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What Makes LaMotta popular?

LaMotta was a tough, beloved, Italian fighter known for his mob connections and great ability to take a punch.

One famous incident where his mob ties and his boxing career coincide occurred November 14, 1947 at Madison Square Garden where he took a dive against Billy Fox.

Fox made it hard for LaMotta to make him look good, so hard that many knew even before investigations were made that the fight was fixed.

LaMotta was paid $20,000 and given a title fight against famous Frenchman Marcel Cerdan.

He's been widely said to have one of the greatest chins in boxing history as demonstrated in his famous six-fight series against rival Sugar Ray Robinson.

Outside the Ring

He was heavily investigated by the FBI for his involvement in the mob. After boxing, LaMotta became an actor and stand-up comedian, appearing in over 15 films including The Hustler starring Paul Newman.

His career was given a burst of popularity thanks to the 1980 movie, Raging Bull that was based on his life.

LaMotta didn't hold back on the rougher details of his life when helping director Martin Scorsese make a film of his life including stories of his abuse of his wife and arrest.