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Old 03-01-2019, 12:17 AM   #1853
Rocco Del Sesto
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Watkinsville, Georgia
Posts: 2,025
a New Era for Heavyweight Boxing

So the later half of 1945 and going into 1946 saw the end of war and the boxing world were looking for a big rematch heavyweight fight between Louis and Conn. Bruce Woodcock was establishing himself over in England as Britain's new heavyweight champ having defeated Jack London for the British and Empire crowns, with Englanders hope of maybe seeing a chance for a fighter worthy of world heavyweight title consideration that they'd not had in awhile.

The NBA's April 9, 1946 rankings looking like thus before Louis/Conn duel would finally take place in June. We see one new face in the rankings, Phil Muscato.
Heavyweights
Joe Louis, Champion
Logical contenders
1. Billy Conn
Outstanding boxers
1. Tami Mauriello
2. Jersey Joe Walcott
3. Jimmy Bivins
4. Lee Oma
Honorable mentions
Melio Bettina
Elmer Ray
Bruce Woodcock
Joe Baksi
Phil Muscato
Johnny Flynn


The NBA rankings thought then get tossed around some in July with Louis' beating of Conn and Muscato takes in three defeats in June tossing him out of contention. Mauriello and Walcott being considered now the top two contenders for Louis. Tommy Gomez who handed Muscato one of those June defeats and moved himself into the honorables field. We'll take a look next then at Muscato and Gomez.

NBAs July 9, 1946 rankings
Heavyweights
Joe Louis, Champion
Outstanding boxers
1. Tami Mauriello
2. Jersey Joe Walcott
Honorable mentions
Elmer Ray
Lee Oma
Bruce Woodcock
Billy Conn
Jimmy Bivins
Tommy Gomez
Joe Baksi
Joey Maxim
Johnny Flynn
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