Packy’s World: Muhammad Ali, Fernando Vargas, James Caan, My Pal Al, & The Chutzpah Award Posthumously Goes to Muhammad Ali

By Packy “Boom Boom” Goldstein

Oy Vay are you going to hear it today… RSR Readers if I were to tell you where I have been, I would have to kill you! How many times have you heard that corny line in your lifetime? Well, “Ole Packy” was down hard and they thought he may not make it, but I showed them all and kicked what I had right in the bagels, with the help of my beloved Sadie, my little Bagel Breaker to the 3rd power. I saw the light. When I asked the Doc, to turn that sonofbitch off, I’m not going yet, he fell on the floor! So much has happened since my last column, so let’s get right into it folks.

Muhammad Ali… Tears you hear tears for the man known as “The Greatest” passing away. Sadie came into my office last Friday night when I was watching an old Rocky Graziano fight and was shook up. I was worried and when I turned the TV down, she said “Packy, I am so sorry, Muhammad has died” and she started to cry hysterically. Ali and I go way back and though I knew he was sick and we had not talked in sometime, this news leveled me to my very foundation. Even now, I find it hard to talk about it. Let me say this and move on to the next topic because tears are falling as I write this. Ali, as Bradley said in his beautiful tribute to him on his show has left his mark on this world and it will last for eternity.

RIP Champ and give my best to Al, who I know is up there with you watching the fights!

Fernando Vargas… Where are the Fernando Vargas’ today in boxing? This kid win or lose, gave it his all and made for exciting fights. “Catchweight” Alvarez take notes!

James Caan… Jimmy as I call him and I lived near each other years back in North Miami Beach. He is one of my favorite people and actors. Here are my top five Caan movies.

5. For the Boys
4. Brian’s Song
3. The Killer Elite
2. Thief
1. The Godfather

My Pal Al (“Bad” Brad’s Father)… Ali.. Ali…. Ali.. They shared great times together when they would run into each other in the early 60’s on Miami Beach. The story Bradley told about Al almost buying Ali’s car is true! I was there and Al had a young Clay in tears laughing.

The Chutzpah Award… The Chutzpah Award Posthumously Goes to Muhammad Ali and it pains me to say posthumously. I can’t write anymore the grief is too much!

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