This is a story about New York’s sports life and one of the most famous and mysterious boxers of all time, Jake LaMotta. He wasn’t just a fighter in the ring but in life as well. Jake distinguished himself by his tenacity, rough fighting style, and of course, his nickname, “Raging Bull”. Find out more at i-new-york.
What was the boxer’s childhood like?
The future boxer was born in New York in 1922. His childhood years were filled with troubles and low moments. LaMotta grew up in a typical working-class family that, like many others in the first half of the 20th century, experienced economic woes. During the Great Depression, the family endured them especially strongly.
His father tried to find a steady job but had no luck. This financial instability affected young LaMotta. Unable to find work himself, LaMotta’s father began forcing his son to fight other boys. This is how he entertained all the neighbors. But, soon, the fights began to bring in money as people started throwing pocket change into the ring. LaMotta’s father collected all the money to pay for the housing rent.
Accordingly, we can assume that the childhood of LaMotta was extremely challenging and full of violence and cruelty. After being treated so badly by his father, it is no surprise that he chose the path of a robber. However, for one of his attempted robberies, he was sent to a correctional facility in upstate New York. It was there that he learned how to box and began his journey as a boxer from amateur fights. LaMotta became a professional at a fairly young age, at 19 years old.
Sports career
LaMotta quickly established himself as a skilled boxer. He made a name for himself in the world of boxing thanks to his aggressive fighting style and unshakeable will. In his bouts, he demonstrated relentless pressure on his opponents, as well as brutal blows. All these features enabled Jake to quickly climb the middleweight athletic ladder.
One of the defining moments in LaMotta’s boxing career happened in 1942 when he met legendary American boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. LaMotta knocked Robinson out in the first round, but the latter was able to get up and regain control for the rest of the fight. In 1943, LaMotta and Robinson had a rematch, which ended with the victory of LaMotta. The same year, another fight was held between the boxers. This time, Robinson won it. It was a long fight between two legends of American boxing of the early 20th century. Neither of them could accept defeat. Later, in 1945, two more bouts were held between LaMotta and Robinson, bringing Sugar Ray another victory.
Due to these fights, LaMotta went through a real combating path, which helped him reach new heights. In 1947, Jake defeated Billy Fox. In 1949, LaMotta won the World Middleweight Championship title by beating Marcel Cerdan, a boxer from France.
Lamotta and Robinson’s next meeting took place in the ring in 1951. This day was also known as the boxing version of the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. The fight had to be stopped because it was so savage and bloody. Robinson won again.
Thorny destiny of Lamotta
The boxer had a rather troubled childhood and a challenging road to boxing fame, which took a toll on his personal life. Although LaMotta achieved success in sports, he did not do well in other things. He was repeatedly placed in New York reform facilities and struggled with relationships with women. He physically abused his wives and confessed to raping one woman. Moreover, in a robbery, he nearly beat a man to death. He was cruel and merciless not only in the ring.
LaMotta lived quite a hard life. He died in 2017 at the age of 95.
The cause of death was complications from pneumonia. LaMotta died alone in a nursing home in Florida.
The memory of the New York boxer
LaMotta led a highly tumultuous life in and out of the ring. That is why many people had mixed feelings about him. Nevertheless, he is considered one of New York’s legendary boxers and a prominent athlete in America. He ranked 52nd on Ring Magazine’s list of “80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years”. He was also included in the list of the ten greatest middleweights of all time. The New York boxer was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
LaMotta’s life story was so unique that Martin Scorsese adapted it into the 1980 film “Raging Bull, “ which was nominated for eight Oscars.
Also, shortly before his passing in 2012, LaMotta appeared in the New York production of “Lady and the Champ.” The entire performance was exclusively about LaMotta’s boxing career. But it was criticized by The New York Times. According to the global publisher, the performance was not that good.
In addition, LaMotta is also featured in a documentary film directed by Greg Oliver.
The life of Jake LaMotta is the story of a person who constantly overcame difficulties, both in the boxing ring and outside of it. LaMotta, “Raging Bull,” will always be regarded as a true sports icon and a symbol of perseverance and determination.