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The Feds are now on the case. The FBI will be joining the search for the six stolen championship belts from the International Boxing Hall of Fame last week in Canastota, NY. Canastota Police Chief Chief James Zophy specifically states that the FBI's Antique Bureau will be assisting local police in their investigation. The Antiquities Bureau consists of 16 federal agents that specifically specialize in art and culture property crime.
Of the six stolen belts, four of them belonged to the late, great Carmen Basilio with the other two won by Tony Zale. At this point in time no monetary value has been placed on the historical championship belts.
Carmen Basilio, a Canastota native, passed away three years ago and is said to have inspired the creation of the IBHOF. His surviving wife is said to be heartbroken over the news of the theft. Tony Zale, a former middleweight world champion, passed away in 1997.