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Billy Conn (D. 1993) is clearly one of the greatest light heavyweight champions in boxing history. But he will forever be remembered for his near-upset of heavyweight champion Joe Louis. When Conn fought Louis in 1941, Louis had dispatched every top heavyweight in the division.

Conn is clearly one of the greatest light heavyweight champions in boxing history. But he will forever be remembered for his near-upset of heavyweight champion Joe Louis. When Conn fought Louis in 1941, Louis had dispatched every top heavyweight in the division.

Conn employed speed and skill to gain an advantage over Louis. Winning easily, Conn increased his attack in the 13th round and that was ultimately his undoing. Louis knocked out the light heavyweight with two seconds left in the round. At the time, Conn led on the scorecards 7-5 and 7-4-1 in rounds. A third judge had it six rounds each.

Conn would lose the rematch to Louis. But between those fights he managed to beat future Hall of Famer Tony Zale. He retired in 1948. He was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Offered is a 7” x 5” telegram from the 1930’s signed by Billy Conn and two unknown people. Mounted to a scrapbook page.  Oddball piece!