This Day in History (February 5, 1943)
By Aaron Tallent February 5th, 2007Today in Boxing History: Jake LaMotta beats Sugar Ray in Detroit
The two faced each other six times, with Robinson winning five of those contests. However, most of the bouts were very close, as LaMotta’s bull rushes perfectly complimented Robinson’s superior boxing attack.
In this bout, LaMotta relentlessly charged and Robinson was unable to keep him at bay. In the ninth round, he knocked Robinson through the ropes in what boxing fans consider the defining moment of his career. The final scorecards all read 5-4 in favor of LaMotta.
The bout was the first loss of Robinson’s amateur and 40-fight professional career. He did not lose again for another 88 fights and avenged the loss to LaMotta three weeks later with a 10-round decision.
February 5th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Amazing! LaMotta and Robinson went at just 3 weeks later! These men were true warriors. They fought often and they used lighter gloves. I don’t agree with fighting that often, however, I do wish today’s champions had the brass to fight the contenders and more often.
O’Niel Bell is a perfect example. It’s been over one year since he won the Cruiserweight title in an epic battle against Mormeck. Since then he hasn’t fought and now he’s going to fight Mormeck again! I’m all for the rematch but why didn’t it happen 7 or 8 months ago?
Antonio Margarito, my favorite fighter, has been claiming to be the most ducked man in boxing. He’s now ducking Williams and will not be fighting Cotto until June! I know, he’s nursing an injury but I feel it wouldn’t change anything based on his “Who’s Paul Williamsâ€? mantra. He wants his pay day. If he wanted to really prove his dominance and build his legacy he’d take out Williams then go to battle with Cotto in June.
And finally to Hatton and Castillo. Both of you came out fairly clean in your recent bouts. Why not get it on sooner? Who cares about your IBF trinket Hatton?!
This is what boxing needs! More fights, more often with boxers who are not afraid to tarnish their records. It’s no wonder boxing as lost fans over the years and become a third tier sport. When your champions are only willing to fight once, maybe twice a year, its hard to for the average fan to pay heed or care about what I consider the greatest sport of all.
February 5th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
An excellent “This day in…” choice over Mike Tyson getting sentenced to a year in the clink in 1999.
February 5th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Their fight series was awesome!!!
February 5th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Also “This Day in History” Sugar Ray Leonard makes his professional debut on February 5, 1977. Leonard wins a six-round unanimous decision over Luis “The Bull” Vega at the Baltimore Civic Center. I can’t believe it’s been 30 years!!