LaMotta vs. Robinson I - VI LaMotta's six fight rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson is one of the most notable in the sport, with LaMotta winning just one of the bouts, although each one was close and LaMotta dropped Robinson multiple times. Sept. 12, 1951: Sugar Ray Robinson TKO 10 Randy Turpin. He stands, but he doesnt delivernot yet. Although fixing the fight was obviously wrong, by coming forward, risking his life, and telling the truth, LaMotta saved the sport of boxing as we know it. Cerdan's first defense of the belt, would be against Jake LaMotta.Although the footage above doesn't clearly show it, both fighters were injured at various points during the bout vastly affecting their performance. The bout was even after three rounds, but Cerdan had separated his. He was a better boxer than Graziano, and Tony went life and death with Rocky in three fights. Fights broke out around the ring and the crowd continued to boo for 20 minutes. Marcel Cerdan, French boxing legend, KO'd the supposedly unbeatable Tony Zale in 1948 to win the middleweight title, but a dislocated shoulder forced him to surrender it to Jake LaMotta in 1949. LaMotta defeated Cerdan of France to win the middleweight title in Detroit. Jake LaMotta : biography LaMotta vs. Fox. [21] LaMotta won the first round (in which he knocked Cerdan down), Cerdan the second, and the third was even. When they squared-off most expected a one-round bout. He retired in 1956 with 50 wins, 13 losses and four draws and died in 2010. LaMotta won the world title on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, defeating Frenchman Marcel Cerdan. It was widely reported that LaMotta threw Cerdan to the canvas. Many anticipated a crushing Hagler win, but instead the two veterans provided a highly competitive 12 round waltz and, in a huge upset, two of the three judges scored Leonard the winner. It went on to be nominated for eight Academy Awards, with Robert De Niro winning Best Actor for his portrayal of LaMotta. Robinson had trouble keeping LaMotta at bay. Round-by-Round coverage: How Tommy Fury vs. Jake Paul played out, Inside the creation of Jake Paul's 'Stardust Warriors' trunks, Women's boxing divisional rankings: Thorslund, Fundora solidify spots after dominant performances, Divisional rankings: Matias, Jack make big moves after impressive wins. LaMotta vs. Cerdan. A sell-out crowd at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and millions on closed-circuit television, witnessed one of the most thrilling brawls in boxing history with both warriors stunned in a hellacious opening round, perhaps the greatest since Dempsey vs Firpo, before a cut Hagler rallied to batter The Motor City Cobra into helplessness in round three. The fight was postponed one day because of rain. Four bouts and six weeks later, Cerdan beat his first world-ranked opponent, Saverio Turiello, in a . Women's boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Did Baumgardner do enough to overtake Serrano? During World War II, he was rejected for military service due to a childhood mastoid operation on one of his ears which affected his hearing.[5][11]. His injury aside (and he always had a ready excuse when he lost or looked bad and LaMotta injured his hand early in the fight as well) I dont see it happening. He doesnt care about the pain. Jake LaMotta, portrayed by Robert De Niro in the 1980 biographical film Raging Bull, was a punishing fighter specializing in close-in combat and body blows rather than knockouts.He compiled an 83-19-4 record from 1951 to 1954 with 30 knockouts and was never sent to the canvas until his 103 rd fight.. LaMottas 89 th fight was his first title shot and he won the Tottering, he falls on his face. Hes getting tired, thinks LaMotta, he peaked too soon. LaMotta won the World Middleweight title on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, defeating Frenchman Marcel Cerdan. The movie captured LaMotta's life, which was just as turbulent outside as inside the ring. And a name Sugar Ray Robinson. Some fifty thousand were on-hand to witness what was, by all reports, a truly great fight, the match becoming more intense and fast-paced as the rounds went by. The film, Raging Bull, released in 1980, was initially only a minor box office success, but eventually received overwhelming critical acclaim for both director Martin Scorsese and actor Robert De Niro, who gained about 60 pounds during the shooting of the film to play the older LaMotta in later scenes. Former world middleweight champion LaMotta, 31, looked as finished as the outgoing year as he was beaten by eighth round technical knockout at the Coliseum, Coral Gables, in Florida, with Nardico ahead 69-62 on the three scorecards when LaMotta's corner waved the fight off. LaMotta was awarded a win by TKO and the Middleweight Championship of the World. LaMotta won the World Middleweight title on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, defeating Frenchman Marcel Cerdan. He had the uncanny ability to absorb a tremendous amount of punishment and was known to use this to his advantage by playing possum, acting hurt of tired, before pouncing and unleashing a barrage of devastating blows. Fox was known for his speed and delivering rapid blows, but he was no match for the slugger LaMotta. The fight in effect ended in the first round, when LaMotta wrestled Cerdan to the canvas and damaged the Frenchman's shoulder. The referee looks at his eyes. The realization dawns a split second too late, as the Bronx Bull unloads lefts and rights at the taken-by-surprise Frenchman. The fight with Fox would come back to haunt him later in life, during a case with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cerdan underestimated and misjudged the champ. Raging Bull: My Story is a 1970 second edition of LaMotta's memoir. He covers up, and Cerdan pounds him like a rug. As the result of a shove more than a blow, the champ and his challenger tumbled to the mat. He successfully defended the France Middleweight title twice before moving on to capture the vacant European Middleweight title in 1947. I agree Cerdan was a natural WW for most of his career. [22] The official score had LaMotta as winner by a knockout in 10 rounds because the bell had already rung to begin that round when Cerdan announced he was quitting. Nicknamed "The Bronx Bull" or "Raging Bull", LaMotta was a rough fighter who was not a particularly big puncher, but would subject his opponents to vicious beatings in the ring. After the Zale fight Marcel returned to Europe where he had a couple of non title fights stopping Dick Turpin and Lucien Krawczyk. Cerdan dislocated his arm in the first round, apparently damaged in the knockdown, and gave up before the start of the 10th round. French boxer Marcel Cerdan and Jake LaMotta. Fixed! As for who got the $20,000, LaMotta said he didn't know, that he paid it through brother Joey." Associated Press - June 15, 1960 Fighting Lopez creates a better opportunity for Taylor, but can he beat him? The triumph of Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors in Creed III, IBA prez: Russia, Belarus boxers should compete, Benn: WBC done me a 'disservice' with egg ruling, WBO orders Crawford title defense vs. Rocha, Serrano injured; rematch with Taylor postponed, Fury wins split decision to hand Paul first loss, Davis-Garcia bout finalized, moved to April 22, Sources: Taylor, Lopez agree to June 10 title bout. Fixed! The Algerian-born Frenchman wasn't nearly so lucky, dislocating his shoulder and rendering the arm useless. Dauthuille was counted out with 13 seconds left in the fight. An argument could be made that NOBODY actually beat Cerdan legitimately when he was at 100% full healthLaMotta would instead go on to have his first Middleweight World title defense against Tiberio Mitri (48-1-3), winning over 15 rounds by unanimous decision. LaMotta won the world title on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, defeating Frenchman Marcel Cerdan. LaMotta vs. Cerdan. The Raging Bull got up, apparently no worse for wear. [21] LaMotta won the first round (in which he knocked Cerdan down), Cerdan the second, and the third was even. LaMotta started his career back in 1941 as a light-heavyweight before quickly trimming down and finding fame as a middleweight. Jake LaMotta, left, pounds Algerian Marcel Cerdan in third round of the world middleweight title bout in Detroit, Mich., June 16, 1949. 4. Hell, Sister Regina of the Child Jesus could throw a better left. Please help by adding reliable sources. The official score had LaMotta as winner by a knockout in 10 rounds because the bell had already rung to begin that round when Cerdan announced he was quitting. LaMotta was out on his feet and it was no surprise that his corner -- featuring brother Al -- signalled to the referee that was it, and the fight was stopped before the start of the eighth round. LaMotta won the fight in Detroit and was declared middleweight champion of the world . But the former champ rallies and counters. LaMotta, slipping, ducking, dodging, but taking plenty. On November 14, 1947, LaMotta was knocked out in four rounds by Billy Fox. April 15, 1985: Marvelous Marvin Hagler TKO3 Thomas Hearns. To accurately portray the younger LaMotta, De Niro trained with LaMotta until LaMotta felt he was ready to box professionally. The man they called The Bronx Bull had in fact dropped a ten round decision to Dauthuille the year before in Montreal, but then four months later he defeated Marcel Cerdan for the world title. HMs would make a long list. The champ fights back, connecting with a solid right. Jake LaMotta vs. Marcel Cerdan II: What might have been, Benitez withdraws from Shobox fight against Pedraza with injury, Marco Huck vs. Firat Arslan preview & prediction, Jose Ramirez vs Josh Taylor Big Fight Preview & Predictions, EXCLUSIVE: Isaac Chamberlain Setbacks & Comebacks. So in return for throwing the fight and the $20,000, in 1949 the mafia gave LaMotta a fight against the then-current middleweight champion Marcel Cerdan. Tottering, he falls on his face. Jake LaMotta vs. Billy Fox. Hes freshand his blows sting. 3. LaMotta vs. Robinson I-V [edit LaMotta managed to knock out Cerdan in 10 short rounds, originally a rematch was planned, but Cerdan sadly died in a plane crash. Commentators could be heard saying "No man can take this kind of punishment!" He uses his fists the way a bull hooks with its horns. It also features Joe Mantegna, Tom Sizemore, Penelope Ann Miller, Natasha Henstridge, Joey Diaz and Ray Wise. I stand by the notion that LaMotta was the best Cerdan ever fought and I dont think it was a coincidence or accident that Cerdan lost to him after struggling against the fighters who were contenders but a notch below LaMotta. LaMotta, whose life was later the subject of the 1980 film Raging Bull starring Robert De Niro, was floored at the start of the seventh round after a flurry of shots from Nardico, including an overhand right-handed smash to the jaw. LaMotta went on to defeat Cerdan to become the new middleweight champion. But, whats this? 1. LaMotta handed Robinson the first loss in his Hall of Fame career on Feb. 5, 1943, winning by . And not only fought, but gave LaMotta a hard time. June 16, 1949:Briggs Stadium, Detroit, Michigan. Cerdan started his illustrious career back in 1934 as a welterweight. The legendary St. 2 months after that, Cerdan would cause an upset in the boxing world by beating the tough and talented Tony Zale (67-17-2) for the NBA World Middleweight title when Zale's corner threw in the towel after 11 rounds. After knocking out Dick Turpin and Lucien Krawczyk in non-title bouts, Cerdan faced Jake LaMotta (83-19-4, 30 KOs) for the belt at Detroits Briggs Stadium on June 16, 1949. A rematch was scheduled, but Cerdan was killed when the plane flying him from Casablanca to the States crashed in the Azores on October 28, 1949. And not only fought, but gave LaMotta a hard time. Share Tweet. LaMotta and Robinson had their fifth bout at Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois on September 26, 1945. Cerdan fought Williams in his Cerdans adopted hometown and won a decision many thought he didnt deserve as well and as was typical with him when he struggled he claimed he had a bad hand for the fight. [14] LaMotta said the fight was given to Robinson because he would be inducted into the army the next day.[15]. In his most recent fight, LaMotta TKO'd former WWII naval boxer Joey DeJohn (60-3-2) in 8 rounds. Sadly, no official film was made of the blood and thunder brawl that took place in front of a huge crowd at Chicago Stadium, which set a new indoor-gate record, but the majority of lucky souls who witnessed the legendary trilogy betweenThe Man Of Steel and Rocky Bob regarded their second slugfest as themost exciting and action-packed. The 1949 World Middleweight title fight between Champion Marcel Cerdan and "The Bronx Bull" Jake LaMotta. The 1949 World Middleweight title fight between Champion Marcel Cerdan and \"The Bronx Bull\" Jake LaMotta. June 16, 1949:Briggs Stadium, Detroit, Michigan. If LaMotta comes in in shape and focused and doesnt have too much trouble making weight the best Cerdan is going to do is head into the late rounds with a lead and get stopped but I dont even see that happening. LaMotta vs. Marcel Cerdan (June 16, 1949) LaMotta became a world champion for the first time on this day. The victory was short-lived, as the two met on February 26, 1943, in what was another 10-round fight, once again at Olympia Stadium in Robinson's former home of Detroit. Clarence has divided his career between public relations and retail. In 1951 Jake LaMotta would meet Sugar Ray Robinson for the 6th and final time, losing his World Middleweight title by TKO in one of the most bloodiest fights ever on record, the now famous \"St. Valentine's Day Massacre\". Cerdan was interred in the Cimetire du Sud, Perpignan, Pyrnes- Orientales, France. Cerdan injured his left shoulder when LaMotta threw him to the canvas in the first round. Robinson won by a technical knockout in the 13th round, when the fight was stopped. His favorite boxer is Tony Galento -- despite training on spaghetti and meatballs, and beer, Two Ton Tony still managed to knock to the canvas the greatest heavyweight of all time, Joe Louis. [25], Following that fight, LaMotta took time off; when he returned, in early 1954,[26] he knocked out his first two opponents, Johnny Pretzie (TKO 4) and Al McCoy (KO 1), but a controversial split decision loss to Billy Kilgore on April 14, 1954, convinced him to retire. I know from personal experience the agony of a dislocated shoulder (a pain dreamed up by the Marquis de Sade himself), and its nothing short of jaw-dropping that Cerdan continued the fight for another eight rounds one-armed and in terrible pain. Cerdan fought only three more times after winning the championship, once in London, once in Casablanca and finally in the first defense of his title against Jake LaMotta on June 16, 1949 in Detroit. Cerdan, the middleweight divisions answer to Rocky Marciano, was a swarmer. All told, LaMotta took home an unknown share of $14,000 for the title win, while Cerdan pulled in roughly $50,000. LaMotta vs. Cerdan. Patient, taking punches and absorbing pain, he would wait for just the right moment to release his inner bull, delivering pinpoint-accurate blows on his unsuspecting opponent. The Cerdan-LaMotta bout was held at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, and was the first fight under the banner of the International Boxing Club a But in the seventh Cerdan does indeed punch LaMotta toward the ropes. LaMotta vs. Cerdan. Jake LaMotta vs. Marcel Cerdan, 1949-06-16 - YouTube Highlights of the classic middleweight title bout in which the Bronx Bull Jake LaMotta scores a ten round technical knockout victory. LaMotta retained his title via unanimous decision. [12] Robinson was knocked down for a nine-count in Round 7. I find that hard to believe Lamottas a tough guy. Your email address will not be published. [37][38] LaMotta remained active on the speaking and autograph circuit, and published several books about his career, his life, and his fights with Robinson. LaMotta won the first round (also knocking Cerdan down), Cerdan the second, and the third was even. But yeah, in terms of action, those two are classics. "I should have had a few warm-up fights before this one. Both men would suffer injuries hindering their. Another nephew, William Lustig, is a well-known director and producer of horror films and the president of Blue Underground, Inc.[36]. The official score had LaMotta as winner by a knockout in 10 rounds because the bell had already rung to begin that round when Cerdan announced he was quitting. I wouldn't call him shot. 11. All 106 of his fights came by age 31, his last bout a split decision loss vs. Billy Killgore in 1954. On November 14, 1947 The Bronx Bull Jake LaMotta faced challenger Philadelphian Billy Fox. LaMotta won the World Middleweighttitle on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, defeating FrenchmanMarcel Cerdan. I was in condition all right, but not fighting condition. LAMOTTA VS. MARCEL CERDAN, JUNE 16, 1949. The film features an appearance by Mike Tyson among other notable athletes, actors and Jake's family and friends. LaMotta vs. Cerdan. As the result of a shove more than a blow, the champ and his challenger tumbled to the mat. Graziano got Zale when. Made his career beating up welterweights. LaMotta damaged his left hand in the fifth round, but still landed 104 punches in the ninth round, whereas Cerdan hardly threw a punch. Zakat ul Fitr. After suffering his first loss in boxing, what now for Jake Paul? In his most recent fight, LaMotta TKO'd former WWII naval boxer Joey DeJohn (60-3-2) in 8 rounds. Chaos erupted after the decision was announced. Butwhat if the plane hadnt crashed? [9][34], His nephew, John LaMotta, fought in the heavyweight-novice class of the 2001 Golden Gloves championship tournament. . To the amazement of oddsmakers, boxing analysts, and fans, the Casablanca Clouter took the title from the Man of Steel, who couldnt come out for the 12th. The LaMotta team played in Sterling Oval which was located between 165th and 164th Streets between Clay and Teller Avenue. "[30] He boasted "No son-of-a-bitch ever knocked me off my feet", but that claim was ended in December 1952 at the hands of Danny Nardico when Nardico caught him with a hard right in the seventh round. In 1938 he won the France Welterweight title, successfully defending it twice before winning the European Welterweight title in 1939. After knocking out Dick Turpin and Lucien Krawczyk in non-title bouts, Cerdan faced Jake LaMotta (83-19-4, 30 KOs) for the belt at Detroits Briggs Stadium on June 16, 1949. Its almost imperceptible. [5] Afterward he fought undefeated in amateur bouts, turning professional at age 19 in 1941. His favorite boxer is Tony Galento -- despite training on spaghetti and meatballs, and beer, Two Ton Tony still managed to knock to the canvas the greatest heavyweight of all time, Joe Louis. LaMotta won the first round, Cerdan the second, and the third was even. Something about glory being fleeting. But sheer guts can only take one so far, and the Clouter couldnt come out for the 10th. 5. [16] Robinson won again by a unanimous decision. His final record was an impressive 111-4. And, once more, the champ unleashes a barrage. A bad mistake, but one he wont repeat. [17] The decision was severely booed by the 14,755 people in attendance. Marcel Cerdan on a 1969 UAE stamp Cerdan began boxing professionally on 4 November 1934 in Meknes, Morocco, beating Marcel Bucchianeri by a decision in six rounds. Rounds five and six are center-of-the-ring slugfests, each fighter giving as good as he gets, hitting, dancing away, coming back to give and get some more, both avoiding the killing zone that are the ropes and corners. You can count the ranked middleweights Graziano fought and beat on one hand without using five fingers. Whether these brawlers are pummeling a competitor with brutal jabs, hooks and uppercuts, leveling opponents with roundhouse kicks or grappling a foe to the mat, they've all made us feel their . Cerdan's record was 113 wins and 4 losses, with 66 wins by knockout. [8] His mother was born in the United States to Italian immigrants, while his father was an immigrant from Messina, Sicily, who came with family including his brother Joseph. LaMotta damaged his left hand in the fifth round, but still landed 104 punches in the ninth round, whereas Cerdan hardly threw a punch. Boxing History: June 16, 1949 Jake LaMotta KO 10 Marcel Cerdan, Detroit. By the fifteenth round, Dauthuille was ahead on all scorecards (7268, 7466, 7169) and seemed to be about to repeat a victory against LaMotta. LaMotta had a lot going for him as a fighter. I know from personal experience the agony of a dislocated shoulder (a pain dreamed up by the Marquis de Sade himself), and its nothing short of jaw-dropping that Cerdan continued the fight for another eight rounds one-armed and in terrible pain. If you are impressed by that I guess it depends on how highly you rate Graziano. The 1949 World Middleweight title fight between Champion Marcel Cerdan and The Bronx Bull Jake LaMotta. Victory would supposedly have earned LaMotta a shot at the new world light-heavyweight champion Archie Moore in a title fight in February in St Louis. As the result of a shove more than a blow, the champ and his challenger tumbled to the mat. On December 31, 1952, LaMotta had his next fight against Danny Nardico. It was 15 furious rounds between two of the very best to ever lace em up, both in their primes. Jake LaMotta connut l'une de ses heures de gloire le 16 juin 1949, Dtroit, en remportant le championnat du monde des poids moyens face au Franais Marcel Cerdan. He was ranked 52nd on Ring Magazine's list of the "80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years",[2] and also ranked amongst its list of the 10 greatest middleweights of all time. In his testimony and in his later book, LaMotta admitted to throwing the fight to gain favor with the Mafia. 1.Lamotta 2.Burley 3.Graziano 4.Cerdan I pick Lamotta to beat Zale. He was a brawler, sure, but also clever. But Cerdans timing seems off. The first round, a couple of belts to his head, and I see a glassy look coming over his eyes. LaMotta won the LaMotta won the first round (in which he knocked Cerdan down), Cerdan the second, and the third was even. I dont. Theres the opening bell. [27], After retiring from the ring, LaMotta owned and managed a bar at 1120 Collins Ave in Miami Beach. His last defense of the European Welterweight title occurred in 1942 when he TKO'd Spain's Welterweight Champion Jose Ferrer (26-1-4) in the 1st round. Round two is a repeat performance. X. LaMotta won de wereldtitel in 1949 in Detroit van Marcel Cerdan. Marcel Cerdan (111-4-0, 65 KOs), European middleweight champ, faced world champion Tony Zale for the title on September 21, 1948 (Ring Magazines Fight of the Year). A match of two great champions, though Dempsey was long past his best days. Fritzie Zivic, Tommy Bell, Holman Williams, Marcel Cerdan, George Costner and Tony Janiro are among those LaMotta bested. Something about glory being fleeting. Cerdan can be seen only throwing right hands for a majority of the footage, while LaMotta didn't appear too concerned about his injury it was affecting how hard he could throw his lefts. Luke Williams Actor, Robinson got up and took control over much of the fight, winning via a unanimous 10-round decision. In the sixth round, LaMotta floored Reeves, who was only down for a second. Jake LaMotta vs Marcel Cerdan 16.6.1949 (Highlights) - NBA World Middleweight Championship - YouTube The 1949 World Middleweight title fight between Champion Marcel Cerdan and "The. He was 33. He stands, but he doesnt delivernot yet. LaMotta's record at the time was 72-13-3.Marcel Cerdan is a relatively forgotten fighter in the history of boxing which is a shame, because he was actually a very talented welterweight and middleweight competitor from France with an incredible 111 wins and only 3 losses, 2 of which were by DQ. LaMotta knocked Robinson down in the first round of the fight. Cerdan, who lost only 4 of 113 professional bouts, was killed in a plane crash on his way back to the U.S. for a rematch with LaMotta. Cerdan was on his way back to the States to have his rematch with LaMotta when his plane crashed off the coast of Africa in the Portuguese colony of the Azores Islands. LaMotta moved up to light heavyweight after losing his world middleweight title. Butwhats this? A bad mistake, but one he wont repeat. In the third, Cerdan drives LaMotta toward the ropes, planning to deliver the kind of massive uppercut that finished Zale in the 11th round of their championship bout. At that point it became clear something was wrong. [33], In February 1998, LaMotta's elder son, Jake LaMotta Jr., died of liver cancer. Marigold Gardens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. "Giacobe LaMotta," in: Dana R. Barnes (Ed. LAMOTTA VS. MARCEL CERDAN, JUNE 16, 1949 LaMotta defeated Cerdan of France to win the middleweight title in Detroit. Yellow Atlanta Braves Jersey, Some connect, sure, but most are picked off. He was on his way back to the United States to train for the rematch. A lifelong baseball fan, he organized the Jake LaMotta All-Star Team in the Bronx. There was a crowd of 22,183 at Briggs Stadium. Once the fight resumed, LaMotta landed a left on Reeves' chin, sending him down face-first. Zale vs Cerdan. His last defense of the European Welterweight title occurred in 1942 when he TKO'd Spain's Welterweight Champion Jose Ferrer (26-1-4) in the 1st round. [10], LaMotta learned to box while in a reformatory in upstate New York, where he'd been sent for attempted robbery. With the use of constant stalking, brawling and inside fighting, he developed a reputation for being a "bully"; he was what is often referred to today as a swarmer and a slugger. How To Record Whatsapp Video Call With Audio On Iphone, Suspecting the fight was LaMotta vs. Cerdan. LaMotta won the first round (also knocking Cerdan down), Cerdan the second and the third was even. LaMotta wins World Middleweight Title. LaMotta was awarded a win by TKO and the Middleweight Championship of the World. Edith Piaf Lhymne lamour. 2018 Islamic Center of Cleveland. LaMotta, who won the world middleweight crown from France's Marcel Cerdan in 1949, fought Robinson six times and became the first man to beat boxing's best ever with a 10-round decision win in 1943. LaMotta has pretty much napped since the fight began. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Montreal is The Fight City. LaMotta had four daughters, including Christi by his second wife Vikki LaMotta and Stephanie by his fourth wife Dimitria. [19], The thrown fight and a payment of $20,000 to the Mafia got LaMotta his title bout against World Middleweight Champion Marcel Cerdan. When Turpin of England had defeated Robinson for the world title in front of a hometown crowd the previous July, it was one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. LaMotta won the world title on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, defeating Frenchman Marcel Cerdan. LaMotta later said in his autobiography that the decision was widely criticized by several newspapers and boxing publishers. (196163). The Raging Bull got up, apparently no worse for wear. LaMotta vs. Marcel Cerdan (June 16, 1949) LaMotta became a world champion for the first time on this day. Almost 40 000 crowded into New Yorks Yankee Stadium to see welterweight world champ Basilio challenge middleweight champ Sugar Ray, the fight also broadcast to 170 closed-circuit theatres. [9] In September 1998, his younger son, Joseph LaMotta, died in the crash of Swissair Flight 111. The book details his life, from childhood until the end of his fame. The 1949 World Middleweight title fight between Champion Marcel Cerdan and \"The Bronx Bull\" Jake LaMotta. As a result it was a brutal changing-of-the-guard fight, with the powerful Ruby battering Dempsey so badly that spectators, and even Fitzsimmons himself, begged the proud champion to surrender. LaMotta managed to knock out Cerdan in 10 short rounds, originally a rematch was planned, but Cerdan sadly died in a plane crash. Le Sable In English. Zale vs Cerdan. Knowing the cut was severe enough to force a stoppage, Sugar Ray attacked, knocking Turpin down and then pounding him mercilessly until the referee stopped the match with just seconds remaining in round ten. He covers up, and Cerdan pounds him like a rug. Until then, the thrown fight and a payment of $20,000 to the Mafia got LaMotta his title bout against Marcel Cerdan in Detroit in 1949, which he won when Cerdans corner threw in the towel in the ninth. Cerdan injured his left shoulder when he was thrown to the canvas by LaMotta LaMotta won the first round (also knocking Cerdan down), Cerdan the second, and the third was even. Jake LaMotta, who died yesterday from complications due to pneumonia, was boxings oldest living former champion and a direct link to the Golden Age of prizefighting, a time when boxing gyms and fight clubs proliferated in every major city, when every division boasted a plethora of warriors worthy of the Hall of Fame, and when the best fought the best, and on a Cerdan floored him in the 3rd and Basilio counterattacked, putting the Frenchman down twice.