[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF CARMEN ``THE ONION PICKER'' BASILIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2007

  Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
boxing Champion and Central New York native Carmen Basilio as he 
celebrates the 50th anniversary of his World Middleweight Championship.
  Basilio was born on April 27, 1927 in Canastota, New York. The son of 
an onion farmer, he spent many hours of his childhood working with his 
father on their farm, which led to his boxing nickname ``the onion 
picker''. Carmen became a professional boxer in 1948, after being 
honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
  Basilio became the New York State welterweight champion in 1953 and 
defended that title in 1954. On June 10, 1955 Carmen defeated Tony 
DeMarco in a 12 round bout to win the World Welterweight title. A 
rematch was held on November 30th of that same year, and Basilio 
defended his title, after breaking his left hand earlier in the match, 
by knocking out DeMarco in the 12th round. Basilio would hold the World 
Welterweight Title until March 14, 1956 when he lost to Johnny Saxton. 
Never one to give up, Basilio regained the title on September 12, 1956 
by defeating Saxton in a rematch. He remained the World Welterweight 
Champion until he vacated the role to fight in the World Middleweight 
Championship on September 23, 1957.
  Fifty years ago this month on September 23, 1957, Carmen Basilio 
challenged World Middleweight Champion Sugar Ray Robinson for the 
title. The fight, which took place at Yankee Stadium, is known as one 
of the most action packed fights of the decade. Even though he was 
smaller in size and reach, Basilio defeated Robinson in a 15 round 
decision to become the World Middleweight Champion. Basilio would 
relinquish his championship back to Robinson in a rematch six months 
later, and would twice unsuccessfully try to regain it back. He won two 
more fights before hanging up his boxing gloves in 1961. Carmen was 
named fighter of the year in 1955 and 1957, and would finish his career 
with 56 wins, 17 losses, 7 draws, and 27 knockouts.
  Although he left his fighting days behind him, Basilio still remained 
involved in athletics. He served as a physical education instructor at 
Le Moyne College and remained very involved in Central New York boxing.
  In 1982 the citizens of Canastota wanted to pay tribute to their 
hometown fighter and did so by erecting a bronze statue of Basilio. The 
excitement of the statue led to the building of the International 
Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, which was completed in 1989. Basilio 
was inducted in 1990 and continues to be a frequent visitor and 
volunteer at the Hall of Fame.
  Carmen Basilio was a boxer, but perhaps even more, he was a fighter. 
Even in losses Basilio never gave up. He always fought with 
perseverance, passion, and heart which earned him great respect beyond 
wins and losses. I am proud to stand up and honor this man--who has 
served as an inspiration to so many from Central New York--on the 50th 
anniversary of his Middleweight Championship. As his International 
Boxing Hall of Fame biography says, ``his tough gritty style not only 
won him world titles, but it was the heart and desire he displayed in 
the ring that won him a place in the hearts of 1950's boxing fans.''

                          ____________________