Jake LaMotta American Professional Boxer

Jake LaMotta (born July 10, 1922 – died September 19, 2017) was an American professional boxer and former world middleweight champion, nicknamed “The Bronx Bull” and “Raging Bull.”

Born Giacobbe LaMotta in The Bronx, New York City, LaMotta became known for his aggressive style, iron chin, and relentless pressure in the ring. He turned professional in 1941 and quickly earned a reputation as one of boxing's toughest fighters.

LaMotta won the world middleweight title in 1949 by defeating Marcel Cerdan and successfully defended it multiple times. His famous six-fight rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of the greatest in boxing history.

Outside the ring, LaMotta’s turbulent personal life and career inspired the 1980 Martin Scorsese film Raging Bull, in which Robert De Niro portrayed him.

Jake LaMotta

Date of Birth: July 10, 1922

Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York, U.S.

Nationality: American

Known for: World Middleweight Championship, Rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson, Inspiration for Raging Bull

Professional Boxing Career and Achievements

Year Fight / Event Category Notes
Early Professional Years (1941–1942)
1941 Professional debut (multiple early wins) Middleweight Built reputation for toughness and aggressive pressure style.
1942 Series of victories vs. local contenders Middleweight Established himself as a rising force in New York boxing.
Rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson (1942–1951)
Oct 2, 1942 LaMotta vs. Sugar Ray Robinson Middleweight Bout Lost by UD — Robinson’s first win in their six-fight rivalry.
Feb 5, 1943 LaMotta vs. Sugar Ray Robinson Middleweight Bout LaMotta won by UD — handed Robinson his first professional defeat.
Feb 26, 1943 LaMotta vs. Sugar Ray Robinson Middleweight Bout Lost close decision; three fights within one month.
1945 4th & 5th fights with Robinson Middleweight Bouts Both losses on points — rivalry became legendary for endurance and violence.
Feb 14, 1951 “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” — LaMotta vs. Robinson VI World Middleweight Championship LaMotta refused to go down despite severe punishment; TKO loss in 13th round. One of boxing’s most famous bouts.
World Middleweight Champion (1949–1951)
Jun 16, 1949 LaMotta vs. Marcel Cerdan World Middleweight Title Won world title (TKO after Cerdan injury). Major career peak.
1950 LaMotta vs. Tiberio Mitri Title defense Won by unanimous decision.
Sep 13, 1950 LaMotta vs. Laurent Dauthuille Title defense Famous comeback KO in the 15th round.
Late Career & Retirement (1952–1954)
1952–1954 Final professional fights Middleweight Retired with record 83–19–4; renowned for durability and pressure.

Fighting Style & Legacy

  • Known as “The Bronx Bull” for his relentless forward pressure, granite chin and unmatched ability to absorb punishment.
  • His six-fight rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson is considered one of boxing’s greatest, defining middleweight history.
  • Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF); subject of Martin Scorsese’s legendary film Raging Bull (1980).

LaMotta’s boxing style was defined by his toughness, stamina, and refusal to back down. He fought many of the best fighters of his era and is remembered for his resilience and determination in the ring.

Life After Boxing

After retiring in 1954, LaMotta pursued careers in acting, stand-up comedy, and writing. His autobiography served as the basis for Raging Bull, which earned critical acclaim and won multiple Academy Awards.

Legacy

Jake LaMotta remains a legendary figure in boxing history, celebrated for his fierce competitiveness and cultural impact both inside and outside the ring.

References

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