RIP Carmen Basilio

Physically I'm tuckered out but I lost everything valuable in the hurricane
including my precious Ring Mags dating from the late 1920s .Hundreds of them...Furniture, clothes, Navy discharge papers, lost everything but my sanity...Such is fate...thanks Brownies.:good:good

 

burt...so sorry to hear that brother, i really am....you and me have been good friends online for a long time now and i am truly gutted about this...wish i was over there to be some help

 

Damn, Burt. That's harsh. I recently lost most of my prized belongings as well, though not due to the hurricane which was merciful in my area. I really feel for you and hope you're coping well, hopefully with friends or family.

 

doug, your kind words brings solace to me...I survived and my memories ,
a hurricane cannot take from be...Yesterday I saw on a car a sticker
claiming " life sucks, and then we die "...Morbid perhaps but true...

 

I am coping well bouncing from one home to another without light and electricity, but life MUST go on considering the alternative...Thanks B:good

 

Damn, Burt. Really sad to hear this. I hope you are alright and have some good insurance.

 

I was wondering where you where Burt. So, so sorry to hear of your troubles old friend.

 

Being that I live near the water my insurance amounts to zero. FEMA came and denied me after the representative saw the disaster that was once my abode...My area is wiped out, but I am one of thousands ,so what the hell !. Took a last flight to Florida where I am now drying out with some old cronies...thanks S...:hi:

 

F, after the past week I TOO am wondering where I was...Thanks FM...

 

I was wondering about you and why you weren't posting. I am very sorry about your misfortune, but at least you still have your health.

Best wishes, good luck, and hang in there.

I remember once when I was really down, I happened to hear a song on the radio with the lyric

"the dark clouds will pass with time"

That turned out to be true for me and hopefully will for you also.

 

So sorry to hear about your home and belongings being lost in the hurricane. Glad you weren't injured and are OK. And I too am saddened over losing Carmen Basilio. I met him when I was 11 years old at the New York State Fair just one week after he and Gene Fullmer had their first bout. Gene was there that day along with Nat Fleischer and my Dad and I got to shake hands with them. Gene brought Carmen a puppy that day as a gift and that really impressed me. Both great fighters and gentlemen.

 

Jeeeeez. Burt. That really, really sucks. For what it's worth- and that may not be much- it's still good to know you emerged from Sandy's wrath intact, even if your home didn't. All the best going forward.

 

Thank you DFW...Carmine was a throwback to the old timers such as Mysterious Billy Smith, Kid Lavigne ,Battling Nelson, Ace Hudkins etc, who knew no fear, and always outgutted their opponents...There never was wars ANY BETTER than Basillio against Tony DeMarco...NEVER...
He was as a WW just as TOUGH as Rocky Marciano was as a heavyweight..
Made of heart and sinew...:hi:

 

I am actually from upstate ny and I was in a gym shadow boxing and i see an old timer walk in and I immediately recognized him. I climbed down out of the ring and ran up to him and said "is this the onion farmer?!?" I went to shake his hand and he smacked me twice on both cheeks outta no where. It hurt too lol he still hit hard and fast even for an old man. After I shook it off I said "you beat sugar ray!" and he without saying a word held up two fingers and then said "twice I beat him!" in actuality they fought twice both taking a very close split decision victiory. most ringside observers and the referee (who did not officially score the fight) believed Carmen had done enough to get the W. He gave me an autographed photo and wished me luck on my career. I am attending his funeral this sunday. RIP to the toughest SOB to lace em up

 

so long sir !!