JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: Giacobbe "Jake" LaMotta (July 10, 1922 – September 19, 2017) was an American professional boxer, former World Middleweight Champion, and stand-up comedian. Nicknamed "The Raging Bull", LaMotta was a rough fighter who was not a particularly big puncher, but he would subject his opponents to vicious beatings in the ring. With use of constant stalking, brawling and inside fighting, he developed the reputation for being a 'bully'; he was what is often referred to today as a swarmer and a slugger. Due to his style of fighting, LaMotta often got as much as he was giving in an era of great middleweights; with a thick skull and jaw muscles, LaMotta was able to absorb incredible amounts of punishment over the course of his career, and is thought to have one of the greatest chins in boxing history. LaMotta's six-fight rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson was one of the most notable in the sport, but LaMotta won only one of the bouts. Although each fight was close, LaMotta dropped Robinson to the canvas multiple times. LaMotta, who lived a turbulent life in and out of the ring, was portrayed by Robert De Niro in the 1980 film Raging Bull. He was managed by his brother Joey LaMotta.
Offered here is an original type 1 photograph depicting Jake LaMotta with his wife Vikki, entertainer Cab Calloway and family at the Pelham Heath Inn in the Bronx, New York on January 23, 1951. The occasion was to celebrate Vikki's 21st birthday and she is depicted cutting her cake. LaMotta was world middleweight champion at the time, three weeks away from his historic match with Sugar Ray Robinson.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a black & white, 8" x 10" photograph which was taken at the restaurant and then placed in a souvenir folder. The photo is clean and bold. Not creased, but does have a compression. The folder has minor corner wear and slight toning from age.
