The infamous St Valentines Day Massacre. One of the most bloodiest fights in boxing history and the 6th and final encounter between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta. This fight would mark the end of their historic 9 year feud that started back in 1942. More info below...
The first time Jake LaMotta and Sugar Ray met was back in October 1942. At that time, Robinson had an undefeated 35-0 record whereas LaMotta held a slightly less impressive 25-4-2 record. Robinson boxed smart and picked up an easy 10 round decision. The fight alone did not indicate that a tremendous rivalry was about to take place....
The rematch and second encounter between these 2 legends took place in Feb 1943. However on this occasion, LaMotta scored a huge upset over the undefeated Robinson (who was 40-0 at the time) by claiming his own 10 round decision. Robinson made the mistake of trying to brawl with LaMotta and he got his butt handed to him and knocked down in the process. A sensational ending to one of boxings greatest undefeated streaks and the true start to this legendary feud.
The third encounter was an immediate rematch that took place 21 days later! That is not a typo, 21 days!... Robinson adopted a more cautious approach this fight and was content to jab his way to a victory with the occasional uppercut when LaMotta got too close, a strategy that paid off with another 10 round decision win. In Rd 7 of this fight however, LaMotta was able to score a knockdown so it didn't all go Robinson's way and it was just another reminder to not take LaMotta lightly...
The forth encounter was Feb 1945. LaMotta was now sporting a 45-8-2 record and Robinson a 53-1. It was another one sided win for Robinson who easily jabbed and uppercuted his way to another 10 round decision. Arguably, the easiest win he had had to date against LaMotta.
The fifth encounter took place in September 1945. Robinson, having beaten LaMotta 3 times now and relatively easily, was the clear favourite. The difference this time however was the 12 round distance, something that arguably favoured LaMotta as he was known as a strong finisher. Robinson's approach was to jab at a distance and build points early, which he did with his slick and accurate technique, but LaMotta came back strong in the final rounds and made sure it was a close fight. In the end, Robinson was awarded a 12 round split decision which divided the crowd in attendance. There were many boo's from fans who felt Robinson ran for the final few rounds instead of make it a fight - a smart move albeit not an exiting one.
By the time this 6th and final encounter rolled about in 1951, much had changed for both fighters. Robinson had won the World Welterweight title in 1947 and then in 1950 won a portion of the World Middleweight title. His only loss to date was the defeat to LaMotta back in 1943 and he held an incredible 121-1-2 record! LaMotta on the other hand had a not as equally impressive 78-14-3 record but he did capture the World Middleweight title in an upset TKO win against Marcel Cerdan in 1949. LaMotta had gone on to successfully defended the title against Tiberio Mitri and Laurent Dauthuille during 1950 with the later leading to one of the greatest come from behind stoppages of all time. LaMotta KO'd Dauthuille with 13 seconds left in the final round in a fight he was desperately behind in... just more evidence that goes to show LaMotta was one of the most unpredictable and dangerous fighters to be in against when he was behind on points.
15 сен 2020
