Billy Backus

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Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters". Billy Backus, (born March 5, 1943) is an American former Undisputed World Welterweight Champion professional boxer.[1] In the summer of 2006 Backus retired from his correctional facility job and moved to South Carolina.[2]

Early boxing career

Backus, who is the nephew of boxing legend and former world champion Carmen Basilio, started his career by winning only 7 of his first 19 bouts. In 1964, things looked promising when he won four bouts in a row, but then he suffered a three fight losing streak. At this point of his career, he had a record of 8 wins, 7 losses and 3 draws and he retired from boxing. To make things worse, he had lost his last fight, against Rudy Richardson, on his twenty-second birthday.

Rise to prominence

Backus resumed his boxing career in 1966, but probably never in his wildest dreams could he have envisioned what happened next: in his comeback bout, he knocked out Tod Purtell in the first round, and that marked his embarcation on a seven-fight winning streak that included avenging an earlier loss to Dick French. That streak was broken by a defeat at the hands of Percy Pugh in New Orleans, but soon he started on another winning streak, eight in a row, including two over Pugh. Then, Pugh broke his winning streak once again, beating him in 15 rounds, once again at New Orleans. After splitting two fights with Jerry Pellegrini and drawing in four rounds with Ricky Ortiz, Backus embarked on another winning streak, including an eight-round knockout over Ortiz in a rematch.

World Welterweight Title Bout

After that last streak, Backus was ranked among the top ten Welterweight challengers of the world at number 10. The year was 1970 and Mexico's José Nápoles had earned the right to make an optional defense of his world title (meaning he could pick any challenger among the top ten to defend against). His management, figuring they'd have an easy fight ahead of them, picked Backus as the challenger for this optional title bout. But Backus landed a punch that opened a cut over Nápoles' eye in round one, causing Nápoles to bleed profusely, and the fight was stopped in round four. Since the cut had been ruled to be caused by a punch, Backus was declared winner by a technical knockout, and he had realized a dream that many fans never thought he would: he had become the world's Welterweight champion. His uncle Basilio, watching from ringside, said: "Billy winning the world title is the best thing ever to happen in my life, even better than me winning the world title."

Billy won two non-title fights, including one over Robert Gallois in Paris, and then had a rematch with Nápoles in Los Angeles. This time Nápoles returned the favor, knocking Backus out in the eighth round and regaining his title.

Career decline

He finished 1971 with a ten-round decision win over Jose Gabino, and went 3–2 in 1972, losing two fifteen-round decisions to world title challenger Hedgemon Lewis. He lost 3 of 4 bouts in 1973, and went on a European tour in 1974, winning 2 and losing 2 in Paris and Berlin. In 1975, he went to Australia and lost by a knockout in five to Rocky Mattioli, and then he came back to the States, where he beat Marc Gervais by a knockout in ten. This marked the start of another 9 fight winning streak, which led the WBA to make him their number one challenger. After drawing in twelve rounds with Everaldo Acosta Acevedo, he had a chance at regaining the world welterweight title when faced against world champion Pipino Cuevas of Mexico, once again in Los Angeles. After losing by quitting on his stool in the first round, Backus then announced his retirement from boxing for good.

Although he isn't a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame (unlike his uncle Basilio, who is), in 1990, Ed Brophy and some Canastota businessmen came up with the idea to build the hall of fame in Canastota, to honor Canastota's two native world champions: Basilio and Backus.

In 2010, the award nominated "Title Town USA, Boxing in Upstate New York" by noted historian Mark Allen Baker was published by The History Press in 2010 and supports Canastota, New York as the epicenter of Upstate New York's rich boxing heritage. The book includes chapters on both Carmen Basilio and Billy Backus. The introduction was written by Edward P. Brophy, Executive Director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame .

Backus had a final record of 48 wins, 20 losses and 5 draws, with 22 wins by knockout.

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
74 Loss 49–20–5 Pipino Cuevas RTD 1 (15) May 20, 1978 Forum, Inglewood, California, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBA welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
73 Template:DrawDraw 49–19–5 Everaldo Costa Azevedo SD 12 November 19, 1977 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
72 Win 49–19–4 Joe Grier UD 10 August 25, 1977 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
71 Win 48–19–4 Rafael Rodriguez UD 12 June 3, 1977 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
70 Win 47–19–4 Roy Barrientos UD 10 April 8, 1977 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
69 Win 46–19–4 Justice Ortiz UD 10 January 27, 1977 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
68 Win 45–19–4 Tony Lopes TKO 9 (10) November 20, 1976 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
67 Win 44–19–4 Pablo Rodriguez UD 10 September 11, 1976 Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
66 Win 43–19–4 Jose Papo Melendez UD 10 May 28, 1976 Colonie Coliseum, Latham, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
65 Win 42–19–4 Angel Robinson Garcia UD 10 April 3, 1976 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
64 Win 41–19–4 Pablo Rodriguez UD 10 January 24, 1976 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
63 Win 40–19–4 Marc Gervais KO 10 (10) August 23, 1975 Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
62 Loss 39–19–4 Rocky Mattioli TKO 5 (10) April 11, 1975 Festival Hall, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
61 Loss 39–18–4 Eckhard Dagge TKO 3 (10) June 20, 1974 Germany Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
60 Win 39–17–4 Jacques Kechichian RTD 5 (10) April 30, 1974 Paris, France Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
59 Loss 38–17–4 Roger Menetrey PTS 12 March 18, 1974 Palais des Sports, Paris, France, France Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58 Win 38–16–4 Roger Zami TKO 9 (10) January 21, 1974 Palais des Sports, Paris, France, France Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57 Loss 37–16–4 Zovek Barajas TKO 3 (10) December 6, 1973 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
56 Win 37–15–4 Al Romano KO 3 (10) August 4, 1973 Three Rivers Inn, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
55 Loss 36–15–4 Miguel Barreto MD 12 August 4, 1973 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
54 Loss 36–14–4 Jack Tillman UD 12 February 13, 1973 Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBA North American welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53 Loss 36–13–4 Hedgemon Lewis UD 15 December 8, 1972 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For NYSAC welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
52 Win 36–12–4 Dorman Crawford TKO 8 (10) September 23, 1972 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
51 Loss 35–12–4 Hedgemon Lewis UD 15 June 6, 1972 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant NYSAC welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50 Win 35–11–4 Danny McAloon UD 12 April 14, 1972 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
49 Win 34–11–4 Irish Pat Murphy TKO 7 (10) February 12, 1972 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 33–11–4 Jose Gabino UD 10 December 10, 1971 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Loss 32–11–4 José Nápoles TKO 8 (15) June 4, 1971 Forum, Inglewood, California, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 32–10–4 Robert Gallois MD 10 March 15, 1971 Palais des Sports, Paris, France, France Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 31–10–4 Bobby Williams UD 12 January 23, 1971 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 30–10–4 José Nápoles TKO 4 (15) December 3, 1970 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 29–10–4 Denny Stiletto KO 8 (10) October 3, 1970 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 28–10–4 Manuel Gonzalez UD 10 July 22, 1970 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 27–10–4 Frank Steele UD 10 June 15, 1970 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 26–10–4 Manuel Burgo UD 10 March 24, 1970 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 25–10–4 Ricky Ortiz TKO 8 (10) January 30, 1970 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won New York State welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Template:DrawDraw 24–10–4 Ricky Ortiz MD 10 October 31, 1969 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 24–10–3 Jerry Pellegrini UD 10 September 19, 1969 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Loss 23–10–3 Jerry Pellegrini UD 10 July 21, 1969 Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Loss 23–9–3 Percy Pugh UD 15 June 16, 1969 Rivergate Exhibition Hall, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 23–8–3 Percy Pugh UD 12 April 25, 1969 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 22–8–3 CL Lewis TKO 7 (10) March 17, 1969 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 21–8–3 Percy Pugh SD 12 January 24, 1969 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 20–8–3 Freddie Cobb TKO 5 (10) December 14, 1968 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 19–8–3 Vince Shomo TKO 8 (10) November 16, 1968 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 18–8–3 Johnny Brooks UD 10 October 7, 1968 Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 17–8–3 Curtis Phillips TKO 7 (10) September 14, 1968 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 16–8–3 Jerry Pellegrini SD 10 July 29, 1968 Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Loss 15–8–3 Percy Pugh UD 10 June 3, 1968 Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 15–7–3 Dick French TKO 6 (10) May 19, 1968 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 14–7–3 Danny Andrews UD 10 April 6, 1968 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 13–7–3 Juan Ramos UD 10 February 10, 1968 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 12–7–3 Gene Herrick TKO 6 (10) November 30, 1967 Portland, Maine, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 11–7–3 Curtis Phillips TKO 6 (10) November 24, 1967 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 10–7–3 Ernie Robbins KO 3 (6) October 23, 1967 Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 9–7–3 Tod Purtell KO 1 (?) October 16, 1967 Worcester, Massachusetts, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Loss 8–7–3 Rudy Richardson UD 8 May 5, 1965 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Loss 8–6–3 Billy Anderson PTS 10 October 30, 1964 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Loss 8–5–3 Genaro Soto PTS 6 July 17, 1964 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 8–4–3 Colin Fraser UD 10 May 19, 1964 War Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 7–4–3 Lew Anderson TKO 5 (8) April 18, 1964 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 6–4–3 Dave Hilton KO 7 (8) February 29, 1964 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 5–4–3 Colin Fraser RTD 5 (8) February 1, 1964 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Loss 4–4–3 Billy Anderson UD 8 December 19, 1963 Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Loss 4–3–3 Fernand Chretien UD 10 August 2, 1963 Saint Anthony's Club, New Castle (Shawtown), Delaware, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Loss 4–2–3 Dick French UD 8 February 28, 1963 Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Template:DrawDraw 4–1–3 Marcel Bizien PTS 8 January 23, 1963 Plaza Ballroom, Paterson, New Jersey, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Template:DrawDraw 4–1–2 Mike Cortez PTS 4 December 22, 1962 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Loss 4–1–1 Luis Aponte Ortiz PTS 4 November 24, 1962 Gladiators' Arena, Totowa, New Jersey, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 4–0–1 Barney Barnez PTS 4 June 22, 1962 Totowa, New Jersey, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 3–0–1 Steve Gessler PTS 6 June 6, 1962 Saint-Jerome, Quebec, Canada Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Template:DrawDraw 2–0–1 Sugar Lawson PTS 4 April 27, 1962 Gladiators' Arena, Totowa, New Jersey, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Randy Sanders PTS 4 March 9, 1962 Gladiators' Arena, Totowa, New Jersey, USScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Ike Anthony TKO 2 (4) September 16, 1961 War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, US New York, US Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Titles in boxing

Major world titles

The Ring magazine titles

Regional/International titles

Undisputed titles

See also

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:S-sportsTemplate:S-textTemplate:S-vacTemplate:S-breakTemplate:S-end
New York State welterweight champion
January 30 – December 3, 1970
Won world title Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-vac Template:S-text Template:S-break

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBA welterweight champion
December 3, 1970 – June 4, 1971 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
WBC welterweight champion
December 3, 1970 – June 4, 1971 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-break

The Ring welterweight champion
December 3, 1970 – June 4, 1971 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-break

Undisputed welterweight champion
December 3, 1970 – June 4, 1971 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-break Template:S-ach

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Oldest living welterweight champion
October 11, 2021 – present Template:S-ttl/check 		Incumbent
  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ "Canastota's last champ pulls up stakes." October 15, 2005. The Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY)
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