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Billy Conn (1917 – 1993)

Nickname: “The Pittsburgh Kid”
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Weight Class: Light Heavyweight / Heavyweight
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Record: 63 – 11 – 1 (14 KOs)
Years Active: 1934 – 1948

Biography
Billy Conn captured the Light Heavyweight Title in 1939 and became immortalized for his 1941 fight with Joe Louis, in which he nearly dethroned the heavyweight king through sheer speed and skill. His courage and charisma made him one of the 1940s’ most admired fighters.

In the Hobby
Conn’s rookie marks the post-war Leaf era, when American boxing cards returned to color.

Rookie & Early Issues
1948 Leaf Boxing (USA): true rookie card.
1951 Topps Ringside (USA): first mainstream follow-up.

Registry Metadata
Earliest Issue: 1948 Leaf Boxing
Rookie Year: 1948
Recent Notable Sales: 1948 Leaf (PSA 8) — $2,300 (2024)

Legacy
Billy Conn’s daring performance against Louis epitomized boxing courage. His 1948 Leaf rookie remains a centerpiece for Golden Age collectors.

Boxer Details

Boxer Cards

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