ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER Backstage with The Arcada Theatre's Ron Onesti Yes, I even have a Muhammad Ali story! Although the boxing icon Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Muhammad Ali, lost his final bout with Parkinson's Disease just a few years ago at the age of 74, his legacy still lives on. During the crazy quarantine period we all went through, I watched some classic boxing matches on television. Watching Ali during his prime is truly something to experience whether one is a boxing fan or not. This was "Butterfly floatin', bee-sting- in' choreography" at its best!" He possessed a rare connection between seriously competitive sports and main- stream entertainment. Ali was larger than life, both in physical presence and social stature. He was commonly referred to as a "showboater" and "The man, the myth, the mouth" The Ali of that era was comically arro- gant, who made a career out of combining his winning pugilistic efforts with a strong poetic positioning of his philosophies. But he did it all with the beauty of butterfly that also stung like a bee. Yes, he definite- ly talked the talk, and unlike many of his contemporaries, had the winning "punch" to back it all up. He referred to himself as "The greatest", a self-proclaimed legend who actually was legendary, and one of the biggest stars of the twentieth century. As a child in the late sixties/early seven- ties, I can remember Ali all over television, appearing on talk shows, variety shows, even on "Sesame Street"! He was on TV so much that I really don't remember him as much for boxing as I do for being on the popular shows of the day. I am talking about "Sonny and Cher", "Laugh In", "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" and countless other television shows. My fa- vorite was "Dean Martin's Celebrity Roast" where The Champ took his legendary battle with famed sportscaster Howard Cosell to the podium, even lunging for his celebrated toupee on the air. And who didn't impersonate Ali at the time? We all did, as did everyone on TV, especially Billy Crystal! He was so good that he did it at Ali's eulogy! I think it was more of us impersonating Crystal imperson- ating Ali, rather than our own attempt at Ali himself. Much like Eddie Murphy doing James Brown. We all do Murphy doing Brown, not The Godfather of Soul himself. I have been fortunate enough to have been heavily involved with The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, located on Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy. It began as a boxing hall of fame in 1977, so I have had the honor of meet- ing some of the most legendary names in the sport (most recently, serving up my meatballs to Evander Holyfield). One of the guys I got to be pretty good friends with was the illustrious and famed boxing trainer, Angelo Dundee. He trained fifteen champions, most notably a young Cassius Clay, also as his cornerman on most of his bouts. He told us about the famed fight be- tween Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971. Frank Sinatra was actually a photographer for the event! It was HIS photo that made it as the cover of LIFE Magazine! It was a little-known fact that Sinatra was an avid photographer, and the promoters of the fight thought it would be great press to have Frank as the "official" photographer of the fight! Angelo would always refer to Ali as his "kid". And every year, as Angelo would come to Chicago for the Hall of Fame's annual gala, he would promise to bring Ali to see what we had created, when the time was right. That time came when we unveiled a statue of the undefeated heavy- weight champ, Rocky Marciano. We had many of the famed boxers there, includ- ing Vinny Pazienza, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Tony DeMarco, Joey Giardello and many others. Also among them, a guy I couldn't believe actually showed up, the subject of the Robert DeNiro classic "Rag- ing Bull", Jake LaMotta. The event was outdoors as we closed off Taylor Street in front of the Hall of Fame. We all waited with bated breath. "Will The Champ actually show up?" We really were not sure. Then a stretch limo pulls up, and after ten long minutes being parked, he emerged. I have been around celebs most of my life but this time, I was totally in awe! A true international superstar. This was several ago, so the onset of Parkinson's had already begun to be grossly evident. I introduced myself to his daughter Rasheda, who accompanied him. She was married to an old friend of mine and Chi- cago restauranteur, Bobby Walsh. So, they introduced me to him, and it was magi- cal. We slowly walked from behind the Joe DiMaggio statue that is at the center of the piazza across the street from the Hall, where his limo parked. He walked slowly, leaning heavily on his daughter. He looked up at the DiMaggio statue and gave a half smile and a thumbs up. A "from one icon to another" moment, I thought. We sat him on a platform stage next to the Marciano statue yet to be unveiled. He was pretty reserved, but I had the honor of talking him through the ceremony, and describing everything that was to happen. Then I turned around and standing behind me was none other than "The Raging Bull" himself, Jake LaMotta. He welcomed Ali like a long-lost brother, very emotional. I could see Jake was visibly broken about the Champ's impending condition. Un- fortunately, this was all happening just as the ceremony was to begin. So I had to ask Jake to take his seat. If you ever saw the movie, you would know that I actually endangered my own life by telling LaMotta what to do. Regardless, I had an incredible mo- ment as LaMotta cradled Ali's face in a very brotherly fashion, and I had my hands on Jake's shoulders, sharing the moment. That would be the last time they would see each other. A rare moment I will remem- ber forever. My father had his first bout with cancer at the time. Ali was one of my dad's favor- Presented by Onesti Entertainment ites but could not attend the event. I told the Champ's daughter about my dad, and she looked at me with an understanding of my heartbreak. The event was short, but wonderful. Ali then stood slowly and walked with his daughter back to his car. She thanked me and gave me a great hug. Suddenly, he peeked out from behind his dark black sunglasses and came to life with a slow right hook towards my face. I thought, "What a trophy I have!" They got into the car and remained there for a few minutes. I was waiting for them to leave so I could start the takedown of the event. All of a sudden, the door opened and Rasheda handed me a pair of red Everlast boxing gloves The Champ signed to my dad! All I can say is that we believe that gift is what got my dad through his cancer situ- ation. It was a TRUE gift! He was such an ironic figure in that he was someone so vocal and was vocally silenced by such a dreaded disease. His life was defined by his "fighting", but his mission was to promote peace. He was one of the most physically powerful men in the world but was reduced to a physically weak individual. But it is not ironic that he was a man whose life touched so many people. Most people will always remember him carrying the torch for the 1996 Olympic Games. But I will always remember him for the torch I will always carry. The boxing gloves he gave my dad, and the moment I shared with him and LaMotta. Now that my dad is gone, those gloves are what have helped me get me through my own personal challenges. Those gloves fueled me to get up after being knocked down, on many occasions. I will pass them on to my daughter, thus allowing her to "carry our family torch." Thanks, Champ. I may not finish my career as the heavyweight champ of the world, but I will definitely go the distance," facing my OWN challenges, one round at a time. ARCADA (97) YEARS If you enjoy reading this feature, please let me know! I want to see who is out there! Check out the ever-changing, incredible lineup at the historic Arcada Theatre by calling 630.962.7000 or at www.oshows.com ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER Backstage with The Arcada Theatre's Ron Onesti Yes , I even have a Muhammad Ali story ! Although the boxing icon Cassius Clay , a.k.a. Muhammad Ali , lost his final bout with Parkinson's Disease just a few years ago at the age of 74 , his legacy still lives on . During the crazy quarantine period we all went through , I watched some classic boxing matches on television . Watching Ali during his prime is truly something to experience whether one is a boxing fan or not . This was " Butterfly floatin ' , bee - sting- in ' choreography " at its best ! " He possessed a rare connection between seriously competitive sports and main- stream entertainment . Ali was larger than life , both in physical presence and social stature . He was commonly referred to as a " showboater " and " The man , the myth , the mouth " The Ali of that era was comically arro- gant , who made a career out of combining his winning pugilistic efforts with a strong poetic positioning of his philosophies . But he did it all with the beauty of butterfly that also stung like a bee . Yes , he definite- ly talked the talk , and unlike many of his contemporaries , had the winning " punch " to back it all up . He referred to himself as " The greatest " , a self - proclaimed legend who actually was legendary , and one of the biggest stars of the twentieth century . As a child in the late sixties / early seven- ties , I can remember Ali all over television , appearing on talk shows , variety shows , even on " Sesame Street " ! He was on TV so much that I really don't remember him as much for boxing as I do for being on the popular shows of the day . I am talking about " Sonny and Cher " , " Laugh In " , " The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson " and countless other television shows . My fa- vorite was " Dean Martin's Celebrity Roast " where The Champ took his legendary battle with famed sportscaster Howard Cosell to the podium , even lunging for his celebrated toupee on the air . And who didn't impersonate Ali at the time ? We all did , as did everyone on TV , especially Billy Crystal ! He was so good that he did it at Ali's eulogy ! I think it was more of us impersonating Crystal imperson- ating Ali , rather than our own attempt at Ali himself . Much like Eddie Murphy doing James Brown . We all do Murphy doing Brown , not The Godfather of Soul himself . I have been fortunate enough to have been heavily involved with The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame , located on Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy . It began as a boxing hall of fame in 1977 , so I have had the honor of meet- ing some of the most legendary names in the sport ( most recently , serving up my meatballs to Evander Holyfield ) . One of the guys I got to be pretty good friends with was the illustrious and famed boxing trainer , Angelo Dundee . He trained fifteen champions , most notably a young Cassius Clay , also as his cornerman on most of his bouts . He told us about the famed fight be- tween Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971. Frank Sinatra was actually a photographer for the event ! It was HIS photo that made it as the cover of LIFE Magazine ! It was a little - known fact that Sinatra was an avid photographer , and the promoters of the fight thought it would be great press to have Frank as the " official " photographer of the fight ! Angelo would always refer to Ali as his " kid " . And every year , as Angelo would come to Chicago for the Hall of Fame's annual gala , he would promise to bring Ali to see what we had created , when the time was right . That time came when we unveiled a statue of the undefeated heavy- weight champ , Rocky Marciano . We had many of the famed boxers there , includ- ing Vinny Pazienza , Ray " Boom Boom " Mancini , Tony DeMarco , Joey Giardello and many others . Also among them , a guy I couldn't believe actually showed up , the subject of the Robert DeNiro classic " Rag- ing Bull " , Jake LaMotta . The event was outdoors as we closed off Taylor Street in front of the Hall of Fame . We all waited with bated breath . " Will The Champ actually show up ? " We really were not sure . Then a stretch limo pulls up , and after ten long minutes being parked , he emerged . I have been around celebs most of my life but this time , I was totally in awe ! A true international superstar . This was several ago , so the onset of Parkinson's had already begun to be grossly evident . I introduced myself to his daughter Rasheda , who accompanied him . She was married to an old friend of mine and Chi- cago restauranteur , Bobby Walsh . So , they introduced me to him , and it was magi- cal . We slowly walked from behind the Joe DiMaggio statue that is at the center of the piazza across the street from the Hall , where his limo parked . He walked slowly , leaning heavily on his daughter . He looked up at the DiMaggio statue and gave a half smile and a thumbs up . A " from one icon to another " moment , I thought . We sat him on a platform stage next to the Marciano statue yet to be unveiled . He was pretty reserved , but I had the honor of talking him through the ceremony , and describing everything that was to happen . Then I turned around and standing behind me was none other than " The Raging Bull " himself , Jake LaMotta . He welcomed Ali like a long - lost brother , very emotional . I could see Jake was visibly broken about the Champ's impending condition . Un- fortunately , this was all happening just as the ceremony was to begin . So I had to ask Jake to take his seat . If you ever saw the movie , you would know that I actually endangered my own life by telling LaMotta what to do . Regardless , I had an incredible mo- ment as LaMotta cradled Ali's face in a very brotherly fashion , and I had my hands on Jake's shoulders , sharing the moment . That would be the last time they would see each other . A rare moment I will remem- ber forever . My father had his first bout with cancer at the time . Ali was one of my dad's favor- Presented by Onesti Entertainment ites but could not attend the event . I told the Champ's daughter about my dad , and she looked at me with an understanding of my heartbreak . The event was short , but wonderful . Ali then stood slowly and walked with his daughter back to his car . She thanked me and gave me a great hug . Suddenly , he peeked out from behind his dark black sunglasses and came to life with a slow right hook towards my face . I thought , " What a trophy I have ! " They got into the car and remained there for a few minutes . I was waiting for them to leave so I could start the takedown of the event . All of a sudden , the door opened and Rasheda handed me a pair of red Everlast boxing gloves The Champ signed to my dad ! All I can say is that we believe that gift is what got my dad through his cancer situ- ation . It was a TRUE gift ! He was such an ironic figure in that he was someone so vocal and was vocally silenced by such a dreaded disease . His life was defined by his " fighting " , but his mission was to promote peace . He was one of the most physically powerful men in the world but was reduced to a physically weak individual . But it is not ironic that he was a man whose life touched so many people . Most people will always remember him carrying the torch for the 1996 Olympic Games . But I will always remember him for the torch I will always carry . The boxing gloves he gave my dad , and the moment I shared with him and LaMotta . Now that my dad is gone , those gloves are what have helped me get me through my own personal challenges . Those gloves fueled me to get up after being knocked down , on many occasions . I will pass them on to my daughter , thus allowing her to " carry our family torch . " Thanks , Champ . I may not finish my career as the heavyweight champ of the world , but I will definitely go the distance , " facing my OWN challenges , one round at a time . ARCADA ( 97 ) YEARS If you enjoy reading this feature , please let me know ! I want to see who is out there ! Check out the ever - changing , incredible lineup at the historic Arcada Theatre by calling 630.962.7000 or at www.oshows.com