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

Sports journalist Gruver (The Ice Bowl) provides a literal blow-by-blow account of the 1941 heavyweight bout between Louis, the reigning and seemingly invincible champion, and Conn, who came close to unseating his opponent. Gruver takes his time before taking readers ringside on June 18, 1941, at New York’s Polo Grounds, providing biographies of Louis, whose skill made him a Black national hero, and Conn, the “brash ‘Pittsburgh Kid’ ” who gave up his light heavyweight crown for a shot at the legendary “Brown Bomber.” The bulk of the book recreates the fight in extreme detail (“The grinning challenger tagged the grim champion with a left to the stomach and a right to the ear”). Conn was leading on points at the end of the 12th round, but his decision to try for a knockout ended with Louis knocking him out instead. A foreword by Conn’s son, Tim, reflects on the impact of his father’s defeat upon his family (his dad takes a no regrets attitude, but does encourage his sons to pursue education over fist fights). Though he granular attention paid to the action in the ring can overwhelm, Gruver succeeds in bringing to life the contest’s charged atmosphere. This is a real-life Rocky story, but without a Hollywood ending. (June)