Billy Conn
Billy Conn, better known as “The Pittsburgh Kid,” was a former undisputed light heavyweight champion. But his most notable fights, without a doubt, came when he challenged Joe Louis for the heavyweight title.
Both Conn and Louis lost a great deal of their prime when they were called up to serve in World War II. Their first fight took place in 1941, before they entered the military, with Conn relinquishing his light heavyweight crown to face Louis.
Incredibly, Conn did not attempt to put on weight and fought the bigger Louis from the light heavyweight limit. After 13 rounds, Conn had a lead on two of three scorecards, when Louis came from behind and stopped him with two beautiful right hands. The two would meet again after the war, with Louis winning more decisively.