Newsletter – Volume #9

Newsletter – Volume #9

Fighter’s Heaven was thrilled by a recent visit by Ali’s eldest daughter Maryum “May May” Ali. Maryum was in New York City to participate in the Parkinson’s Unity Walk, an event she has been involved with for over twenty years. Before heading home, she wanted to visit her father’s restored Deer Lake Training Camp. Maryum spent much time here as a child during her father’s training camps, but hadn’t been back since she was here with father as a teenager in the early 1980’s.

Maryum is currently a Public Speaker for social and human services organizations. She has worked with youth and families in the field of juvenile delinquency prevention and youth development in various capacities. In 2024, the 20th anniversary edition of her children’s book, “I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali”, was released by Simon & Schuster.

“We enjoyed hearing her stories of time spent here when she was a child”, said Mick Stefanek, Camp Manager. “She was very impressed with how the Camp has been restored to the way she remembered it”.

During her visit she was able to speak by phone with owner Mike Madden in California and expressed how thrilled and appreciative she is in how Fighter’s Heaven is keeping her father’s legacy alive.

US Film Premier of “In the Company of Kings”

The U.S. premiere of the new documentary “In the Company of Kings” took place April 1st in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Film Society East Theater. Representing Fighter’s Heaven at the premiere was Camp Manager Mick Stefanek and photographer Jeff Julian, who had several photographs of Ali at Deer Lake included in the film.

Director Steve Read and Producer Robert Douglas were present to introduce their film. Special guests included former middleweight champ Bernard Hopkins and former two-time heavyweight champ Tim Witherspoon. Both were prominently featured in the film. Fighter’s Heaven was also prominently featured, as the crew spent a couple days filming here several years ago.

Authors Jonathan Eig and Todd Mealy

On April 5th, award-winning biographer Jonathan Eig, known for his works “Ali: A Life” (2017) and the recent “King: A Life” (2023), spent the day at Fighter’s Heaven with author Todd M. Mealy and his students from J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

These students, part of the Leon ‘Buddy’ Glover Public Learning Project at McCaskey, which is overseen by Mealy, engaged in thoughtful discussions with Eig about his books on Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. Following their conversations, everyone toured the camp.

Fighter’s Heaven congratulates Jonathan Eig for being awarded a 2024 Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., titled “King: A Life.”

Authors Nigel Collins and William Dettloff Visit

Fighter’s Heaven recently enjoyed a visit from International Boxing Hall of Fame writer Nigel Collins and William Dettloff, editor-in-chief of “Ringside Boxing” magazine. Nigel is writing a feature story on Ali’s old training camp for the June issue of “Ringside Seat” magazine.

Nigel Collins is a former two-time editor-in-chief of “The Ring” magazine and author of several books. He is the Boxing Writers Association of America’s 2023 “Nat Fleischer Award winner for Excellence in Boxing Journalism”. It was his first visit to the Camp in forty-some years. We look forward to his upcoming story on Fighter’s Heaven in “Ringside Seat” magazine.

2nd Annual March Madden Charity Tournament

The 2nd annual March Madden Tournament was held to benefit Servants to All and a donation of $1,150.00 was presented to the organization!

The competition was intense and the atmosphere was friendly as the tournament proceeded to crown a winner. This year’s winner was Joey Simpson who went undefeated to claim 1st place and will have his named placed on the March Madden Trophy!

We want to acknowledge Joey for putting the finishing touches on the day! Afterwards and in the spirit of the tournament, Joey donated $100.00 of his winnings to the organizations supported by Fighter’s Heaven.

Atlantic City PAL / “Champ’s Camp” Event

Members of the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL) spent a day at the Camp. The group included youth boxers, youth police explorers, youth track members and their mentors.

The day included a tour while learning about Muhammad Ali and his training camp, lunch and a series of activities presented by “The Champ’s Camp”. We want to thank the Atlantic City PAL officials and members for taking the time to spend the day at Fighter’s Heaven!

Special shoutout to “The Champ’s Camp” for working with the kids through a series of fun and educational activities!

Star City Boxing Visits Camp

It was great having Star City Boxing of nearby Reading, PA at the Camp learning about Muhammad Ali and the history of his training camp. Star City Boxing is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit boxing gym that aims to be an outlet for our youth & community. A big part of the Camp’s mission is to educate the younger generations about Muhammad Ali and his accomplishments inside and outside of the boxing ring. Contact the Camp if you’d like to schedule a visit for your class or youth group!

NFL Quarterback Chad Henne Tours Camp

Local Berks County native and former NFL quarterback Chad Henne visited Fighter’s Heaven recently with Schuylkill Haven Area School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Fitzpatrick.

After playing in the NFL for 15 seasons, Chad retired from the NFL shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs won last year’s Super Bowl, where he was backup quarterback to MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He received two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.

He played high school football locally at Wilson High School near Reading and went on to star at the University of Michigan. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He later played with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2012 to 2017 before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. He is currently living back in the Reading area since his retirement.

Fighter’s Heaven Now Open for the 2024 Season

Fighter’s Heaven is now open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and weekdays by appointment. If you would like to request a weekday appointment call 570-968-2961 or email [email protected]