Laurent dauthuille jake lamotta biography

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In 1950, LaMotta successfully defended the crown against Tiberio Mitri and Laurent Dauthuille. Detroit had become a second home to the Bronx Bull. And, perhaps above all, he had a tremendous will to win.

This Month in Boxing History: LaMotta Stops Dauthuille in a Comeback for the Ages

Seventy-five years ago this month, on Sept.

(In the first meeting, Portuguez also exchanged punches with the referee who allowed the match to continue rather than disqualify the Costa Rican journeyman.)

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Although Dauthuille had gotten the nod in their first encounter, LaMotta was an 11/5 favorite for the sequel. But those that stuck around for the finish were rewarded with a spine-tingling final round as Jake LaMotta rallied to beat the clock and keep his belt.

The scoring system then in use in Michigan (and many other places) compelled the judges to divvy up 10 points after each round (6-4, 5-5, etc.).

Although LaMotta absorbed a tremendous amount of punishment he refused to fall. Born in France, he later embarked on a new chapter in his life, moving to Montreal, Canada. 19, 2017

Bouts: 106

Won: 83

Lost: 19

Draw: 4

KOs: 30

Induction: 1990

Jake LaMotta

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Certain scenarios, including this one, became more likely when world title fights were reduced to 12 rounds.)

Dauthuille was 10-4-1 after LaMotta, defeating the likes of Tony Janiro, Paddy Young, Bobby Dawson, and Eugene “Silent” Hairston in the first of their two meetings before returning to France where he transitioned into a wrestler.

He beat world-class fighters ranging from welterweight to light heavyweight. Trailing on the scorecards, LaMotta staged a miraculous 15th-round knockout of Dauthuille to retain his belt.

laurent dauthuille jake lamotta biography

Laurent Dauthuille was originally from Viry-Noureuil, Aisne, France and represented France with pride throughout a distinguished boxing career. It was here that he gained the nickname "The Tarzan of Buzenval." Dauthuille's first 28 fights occurred in France, except for a draw against Luc van Dam in Amsterdam in August 1946.

Throughout his career, Dauthuille defeated notable fighters such as Jake LaMotta, Steve Belloise, Tony Janiro, Eugene Hairston, Norman Hayes, Johnny Greco, Paddy Young, Bobby Dawson, Tuzo Portuguez, Luc van Dam, and Robert Charron.

All he needed to do was stay out of harm’s way and the title would be his. (We’re now up to about 16 or 17 instances. He liked to play possum in the ring, lulling opponents into a false sense of confidence before unleashing his own attack. Among his victims were Fritzie Zivic, George Kochan, Tommy Bell, Bert Lytell, Jose Basora, Bob Satterfield, Holman Williams and Tony Janiro.

This bout was named Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year for 1950, a testament to the intensity and drama of the match.

Although Dauthuille fought 15 more times after his title shot, he never competed for a world championship again, despite a previous victory over LaMotta and a close points loss to Kid Gavilan nine months before the title fight.

Historical Fight Reports

  • Jake LaMotta vs Laurent Dauthuille 2

    at Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan

    Title: World Middleweight Title

    Jake LaMotta

    Laurent Dauthuille

    Jake LaMotta

    Laurent Dauthuille

    Read Report →

Frequently Asked Questions About Laurent Dauthuille

What division did Laurent Dauthuille fight in?

Preceding Dauthuille, he was 15-1-1 in Detroit rings. It was here in the Motor City that he defeated Sugar Ray Robinson in their second encounter and it was here where he won the title, stopping Marcel Cerdan in the ninth round.

According to research by Hall of Fame boxing journalist Steve Farhood, LaMotta’s triumph over Dauthuille was historic, marking the first time in the history of Queensberry boxing that a world title fight ended in a stoppage in the final round by a boxer, champion or challenger, who was trailing on the scorecards.

Laurent Dauthuille passed away on 10th Jul 1971, having lived 47 yrs. Late in his life he became something of a folk hero, a residue of all the attention that came his way following the release of Martin Scorsese’s 1980 masterpiece “Raging Bull,” adapted from LaMotta’s memoir with Roberto DiNiro in the title role and welterweight contender Johnny Turner in a small role portraying Laurent Dauthuille.

LaMotta capitalized on his new fame by becoming a stand-up comedian.

However, a late flurry of punches from LaMotta, delivered with just 13 seconds left in the fight, turned the tide and knocked out Dauthuille.