The first round of the Heavyweight Tournament is here in Chicago. The Co-Main event starts with Germany's Max Schmeling taking on Pittsburgh's toughman Billy Conn. Billy finds some early success, using his defense & boldly attacking Max with fast combinations. Schmeling is feeling his man out & starts to effectivly counterpunch by the fourth round. Conn's attacks are becoming more infrequent as he is paying the price for attacking. The Schmeling counter right hands are taking a toll on Conn. The second half of the fight has Max in control and dropping Conn briefly in the ninth round. Max Schmeling .10 Decision. Billy Conn 96-93 Schmeling 97-94 Schmeling 96-94 Schmeling In the Final bout of the evening. South Africa's Gerrie Coetzee is Taking on the"Brockton Blockbuster" Rocky Marciano. Coetzee starts off well, using his jab & size advantage. Marciano digs inside & soon has Coetzee backing up. Gerrie is less evective while backing up & is unable to get proper leverage on his powerful punches. A strong body attack has Coetzee in bad shape by the sixth round. Coetzee tries to get punching room, but is unable to extend his arms for proper punching room. Marciano is on the inside with constant pressure. In the ninth a bad cut is opened up on Coetzee! Marciano then starts to land punch after punch & the referee is forced to stop the action. Rocky Marciano .9 TKO. Gerrie Coetzee
