Now this was about 10 years ago, and Ali's illness and Parkinson's disease was just then getting severe. After a long three- or four-minute delay, the door opens and there he was! Muhammad Ali! There's still no sign of Ali as I found ways of dragging the start of opening statements, delaying the ceremony in hopes he truly would show up.Īll of a sudden, a black stretch limousine pulled up across the street. We were all assembled on a platform outside the Hall of Fame next to the Marciano statue covered in a red, white and green satin covering. I began putting our guests of honor in their seats. I shrugged my shoulders and started to put the event together. Clay (referring to Ali's original name, Cassius Clay) could have beat us both at the same time! He ain't comin', is he?" I even fought Sugar Ray Robinson seven times. "Now that was the greatest fighter of all time," Jake said. "Hey Jake," I said, "What would you say if I told you Ali was coming?" He looked at me in disbelief.
His health wasn't great and he was starting to wear down. The morning came and Jake was a bit tired.
With the help of a friend of a friend of a friend, legendary pop culture icon and boxing champion Ali was also going to attend as a surprise for LaMotta! George Randazzo, the founder of the Hall, made the pretty much impossible, actually become possible. Earlier that week, Jake had told me all about his love for Muhammad Ali. LaMotta was the guest of honor to unveil the great statue. Years ago we were unveiling a statue of the great "Brockton Bomber," undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, Rock Marciano, in front of the museum located on Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood. It was through this organization I was able to meet this intense, yet lovable guy known as "The Raging Bull." I was the lead designer for the museum, editor of its magazine and producer of the group's special events. I have been an active member in this organization for more than 20 years.
You have heard me reference the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame on numerous occasions in this column.
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