GettyLegendary boxer, Jake LaMotta, who was portrayed by Robert De Niro in the movie Raging Bull, has died at the age of 95.
LaMotta’s wife told TMZ her husband had died in a nursing home due to ‘complications from pneumonia’.
The boxer, whose career started in 1941, was 83-19 in 106 pro fights.
RIP Jake LaMotta pic.twitter.com/REQoHjaQpk
— Rob Brown (@RobBrownMMA) September 20, 2017
A Facebook account, reportedly belonging to LaMotta’s daughter Christi, posted a tribute to him.
It read:
Jake LaMotta July 10, 1922 – September 19, 2017 – Rest in Peace Pop.
Jake LaMotta July 10, 1922 – September 19, 2017 Rest in Peace Pop <3
Posted by Christi LaMotta on Tuesday, 19 September 2017
LaMotta, who was born in New York to Italian parents, went on to win the world middleweight championship and is best known for his six-fight rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson of which LeMotta won one of the bouts.
He was famously portrayed by De Niro in the 1980 movie Raging Bull, which was based on LaMotta’s autobiography and won De Niro the Oscar for Best Actor.
What a man!!
Raging bull got me into boxing and loved boxers of his style ever since!
Rip jake lamotta pic.twitter.com/G4b1XHAo69— scott (@fatimashitdabed) September 20, 2017
Rest in peace, Jake.
