The 1980 film “Raging Bull,” based on LaMotta’s memoir written 10 years earlier, was nominated for eight Academy Awards. He also made personal appearances and for a while in the 1970s he was a host at a topless nightclub in New York. After retiring from boxing in 1954, he owned a nightclub for a time in Miami, then dabbled in show business and commercials. LaMotta was born July 10, 1921, on New York City’s Lower East Side but was raised in the Bronx. 5, 1943, in New York, LaMotta won a 10-round decision, giving Robinson his first defeat in the 41st fight of his illustrious career. Valentine’s Day Massacre, LaMotta gave as good as he got in the early rounds, then took tremendous punishment. 14, 1951, when Robinson stopped him in the 13th round in Chicago. 13, he rallied to knock out Dauthuille at Detroit.

So in his first defense, LaMotta outpointed Tiberio Mitri on July 12, 1950, in New York, then on Sept. LaMotta’s first defense was supposed to be a rematch with Cerdan, but the Frenchman was killed when a plane en route to the United States crashed in the Azores in 1949.

Renowned for his strong chin, and the punishment he could take, and dish out, LaMotta was knocked down only once - in a 1952 loss to light-heavyweight Danny Nardico - in his 106 fights. So you could make excuses out of anything, you know, but you got to keep on going if you’re a champ or you’re a contender.” Of the claim that Cerdan had to quit because of a shoulder injury, LaMotta said in 1970: “Something’s bound to happen to you in a tough fight, cut eye, broken nose or broken hand or something like that.

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