Comments | robertanasi: Irish Philosophy

robertanasi

Irish Philosophy

May 19, 2008 22:52

I just a got bunch of boxing books to review, including a bio called SWEET WILLIAM, the Life of Billy Conn. Conn was a light-heavyweight who was easily beating Joe Louis for the heavyweight championship. He was so far ahead on points, all he had to do was stay away from him for the last three rounds. Instead he tried to knock Louis out. Louis ( Read more... )

Comments 4

Sounds like a good read steveboxer May 20 2008, 22:35:56 UTC

That was an amazing fight for Conn; he showed off some textbook boxing skills. I remember his jab being incredibly fast. And what a comeback for Joe Louis! I need to watch this one again. Soon.

I'm not a Billy Conn expert, but I really don't think he had it in him to just coast to the win.

Re: Sounds like a good read robertanasi May 21 2008, 05:56:39 UTC

I actually haven't seen the fight. Would love to though. I think Conn honored the spirit of boxing. In the good old days, fights would go on until one guy couldn't get up.

Re: Sounds like a good read schweitzer_man May 22 2008, 05:04:54 UTC

Just hearing that all Conn had to do was stay away sort of reminds me of the De la Hoya/Trinidad fight. He was criticized for giving the fight away to Trinidad even though he had outboxed and outlanded Tito. I wonder what would have happened if he decided to keep fighting? Would he have continued his domination or would Felix be able to land that one good shot and turn the Golden Boy into the Golden Conn?

Re: Sounds like a good read robertanasi May 26 2008, 23:29:42 UTC

The difference is that all Conn had to do was keep doing what he was doing, what Pierce Egan called, 'Milling in retreat.' He had Louis baffled and tired and then went for the KO. Oscar, on the other hand, just ran. He didn't even throw punches. I still thought he won the fight but it was an ugly display.