It is fitting that the war-ravaged 1940s spawned more epic ring battles than any other decade in boxing history.

In one corner was the undisputed heavyweight champ, Joe Louis, whose tricky but successful defences against Irishman Billy Conn captured the public imagination.

Then there was the all-American match-up between Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano.

By then, he had already won 73 pro fights and beaten LaMotta four times.

True to his monicker, LaMotta - the Raging Bull - relied more on grit than guile, countering Robinson's welterweight speed with his middleweight bulk.

Their differences made for some fascinating contests.

Having outpointed the Bull in their first contest in 1942, Robinson was a strong favourite going into the rematch in Detroit's Olympic Stadium the following year.

He was, after all, unbeaten in 169 bouts - 129 as an amateur and 40 as a pro.

But, 16 pounds lighter on the night, Robinson was guilty of allowing his opponent to bully his way inside.

In round eight, LaMotta pounced, knocking his opponent through the ropes in what proved to be a defining moment of their fierce rivalry.

Although Robinson picked himself up and avenged the subsequent points defeat with wins in their next three bouts, he could never put the indomitable LaMotta on the canvas.

When the two men met for the final time in 1951, more was at stake than the unified middleweight title.

The first seven rounds were competitive and true to form, with Sugar boxing and the Bull brawling.

But in round eight, it became clear that LaMotta, who had struggled to make weight, was being overpowered.

Only pride kept him on his feet while he took a terrible beating in the latter rounds of a fight that came to be known as the 'St Valentine's Day Massacre'.