Jake LaMotta
World Middleweight Boxing Champion and Subject of Raging Bull · Professional Boxing
International Boxing Hall of Fame
Era
Post-retirement / Later years - circa 2000s-2010s
Item Type
Boxing glove
Condition
Very good condition for the item; autograph exhibits minor contrast against the bright red background and dark ink.
Rarity
Common to moderate rarity; Jake LaMotta signed a substantial volume of memorabilia at public appearances and shows later in life.
Overall Assessment
A solid, display-worthy piece of boxing memorabilia ideal for fans of classic pugilism and cinema history, combining a legendary fighter with a meaningful charitable organization association.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on general form and signature flow typical of his later life signing habits.
Signature Style
Personalized full name signature written in a rushed, slightly scrawled hand, characteristic of an aging athlete signing promotional items.
Signature Characteristics
Slanted cursive with rapid pen lifts, rounded loop formations on the 'J' and 'L', and compressed letter spacing toward the end of the surname.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker (Sharpie) showing minor fading on red leather surface.
Item Description
Custom red Rival boxing glove featuring branding for Ring 10 NY (Veterans Boxing Foundation of New York Est. 2010), displayed in a protective acrylic case.
Estimated Value
$150 - $300 depending on accompanying provenance or charity authentication.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches typical late-era signing exemplars where age and haste resulted in a more abbreviated and less legible signature compared to his prime.
Authentication Tips
Look for the hurried looping of 'Jake' followed by the distinct baseline sweep of 'LaMotta', noting consistent stroke rhythm and lack of hesitation tremors.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA due to their extensive database of boxing exemplars.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; placement just below the Rival label is standard for glove signers.
Provenance Notes
Given the Ring 10 branding, items like this were frequently signed for charitable auctions and veteran boxer support events, making direct event provenance highly desirable.
Historical Context
Jake LaMotta was one of the toughest fighters in boxing history, immortalized by Robert De Niro in Martin Scorsese's cinematic masterpiece 'Raging Bull'.
Market Trends
Stable market value; deceased athletes typically see minor bumps in interest post-passing, but his prolific signing habits keep supply steady.
Investment Potential
Hold; stable value as a classic piece of boxing history tied to cinematic and sports pop culture.
Similar Autographs
Other boxing greats of his era such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Graziano, and Carmen Basilio on custom or promotional items.
Display & Preservation
Keep inside the UV-protected acrylic display case away from direct sunlight to prevent the black marker ink from fading and the red synthetic leather from drying out.
Interesting Facts
LaMotta famously embraced his pop-culture persona later in life, frequently inscribing boxing gloves and photos with references to 'Raging Bull'.