The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-08-12
Stronger Pastor Picked to Beat Ambitious Conn
 Meets Match In Every Way
BY HARRY CRIMSON NEA Service Sports Editor


 New York, Aug. 1O--Bob Pastor will, in the opinion of this observer, pile up an early lead on slow-start- ing Billy Conn and win 15-round decision at the Polo Grounds, Aug. 13.
 Conn is the favorite at S-to-5.
 It is the most attractive match of the season will draw some- thing like 25,000 spectators, and the house, scaled from $1.15 to $11.50, should come close to crossing $100,- GOO.
 Mike Jacobs speaks of matching the winner with Joe Louis in Sep- ternber, but Conn will have to show something he has not revealed to date-a wallop-to be accepted se- riously as an opponent for the hea- vyweight champion.
 It would be difficult to sell Pas- tor as third time adversary of Louis. The former New York U. back ran from the Brown Bomber for 10 rounds in their initial en- gagement and was dropped six times in the first two heats and knocked out in the eleventh round of their second edition.
 Pastor is three years older than Conn, but at 26 is far from being a shopworn veteran. Both started pro- fessionally in 1885. Pastor had remarkable record as an amateur. Conn practically grew up in a Pittsburgh gymnasium.
 DIFFERENCE IN THEIR WEIGHT IS NEGLIGIBLE
 The difference in weight is neg ligible. Pastor will come in around 183 pounds, Conn at about 18O. Conn is an inch and a half taller, but the width of his shoulders gives Pastor a slightly longer reach.
 Conn is fine prospect, but should wait another year before tackling Louis-and perhaps Pastor. The heavyweight leader is the Irish type which natures late. He is still growing like a weed.
 Those who like Conn's chances point to his speed, boxing skill, im- proved punch, courage, stamina and fighting instinct.
 But Pastor happens to be the speediest heavyweight in the ring today hands and feet. He is every bit the equal of Conn in speed.
 Largely because Conn's flashy style catches the eye, he is known as a master boxer He actually looks good doing exactly nothing, yet the kid from the Smoky City is no more cagey than the man from the sidewalks of New York.
 With all his alleged extra power, Conn is certainly no harder hit ter than Pastor. Indeed, Betting Bob,s knockout record is far more impressive than that of the hand some Celt.
 CONN HAS NOTHING THAT PASTOR LACKS
 Both men have barrelsful of cour- age and vast store of stamina, but Pastor is the stronger. Pastor has given evidence of his ability to climb cut of the resin and to rally when hurt to bear down hard est when under pressure. He match es Conn n fighting instinct.
 While he won, Conn was no ball of fire against Fred Apostoli, Melio Bettina and Gus Lesnevich.
 Pastor has tackled the toughest men he could coax into the ring with him. He was given none the best of it when he obtained draws with Lou Nova and Maxie Rosen- bloom He won from Al Mccoy, Maurice Strickland and Roscoe Toles.
 Anything might have happened had he net been clipped so early in his second start against Louis last 
 Billy Conn at this writing has that Pastor lacks.
 I would say Bob Pastor is one of the best short end bets of the year.