Packy’s World: Hector Camacho Props, Marlon Brando SHOCKER, & Paulie Malignaggi Awarded The Chutzpah Award

 Loading ...

By Packy “Boom Boom” Goldstein

Oy Vay are you going to hear it today… Sorry for the absence RSR readers, but the 50k kitchen renovation that my dear Sadie has going on turned into a small nightmare causing us to stay in a hotel for a few days. One of the general contractors hit a water pipe and when it burst, it flooded out the kitchen to the point, we had to leave out for a few days while everything was dried out and fixed. Let me tell you, hotel living is not too bad when you have breakfast delivered in bed. I am back and will be writing many columns over the next few days because I have lots to say….

Hector Camacho… Before you had Floyd Mayweather, JR. you had Hector Camacho. In his day, he was magical in the ring and was a superstar during the early to middle 1980’s. Because of his antics outside of the ring, I feel he does not get his just credit. In fact, with the IBHOF Ceremonies going on this weekend, he needs to be inducted next year. I first became aware of Hector from Al when he told me there was a buzz around this young good looking Puerto Rican fighter who was living in NYC. Al called me at that time Person to Person from Miami Beach to my home in NYC. He told me that Camacho would be fighting Blaine Dickson on TV and to ensure I caught the then 19 year old fighter. Well, Dickson who was a tough kid was beaten by a dynamo in the ring that night at the Felt Forum in NYC. Camacho won a clear cut unanimous decision and with it, the NABF (when that built meant something) Super Featherweight title.

Camacho would go on to have many great fights and become a multiple title holder in different weight classes. Two observations of his career… First, his finest hour came against Jose Luis Ramirez on August 10, 1985, in a virtuoso performance winning an almost complete shutout on all the scorecards. Second, on June 13, 1986, Camacho changed forever as a fighter when he faced Edwin Rosario, in the Garden in all out war, with him picking up a close split decision. Al and I were ringside and we disagreed on who won. I thought Camacho edged it and Al thought Rosario should have gotten the nod. It broke my heart when he was shot to death in a drug hit in 2012, but if I were to say it surprised me, it didn’t. However, it doesn’t change how special Hector Camacho was in that ring. RIP Hector, I hope you finally found peace that you could not find here on earth.

Marlon Brando… There were very few his equal and in many a film, he proved just why. One such film was On The Waterfront which he won a Best Actor Oscar. I met Brando through Al on that set in late 53, when they were shooting in New Jersey. Al, (Bradley’s father) started his acting career in that movie as an extra, but he was such a sharp cookie, he got his foot in the door by making connections with Brando who loved him and Eva Marie Saint who was making her film debut. If you watch the scene at the end of the movie when Brando fights Lee J. Cobb, you will see Brando who took a beating, walking/staggering up the plank. To his right side there is a bunch of guys in the crowd (crowd is actually on both sides), you will see a guy with a fedora on. That’s Al and he is so slick that even as an extra, he stepped out of the shot to be seen more.

One day, the main cast was eating together and Al and I were at another table talking and eating. Brando yells over to Al, “Hey Al, come sit with us and bring your pal “Boom Boom”. I was shocked Brando knew my name. Little did I know, Al become friendly with him and actually hung a few times after the days shoot with them chasing a few ladies together. Brando, was a little strange, but very friendly to us and you want to talk about protective, he looked over Al like a big brother. Al, was just an extra keep in mind, so for Brando to do this and take a shine to him was a testament to how people just loved Alvin. To say I miss him, which I always seem to do in my columns, is an understatement. He was the funniest, most loyal SOB and beloved man I have ever known. Marlon Brando knew it too. I remember being shocked that a week after Al passed, my phone rang and that unique voice (Brando’s) was on the other line in tears that he heard Al had died through a mutual associate. They had lost touch, over the years, but it was obvious Marlon never forgot Al. RIP Terry Malloy…

The Chutzpah Award… Paulie Malignaggi is the winner of The Chutzpah Award for his tell it like it is commentary and never backing down. He actually reminds me of the late Tony Janiro, not in fighting style, but in personality. I met Tony when he faced Rocky Graziano in 1950 when they fought at the Garden to a Draw. Al and I were there ringside and Rocky took us over to meet Tony who was a funny guy and right out of Central Casting as they say. Paulie is the same way to me.

[si-contact-form form=’2′]