RIP Jake LaMotta

Former World Middleweight Champion, Jake LaMotta, died on Tuesday, September 19th in a nursing home from complications from pneumonia. The Italian American fighter who was portrayed by Robert De Niro in the 1980 film, Raging Bull, was 95-years-old. The Bronx Bull fought professionally from 1941 to 1954, and compiled an impressive record of 83 wins, 19 losses, and four draws. He fought some of the top boxers of his day including Sugar Ray Robinson, Billy Fox, and Marcel Cerdan. He captured the World Middleweight Title on June 16, 1949 with a victory over the Frenchman, Cerdan, in Detroit. In 1950, LaMotta successfully defended his title against Tiberio Mitri and Laurent Dauthuille. LaMotta fought his final bout on April 14, 1954 against Billy Kilgore.

Following his retirement from boxing, LaMotta worked in the bar industry, wrote books, acted, and did stand-up comedy. He was inducted into a number of halls of fame, including the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Despite having a few run-ins with the law throughout his life, LaMotta was loved and respected by the boxing world for his intense fighting style. In his later years, LaMotta was often seen attending autograph signings and meet and greets with fans. I had the honor to meet LaMotta in the spring of 2014 at an autograph signing in White Plains, NY.

RIP Jake LaMotta.

Jake LaMotta's BoxRec Page

Jake LaMotta's International Boxing Hall of Fame Page

(Matt Ward and Jake LaMotta in 2014)

(Friend of The Weigh-In, Steve G. and Jake LaMotta in 2003)

MW