Carmen Basilio, a two time world champion boxer who made Rochester his home, passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 85.
Back in the 1950's Basilio, the Canastota native, began to rise in the ranks of pro boxing.
Eventually he was able to get a title shot as a Welterweight in 1957 when he defeated Tony DeMarco in a 12 round decision.
A year later,Basilio lost his title in a controversial fight that many believe had ties to the mob that controlled much of boxing.
But a year later, Basilio moved up to the Middleweight ranks and defeated Sugar Ray Robinson to become a world champion for a second time.
A year later Basilio lost his title in a rematch to Robinson in another controversial decision.
After his boxing career ended Basilio came to Rochester to work for the Genesee Brewing company.
In 1990, Basilio was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame which was built in his hometown of Canastota
