Giacobbe “Jake” LaMotta (July 10, 1922 – September 19, 2017) was an American professional pugilist, world middleweight champion from 1949 to 1951, and one of the most resilient and fierce competitors in boxing history. Known as “the Bronx Bull” and “Raging Bull” for his relentless pursuing, hunting, and inside fighting technique, LaMotta was a classic brawler who endured immense punishment due to one of the toughest chins ever observed in the sport.
His renowned six-fight rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson is regarded as one of the finest in boxing lore, with LaMotta emerging victorious only once despite flooring Robinson multiple times. He was enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its first class in 1990 and placed 52nd on Ring Magazine’s compilation of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years.
Here is a brief summary of essential details concerning Jake LaMotta:
| Full Name | Giacobbe LaMotta |
| Nicknames | The Bronx Bull, Raging Bull |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 1922 |
| Date of Death | September 19, 2017 |
| Age at Death | 95 years old |
| Birthplace | Lower East Side, New York City, U.S. |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Reach | 73 inches (185 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Total Fights | 106 |
| Record | 83 victories (30 by KO), 19 defeats, 4 draws |
| World Titles | Middleweight (NYSAC, NBA, The Ring, 1949–1951) |
| Most Famous Rivalry | Six bouts vs. Sugar Ray Robinson (1–5 record) |
| Cultural Legacy | Subject of Raging Bull (1980 film) |
Jake LaMotta: Biography
Jake LaMotta was born Giacobbe LaMotta on July 10, 1922, in the Lower East Side of New York City to Italian immigrant parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Merluzzo) LaMotta. He experienced hardship growing up in the Bronx. His father compelled him into street fights as a child to amuse adults, gathering coins tossed into the ring to contribute toward rent. LaMotta spent time in a reformatory following an attempted burglary and learned to box during his stay. At 19, he turned professional in 1941, remaining undefeated in his initial 15 bouts as a middleweight.
LaMotta’s approach was brutal and unyielding; he pursued adversaries, fought on the inside, and withstood significant punishment due to his solid skull and robust jaw muscles. He earned a reputation as a “bully” and possessed one of the toughest chins in boxing history. His series of six bouts against Sugar Ray Robinson (1942–1951) is iconic: Robinson claimed victory in five, yet LaMotta managed to drop him in several encounters and triumphed in their February 5, 1943, match via decision. The sixth and concluding contest on February 14, 1951, saw Robinson capture the middleweight title through a 13th-round TKO.
LaMotta seized the world middleweight championship on June 16, 1949, halting Laurent Dauthuille in the 15th round after being behind on points. He defended the title twice, against Tiberio Mitri (1950) and Dauthuille again (1950), before conceding it to Robinson in 1951. He continued to compete until 1954, finishing with a record of 83 victories (30 by knockout), 19 defeats, and 4 draws.
Post-boxing, LaMotta endured a tumultuous life characterized by seven marriages, personal struggles, and confessions of past violence (including assaults on his wives and nearly killing a man during a robbery). Later, he transformed his life, became a motivational speaker, authored books, and appeared in films and television.
Update
As of January 2026, Jake LaMotta has been deceased for over eight years (passed away on September 19, 2017, at age 95). There have been no significant new posthumous releases, documentaries, or family announcements in 2025. His legacy remains vibrant through:
- Regular airings and streaming of Raging Bull (1980).
- Continued analysis of his bouts, particularly the Robinson series, in boxing documentaries and YouTube breakdowns.
- Ongoing admiration for his defensive toughness and middleweight title reign.
- No new publications, biopics, or merchandise lines were declared in late 2025–early 2026.
- The International Boxing Hall of Fame (where he was inducted in 1990) and Ring Magazine rankings keep his name prominent in discussions about boxing history.
Boxing Matches
Jake LaMotta participated in 106 professional bouts from 1941 to 1954. His most renowned rivalry was with Sugar Ray Robinson (six fights, 1942–1951):
- Feb 5, 1943: LaMotta achieved victory by unanimous decision.
- Oct 2, 1942: Robinson claimed victory by unanimous decision.
- Feb 23, 1945: Robinson won by unanimous decision.
- Sep 26, 1945: Robinson emerged victorious by unanimous decision.
- Feb 14, 1951: Robinson won by TKO in round 13 (LaMotta lost the middleweight title).
Additional distinguished fights:
- Jun 16, 1949: Secured middleweight title vs Laurent Dauthuille (KO 15).
- Nov 14, 1947: Lost to Billy Fox by RTD (retired) in round 4.
- Jul 12, 1950: Defended title vs Tiberio Mitri (UD 15).
- Sep 13, 1950: Defended title vs Dauthuille (KO 15).
- LaMotta’s style was characterized by constant pressure, inside fighting, and remarkable resilience; he was rarely knocked down and absorbed extensive punishment.
Stats
Jake LaMotta’s professional boxing record:
- Total fights: 106
- Victories: 83 (30 by knockout)
- Defeats: 19 (4 by knockout)
- Draws: 4
- No contests: 0
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Reach: 73 inches (185 cm)
- Stance: Orthodox
- Division: Middleweight (primarily)
- World titles: Middleweight (NYSAC, NBA, The Ring, 1949–1951)
He led the middleweight division in tenacity and was never knocked out throughout his career. His lone stoppage loss was a retirement against Billy Fox in 1947. LaMotta’s durability is famous; he absorbed thousands of punches from Sugar Ray Robinson and other elite competitors without being knocked down.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing on September 19, 2017, Jake LaMotta’s net worth was projected at $1–$2 million (USD). His income derived from:
- Boxing purses throughout his career (1941–1954), including title matches.
- Residuals and royalties from Raging Bull (1980 film).
- Public appearances, autograph signings, and speaking engagements in his later years.
- Book sales (his autobiography and related works).
LaMotta lived modestly in his final years, mainly in Florida. His wealth never reached contemporary fighter levels due to the lower earnings of the 1940s–1950s era. No significant estate disputes or financial matters were publicly disclosed after his demise. His estate likely garnered modest ongoing income from the film and memorabilia.
