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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 the original Hall of Fame acceptance speech which has been hand written and signed by Jake LaMotta and inscribed to his son, Jack Jr. LaMotta writes in part, "If it is true that when God examines a man he looks not for medals but for scars, then in 63 years of survival in & out of the ring I feel I have truly earned the title Middleweight Champion of the world." From the personal collection of Vikki LaMotta.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a one hand written speech on parchment like paper. Inscried, "To My loya Son Jack and sogned, "Raging Bull Jake LaMotta. Written in ink. Light fold near bottom border. Minor edge wear. 8 1/2" x 11." Exceptional content and historically important document. From the collection of Vikki LaMotta and comes with a letter of authenticity from the son of Vikki LaMotta.
