On this day: Billy Conn conquered the light heavyweight championship

Billy Conn vs. Melio Bettina

July 13^th, 1939

“Adonis of Pittsburgh” Billy Conn conquered the light heavyweight championship after defeating Melio Bettina by unanimous decision over 15 rounds. The battle took place at the Forbes Field of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Red Robinson was the Ref.  Conn would twice contest the heavyweight championship being defeated by Joe “Brown Bomber” Louis.  On the first thrilling occasion, Billy was within a veritable ace of victory, but stubbornly and expressly against the sage advice of his corner, he unwisely elected to slug it out against a dynamite puncher!  Billy Conn concluded his career as a Referee.