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.

Raging bull black and white