LAMOTTA, JAKE SIGNED PHOTO TO VIKKI LAMOTTA (VIKKI LAMOTTA COLLECTION)

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 a signed photograph of Jake LaMotta which he inscribed to his former wife Vikki LaMotta. From the personal collection of Vikki LaMotta.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a color 8" x 10" photo. Glossy depicting LaMotta from the April 1944 cover of Ring Magazine. Bold color and clear image. Boldly signed, "To Vikki With Love Jake LaMotta Raging Bull." Clean with no staining. Not creased or torn.  From the collection of Vikki LaMotta.