? Well, he got rocked by Basilio at least 5 times. He was fighting Basilio's fight instead of boxing, using his height and reach advantages and his speedy left jab.
After the 3rd round, it was almost quite all Basilio's. He was rocking Saxton from post to post. Saxton didn't change to his strategy of using the left jab like he did in Chicago.
By the end of the 8th round, Saxton was ready to quit. And it didn't take long. Saxton tried to use his survival instincts by using his jab and moving around, but, it was too late. Basilio, 29, like a shark, was all over Saxton. A couple of lefts and rights and uppercuts staggered Saxton and the American referee Al Berl, stopped the contest. The crowd roared for Basilio and Basilio wins again the Welterweight World Championship for the second time in a magnificent performance.
It was the Ring Magazine Fight of the Year of 1956. It's the second in a row involving Basilio since 1955.
Basilio improves to 49-12-7 with 24 knockouts. Mission accomplished!
Saxton, 26, drops to 54-5-2 with 21 knockouts and left Syracuse without the title.
The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Carmen Basilio, the Upstate Onion Farmer from Canastota, NY is the World Welterweight Champion once again. And he was indeed eager for a rubber match against Johnny Saxton of Brooklyn, NY to prove who is the better fighter. They are both locked in at 1-1 a piece.
Saxton at 26, was also eager to the rubber match and to prove that he's the better man. Also, the motivation for him was there to become the first man in Welterweight World Title history to become the first boxer ever to become welterweight champion for the third time.
The rubber match was set in The Arena in Cleveland, OH for Friday, February 22, 1957.
It was a big disappointment. It only lasted two rounds. A left hook by Basilio did it and Saxton stumbling while getting up was seriously hurt that the referee opted to stop the fight.
The winner by TKO in round 2 and still the Welterweight Champion of the World!..... Carmen Basilio!
Basilio, at 29, improves to 50-12-7 with 25 knockouts.
Saxton at 26, drops to 54-6-2 with 21 knockouts.
What was next for Saxton? Well, he lost 3 of his next 4 fights and retired for good at age 28 in December of 1958.
Saxton at 26, was also eager to the rubber match and to prove that he's the better man. Also, the motivation for him was there to become the first man in Welterweight World Title history to become the first boxer ever to become welterweight champion for the third time.
The rubber match was set in The Arena in Cleveland, OH for Friday, February 22, 1957.
It was a big disappointment. It only lasted two rounds. A left hook by Basilio did it and Saxton stumbling while getting up was seriously hurt that the referee opted to stop the fight.
The winner by TKO in round 2 and still the Welterweight Champion of the World!..... Carmen Basilio!
Basilio, at 29, improves to 50-12-7 with 25 knockouts.
Saxton at 26, drops to 54-6-2 with 21 knockouts.
What was next for Saxton? Well, he lost 3 of his next 4 fights and retired for good at age 28 in December of 1958.
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
By 1957, and at 29 years of age, the Upstate Onion Farmer, Carmen Basilio was considering in moving up to the bigger class at middleweight.
Already champion at 147lbs and winning the trilogy with Johnny Saxton, Basilio, the Welterweight Champion of the World took on journeyman Harold Jones of Detroit, MI at the Auditorium in Portland, OR and stopped Jones in 4 rounds on May 16, 1957. It was a non-title affair.
Basilio challenged the great Sugar Ray Robinson, the Middleweight Champion of the World. The fight was signed and set up for September 23, 1957 in New York City's Yankee Stadium.
Already champion at 147lbs and winning the trilogy with Johnny Saxton, Basilio, the Welterweight Champion of the World took on journeyman Harold Jones of Detroit, MI at the Auditorium in Portland, OR and stopped Jones in 4 rounds on May 16, 1957. It was a non-title affair.
Basilio challenged the great Sugar Ray Robinson, the Middleweight Champion of the World. The fight was signed and set up for September 23, 1957 in New York City's Yankee Stadium.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Born Walker Smith in Vidalia, GA on May 3, 1921, Robinson moved to Detroit, MI as a child and then was raised in Harlem in New York City. It was in his amateur boxing days that he changed his name to Ray Robinson.
Robinson started his professional boxing career in 1940. He won his first 40 fights. Before he lost his second fight, the original Sugar Ray had a record of 129-1-2 with 85 knockouts! An incredible record no matter the era. He was already the recipient of The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year twice in 1942 and 1951.
Robinson won the World Welterweight Crown in December 1946. Defended it 5 times and relinquished the crown in 1951 to win the World Middleweight Title on February 14, 1951 in Chicago, IL and defeated the champion Jake LaMotta of the Bronx, NY for the 5th time, this time by a 14th round technical knockout. LaMotta up to that point was the only man to ever defeat him.
Robinson lost the Middleweight Championship of the World to Randy Turpin of England by a fifteen rounds decision. But, three months later regained the crown from Turpin in New York City by an 11th round stoppage.
In June 1952, Robinson tried to be triple crown division world champion when he was stopped in 14 rounds by champion Joey Maxim of Cleveland, OH. It was the only time that Robinson has ever been stopped. He retired after the fight, but made a comeback in 1955. He has won the World Middleweight Championship 4 times!
From February 1943 to July 1951, Robinson was undefeated in 93 contests, winning 91 of them. Among his great top wins he beat Henry Armstrong (W10), LaMotta (5 times), Rocky Graziano (WTKO4), Gene Fullmer (WKO5), Kid Gavilan (twice), Bobo Olson (4 times), Turpin (WTKO11), Sammy Angott (3 times), Fritzie Zivic (3 times) and Georgie Abrams (W10.). Itis one of boxing's greatest resumes. By 1957, at 36 years old, he was considered as the fighter of the 1950s decade.
Robinson started his professional boxing career in 1940. He won his first 40 fights. Before he lost his second fight, the original Sugar Ray had a record of 129-1-2 with 85 knockouts! An incredible record no matter the era. He was already the recipient of The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year twice in 1942 and 1951.
Robinson won the World Welterweight Crown in December 1946. Defended it 5 times and relinquished the crown in 1951 to win the World Middleweight Title on February 14, 1951 in Chicago, IL and defeated the champion Jake LaMotta of the Bronx, NY for the 5th time, this time by a 14th round technical knockout. LaMotta up to that point was the only man to ever defeat him.
Robinson lost the Middleweight Championship of the World to Randy Turpin of England by a fifteen rounds decision. But, three months later regained the crown from Turpin in New York City by an 11th round stoppage.
In June 1952, Robinson tried to be triple crown division world champion when he was stopped in 14 rounds by champion Joey Maxim of Cleveland, OH. It was the only time that Robinson has ever been stopped. He retired after the fight, but made a comeback in 1955. He has won the World Middleweight Championship 4 times!
From February 1943 to July 1951, Robinson was undefeated in 93 contests, winning 91 of them. Among his great top wins he beat Henry Armstrong (W10), LaMotta (5 times), Rocky Graziano (WTKO4), Gene Fullmer (WKO5), Kid Gavilan (twice), Bobo Olson (4 times), Turpin (WTKO11), Sammy Angott (3 times), Fritzie Zivic (3 times) and Georgie Abrams (W10.). Itis one of boxing's greatest resumes. By 1957, at 36 years old, he was considered as the fighter of the 1950s decade.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It was Monday night of September 23, 1957 at the famous Yankee Stadium in New York City. Carmen Basilio of Canastota, NY, the World's Welterweight Champion, challenges the World Middleweight Champion, the spectacular Sugar Ray Robinson of Harlem, NY.
Everybody was expecting a great fight between a slugger and a boxer. Basilio, only weighing 153lbs, had advantage in age. He was 29. Robinson was 36. But, Robinson had the physical advantages in everything else: reach, height, weight (160lbs) and even boxing experience.
Both started fast as usual. Basilio was not as aggressive as other times, but still carried the fight to Robinson that was constantly moving and dancing with his great jab and skills.
The fight film doesn't show much of the entire fight, but of what can be seen in the footage was that it was a tremendous fight. Both fighters gave their all and gave the fans their money's worth.
By the end of the fight. It got a rounded applause. The winner by split decision and new Middleweight Champion of the World!, the Upstate Onion Farmer, Carmen Basilio!
It was Basilio's greatest win of his career. His defining moment. He is champion in his second weight class. Basilio kneeled down to the floor and prayed to the Most High for his extraordinary win.
Basilio improves to 52-12-7 with 26 knockouts.
Sugar Ray drops to 141-6-2 with 92 knockouts.
The fight was The Ring Magazine Fight of the Year of 1957. It's the third fight of the year in a row that Basilio was involved in since 1955.
Everybody was expecting a great fight between a slugger and a boxer. Basilio, only weighing 153lbs, had advantage in age. He was 29. Robinson was 36. But, Robinson had the physical advantages in everything else: reach, height, weight (160lbs) and even boxing experience.
Both started fast as usual. Basilio was not as aggressive as other times, but still carried the fight to Robinson that was constantly moving and dancing with his great jab and skills.
The fight film doesn't show much of the entire fight, but of what can be seen in the footage was that it was a tremendous fight. Both fighters gave their all and gave the fans their money's worth.
By the end of the fight. It got a rounded applause. The winner by split decision and new Middleweight Champion of the World!, the Upstate Onion Farmer, Carmen Basilio!
It was Basilio's greatest win of his career. His defining moment. He is champion in his second weight class. Basilio kneeled down to the floor and prayed to the Most High for his extraordinary win.
Basilio improves to 52-12-7 with 26 knockouts.
Sugar Ray drops to 141-6-2 with 92 knockouts.
The fight was The Ring Magazine Fight of the Year of 1957. It's the third fight of the year in a row that Basilio was involved in since 1955.
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
There was a clause in the original contract of the fight between Sugar Ray Robinson and Carmen Basilio to meet again sometime in 1958.
On Tuesday night of March 25, 1958, the champion Basilio had to return to Chicago Stadium in Chicago for the return match with the Sugar Man.
Will Robinson win the World Middleweight Crown for the 5th time? At age 36, can he do it again? He was two months shy of his 37th birthday. And with a fantastic record of 141-6-2 with 92 knockouts, he trained hard again to recapture his title.
Basilio, always in shape, came in with a record of 52-12-7 with 25 knockouts. He became an all-time pound per pound great with the win against Robinson the year before at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
Not much footage was seen of this fight. Lots of rounds were missing. But, of what I have seen in this fight despite the short footage, was that both fighters were in excellent shape. Both fought the 15 rounds like if there was no tomorrow.
Basilio had his left eye closed. It was completely shut by Robinson's left jabs. He was giving Basilio a shellacking in the last rounds because Basilio couldn't see the punches coming.
In Chicago was that Basilio lost his Welterweight Crown to Johnny Saxton. And, again, Basilio loses his Middleweight Crown to Robinson by decision. He didn't bowed out. He never surrendered. He got the heart of a lion.
The winner by split decision this time was Robinson. He regained the Middleweight World Championship for the 5th time and improves to 142-6-2 with 92 knockouts. Basilio drops to 52-13-7 with 25 knockouts.
A rubber match anyone?
On Tuesday night of March 25, 1958, the champion Basilio had to return to Chicago Stadium in Chicago for the return match with the Sugar Man.
Will Robinson win the World Middleweight Crown for the 5th time? At age 36, can he do it again? He was two months shy of his 37th birthday. And with a fantastic record of 141-6-2 with 92 knockouts, he trained hard again to recapture his title.
Basilio, always in shape, came in with a record of 52-12-7 with 25 knockouts. He became an all-time pound per pound great with the win against Robinson the year before at Yankee Stadium in New York City.
Not much footage was seen of this fight. Lots of rounds were missing. But, of what I have seen in this fight despite the short footage, was that both fighters were in excellent shape. Both fought the 15 rounds like if there was no tomorrow.
Basilio had his left eye closed. It was completely shut by Robinson's left jabs. He was giving Basilio a shellacking in the last rounds because Basilio couldn't see the punches coming.
In Chicago was that Basilio lost his Welterweight Crown to Johnny Saxton. And, again, Basilio loses his Middleweight Crown to Robinson by decision. He didn't bowed out. He never surrendered. He got the heart of a lion.
The winner by split decision this time was Robinson. He regained the Middleweight World Championship for the 5th time and improves to 142-6-2 with 92 knockouts. Basilio drops to 52-13-7 with 25 knockouts.
A rubber match anyone?
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Robinson vs Basilio (II)
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The great Carmen Basilio of Canastota, NY loses his Middleweight crown in Chicago and now is making a comeback to get the crown back.
He wants a rubber match with the magnificent Sugar Ray Robinson, the 5-time Middleweight World Champion. Quickly, if he can. But it looks like Robinson got other plans.
The comeback trail for Basilio started on Friday night of September 5, 1958 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, CA. He is fighting a local opponent, a veteran, and very popular boxer. He was California's favorite son Art Aragon! The original Golden Boy!
Aragon was a very famous boxer in the Los Angeles area, especially in the 1950s decade. He wore gold trunks to accompany his nickname.
A ring veteran of 103 fights, started his career in 1944 at the age of 16 years old. He once challenged for the World Lightweight Crown held by champion Jimmy Carter on November 1951 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, losing to the champion by a 15- round points verdict. He never again challenged for a world title.
Among his best wins were against Enrique Bolaños (twice), Jimmy Carter (two out of three), Carlos Chavez (WKO1), Tony Chavez (WKO1), former lightweight champion Lauro Salas (W10), future Welterweight Champion Don Jordan (W10), Cisco Andrade (WTKO9) Chuck Davey (W10) and Chico Vejar (W10). Aragon was high in a 15-fight winning streak since October 1955.
He wants a rubber match with the magnificent Sugar Ray Robinson, the 5-time Middleweight World Champion. Quickly, if he can. But it looks like Robinson got other plans.
The comeback trail for Basilio started on Friday night of September 5, 1958 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, CA. He is fighting a local opponent, a veteran, and very popular boxer. He was California's favorite son Art Aragon! The original Golden Boy!
Aragon was a very famous boxer in the Los Angeles area, especially in the 1950s decade. He wore gold trunks to accompany his nickname.
A ring veteran of 103 fights, started his career in 1944 at the age of 16 years old. He once challenged for the World Lightweight Crown held by champion Jimmy Carter on November 1951 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, losing to the champion by a 15- round points verdict. He never again challenged for a world title.
Among his best wins were against Enrique Bolaños (twice), Jimmy Carter (two out of three), Carlos Chavez (WKO1), Tony Chavez (WKO1), former lightweight champion Lauro Salas (W10), future Welterweight Champion Don Jordan (W10), Cisco Andrade (WTKO9) Chuck Davey (W10) and Chico Vejar (W10). Aragon was high in a 15-fight winning streak since October 1955.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The fight was set for Friday, September 5, 1958 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, CA, the one time home of the Los Angeles Dodgers before settling for good at Chavez Ravine, now Dodgers Stadium in 1962.
Art Aragon, at 30 years of age, from Los Angeles, was a very equipped boxer that had a solid left hook. He could fight well inside. And also, was a hard puncher. He came to the ring with a record of 82-16-5, with 56KOs. If he wins this bout, he has a chance to challenge Sugar Ray Robinson for Robinson's World Middleweight Championship.
Carmen Basilio, the great Uptown Onion Farmer from Canastota, NY was 31 years old. And was ready for his comeback trail against a very tough opponent. His record was 52-13-7 with 25 knockouts.
Round one began and both fighters were throwing leather from the start. A inside fighting masterpiece in which Basilio was busier, throwing everything but the kitchen sink. Aragon responded well in the second round with left and rights of his own. The crowd in Wrigley Field in Los Angeles are not leaving disappointed from this slugfest.
Basilio dominated rounds 3 and 4 and was clearly the busier fighter. Maybe Aragon was playing possum. But, he responded well in round 5.
But, rounds 6 and 7, Basilio took again the command and didn't let it go. He kept punching and punching. Something was wrong with Aragon in round 8. He is not punching back. So much to the dismay of the crowd, Aragon is not punching and Basilio is doing all the work. Next thing I saw on the film, the referee stopped the contest. Aragon was hurt and his corner didn't protest of the stoppage.
The winner by TKO in round 8 is Carmen Basilio!
Basilio improves to 53-13-7 with 26 knockouts.
Aragon drops to 82-17-5 with 56 knockouts. He had 12 more fights after that and kept on fighting until the year 1960 and retired with a record of 90-20-6, with 62 knockouts! He was only stopped 3 times in his career.
What's next for the great Carmen Basilio? The future is still bright after this win, and he is still wanting and waiting for a rubber match fight with Sugar Ray Robinson for the World Middleweight Championship.
Art Aragon, at 30 years of age, from Los Angeles, was a very equipped boxer that had a solid left hook. He could fight well inside. And also, was a hard puncher. He came to the ring with a record of 82-16-5, with 56KOs. If he wins this bout, he has a chance to challenge Sugar Ray Robinson for Robinson's World Middleweight Championship.
Carmen Basilio, the great Uptown Onion Farmer from Canastota, NY was 31 years old. And was ready for his comeback trail against a very tough opponent. His record was 52-13-7 with 25 knockouts.
Round one began and both fighters were throwing leather from the start. A inside fighting masterpiece in which Basilio was busier, throwing everything but the kitchen sink. Aragon responded well in the second round with left and rights of his own. The crowd in Wrigley Field in Los Angeles are not leaving disappointed from this slugfest.
Basilio dominated rounds 3 and 4 and was clearly the busier fighter. Maybe Aragon was playing possum. But, he responded well in round 5.
But, rounds 6 and 7, Basilio took again the command and didn't let it go. He kept punching and punching. Something was wrong with Aragon in round 8. He is not punching back. So much to the dismay of the crowd, Aragon is not punching and Basilio is doing all the work. Next thing I saw on the film, the referee stopped the contest. Aragon was hurt and his corner didn't protest of the stoppage.
The winner by TKO in round 8 is Carmen Basilio!
Basilio improves to 53-13-7 with 26 knockouts.
Aragon drops to 82-17-5 with 56 knockouts. He had 12 more fights after that and kept on fighting until the year 1960 and retired with a record of 90-20-6, with 62 knockouts! He was only stopped 3 times in his career.
What's next for the great Carmen Basilio? The future is still bright after this win, and he is still wanting and waiting for a rubber match fight with Sugar Ray Robinson for the World Middleweight Championship.
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
On Wednesday, April 1, 1959 at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, GA, Carmen Basilio, the Upstate Onion Farmer from Canastota, NY stops journeyman Al Leifer of Pittsburgh, PA in 3 rounds.
It was the last knockout victory of Basilio's career.
Basilio improves to 54-13-7 with 26 knockouts.
Now, Basilio is back in contention for the World Middleweight Championship.
It was the last knockout victory of Basilio's career.
Basilio improves to 54-13-7 with 26 knockouts.
Now, Basilio is back in contention for the World Middleweight Championship.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The great Sugar Ray Robinson, the Middleweight Champion of the World in 1959, was somehow inactive. Ever since regaining the title for the fifth time against the great Carmen Basilio of Canastota, NY, Robinson had not put on the line his title.
Exactly, since March 1958 when he regained the Middleweight World Championship from Basilio, Robinson has not defended the title. What's he waiting for? The people didn't had a clue.
So, Gene Fullmer from West Jordan, UT, the former Middleweight Champion of the World, was also wondering about Robinson. So the governing bodies of boxing.
So, because of Robinson's mysterious inactivity, the NBA mandated that the two top contenders and former champions should clash for the NBA World Middleweight Championship on August 28, 1959 at The Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA. How about that?
Exactly, since March 1958 when he regained the Middleweight World Championship from Basilio, Robinson has not defended the title. What's he waiting for? The people didn't had a clue.
So, Gene Fullmer from West Jordan, UT, the former Middleweight Champion of the World, was also wondering about Robinson. So the governing bodies of boxing.
So, because of Robinson's mysterious inactivity, the NBA mandated that the two top contenders and former champions should clash for the NBA World Middleweight Championship on August 28, 1959 at The Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA. How about that?
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The vacant NBA World Middleweight Championship was set on Friday night of August 28, 1959 at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA.
The top two contenders were former middleweight kings. Gene Fullmer of West Jordan, UT was the former World Middleweight Champion when he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in January 1957. And Carmen Basilio, of Canastota, NY was the two-time Welterweight and one-time time Middleweight World Champion that also beat Robinson in September 1957. Robinson regained the crown from both of them in rematches.
So the governing body, the NBA, didn't wait for the inactive Robinson to defend his crown. Fullmer and Basilio will clash for the vacant version of the title.
Fullmer, 28, won his first 28 contests. He started his career in June 1951. The first eleven fights of his career, he won them all by knockout. He lost his undefeated record to dangerous middleweight and welterweight contender Gil Turner of Philadelphia, PA by decision in 10 rounds in April 1955. He later avenged his loss against Turner not once but twice.
Fullmer was the poster boy for rugged and tough guys. Although very strong with upper body strength, he had trouble lately in stopping opponents. Rumours had it the he had brittled hands. Among his best wins after Turner, he beat Del Flanagan (W10), future middleweight king Paul Pender (W10), Rocky Castellani (W10), Ralph "Tiger" Jones (twice), Ellsworth "Spider" Webb (W10), Joe Miceli (WKO2) and Sugar Ray Robinson for the World Middleweight Championship.
He lost the middleweight crown back to Robinson by knockout in 5 rounds. After losing to Robinson, he has won 9 fights in a row.
This fight would not disappoint the public. Two rugged and tough guys with great skills going at it. Two bulls in action.
Basilio, surprisingly, was backing Fullmer up. Fullmer was the boxer this time. One thing about Fullmer, when he fought boxers, he became the slugger. And when he was fighting sluggers, he became the boxer. It worked in most of his victories. He, like Basilio, was in great physical shape.
The top two contenders were former middleweight kings. Gene Fullmer of West Jordan, UT was the former World Middleweight Champion when he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in January 1957. And Carmen Basilio, of Canastota, NY was the two-time Welterweight and one-time time Middleweight World Champion that also beat Robinson in September 1957. Robinson regained the crown from both of them in rematches.
So the governing body, the NBA, didn't wait for the inactive Robinson to defend his crown. Fullmer and Basilio will clash for the vacant version of the title.
Fullmer, 28, won his first 28 contests. He started his career in June 1951. The first eleven fights of his career, he won them all by knockout. He lost his undefeated record to dangerous middleweight and welterweight contender Gil Turner of Philadelphia, PA by decision in 10 rounds in April 1955. He later avenged his loss against Turner not once but twice.
Fullmer was the poster boy for rugged and tough guys. Although very strong with upper body strength, he had trouble lately in stopping opponents. Rumours had it the he had brittled hands. Among his best wins after Turner, he beat Del Flanagan (W10), future middleweight king Paul Pender (W10), Rocky Castellani (W10), Ralph "Tiger" Jones (twice), Ellsworth "Spider" Webb (W10), Joe Miceli (WKO2) and Sugar Ray Robinson for the World Middleweight Championship.
He lost the middleweight crown back to Robinson by knockout in 5 rounds. After losing to Robinson, he has won 9 fights in a row.
This fight would not disappoint the public. Two rugged and tough guys with great skills going at it. Two bulls in action.
Basilio, surprisingly, was backing Fullmer up. Fullmer was the boxer this time. One thing about Fullmer, when he fought boxers, he became the slugger. And when he was fighting sluggers, he became the boxer. It worked in most of his victories. He, like Basilio, was in great physical shape.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Round one began and Carmen Basilio was backing up Gene Fullmer. Always the aggressor, Basilio carried the fight. And even though that Basilio was carrying the fight, Fullmer outboxed his smaller foe.
The first two rounds were won by Fullmer who by the surprise of many, was outboxing Basilio. The fight became pretty even by round six, thanks to Basilio's relentlessness and pressure.
But after round 7 and on, Fullmer imposed his upper body strength on Basilio. He was too strong and made the fight pretty much "ugly".
Basilio won round eleven. The first since winning round six. And he also, in my view, won round 13th.
In round 14th, Fullmer took charge. Basilio was weakening. He went all out on Basilio and perfectly used his upper body strength to wear the smaller Basilio down. Basilio was getting a shellacking.
American referee, Jack Downing, stopped the contest because he saw that Basilio wasn't punching back. Basilio protested vehemently. The winner and new NBA Middleweight Champion of the World!.......Gene Fullmer of West Jordan, UT!
Fullmer becomes Middleweight World Champion for the second time. He improves his record to 50-4, with 22 knockouts.
Basilio, 32, hot and disgusted with the referee, dropped to 54-14-7 with 27 knockouts.
The first two rounds were won by Fullmer who by the surprise of many, was outboxing Basilio. The fight became pretty even by round six, thanks to Basilio's relentlessness and pressure.
But after round 7 and on, Fullmer imposed his upper body strength on Basilio. He was too strong and made the fight pretty much "ugly".
Basilio won round eleven. The first since winning round six. And he also, in my view, won round 13th.
In round 14th, Fullmer took charge. Basilio was weakening. He went all out on Basilio and perfectly used his upper body strength to wear the smaller Basilio down. Basilio was getting a shellacking.
American referee, Jack Downing, stopped the contest because he saw that Basilio wasn't punching back. Basilio protested vehemently. The winner and new NBA Middleweight Champion of the World!.......Gene Fullmer of West Jordan, UT!
Fullmer becomes Middleweight World Champion for the second time. He improves his record to 50-4, with 22 knockouts.
Basilio, 32, hot and disgusted with the referee, dropped to 54-14-7 with 27 knockouts.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The Gene Fullmer-Carmen Basilio fight was also named The Ring Magazine Fight of the Year of 1959.
It's the fifth fight of the year in a row involving Basilio since 1955.
It's the fifth fight of the year in a row involving Basilio since 1955.
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elmersalsa
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
Gene Fullmer of West Jordan, UT, the NBA Middleweight Champion of the World, agreed for a return match against the Upstate Onion Farmer, Carmen Basilio of Canastota, NY since their fight was a brutal slugfest in 1959.
Ending the year 1959 in December, Fullmer successfully defended his NBA middleweight crown against Ellsworth "Spider" Webb of Chicago, IL by decision. And in April 1960, Fullmer had a draw with future Middleweight World Champion Joey Giardello of Philadelphia, PA via Brooklyn, NY.
The rematch was set on Wednesday night of June 29, 1960 at Derks Field in Salt Lake City, UT, Fullmer's backyard. The fight was set 9 days after Floyd Patterson of Brooklyn, NY, became the first boxer ever to recapture the World Heavyweight Title by knocking out Ingemar Johansson of Sweden at New York City's famous Yankee Stadium.
Basilio at 33, didn't do no tune up fights. But he trained hard to fight Fullmer for the crown. At that age, he got to be considering about retirement from boxing. Is he the same fighter? Is he still in prime? He probably still is. But, this weight, the middleweight division, might be a little too heavy for him. When he deals with a real strong fighter like Fullmer at 160lbs, he struggles. At least in the strength capacity. This would be Basilio's 10th world title match since 1953.
Ending the year 1959 in December, Fullmer successfully defended his NBA middleweight crown against Ellsworth "Spider" Webb of Chicago, IL by decision. And in April 1960, Fullmer had a draw with future Middleweight World Champion Joey Giardello of Philadelphia, PA via Brooklyn, NY.
The rematch was set on Wednesday night of June 29, 1960 at Derks Field in Salt Lake City, UT, Fullmer's backyard. The fight was set 9 days after Floyd Patterson of Brooklyn, NY, became the first boxer ever to recapture the World Heavyweight Title by knocking out Ingemar Johansson of Sweden at New York City's famous Yankee Stadium.
Basilio at 33, didn't do no tune up fights. But he trained hard to fight Fullmer for the crown. At that age, he got to be considering about retirement from boxing. Is he the same fighter? Is he still in prime? He probably still is. But, this weight, the middleweight division, might be a little too heavy for him. When he deals with a real strong fighter like Fullmer at 160lbs, he struggles. At least in the strength capacity. This would be Basilio's 10th world title match since 1953.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 15646
- Joined: 02 Feb 2003, 03:50
Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It was Wednesday, June 29, 1960 at Derks Field in Salt Lake City, UT. Gene Fullmer, 29, of West Jordan, UT is defending his NBA World Middleweight Championship against two-time Welterweight and one-time Middleweight World Champion Carmen Basilio, 33, of Canastota, NY.
The fight started a little more cautious than the original fight. This time there was much more studying between the rivals. There's much more respect, especially in the first 4 rounds.
Fullmer's tactical approach was the same as the first time with Basilio. He was using the left jab and steady movement away from Basilio's left hook. Basilio, a man that is short for words than action, was a little tentative in a couple of instances. He wasn't as aggressive as the first meeting.
The fight started to heat up in round 5. Both connected some solid shots. A round won by the champion. But, Basilio responded well in the sixth. After round 7, and starting the 8th round, Fullmer was outboxing Basilio until the 10th round. He was using the lateral movement and left jabs. In round 8, for example, a left hook by Fullmer put Basilio rolling head over heels. Basilio was up instantly and there were no 8-count when in reality, there should have been one. The local crowd went berserk!
By round 10 and 11, both fighters were using roughhouse brutal tactics. Especially, Basilio. Heads, elbows, arm-grabbing, and any other rough tactic that you can name in the book. This was a fight between two of the toughest and roughest fighters of the 1950s decade, or maybe of all-time. The fight seems to look like a wrestling match than a boxing world championship.
In round 12, the roughhouse tactics were still prevailing. And the referee? Well, the referee didn't say anything. He left them do their thing. It was looking like a bar fight than a real boxing match. No holds barred!
Fullmer, was the youngest and the strongest. His upper body strength was wearing out Basilio. A right hand in Basilio's chin and Basilio staggered, but refused to go down. Fullmer was on top of him and Basilio was holding on on Fullmer in desperation. Fullmer was grabbing Basilio in one hand, but throwing some roundhouse bombs to Basilio's body and behind the head.
And just like the first fight, because of Basilio's inactivity in throwing back punches, the American referee, Peter Giacoma, stops the contest in round 12. This infuriated Basilio, and he pushed the referee twice in disgust. He didn't want the fight to be stopped. The local crowd for Fullmer went wild again.
The winner by TKO in round 12 and still the NBA World Middleweight Champion!......Gene Fullmer!
The fight started a little more cautious than the original fight. This time there was much more studying between the rivals. There's much more respect, especially in the first 4 rounds.
Fullmer's tactical approach was the same as the first time with Basilio. He was using the left jab and steady movement away from Basilio's left hook. Basilio, a man that is short for words than action, was a little tentative in a couple of instances. He wasn't as aggressive as the first meeting.
The fight started to heat up in round 5. Both connected some solid shots. A round won by the champion. But, Basilio responded well in the sixth. After round 7, and starting the 8th round, Fullmer was outboxing Basilio until the 10th round. He was using the lateral movement and left jabs. In round 8, for example, a left hook by Fullmer put Basilio rolling head over heels. Basilio was up instantly and there were no 8-count when in reality, there should have been one. The local crowd went berserk!
By round 10 and 11, both fighters were using roughhouse brutal tactics. Especially, Basilio. Heads, elbows, arm-grabbing, and any other rough tactic that you can name in the book. This was a fight between two of the toughest and roughest fighters of the 1950s decade, or maybe of all-time. The fight seems to look like a wrestling match than a boxing world championship.
In round 12, the roughhouse tactics were still prevailing. And the referee? Well, the referee didn't say anything. He left them do their thing. It was looking like a bar fight than a real boxing match. No holds barred!
Fullmer, was the youngest and the strongest. His upper body strength was wearing out Basilio. A right hand in Basilio's chin and Basilio staggered, but refused to go down. Fullmer was on top of him and Basilio was holding on on Fullmer in desperation. Fullmer was grabbing Basilio in one hand, but throwing some roundhouse bombs to Basilio's body and behind the head.
And just like the first fight, because of Basilio's inactivity in throwing back punches, the American referee, Peter Giacoma, stops the contest in round 12. This infuriated Basilio, and he pushed the referee twice in disgust. He didn't want the fight to be stopped. The local crowd for Fullmer went wild again.
The winner by TKO in round 12 and still the NBA World Middleweight Champion!......Gene Fullmer!
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It was the champion's Gene Fullmer 12th fight in a row that he didn't lose since May 1957 against the great Sugar Ray Robinson. Since then, Fullmer's record was 12-0-1, with 3 knockouts. Two of those wins by knockout were against aging Carmen Basilio, in which his future seems a clouded doubt. Shall Basilio fight again at age 33?
Fullmer's unbeaten streak ended in October 1962 at 17 fights when the great Dick Tiger of Nigeria took the NBA World Middleweight Championship from him by a 15-round verdict.
In reality, Fullmer, at age 29, was better. No matter what Basilio's complaints came out to the surface. Fullmer was smarter, stronger, heavier, younger, bigger and taller than Basilio.
If comparing the legacies and all-time pound per pound rankings between the two, then Basilio was the more accomplished and the better fighter.
Fullmer's unbeaten streak ended in October 1962 at 17 fights when the great Dick Tiger of Nigeria took the NBA World Middleweight Championship from him by a 15-round verdict.
In reality, Fullmer, at age 29, was better. No matter what Basilio's complaints came out to the surface. Fullmer was smarter, stronger, heavier, younger, bigger and taller than Basilio.
If comparing the legacies and all-time pound per pound rankings between the two, then Basilio was the more accomplished and the better fighter.
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elmersalsa
- Heavyweight
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
The year 1961 arrived and for Carmen Basilio, age 33, his future is again at crossroads. It's been 3 years that he has not been a world champion after losing his crown to the great Sugar Ray Robinson in one of the greatest fights of all-time.
And also losing back to back in title fights against Gene Fullmer didn't help, either. Is Basilio retiring or wants to go another run for a world title? How about going for the Light-heavyweight crown? That would be asking for too much. He would be too small for champion Harold Johnson. So, he must be thinking at the middleweight crown again.
Basilio started the year 1961 facing a top welterweight contender from Tijuana, Mexico but living in the Eastern United States at the time, Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega.
Who is Gaspar Ortega? Don't take him lightly and not for a walk over, this Mexican guy could fight and was not shy of facing the very best. Ortega was a stylish boxer and not your typical Mexican slugger. But, he would fight toe to toe against anyone if needed. At 5'10", Ortega was tall for a Welterweight. Had good hand and foot speed. A beautiful counter puncher.
Ortega averaged 14 fights a year. He started his career in 1953 and won his first 22 bouts. And by the year 1961, he had over 80 fights, fighting the best fighters in the world. Among his highlights he beat top contender Isaac Logart of Cuba twice of four fights. He beat former World Welterweight Champion Tony DeMarco, the two first fights out of three meetings. He split two fights with the great Kid Gavilan of Cuba. He also had two wins against future World Welterweight Champion Benny "Kid" Paret of Cuba and a win against top contender Stan Harrington. He also had fights in losing efforts to the great Emile Griffith, Ralph Dupas, Don Jordan (twice), Florentino Fernandez (twice), Denny Moyer and Luis Federico Thompson. See what I mean?The guy is not shy to fight the very best.
He came to the famous Madison Square Garden with a record of 57-20-2 with 21 knockouts.
And also losing back to back in title fights against Gene Fullmer didn't help, either. Is Basilio retiring or wants to go another run for a world title? How about going for the Light-heavyweight crown? That would be asking for too much. He would be too small for champion Harold Johnson. So, he must be thinking at the middleweight crown again.
Basilio started the year 1961 facing a top welterweight contender from Tijuana, Mexico but living in the Eastern United States at the time, Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega.
Who is Gaspar Ortega? Don't take him lightly and not for a walk over, this Mexican guy could fight and was not shy of facing the very best. Ortega was a stylish boxer and not your typical Mexican slugger. But, he would fight toe to toe against anyone if needed. At 5'10", Ortega was tall for a Welterweight. Had good hand and foot speed. A beautiful counter puncher.
Ortega averaged 14 fights a year. He started his career in 1953 and won his first 22 bouts. And by the year 1961, he had over 80 fights, fighting the best fighters in the world. Among his highlights he beat top contender Isaac Logart of Cuba twice of four fights. He beat former World Welterweight Champion Tony DeMarco, the two first fights out of three meetings. He split two fights with the great Kid Gavilan of Cuba. He also had two wins against future World Welterweight Champion Benny "Kid" Paret of Cuba and a win against top contender Stan Harrington. He also had fights in losing efforts to the great Emile Griffith, Ralph Dupas, Don Jordan (twice), Florentino Fernandez (twice), Denny Moyer and Luis Federico Thompson. See what I mean?The guy is not shy to fight the very best.
He came to the famous Madison Square Garden with a record of 57-20-2 with 21 knockouts.
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elmersalsa
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Re: The Top 100 Greatest Boxers Pound per Pound of All-Time
It's Saturday, January 7, 1961 at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City. Carmen Basilio the former two-time World Welterweight and one time Middleweight Champion of Canastota, NY, faces top welterweight contender Gaspar "El Indio" Ortega of Tijuana, Mexico. Ten rounds.
Basilio, age 33, a fast starter, came out blazing. Ortega won righteously round 4 in my book, taking it to the former champion. It was still a close fight by round 7.
But, Ortega tires and not punching enough after the seventh round. Basilio's busy style paid off and won the last three rounds.
The winner by unanimous decision, Carmen Basilio!
American judges, the referee Al Berl and judge Leo Birnbaum had it scored 6-4 in rounds for Basilio. The other American judge, Joe Eppy, scored it 5-4-1 for Basilio. I had it scored 5-2-3 in favor of Basilio. He won outright.
Basilio improves to 55-15-7 with 27 knockouts.
Ortega drops to 57-21-2 with 21 knockouts. He challenged for his only title shot against the great Emile Griffith for the World Welterweight Crown, but lost again to Griffith by a 12th round TKO.
Ortega retired in 1965 with a record of 131-39-6 with 69 knockouts. He was only stopped twice in 176 fights!
Basilio, age 33, a fast starter, came out blazing. Ortega won righteously round 4 in my book, taking it to the former champion. It was still a close fight by round 7.
But, Ortega tires and not punching enough after the seventh round. Basilio's busy style paid off and won the last three rounds.
The winner by unanimous decision, Carmen Basilio!
American judges, the referee Al Berl and judge Leo Birnbaum had it scored 6-4 in rounds for Basilio. The other American judge, Joe Eppy, scored it 5-4-1 for Basilio. I had it scored 5-2-3 in favor of Basilio. He won outright.
Basilio improves to 55-15-7 with 27 knockouts.
Ortega drops to 57-21-2 with 21 knockouts. He challenged for his only title shot against the great Emile Griffith for the World Welterweight Crown, but lost again to Griffith by a 12th round TKO.
Ortega retired in 1965 with a record of 131-39-6 with 69 knockouts. He was only stopped twice in 176 fights!