Of all the great rivalries in boxing, that between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta stands apart. First, these were two all-time greats. Even early in their careers, fight fans regarded both as rare talents, destined for championship status. Second, their personalities and ring styles were perfect contrasts to one another: LaMotta the brutish”Bronx Bull,” Robinson the stylish “Prince of Harlem.” And third, they locked up six times, the battles becoming more competitive and exciting as the rivalry unfolded. And while Robinson vs LaMotta I was a clear-cut win for Sugar Ray, the two fought on close to even terms over their next four meetings. But their sixth and final clash is the most famous for the fact it was a massacre, the legendary “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.”

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