Max Schmeling vs. Billy Conn

I also wouldn't trust the judges, as it would go the distance.

 

In spite of Conn's first fight with Louis, I put Max at a higher quality level at Heavyweight. IMO, Max wins this one comfortably by Unanimous Decision or Late Stoppage.

 

Prime for prime, or realistic timeframe?

 

What a great fight.

Billy Conn - Pure talent and ability on the level with Roy Jones and Ali Vs

Max Schmeling - one of the most intelligent and well rounded boxers of all time -with a lethal right hand.

It all comes down to if Max ( I see something ) that he can exploit. Conn would dance and out flurry for a points lead early , but would get tagged more and more often by Max's right hand. Schemling was very fast with it, and accurate. He would take 3 punches combos and then unleash it as a counter.

The problem is Max is not the best on his feet, and Billy can choose to engage when he wants to. He builds a lead as the rounds go on, but is backpedaling more and more to keep away from the ever closer Schmeling. By the 13, he respects Max so much he is starts to avoid him. Unlike with Joe Louis, whom he felt he could trade with, he would know that Max was a different beast and that Max is now timing him.

Max starts to figure Conn out, and through the later rounds starts landing 2 punches for every 3 Conn is throwing . Conn is getting cornered more often and fatigue is setting in. Max connects hard in the 14th , and Conn goes down. He gets up but is floored twice more in the 15th round. but survives to the end.

Despite Conn leading on all cards , the two knowckdows in the 15th swing the fight to Schmelling for a slim UD. FOTY