A LETTER TO A FRIEND (now deceased)      June 15, 1998


     Dear Donald:

     I was at Canastota for the weekend with both the Dave McTaggarts.
     Yes, there are TWO David McTaggarts, pere et fils.  Fils is a boxing nut,
     pere is his chauffer.  There were four of us in pere's car.  Let's see ...
     I was there, and at least two McTaggart's, and oh, yes, a meek little,
     6 foot, 225 pound shrinking violet named Charlie Summers.  And as cheery
     as a summer day he was!  Efervescent!  that's the word for Charlie, and
     don't forget the "!".  That's what I call the EXCITEMENT point.
     That's Charlie, a walking, talking EXCITEMENT point!

          Well the goings on were fabulous!  What with Felix Trinidad, Kevin
     Kelly and Christie Martin,  (Don King's latest sensation, a FEMALE tiger!
     Pretty as you could hope for, but HANDS OFF or she'll deck yuz!)
     .. taking turns in the outdoor ring, sparring, and whacking those oversize
     catcher mitts that their trainers wear.
 
     I got to schmooze with BILLY SOOSE, former (1941) middle champ (he's 83
     and has all his faculties, which is several more than I have!

     There were Q. & A. sessions with Lou Duva (inducted this year), Bert Sugar
     (writer and publisher of his new 'Fight Game'), Joey Giardello, former
     middle champ (he beat Dick Tiger and Hurricane Carter when no one else
     wanted to fight them. Maybe that's why HE PUNCHY!).  Steve Farhood was also
     one of those alone on the podium.  He's the former RING editor.  He seemed
     interested (perhaps he's just polite) in the PLEA FOR HELP.
 
     We had a great time!  What I really loved about it, was that everyone
     was so damn FRIENDLY.  Of course we are all br'ers & sisters under the
     skin.  We all love to see a good fight!
 
     That was my 2nd Canastota visit (first in 1994).  The McTaggarts have 
     been there every year except two, since it opened in 1990 (or '91?).
     Dave Mc. Jr. specializes in autographs (he got K. Kelly's (the nicest young
     pug you'd want to meet.  (Naz's recent victim), M. M. Hagler, Yes!  The
     black Italian Stallion was there!  I think it's his first! A handsome, 
     articulate great ex-champ.), ... and many others.
     
     Hey!  Did I make you jealous?  NO!??!  Damn!!



     Well, I must toddle, Bart, my pischer poodle, wants me to open the door
     so he can piss on my pillow again.  I swear, someday, POW! to the
     moon, poodle!
     

     With all good wishes, 



               Mikey


      P.S.  Speaking with the 83 year old Soose reminds me of the 83
            year old man who told his pal he was marrying an 18 year old girl.
            "Great Scot!" sez said friend, "An 83 year old marrying an 18
            year old!  Why don't you realize such a union could be fatal?"
            "Well," shrugged the potential groom, "If she dies, she dies!"
 
 
 
        M.