Rocky Marciano vs Billy Conn (Louis 1st fight)

Rocky Marciano vs Billy Conn (Louis 1st fight).

Louis was in his prime when the 168 lb Conn takes the great Joe 13 rds, and if the story is true, Conn should have continued boxing to win the 15 rd Title fight on points.

How long would a boxing master like Conn last with a prime Marciano?

 

Conn would clown Marciano for maybe about 8 rounds...but Marciano would be grinding him down throughout...Marciano KO 10.

 

Do you think that it was representative performance for either of them? It seems anamolous.

 

That's pretty much the way I see it unfolding. I wouldn't be surprised if Marciano were ahead in the scoring at the end.

 

Billy does at least as well as Lastarza,and he won't be laying on the ropes absorbing power shots, low punches, and head butts. If Rocky hit him after the bell Billy would bang one into his n*ts. Conn knew how to reciprocate if things got rough.The 15 rds distance might give Rocky the time to get to Conn,over 12 rds Billy could decision him.

 

I wonder about the weight of Conn? I know its claimed that he weighed 169, but it's that really reliable? He is listed as 174, and weighed 178 against Barlund and 174 against Pastor in previous fights according to official records. It seems odd that he would drop close to ten pounds for Louis.

 

169 seems light to me too.

 

Louis on the other hand ,desperate to come in under 200lbs dehydrated, he said he felt like sh*t when the fight started.

 

It's a possibility...but I'll respectfully disagree somewhat. If it was scheduled for a shorter distance, Marciano would start up earlier. Conn does well early, but gets drawn into the fire more and more. Referring to Marciano's best championship level here...if he is where he was at with the first Lastarza or ****ell fights...then yes.

 

I was thinking of the second Lastarza fight when Roland went into the 11th rd.Conn had better wheels than Lastarza,[he had better wheels than just about anybody,]and should be able to glide in and out, getting off with quick salvo's,and escaping the replies.

 

I agree with your assessment Conn does have better wheels, and if he used them, he would give Marciano plenty of trouble...and he would have become heavyweight champion...(It's the same rationale that I pick with Leonard giving Monzon a tough go) But you that Conn also had a leaning to be drawn in fire fights...I think that tendency is what would get him in trouble against a pressing Marciano.

 

I totally agree if Conn gets dragged into in a tear up ,he gets his head handed to him.

 

I think Conn would be a pain in the backside for Rocky. I can see going the same way as the Louis fight, Conn ahead on the cards when Marciano catches up to him late.

 

He's not beating Rocky over 15 .. he fought a terrific fight one night against a slightly over trained Louis who spent a bit too much time on the golf courses but he is not beating the best Rocky ..

 

Marciano would KO him.

I think Louis would KO Conn every time they fight too. Too much is made of Conn's performance in that fight and the idea that he made a mistake and cost himself the fight, and it was exaggerated, although obviously Conn was a great fighter.