The Onion Picker: Carmen Basilio and Boxing in the 1950s - Hardcover

Youmans, Gary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0815681755 ISBN 13: 9780815681755

Publisher: Syracuse University Press, 2007

Synopsis

Boxing grew to be one of the most popular sports in America in the early 1950s. Thanks to television, fans tuned in each week, rooting for their favorites, watching the best fighters in the world battle on Gillette's Friday Night Fights. These were the ""Golden Years"" of boxing - the ring echoed with the names of all-time legendary champions: Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson, Kid Galivan, Jake LaMotta, Gene Fullmer, and a tough guy from Canastota, New York, Carmen Basilio. On September 23, 1957, Carmen Basilio defeated Sugar Ray Robinson to win the middleweight championship of the world. His remarkable career is a story of survival and perseverance during a fascinating time in boxing history. Basilio's story celebrates the power of the human spirit to triumph over pain and self-doubt. A man of great integrity and drive, Carmen Basilio deliberately moved up in weight class for the opportunity to challenge the great Ray Robinson for his title. His belief in himself and his insistence on being treated fairly is a testament to his core value of living an honorable life, one in which he refused to compromise his principles. His story is a compelling look back at one of the most magical periods in sports history.

About this title

About the Author

Gary Youmans is a sports marketing consultant and has owned a minor league basketball team. He is coauthor of '59: The Story of the 1959 Syracuse National Championship Football Team, published by Syracuse University Press.

Edition details

• Publisher: Syracuse University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0815681755
• ISBN 13: 9780815681755
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 230