17 Facts About Billy Conn

William David Conn was an Irish American professional boxer and Light Heavyweight Champion famed for his fights with Joe Louis.

Billy Conn had a professional boxing record of 63 wins, 11 losses and 1 draw, with 14 wins by knockout.

Billy Conn debuted as a professional boxer winning on July 20,1934, against Johnny Lewis, via a knockout in round three.

Billy Conn built a record of 47 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw, with 7 knockouts, before challenging for the world Light Heavyweight title.

Billy Conn defended his title against Bettina and twice against another World Light Heavyweight Champion, Gus Lesnevich, winning each in 15-round decisions.

Billy Conn beat former World Middleweight Champion Al McCoy and heavyweights Bob Pastor, Lee Savold, Gunnar Barlund and Buddy Knox in non-title bouts during his run as World Light Heavyweight Champion.

In May 1941, Billy Conn gave up his World Light Heavyweight title to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis.

In 1942, Billy Conn beat Tony Zale and had an exhibition with Louis.

Billy Conn went to war and was away from the ring until 1946.

Billy Conn's career was basically over after this fight, but he still fought two more fights, winning both by knockout in round nine.

Billy Conn did not get along with Mary's father, former major league baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds, Jimmy "Greenfield Jimmie" Smith.

Billy Conn appeared in a 1941 movie called The Pittsburgh Kid.

Billy Conn maintained his boxing skills into his later years, and at 73 year old stepped into the middle of a robbery at a Pittsburgh convenience store in 1990 after the robber punched the store manager.

Billy Conn took a swing at the robber and ended up on the floor of the store, scuffling with him.

Billy Conn's wife said jumping into the fray was typical of her husband.

Billy Conn was a great friend of Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney.

Billy Conn was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.