Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn: Boxing's Unforgettable Summer of 1941

By: Ed Gruver

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Synopsis: Sports fans had much to occupy themselves with during the memorable summer of &’41, including New York Yankees great Joe DiMaggio's record-setting consecutive games hit streak and Boston Red Sox star Ted Williams' dogged pursuit of batting .400. No sports story, however, loomed larger that summer than Joe Louis versus Billy Conn, the hard-hitting heavyweight champion, Detroit&’s "Brown Bomber," battling the stylish and cocky "Pittsburgh Kid.&” Considered one of the greatest matches in boxing history, the fight saw the underdog Conn well ahead on points until Louis knocked him out in the 13th round. Ed Gruver captures the high drama of that sultry night at the Polo Grounds, the brash confidence of the challenger from Pittsburgh, and the quiet dignity of the Black champion Louis, who personified &“the memory of every injustice practiced upon his people and the memory of every triumph.&”