Before there was Leonard vs. Hagler or Tyson vs. Holyfield, or even the racially-fueled, record-breaking boxing match between MMA star Conor McGregor and undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. the supreme rivalry in boxing was Jake LaMotta against African-American hero Sugar Ray Robinson, which led to a six-fight series, of which LaMotta proved his toughness and took hella beatings but won only one.
LaMotta is dead at age 95.
New York Post on Twitter
Jake LaMotta, the boxing great who was portrayed by Robert DeNiro in “Raging Bull,” is dead at 95 https://t.co/htDsIZMC7T
A family member told TMZ that Jake’s condition deteriorated in the last few weeks. He was put on a feeding tube, which he kept pulling out. His condition worsened considerably in the last few days and a decision was made to withdraw the tube.
Beyond boxing, LaMottas unique place in boxing history was secured when his 1970 memoirs titled Raging Bull: My Story, inspired Martin Scorseses 1980 cult classic film Raging Bull.
LaMotta won the world middleweight title in 1949, defeating Marcel Cerdan and earned the moniker, The Raging Bull for his rough, relentless and aggressive fighting style.
A young and rising Robert De Niro played LaMotta in the film, and won an Academy Award for his groundbreaking role. Scorseses movie also won an Oscar for editing, and was nominated for six other awards, including best picture and best director.
Raging Bull (4/12) Movie CLIP – Jake Defeats Sugar Ray (1980) HD
Raging Bull movie clips: http://j.mp/1EJs3EY BUY THE MOVIE: http://j.mp/1Ctwret Don’t miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTION: Jake (Robert De Niro) defeats the undefeated Sugar Ray Robinson (Johnny Barnes).
LaMottas daughter, Christi, confirmed the news in a Facebook post. Rest in peace pop, she captioned a photo of her late father. LaMottas wife told TMZ the late boxer died in a nursing home due to complications from pneumonia.
LaMotta came up in the Bronx in the early 20s at a time when Italian immigrants were struggling to make a life for themselves in America. Crime and poverty was rampant and opportunity was scarce. LaMotta had a knack for hand-to hand combat and became a professional boxer at 19. He fought as a middleweight throughout most of his career.
LaMotta had a dazzling and well-earned record of 83-19 in 106 pro fights — a career that began in 1941, after he was rejected from serving in the military due to a medical issue. After retiring from the ring, LaMottas vibrant personality led him to a career in entertainment as a comedian, actor, and bar manager.
Jake Lamotta – Wise Words
A Must Watch. Jake ‘ the ragging bull ‘ Lamotta answers some really important questions. A must watch for all boxers and boxing fans.
Jake’s wife tells TMZ, “I just want people to know, he was a great, sweet, sensitive, strong, compelling man with a great sense of humor, with eyes that danced.”
Another American sports legend and mythical figure retiring to the pearly gates and leaving an impact and life story that wont soon be forgotten.
