Billy Conn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Billy Conn |
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | William David Conn |
| Nickname(s) | The Pittsburgh Kid |
| Rated at | Light Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 1+1/2 in |
| Reach | 72+1/2 in |
| Born | October 8, 1917 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | May 29, 1993 (aged 75) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 76 |
| Wins | 64 |
| Wins by KO | 15 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 1 |
William David Conn (born October 8, 1917 – died May 29, 1993) was a famous American boxer. He was known as "The Pittsburgh Kid." Billy Conn became the World Light Heavyweight Champion. He is most famous for his exciting fights against the legendary heavyweight champion, Joe Louis.
Conn had a professional boxing record of 63 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie. He won 14 of his fights by knockout. In 1990, he was honored by being added to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Starting His Boxing Journey
Billy Conn began his professional boxing career on July 20, 1934. He won his first fight against Johnny Lewis with a knockout in the third round.
Before fighting for a world title, Conn had an impressive record. He won 47 fights, lost 9, and had 1 tie. He also scored 7 knockouts. During this time, he beat several important boxers. These included Fritzie Zivic, Solly Krieger, and Fred Apostoli.
On July 13, 1939, Billy Conn achieved his dream. He won the world light heavyweight championship. He beat Melio Bettina in a 15-round decision in New York. Conn successfully defended his title multiple times. He beat Bettina again and won twice against Gus Lesnevich. He also defeated former middleweight champion Al McCoy.
The Big Fights with Joe Louis
In May 1941, Conn decided to give up his light heavyweight title. He wanted to challenge the World Heavyweight Champion, Joe Louis. Conn aimed to make history. He hoped to be the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title. He planned to do this without gaining extra weight.
Their first fight happened on June 18, 1941. It became a legendary boxing match. Conn was ahead on points as the fight went into the 13th round. Many experts and fans believed Conn was outsmarting Louis. But Conn made a decision he would later regret. He tried to knock out Louis in the 13th round. Instead, Louis knocked him out in that same round.
After the fight, Conn famously said, "I lost my head and a million bucks." When asked why he went for the knockout, he joked, "What's the use of being Irish if you can't be thick?" He also later shared a funny conversation with Louis. Conn told Louis, "Why didn't you just let me have the title for six months?" Louis replied, "I let you have it for twelve rounds, and you couldn't keep it."
In 1942, Conn beat Tony Zale. Soon after, both Conn and Louis joined the Army to serve in World War II. Conn was away from boxing until 1946.
The public eagerly wanted a rematch between Conn and Louis. This highly anticipated fight took place on June 19, 1946. It was for the World Heavyweight Championship. Before the fight, some thought Conn's speed might help him win. Louis famously said, "He can run, but he can't hide."
The rematch was held at Yankee Stadium. It was the first heavyweight championship fight ever shown on television. About 146,000 people watched it on TV, setting a new record. Many felt both boxers were not as sharp after their time in the military. Louis still won the fight by knockout in the eighth round. After this fight, Conn's main boxing career was mostly over. He fought two more times, winning both by knockout.
Life Outside the Ring
Billy Conn married Mary Louise Smith, who was also from Pittsburgh. Billy had a disagreement with Mary's father, Jimmy Smith. This disagreement unfortunately led to Billy injuring his hand. This injury caused a delay in his big fight with Joe Louis.
Conn also appeared in a movie in 1941 called The Pittsburgh Kid. Even in his later years, he remained brave. In 1990, at 73 years old, he stepped in during a robbery at a store in Pittsburgh. The robber had punched the store manager. Conn tried to stop the robber and ended up scuffling with him. "You always go with your best punch—straight left," Conn later told a TV station. The robber got away, but Conn managed to pull off his coat. The coat had his name and address, which helped the police easily arrest the robber. His wife said this brave act was typical of Billy.
Billy Conn was also a close friend of Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney. He often attended boxing events and appeared in documentaries. Billy Conn passed away in 1993 at the age of 75.
Conn was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York. His wife, Mary Louise Conn, passed away in April 2017 at 94 years old.
See also
- List of light heavyweight boxing champions
