LaMotta entered the bout as the reigning middleweight champion, a title he had secured by defeating Marcel Cerdan in 1949. Notably, he remained the only fighter to have defeated Robinson at that point. During the pre-fight contract signing, Robinson attempted to intimidate LaMotta by drinking blood from a raw steak, but the Bronx Bull remained unfazed. However, making weight for the title defense proved a struggle—he was six pounds over the limit the day before the fight. Awa…re of LaMotta’s weight cut, Robinson strategized to push a high pace early, aiming to exhaust the champion. The fight played out like a matador versus a bull, with Robinson’s slick movement countering LaMotta’s relentless aggression. After eight rounds, two judges had LaMotta ahead on the scorecards. But as the fight wore on, Robinson’s crisp, precise punches began to take their toll.
By the 11th round, Robinson had fully taken command, landing punches from every angle. Though LaMotta had brief moments of success, particularly with a flurry on the ropes, Robinson’s superior skill and conditioning began to overwhelm him. The 12th round saw LaMotta absorbing brutal punishment, his ribs visibly aching from Robinson’s body shots. In the 13th, Robinson unleashed a relentless barrage, battering LaMotta with uppercuts and right hands until the referee mercifully stopped the fight. Despite the one-sided nature of the finish, LaMotta remained on his feet. Between blows, he famously taunted Robinson: “You can’t put me down.” Afterward, Robinson admitted, “He’s the toughest guy I ever fought. I never met anyone as aggressive or rough.”
Dubbed the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre—drawing comparisons to Al Capone’s infamous 1929 shootout—the fight marked the end of LaMotta’s career at the elite level. While Robinson continued on to greater heights, eventually winning the middleweight title five times, LaMotta retired three years later. #boxing #BoxingWorld #boxingfanatik #boxingfan #boxinglegends #boxinghistory
By the 11th round, Robinson had fully taken command, landing punches from every angle. Though LaMotta had brief moments of success, particularly with a flurry on the ropes, Robinson’s superior skill and conditioning began to overwhelm him. The 12th round saw LaMotta absorbing brutal punishment, his ribs visibly aching from Robinson’s body shots. In the 13th, Robinson unleashed a relentless barrage, battering LaMotta with uppercuts and right hands until the referee mercifully stopped the fight. Despite the one-sided nature of the finish, LaMotta remained on his feet. Between blows, he famously taunted Robinson: “You can’t put me down.” Afterward, Robinson admitted, “He’s the toughest guy I ever fought. I never met anyone as aggressive or rough.”
Dubbed the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre—drawing comparisons to Al Capone’s infamous 1929 shootout—the fight marked the end of LaMotta’s career at the elite level. While Robinson continued on to greater heights, eventually winning the middleweight title five times, LaMotta retired three years later. #boxing #BoxingWorld #boxingfanatik #boxingfan #boxinglegends #boxinghistory
