 The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Canastota’s two world champions Carmen Basilio and Billy Backus have been named Grand Marshals of the 21st Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Parade of Champions scheduled for Sunday, June 13th at 1 p.m.
This year the Village of Canastota is celebrating it’s Bicentennial (1810 – 2010). The Hall of Fame is honored to join the community in celebrating this landmark occasion by naming our two world champions the 2010 Parade Grand Marshals. The distinction of having two world champions from one small village is even more special as they are related – Basilio is Backus’ uncle.
“Carmen and Billy focused world attention on Canastota and the Hall of Fame is extremely excited about paying tribute to them by having them lead the parade,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy.
Basilio, nicknamed “The Upstate Onion Farmer,” was born in Canastota, NY. He twice won the world welterweight title, first from Tony DeMarco in 1955 and then from Johnny Saxton in 1956 before defeating Sugar Ray Robinson for the middleweight crown in 1957.
“I always like being around friends and family. There is nothing like being in my hometown and I am very honored to be named grand marshal along with my nephew, Billy Backus,” said Basilio.
 Carmen Basilio signs a glove for a fan The International Boxing Hall of Fame has announced that former ring rivals Carmen Basilio and Tony DeMarco will celebrate the 55th Anniversary of 1955’s “Fight of the Year” at the Banquet of Champions on Saturday, June 12th at the Syracuse OnCenter. The banquet is part of festivities planned for the 21st Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 10- 13th.
On June 10, 1955, Basilio and DeMarco waged a welterweight title war that saw Basilio score a dramatic 12th round TKO to capture the belt. It was instantly the leading contender for “Fight of the Year.” But lighting struck twice as the two warriors fought another epic contest in the November 30th rematch. Basilio again scored a 12th round TKO to retain his title. The rematch was named “Fight of the Year.”
“The two Basilio and DeMarco fights are truly legendary battles in boxing history,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “Boxing fans will surely enjoying recalling these two battles – including their ‘Fight of the Year’ - with them at the Banquet of Champions.”
Basilio, nicknamed “The Upstate Onion Farmer,” was born in Canastota, NY. He twice won the world welterweight title, first from Tony DeMarco in 1955 and then from Johnny Saxton in 1956 before defeating Robinson for the middleweight crown in 1957. With an aggressive, charging style and a powerful left hook, Basilio scored wins over Lew Jenkins, Ike Williams and Billy Graham among others during his career. His pro record reads 56-16-7 (27 KOs). In 1990, he was elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
The fighting pride of Boston, MA, DeMarco captured the welterweight title from Johnny Saxton in 1955. During his career, he fought eight world champion and registered wins over Paddy DeMarco, Wallace “Bud” Smith, Kid Gavilan and Don Jordan. He also defeated top contenders Chico Vejar and Gaspar Ortega. His pro record reads 58-12-1 (33 KOs).
The banquet is a one-of-a-kind event with over 40 boxing celebrities under one roof. Other boxing stars joining Basilio and DeMarco will be Ken Norton, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, Nino Benvenuti, Emile Griffith, Angelo Dundee, Leon Spinks, James “Buster” Douglas, Gerry Cooney, Lou Duva and many others.
The evening will consist of cocktails, dinner, celebrity comments, video highlights, a commemorative program and much more. Tickets are priced at $135 and corporate tables of 10 are available at $1350.
In addition to the banquet, the June 10-13th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a parade, golf tournament, cocktail party and the official induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2010. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 13th are light flyweight champion Jung-Koo Chang (South Korea), featherweight champion Danny “Little Red” Lopez (USA), manager Shelly Finkel (USA), referee / commissioner Larry Hazzard (USA), promoter Wilfried Sauerland (Germany), matchmaker Bruce Trampler (USA) and journalist Ed Schuyler (USA). Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 21st Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095. For information on places to stay or places to eat while in Canastota visit www.madisontourism.com
The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the newest class of inductees to enter the Hall. Living inductees include light flyweight champion Jung-Koo Chang (South Korea), featherweight champion Danny “Little Red” Lopez (USA), manager Shelly Finkel (USA), referee / commissioner Larry Hazzard (USA), promoter Wilfried Sauerland (Germany), matchmaker Bruce Trampler (USA) and journalist Ed Schuyler (USA).
“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2010 and very much looking forward to honoring the 21st class of inductees,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy. “All living inductees are anticipated to attend and participate in 2010 Hall of Fame Weekend festivities.”
The 21st Annual Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 10-13th in Canastota, NY. Over 20 events, including a golf tournament, banquet, parade and autograph card show, are planned. An impressive celebrity lineup of boxing greats of yesterday and today will attend this year’s Induction Weekend. The highlight of the weekend will be the Official Enshrinement Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds in Canastota, New York on Sunday, June 13th to welcome the newest members.
The Hall of Fame also released names of posthumous honorees: light heavyweight Lloyd Marshall in the Modern Category; featherweight champion Young Corbett II, lightweight champion Rocky Kansas and light heavyweight and heavyweight contender Billy Miske in the Old-Timer Category; broadcaster Howard Cosell in the Observer Category; and Paddington Tom Jones in the Pioneer Category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.
For more information on the events planned for the 2010 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095.
The New York State Fair in Syracuse will feature boxing this year at the Grand Stand, and Canastota favorite, Christy Martin will set up training headquarters at the International Boxing Hall of Fame from Monday, August 24 to Monday, August 31. She will work out daily from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Event Pavilion. We'll have the ring set up for her to spar
and there will also be the heavy bag, speed bag, jump rope and more. The daily workouts are open to the public. Stop by any day to see Christy prepare for her big fight.
 The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today actors Burt Young and Federico Castelluccio have been named Grand Marshals of the 20th Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Parade of Champions scheduled for Sunday, June 14th at 1 p.m. “The Hall of Fame is extremely excited about welcoming these two great actors to Canastota to celebrate the sport of boxing,'” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “It is a thrill to have them as the 2009 Parade of Champions Grand Marshals.” Young is an Academy Award-nominated actor best known for his portrayal of Sylvester Stallone’s brother in law “Paulie” in the legendary Rocky film series. Young, who learned his craft from legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg, has appeared in such motion pictures as Back to School, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Transamerica, Convoy and Chinatown. He has also made celebrated appearances on television shows The Sopranos, Law & Order, Miami Vice, The Rockford Files and Walker, Texas Ranger. Young has also received accolades for his paintings, which are highlighted in art galleries around the world.“To be here at the Boxing Hall of Fame, amongst men of courage, valor and decipherment is for me, top draw. Any fighter, whether champion, or aging six rounder, somehow seems touched or stamped with elements of dignity, honor and strength, forever more. Hello to those of you I know, and to the fellows I don't, I certainly do from your life exploits,” said Young. A talented actor, Castelluccio is best known for his portrayal of hitman Furio Giunta on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos from 2000-2006. His film credits include Made with Jon Favreau, Fire with Robert Klein and Pink Panther 2 with Steve Martin. He has also appeared on such notable television programs as NYPD Blue and Law & Order: Criminal Intent and soap operas As the World Turns and The Guiding Light. Born in Naples, Italy, Castelluccio is an accomplished artist and has exhibited his paintings in galleries in New York City and Washington, DC.“I am very honored to be a Grand Marshal for the Boxing Hall of Fame. I’ve been a huge boxing fan since I was a young boy and I happen to really admire some of this year’s inductees. I’m looking forward to meeting them on their big day!” saidCastelluccio.The Parade of Champions, set for Sunday, June 14th at 1:00 p.m., will pass through the streets of Canastota and lead to the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum prior to the start of the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the new class of inductees. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony are bantamweight champion Orlando Canizales, heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, junior lightweight champion Brian Mitchell, matchmaker / publicist / promoter Bob Goodman, promoter Akihiko Honda, journalist Hugh McIlvanney and broadcaster Larry Merchant. Posthumous inductees will also be honored. Over 40 boxing stars, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Ken Norton, Angelo Dundee, Emile Griffith, Micky Ward and Leon Spinks will be highlighted in the Parade of Champions. "With the lineup of marching bands, boxing celebrities, Burt Young and Federico Castelluccio, this should be our biggest parade ever and an unforgettable day for all," said parade chairperson Charlene Barres. The 2009 Parade of Champions is sponsored by Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppe. The June 11-14th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2009. For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 20th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.
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The crew from Mohawk Valley Living spent some time in the Canastota and Wampsville areas. You can view the episodes in order of airing below.
 The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight champion Jose Torres. He passed away January 19, 2009 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was 72.. Born May 3, 1936 in Playa Ponce, Puerto Rico, Torres won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games. He turned pro in 1958 and under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Cus D'Amato, he won the world light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano in 1965. During his career he posted a 41-3-1 (29 KOs) record that includes wins over Don Fullmer, Wilbert McClure, Tom McNeeley, Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Hall of Famer Carl (Bobo) Olson. He stayed active in boxing as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission (1983-88) and as president of the World Boxing Organization (1993-95). An accomplished author, he penned boxing books Sting Like a Bee about Muhammad Ali and Fire and Fear about Mike Tyson
“Jose Torres was one of boxing's finest ambassadors,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “'He was an Olympian, a world champion, author, commissioner and a true gentleman. The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”
An email from Hall of Fame director Ed Brophy announced the passing this afternoon:
In 1997, Torres was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the newest class of inductees to enter the Hall. Living inductees include bantamweight champion Orlando Canizales (USA), heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis (UK), junior lightweight champion Brian Mitchell (South Africa), publicist / matchmaker / promoter Bob Goodman (USA), promoter Akihiko Honda (Japan), journalist Hugh McIlvanney (UK), and broadcaster Larry Merchant (USA). “We're extremely excited about the Class of 2009 and very much looking forward to honoring the 20th class of inductees,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy. “All living inductees are anticipated to attend and participate in 2009 Hall of Fame Weekend festivities.”
The 20th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 11-14th in Canastota, NY. Over 20 events, including a golf tournament, banquet, parade and autograph card show, are planned. An impressive celebrity lineup of boxing greats of yesterday and today will attend this year's Induction Weekend. The highlight of the weekend will be the Official Enshrinement Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds in Canastota, New York on Sunday, June 14th to welcome the newest members. Make your trip to the induction ceremonies a wonderful vacation for the whole family. Find a unique place to stay near the festivities and enjoy great events and attractions all weekend long.
For more information on the events planned for the 2009 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095.
 On Saturday evening October 25th, a banner honoring Carmen Basilio will be raised to the rafter at the Onondaga County War Memorial, where the “Canastota Clouter” won his first world welterweight championship (June 10, 1955) and regained the crown (Sept. 12, 1956). The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m., prior to the Crunch hockey game vs. Rochester.
Carmen plans to attend what promises to be an emotional event. The banner’s colors are maroon and white, emphasizing the Canastota connection.
The Crunch organization is also recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness on Oct. 25th with free pink tee shirts to the first 2000 fans through the turnstiles. Advance sale tickets are priced at $13, $15, and $17, with an additional $3 charge if purchased on game night. A group rate of $150 for 10 game tickets includes a VIP reception with Carmen at 6:30 p.m. The Golden Gloves package for $300 includes 20 game tickets, VIP reception, ribbon light message, and an insert in the game program. An $11 group rate is also available. Individual tickets and group packages can be ordered by calling the Crunch office at 473.4444.
A few raindrops couldn't dampen the spirits of the thousands of fans who lined up along Peterboro Street in Canastota on Sunday to watch over 50 boxing great make their way to the annual induction ceremony. WTVH was there and had this great report. The Post Standard had a couple of photo galleries at Syracuse.com, One from Friday and one from Sunday. If you are already making plans for next year's event. You might want to start thinking about hotel rooms now so you can find a room closer to the Hall of Fame.
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