Packy’s World: The Real Muhammad Ali, Alexis Arguello, Sergey Kovalev is The Real Deal, Jimmy Durante, My Pal Al, & The Chutzpah Award Goes to the Late Senator Claude Pepper

By Packy “Boom Boom” Goldstein

Oy Vay are you going to hear it today… A warm 80 degrees here today on Key Biscayne, but my heart does go out to all my friends on the east coast who got so much snow. Sadie is on a cleaning spree and already is making plans for my 86th birthday party in April. Oy Vay to the 3rd power! Sadie will have all the yentas over and they will sing out of tune happy birthday, pass gas, blame the broad next to them and have a POLIDENT SMILE. But I endure it because my Sadie means well even if the party is a true bagel breaker!

The Real Muhammad Ali… So much has been written about his exploits both in the ring and out. Being a veteran of the Korean War, I have to be honest and say, at the time he refused induction into the Army I was not happy with that. But with time, my stance changed on that because it was a horrible war we had no business in. His refusal, caused him to give up everything in the process that hurt not only himself, but his family. I met Ali when he was Clay on Miami Beach in the early 60’s. He didn’t pull any of that “White Devil” crap on me during that time like he did so many others, so I can only judge him by that. He was polite, playful (magic tricks) and loved Al. Al actually was the one who introduced us. So with so many different opinions, I throw mine into the boxing ring for what’s it’s worth. Ali is OK with Packy!

Alexis Arguello… I may have mentioned him before in my column, but I just watched a couple of his fights again and what a champion he was along with a CLASS ACT!. I listened to Bradley’s Podcast Show with Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and like both Ray and Bradley, no way did he kill himself. I sure miss him.

Sergey Kovalev… I actually like this guy both in the ring and out. Zero nonsense. He is stopping Pascal this time in four!

Jimmy Durante… I met him through Frank Sinatra at the Fountainbleu Hotel on Miami Beach I think in 66 or 67. Frank loved him and so did I. What a wonderful man. Frank described him as a “Sweet Bar of Chocolate” and he was so right. So many legends are on that big stage in the sky. Can you imagine the shows going on up there right now?

My Pal Al (“Bad” Brad’s Father)…. With the Democratic and Republican primaries coming up next week, Al would be in heaven. Each Presidential election he was always involved and when he could, would go to meetings to ask candidates tough questions. I only wish I had those on tape to watch to see them squirm when Al held them accountable!

The Chutzpah Award… The Chutzpah Award goes to the late Senator Claude Pepper. Pepper was hell on wheels down on Miami Beach in his old age. He helped out my parents plenty of times because he cared for the elderly and how they were treated. RIP…

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