The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-09-21
(Reg. U. s. Pat. Of. By JACK CUDDY

United Press Stan COrreSpOndent)
 Rumson, N. J., Sept. 2l-CUP1- My quick hunch' on Private Billy Conn is this: He is either punchy or he knows something.
 Conn says, I'm positive this tune I'll lick Louis"
 When Pittsburgh Billy was train ing for his first fight with Bomber Joe last year, he never went fur- ther than saying, I'm confident I'll lick him." Now he says, I'm positive"
 And that same confidence perme- ates the entire Conn camp here at the old estate of Mike Jacobs, where Manager Johnny Ray grabs one by the shoulders and whispers. Don't suggest any foreign site-like North ern Ireland-where Billy may de- fend the title. Let Uncle Sam do the picking. That'll be bad enough" !"
 Counting Chickens
 We have visited the camps of a multitude of challengers but never have we invaded the menage of contender who already had meas ured himself for the crown-as has Conn, and his entourage. Pittsburgh Billy has just completed the first stage of his training for the big fight at Yankee stadium October 12 but already he is mapping his plans for carrying the title.
 Conn's surprising positiveness i; based partially upon his unexpected sharpness after his first week o1 training plus his unexpected weight of f87 pounds. He expected to meit of about 10 pounds in the first week but istead he took of only one anc a half pounds.
 He says, Maybe my months ir the Army hardened me-gave mt meat instead of fat. Or maybe, be- cuase I'm 24 years old now, I'm soldier and a man instead of Boy Scout. But I've got what it take! to be heavyweight. I'll come 1T against Louis at about 180 or more And don't forget, I almost licked him the last time when I weighed only TIA"
 Conn and Trainer Freddie Fierrt make much of this weight, becaust they recall that Challenger Bill! slowed Louis down to walk in th' 18th round of their last battle.
 Fierro says, Conn set such blistering pace that Louis wa practically out on his feet in tn i l2th from sheer fatigue. Billy hat the title won. All he had to do wa to keep stepping around Louis t' take the title. But he tried to knocl him out and got hit on the chin il the 18th. He won't do that thi time"
 l Fierro emphasizes that Conn i bigger, stronger and just as fast which will enable him to set faste pase during the early sessions fo the "over-stuffde sergeant" iron Ft. Riley, Kansas.
 Fierro says, Louis may be on tn floor in the finad round, but it won be because Conn has knocked hin out. It will be because Louis completely fiabbergasted from tn pace and the body beating he get in the early sessions. Billy will talk no chances after the 10th thi time"
 BOFos to Box
 Tn preparation for this conflict Conn has been working the pcs light spar-mates: Johnny Cregar week against three comparativel Dayton Wilson and Regis O'Tools But today begins the second stag of his training. in which Billy cal belt heavier men without fear c hurting them. Mickey McAvoy. rugged 220-pounder. Joins the cam today and tomorrow marks th entry of Al Boros and Martin Clarl
 Conn. who hasn't had ring igh since last February. when hel icke mIddIeweieht champion Tony zall says, Bring on the big guys, I fe. 60 big and strong myself that there liable 10 be a knockout every day- With me on my feet"