La Motta Would Dominate Current Middleweights

Jake La Motta would beat the current middleweight field handily if transported to the modern era, according to Bad Left Hook managing editor Scott Christ.

In the site's latest mailbag column, Christ addressed a reader question about how the former champion would stack up against today's barren 160-pound division. Despite La Motta's modest physical dimensions — 5-foot-8 with a 67-inch reach — Christ believes the late fighter's toughness and skill would translate across eras.

La Motta's Hypothetical Dominance Over Modern Middleweights

"He'd beat ass," Christ wrote, per Bad Left Hook. "I'd love to put it some other, more analytical way, but I honestly think it's that simple. I think he would beat the crap out of the field. It wouldn't be close. He would run roughshod."

The column also tackled Rico Verhoeven and Francis Ngannou's performances against Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury respectively. Christ suggested Fury showed up in poor condition against Ngannou and pursued a flawed game plan trying to muscle a physically stronger opponent. On Verhoeven's showing against Usyk, Christ admired the kickboxer's awkwardness but believes Usyk may have carried some rounds in their May bout in Cairo.

Christ weighed in on other reader questions including a mythical Andre Ward versus Joe Calzaghe matchup — he picks Ward by decision but says Calzaghe would frustrate him throughout. On the potential end of Saudi boxing investment should Turki Alalshikh step away, Christ noted the uncertainty could favor Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, who would have deeper pockets than traditional promoters backed by UFC and WWE revenue.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — Boxing Mailbag: Were Verhoeven and Ngannou overlooked? How would Jake La Motta do in 2026?