Newsletter – Volume #12

Newsletter – Volume #12

Ali’s Family Members Visit Fighter’s Heaven

We were excited to welcome Muhammad Ali’s twin daughters Rasheda and Jamillah and their families and some friends for a private overnight stay at Fighter’s Heaven. As children, Rasheda and Jamillah spent much time at their father’s training camp, but it was their first visit back in about 50 years.

Rasheda was accompanied by her husband Bob Walsh and sons Biaggio and Nico. Jamillah brought her children Nadia, Amira and Jake. It was the first time any of these five grandchildren have visited their grandfather’s famous training camp. They had a fantastic time touring the camp, playing in the snow, and enjoying a large family meal at the famous original table in the kitchen.

Rasheda and Jamillah were flooded with many childhood memories as they toured the training camp and were very impressed at how it has been restored. They shared the following thoughts, “Just coming back here, we are so grateful that Mike Madden has restored this environment not just for us, but for the outside world to share. Coming back here has given us such a warm, fuzzy feeling. It is a reminder to all of us how wonderful our father was not just as a boxer, but as a person.”

Maryum Ali & Todd Mealy High School Event

On Thursday, February 27, nearly 100 students from J.P. McCaskey High School, including members of the football team, visited Fighter’s Heaven. The students were joined by Maryum “May May” Ali, the eldest daughter of the boxing legend. The trip was organized by Dr. Todd M. Mealy, an educator recently named McCaskey’s head football coach and the author of a forthcoming book about the camp, tentatively Fighter’s Heaven: A Biography of Muhammad Ali’s Training Camp (Penn State University Press, 2026). As part of an ongoing project, McCaskey students are working on historical research on the training camp and creating ideas for possible various new visitor experiences.

Maryum has fifteen years of experience in the social services field, working with youth and families in juvenile delinquency and gang prevention programs and is a much sought out public speaker. She is the author of the inspirational children’s book, “I Shook Up the World: The Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali.” The book pays homage to her father’s legacy while inspiring new generations.

Maryum is currently working on a solo theatrical performance that will tour nationally and internationally. The play, called “FLOAT”, will take you into the heart of Maryum’s story as an African American Muslim girl and woman navigating life. Through poignant, powerful autobiographical tales, she reflects on how her father, Muhammad Ali, raised her and the challenges, triumphs, and defining moments that shaped her identity. It will premier on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Kennedy King College Theater in Chicago, IL.

Aaron Snowell’s Black History Month Event

Fighter’s Heaven hosted a free Black History Month event on Saturday Feb .22nd. The event was organized by Schuylkill County native Aaron Snowell, a renowned boxing trainer and member of the National Boxing Hall of Fame.

The well-attended event was open to the public and highlighted and honored African American boxers throughout history who forged their careers amid segregation and heavy social upheaval. The event featured a panel discussion with an impressive group of boxing figures, including Tony Tubbs, Tim Austin, Larry Donald, Murad Muhammad, Leon Muhammad, President Craig Houk of Indiana Boxing HOF, President Larry Lyautey and Vice President Mark Irwin of Rochester Boxing HOF, representatives from the Islamic Society of Schuylkill County, the Adam Center in Virginia, NAACP Schuylkill Branch, and many others.

It also included a Jack Johnson exhibit and a free lunch featuring soul food prepared by Snowell’s family.

David Serero’s “The One” – Film Crew

Fighter’s Heaven welcomed David Serero’s film crew for his upcoming film “THE ONE” about the Life of Muhammad Ali, based on Serero’s off-Broadway play of the same name which played to sold out audiences in New York City. David Serero, who wrote, produced and directed “THE ONE”, brought his crew to film at Fighter’s Heaven for the upcoming movie version of the play. Actor Zack Bazile plays the role of Ali and Cooper Musser the Army Officer, David Serero as Angelo.

Film Crew – Boxing Documentary

A film crew doing a documentary on the history of boxing in the Catskills recently visited Fighter’s Heaven. The documentary is titled “Ringside in the Mountains: A History of Boxing in the Catskills”. The crew from Baker Street Productions included Evan Haiman, executive producer; Hal Simon, co-producer; and Chris Cassidy, photographer/filmmaker. During the shoot they interviewed camp manager Mick Stefanek and boxing writer/author William Dettloff.

In September 1976, instead of training at Deer Lake, Ali spent some time training at the Concord Hotel in the Catskills in preparation for his third fight against Ken Norton.

The documentary will tell the story of this upstate New York area and how some of the 20th Century’s greatest fighters set up training camps at various Catskills hotels filled with vacationers from NYC, then the epicenter of boxing. Reporters from the city’s major media outlets could make the two-hour drive upstate and be back in their newsrooms later in the day to write their stories.

The documentary is expected to be released later this year.

Sculptor Zenos Frudakis – Muhammad Ali

Fighter’s Heaven recently received a visit by renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis and his his business manager Rosalie Frudakis. Zenos is currently working on what will be a ten foot tall bronze statue of Muhammad Ali. The statue will be erected in Lewiston, Maine, the site of the famous 1965 rematch between Ali and Sonny Liston in which Ali won in a first round knockout.

Zenos and Rosalie traveled to the Camp from his studio outside Philadelphia, and they couldn’t help but feel the spirit of Ali as they toured the famous training camp. Zenos said he gained further inspiration for the sculpture, which is nearing completion.

Staff members Mick Stefanek and Jeff Julian were subsequently invited to tour the Frudakis Studio near Philly, where they got a chance to view his incredible work. He was currently finishing up details on Ali’s head. The rest of the sculpture is currently at Laran Bronze foundry in Chester, PA.

The impressive monument to Ali is expected to be unveiled in Lewiston, Maine on May 25, the 60th anniversary of that famous fight.

March Madden Charity Event

Fighter’s Heaven hosted the 3rd annual March Madden video gaming tournament. It was a single elimination competition leading up to a championship game being played in the camp’s ring! Gamers went at it from 9am-1:30pm with Brady Dagon from Blue Mountain High School emerging as this year’s champion!

The event was a benefit for St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, a local organization committed to educating and supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Because of some incredible sponsor’s support, $1,250 was raised for the school!

Aaron’s provided and set up all of the equipment needed to have the tournament. Chet Evans and his staff were a huge part of making it a successful day!

Along with Aaron’s, support came from the following: M & M Redzone, Culture2Culture, Bowers Home Improvements, AJ Serina, Madden Charities, Spotts Insurance, Boyer’s Food Markets Weis Markets, Walmart and two anonymous donors. Breakfast was provided by Dunkin’!

Muhammad Ali Deer Lake Training Camp Experience!

Individual cabin rentals are also available thru Airbnb. Stay at the historic camp where Muhammad Ali trained for his legendary fights!

These unique cabins offers a rare glimpse into the life of Ali. Tour the camp’s iconic buildings, relax bye the fireplace, and enjoy the courtyard area!

Dine in the kitchen at the *ORIGINAL* table where Ali planned his strategies. The cabin is filled with memories and photos that bring his story to life. This isn’t just a stay; it’s an experience that takes you back to a pivotal era in sports history. Book NOW!

Fighter’s Heaven 2025 Season

Fighter’s Heaven will open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm starting May 3rd and weekdays by appointment. If you would like to request a weekday appointment call 570-968-2961 or email [email protected]