Billy Conn

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by HeavyweightCP, Jun 19, 2012.

  1. HeavyweightCP

    HeavyweightCP Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think he was the best light heavy greb was a great middleweight.
     
  2. thistle1

    thistle1 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    and JHL, and Maxim.
     
  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    One of the greats.
     
  4. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    He actually turned down a fight with Charles Burley and doesn't have a particularly great LHW resume


    In which case you must consider former LHW Schmelling and LHW Charles aliens and the 2 best in their respective galaxies :hey
     
  5. Pachilles

    Pachilles Boxing Addict Full Member

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    if he had atleast formidible power, would've cleaned out his era
     
  6. RockyJim

    RockyJim Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Conn was Lt Heavy champ from 1939-1941...he beat 10 former or future world champions...
    ..had Joe Louis beaten until he got too cocky in the 13th rd in 1941...one of the best ever.
     
  7. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    His punching power actually gathered as he moved up through the weights, as he got bigger. Have a sneak at his boxrec record, see what I mean.
     
  8. Surf-Bat

    Surf-Bat Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Keep in mind that it was his management who contemptuously dismissed this laughable offer and justifiably so. I love Burley, but his people were in no place or position to be challenging Billy Conn at that point. Billy was in line for a huge, mega-money fight with Joe Louis and his staus in the sport outstripped Burley's at every turn. So why fight Burley? The challenge was pretty much regarded as nothing more than empty posturing from the Burley camp.

    The offer wasn't "avoided" so much as disregarded. Burley challenging Billy Conn at that point is tantamount to Mike McCallum challenging Michael Spinks after he beat Larry Holmes. Makes no sense whatsoever.
     
  9. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Yeah, i mean fighting Joe Louis instead of Charley Burley can't really be seen as ducking :lol:

    I have said this to him before but he seems determined.
     
  10. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Lewis is John Henry Lewis.

    It wasn't supposed to be a comprehensive list but I forget Loughran, also.
     
  11. itliangladiator

    itliangladiator Active Member Full Member

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    Pittsburgh was a hell of a boxing city during the 20-40s. Real tough and gritty fighters came from the Steel City during this time. Greb, Conn, Burley, Soose, Zivic, Angott, etc.
     
  12. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    So wasn't Conn the LHW champ? Can't he fight another fight in the 5 year interim between Louis bouts? Interestingly looking at it Conn only defended the LHW title for 11months until going to HW under the limit. I'm not saying he necessarily ducked anyone, but let's not pretend he took on all comers either

    Like I've said before, it's like Ricky Hatton not facing the top contenders at 140lbs to only lose mega fights to Mayweather and Pacquaio, it's a simple cash out, although both did their best to beat the P4P best at the time despite failing. Both would have endangered mega-fights by losing to top contenders in the interim, so it's smart business protecting their stock/investment
     
  13. thistle1

    thistle1 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Lewis IS John Henry, sorry my oversight & yes I realize too it wasn't a comprehensive list. :good
     
  14. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    Conn might have been the best lightheavy of all time head to head.

    In terms of resume, the war prevented him from fulfilling his true potential.
     
  15. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    Are you serious here?????????????????

    He was a great light heavyweight who beat other great light heavyweights.