Footage of a primed Billy Conn fighting at LHW!

A whole lotta clinching going on. That last round definitely belonged to Bettina, though I did think Conn's jab and clean shots were doing the better work earlier. Not the most active offense, but solid ring generalship. He circled to the left for the most part, usually behind an over the top counter-jab. I don't get the criticism there, outside of the fact that he'd occasionally walk into the southpaw right when trapped against the ropes, as shown early on. Not bad, though not terribly conclusive either way with that footage.

 

You can see why he's difficult to beat. Quick, conservative (don't think I saw him throw a power punch until that right hand at 2:15), constantly pumping the jab looking to establish his range, bouncy footwork and he's clever (turns his man well at 1:40). Doesn't look the strongest though, got walked down often. Thanks for posting.

 

Conn is easily one of the greatest light-heavies ever and one of my favourite fighters. Thanks alot for the link mcgrain.

 

I really like Billy's left jab. A lot. Especially as how he sticks it while off-balance. Or maybe off-balance is the wrong term, as his toes may as well be tank treads. We'll say, without his feet set.

The surprise uppercut that he turns in from the blind spot, that's something else too. Like spoonfeeding a baby - "Here comes the airplane, whoooom" before you have time to think or react...you just gotta swallow it. Mmm-mmm, nice mushy pain. Even to this day, most boxers telegraph the punch far worse than that.

Bettina's a hungry little mutt, if outskilled...and his right hook to the body looks like a real organ rupturer. His crouching antics didn't seem to throw Billy off his rhythm at all, so trainers must have still been training to defend against this style at this point even though it had more or less become outmoded.

 

Many thanks Mac :good

 

McGrain dont judge Billy Conn by this clip of his firstfight with Melio Bettina..Bettina who I later saw draw with the great Jimmy Bivins in MSG,would make anyone look unimpressive...Such was the very strong, tough and awkward Melio Bettina..
In 1939 this was Billy Cawns first venture in the lightheavyweight division.
Cawn is how they pronounced Billy's name in Pittsburgh those days.b.b.