ONE of the legendary names in boxing is heading to Liverpool later this summer - and ECHO readers are the first to be offered the chance to see him. Jake LaMotta, former middleweight champion of the world, will be in the city for one night only on Wednesday, August 11, topping the bill at a star-studded dinner at the Devonshire House Hotel. Born in the Bronx, New York, LaMotta lost just 19 fights in 106 professional contests and reigned as middle-weight champion from 1949. A six-fight series with Sugar Ray Robinson largely defines LaMotta's career. They met for the first time in 1942 in New York when Robinson earned a 10-round decision. The following year they fought twice within a 21-day span in Detroit. Jake took the first fight, becoming the first man to beat Robinson in 41 pro fights - 121 if you include his amateur career. But Robinson triumphed again three weeks later in the next encounter. The rivalry was resumed in 1945 and Robinson took a 10-round decision, again in New York, but in the meantime LaMotta was also busy fighting every other top-ranked opponent of the day. He defeated world-class fighters from welterweight to light-heavyweight, but despite his impressive credentials and world ranking, he was denied a shot at the middleweight title. Frustrated and desperate to satisfy the underworld figures who were said to control boxing at the time, he agreed to take a dive against Billy Fox in exchange for a crack at the world title. LaMotta, who never touched the canvas throughout his 13-year career, was stopped on his feet. LaMotta's day finally came on June 6, 1949, when he knocked out champion Marcel Cerdan in the 10th round, and went on to make a handful of 1950. defences - including a miraculous 15th-round knockout when behind on the scorecards, against Laurent Dauthuille in 1950. That set up a sixth meeting with Robinson at Chicago Stadium in February 1951. And although Sugar Ray earned a 13th-round stoppage decision, LaMotta became most famous for his comments in the ring. "You never put me down, Ray" he continuously stated. LaMotta's fame was resurrected in 1981, when Robert De Niro portrayed him in the Academy Award-winning film, 'Raging Bull'. * Tickets are just £50 per head or £500 for a table of 10. Price includes luxury meal and full evening's entertainment. Ticket Line 07960 234911. | 
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