The Onion Picker: Carmen Basilio and Boxing in The 1950s

He (Sugar Ray Robinson) just acted like I wasn't there. He dissed me. I had never treated other people like that in my entire life. He could have said hello, or something. I said to myself that one day I'm going to kick that guy's ass then he will know who the hell I am.- Carmen Basilio. On September 23, 1957, Carmen Basilio moved up in weight class to challenge the great Sugar Ray Robinson for the middleweight championship of the world. Basilio, the ultimate warrior in the ring facing Robinson, pound for pound the greatest boxer of all time, set the stage for a classic matchup between two of the sport's best fighters. Robinson, leading up to the title fight had angered his opponent with his arrogance and one-sided demands. Basilio entered the ring with one goal in mind, the destruction of Sugar Ray Robinson. This was much more than just fighting for a world championship. This was personal. This action-packed story is a compelling look back at boxing in the 1950's, and two fighters who rose from abject poverty to become boxing legends. In the telling of this remarkable story, Author, Gary Youmans traces the life of Carmen Basilio, who as a boy toiling in the onion fields of Canastota, New York, dreamed of one day becoming a boxing champion. His difficult journey to the top of his sport is a riveting tale of survival and perseverance. Basilio's stubborn determination and refusal to deal with the mobsters who controlled boxing in the 1950's is a testament to his core value of living an honorable life . . . on his own terms.
ASIN: 1886166536
VSKU: BVV.1886166536.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Gary B. Youmans
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.