Jake LaMotta vs. Robert Villemain (1st meeting)
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Jake LaMotta 160 lbs beat Robert Villemain 158 lbs by SD in round 12 of 12
- Date: 1949-03-25
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
- Referee: Harry Ebbets 6-4
- Judge: Harold Barnes 6-5
- Judge: Charley Shortell 4-7
"Jake LaMotta won an unpopular split 12 round decision over Robert Villemain of France after a great fight Friday night before 11,491 fans at MSG. The fans booed the decision for more than 5 minutes. They hooted LaMotta as Jake climbed down from the ring and they gave the Frenchman a great ovation. There were no knockdowns during the bout but LaMotta appeared to be staggered in at least three rounds. Villemain won the fans with his persistent short-hooking attack to the head that caused far more damage than LaMotta's wide swings. And it was the Frenchman that did most of the forcing. Both scappers were bleeding from gashes over their left brows at the final bell." -United Press
Scorecards
- Referee Harry Ebbetts - 6-4-2 LaMotta
- Judge Harold Barnes - 6-5-1 LaMotta
- Judge Charley Shortell - 7-4-1 Villemain
- Unofficial UP scorecard - 7-3-2 Villemain
- Unofficial AP scorecard - 7-4-1 Villemain
- 13 ringside reporters polled had it for Villemain 12-1
- On March 28, 1949, three days after the bout, NYSAC chairman Eddie Eagan suspended indefinitely referee Harry Ebbetts and judge Harold Barnes because of their scoring in the bout, with them not to receive assignments for an indefinite period. Eagan stated, "In view of the international importance of the bout and the fact that their cards were contrary to the viewpoint of practically all those who witnessed the contest, especially the members of the commission, it was felt that disciplinary action was required."