65 years ago today, Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta fought in their sixth and most brutal matchup.
Robinson won the savage encounter by TKO in Round 13, though LaMotta famously never touched the canvas.
“I had him down three different times on the canvas,” said LaMotta of their six fights (per Deadline Detroit). “But he never had me down.”
Years after their final encounter, Robinson priased LaMotta’s toughness.
“He’s the toughest guy I ever fought, I never knew anyone who was more aggressive and rough as he,” said Robinson (via ESPN).
LaMotta had his memoir “Raging Bull” adapted for the big screen with Robert DeNiro playing LaMotta in a film regarded as one of the best boxing movies of all time.
Robinson’s life will also be hitting the big screen soon. Wil Haygood’s book, “Sweet Thunder,” will be adapted (per the Orlando Sentinel) for the film with David Oyelowo (of Selma) signing on to play the man that many regard as the greatest boxer of all time.
Watch Round 13 of the legendary St. Valentine’s Day Massacre between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta below.
