BILLY CONN

“The Pittsburgh Kid” 

Hall of Fame boxer who was the Light Heavyweight Champion from 1939-41. His fight with Joe Louis on June 18, 1941 at the Polo Grounds in NYC was one the greatest fights of the century. Conn, outweighed by more than 25 pounds came within two rounds of dethroning Louis. He was ahead on the scorecards of two of the officials and even on the third, when in the 13th round, overconfident, he decided to slug it out with the “Brown Bomber.” He ran into a left hook and then a hard right by Louis and was counted out by the referee with only 2 seconds left in the round. Conn’s career ring record was 63 wins 12 loses and 1 draw. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

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