74 years ago
Jake LaMotta vs Tiberio Mitri
Date: 12th July 1950
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA
Title: NYSAC World Middleweight Title
Promoter: International Boxing Club
Jake LaMotta
(
76
-
14
-
3
)
Weight: 159 lbs
Tiberio Mitri
(
48
-
1
-
3
)
Weight: 159 lbs
On July 12, 1950, Jake LaMotta defended his prestigious NYSAC World Middleweight Title, one of the most coveted titles in professional boxing, against Italian challenger Tiberio Mitri at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight, promoted by the International Boxing Club (IBC), was scheduled for 15 rounds, a testament to the high level of competition and the endurance required from the fighters.
LaMotta, the reigning champion, weighed 159 pounds, while Mitri, the European middleweight champion, tipped the scales at 159 pounds. The bout was a clash of styles, with LaMotta's aggressive and relentless attacks contrasting Mitri's more technical and strategic approach, adding a layer of tension to the match.
After 15 rounds of intense action, the fight went to the judges' scorecards. Referee Mark Conn, impressed by LaMotta's aggressive style and effective punches, scored the bout 12-3 in favour of the champion. Judge Joe Agnello, appreciating Mitri's technical skills and defensive strategy, had it 9-6 for LaMotta. Judge Bert Grant, considering the overall performance, saw it 8-7 for LaMotta. As a result, Jake LaMotta retained his NYSAC World Middleweight Title by unanimous decision, reflecting the consensus among the judges about his superior performance.
This monumental victory marked LaMotta's third successful title defence since winning the belt from Marcel Cerdan in 1949. LaMotta would defend his title twice before losing it to Sugar Ray Robinson in their historic sixth meeting on February 14, 1951, in Chicago, cementing his place in boxing history.