Today in Boxing History: Billy Conn vs. Fritzie Zivic

On this day in 1936, two future hall-of-famers faced each other in their hometown, as Billy Conn won a 10-round split decision over Fritzie Zivic at Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Gardens.

Conn had turned professional in 1934 and his maturation as a fighter had experienced several highs and lows. After his first 15 bouts, his record stood at 8-7. However, the knowledge he gained from those seven losses helped mold him into the all-time great that he became. When he faced Zivic, his record was 29-7.

Zivic had turned professional in 1931 and was ranked in the top ten in the welterweight division by the time he faced Conn. The bout was a chance for Conn to prove he belonged with the top contenders of his day and, of course, for hometown bragging rights.

To win, Conn would have to get nasty, for Zivic was one of the dirtiest fighters of his era. Zivic, wasted no time, putting the laces of his glove in his opponent’s face in round one. In the second, Conn responded by nailing Zivic in the groin. From then on, the fight stayed clean, and Conn managed to rally in the later rounds to eke out a split decision.

Both fighters would go on to become world champions. Conn won the light heavyweight title via a 15-round decision over Melio Bettina in 1939, and Zivic took home the welterweight belt in 1940 with a 15-round decision over Henry Armstrong.