Seventy years ago, a boxing rematch between Carmen Basilio and Tony DeMarco delivered a much-needed boost to the sports reputation. Their first fight in June 1955 was a brutal war, with Basilio winning by a twelfth-round stoppage. The rematch, held in November, surpassed their first encounter, winning The Rings Fight of the Year award. Despite being battered, Basilios relentless pressure wore DeMarco down, leading to a ninth-round knockout. This pure, honest combat was exactly what boxing needed to begin rebuilding its reputation and the publics trust.

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