Jake LaMotta, the champion boxer immortalized by Robert De Niro in the 1980 Martin Scorsese movie Raging Bull, has passed away at the age of 95.
LaMotta died in a nursing home due to complications from pneumonia on September 19, 2017 reports TMZ.
A family member reported that LaMotta’s condition had declined rapidly over the last few weeks. Doctors had inserted a feeding tube, which the elderly pugilist repeatedly pulled out. As his condition worsened over his last few days, doctors decided to stop using the tube.
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“I just want people to know, he was a great, sweet, sensitive, strong, compelling man with a great sense of humor, with eyes that danced,” his wife said.
LaMotta’s boxing record included 106 fights with 83 wins, 19 loses, and 4 draws. 30 of his victories were wins by knock-out. His pro-fighting career began in 1941 and he was rejected from service in the Armed Forces over a medical issue.
He is most well known for his rivalry against Sugar Ray Robinson though he only won 1 of their 6 fights.