I read once where Charles sparred with Conn during WW2.According to what I read Ezzard floored Billy.If Billy gets on his bike like he did against Louis I can see him winning a decision.If he tries to trade with Ezzard he could have problems.At Lt.Heavy Charles was a murderous puncher,and Conn was a small Lt.Heavy about 167lbs.Imo this fight comes down to who makes the most mistakes.If Charles isn't aggresive enough he'll lose.If Conn decides to trade one time to many he gets knocked out.This fight is to close for me to call.Thank you.:good
McGain, I read that years ago.The Titles were all frozen during the War. I believe Conn and Louis went in the Army in 42 and Charles went in in 43.I also read that this was one reason why Charles did'nt get a shot at Zale for the Middleweight title.What a fight that would have been.Anyway most Pro Atheletes got soft jobs away from the combat.Barney Ross was one who did'nt.Barney voluntered for the Marines and won Medals for bravery in combat.I got no way to prove the story but i believe it is entirely possible that Conn and Charles could have sparred because i think they eventually ran into each other and knew one another if only by reputation.Who knows?
Never heard that before, does anyones know if any other boxers sparred with each other during the war? Charles via UD 15.
I actually think this is a very good fight for Charles, i like him via decision. Conn's slipperiness won't bother him like it did bigger slower heavyweights, Charles has some serious speed of his own at 175 and isn't afraid to play the chaser. Conn might be a bit tighter defensively but Charles has a better offense without doubt IMO.
I pretty much agree with JT. Charles was proabably too skilled overall for Conn, who wasn't a big light-heavy to start with. Charles before the Baroudi tragedy was also a banger. I'd say he stops the stubborn Conn around the 11th or so.
I rate Ezzard Charles as the best light heavy of all time. He was Archie Moore's nemesis and Marciano rated him as the toughest guy he ever fought. Billy had silky boxing skills and speed, but liked to mix it up which was his undoing against the Brown Bomber. Charles is the harder hitter. It could be a barn burner given the talent of these two men, but I'll take Charles in a hard fought decision.