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5 unusual facts about Melio Bettina


Boxing in the 1930s

July 13- Billy Conn defeats Melio Bettina by decision in fifteen rounds to win the vacant world Light-Heavyweight title, in Pittsburgh.

Melio Bettina

Bettina won the title on February 3, 1939, when he scored a 9th round TKO over favorite Tiger Jack Fox at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Other highlights in 1940 included a loss to Al McCoy, and wins over Solly Krieger and Gunnar Barlund.

Red Burman

He later beat Al Hart (16-6 coming in) by second round knockout, but lost to world Light-Heavyweight champions Melio Bettina and Joey Maxim, both by ten round decisions.

Tiger Jack Fox

Fox was defeated by Melio Bettina in his only crack at the light heavyweight championship, NYSAC version.


Jimmy Bivins

Bivins won his first four fights of 1941, including contests with Teddy Yarosz and Curtis Sheppard, but lost three of his other four contests that year, which included a points loss to Melio Bettina.


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