Profession: Boxer
Biography: Billy Conn was an Irish-American boxer, known as "The Pittsburgh Kid," who was renowned for his fights with Joe Louis. He won the World Light Heavyweight Championship in 1939, beating the reigning champion, Melio Bettina, in New York.
Conn put aside his World Light Heavyweight Championship title in 1941 so that he could challenged the Joe Louis, then the World Heavyweight Champion. They fought in June of 1941, in which Conn was ahead for most of the fight until he attempted an unsuccessful knockout and then was, in the same round, himself knocked out.
While Conn and Louis were both brought into World War II after this, they eventually managed a rematch in 1946 which Louis also won. They would fight one more time, at a 1948 public exhibition in Chicago, before Conn would retire.
Born: October 8, 1917
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Libra
Historical Events
- 1941-06-18 In his 18th world heavyweight title defence Joe Louis KOs Billy Conn in 13th round in front of a crowd of 54,487 at the Polo Grounds, NYC
- 1946-06-09 Joe Louis KOs Billy Conn in 8 for heavyweight boxing title
- 1946-06-19 1st TV sports and boxing spectacular when Joe Louis KOs Billy Conn in a broadcast across New York
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