Growing up, I was a huge Muhammad Ali fan. When I found out Bruce Lee copied his footwork from Ali, I became a bigger fan. As i got older and was working in the entertainment business, I had the honor and privilege of meeting him one day in his hotel room when he was visiting L.A. in the early 90's. We talked for about 45 minutes and he showed me some magic tricks. Needless to say, this moment was my “Okay, I can now die a happy and fulfilled man' moment!
About a year or so later, he was signing his book. I had the photo you see here blown up to 8x10 to get him to sign for me. The bookstore manager was mad that everyone brought other things for him to sign aside from the book. Ali even told the manager at one point, “ Don’t you ever tell me what I can sign or can’t sign!” When he saw the picture, he looked up at me and said, “Hi John! How are you?” He stood up and gave me a hug. Times like these are the ones that you cherish and remember forever!!!