Newsletter – Volume #7
Officially Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Fighter’s Heaven is now officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places as of August 21, 2023!!! The National Register is administered by the National Park Service and is the Nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. National Register criteria recognizes the accomplishments of all peoples who have contributed to the history and heritage of the United States. In Pennsylvania, properties are nominated to the National Register of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Office. It is a very involved and rigorous process. Fighter’s Heaven would like to thank Emma Diehl and her team from the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office for all their hard work in making this recognition possible. “It has been my honor to work on such a fantastic property and I cannot thank you and Mike Madden for all that you’ve done to open and maintain and keep the greatness of Fighter’s Heaven going,” said Diehl.
Boxing Writer/Editor William Dettloff
Writer William Dettloff recently paid a visit to Fighter’s Heaven. Bill is the editor-in-chief of Ringside Seat magazine and was senior writer at The Ring magazine for 15 years. He is the author of recently published book “Mathew Saad Muhammad: Boxing’s Miracle Man”. He is also the author of “Ezzard Charles: A Boxing Life”. Bill was invited to tour the Camp by Mustafa Ameen, a friend and longtime associate of Matthew Saad Muhammad.
Children of Promise – NYC
Both the Brooklyn and Bronx chapters of “Children of Promise” brought a group of children from New York City to spend several hours at Deer Lake exploring Fighter’s Heaven and learning about Muhammad Ali. In 2009, Sharon Content founded Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC) after growing increasingly concerned about the lack of support offered to young people who experience parental incarceration. CPNYC is the first and only after school program and summer day camp in NYC specifically designed to meet the needs, interests, and concerns of children left behind by a parent serving time in prison. Their summer program offers many activities that support their scholars socially, emotionally, physically, academically, and creatively.
Summer Visitors
We had a great summer at Fighter’s Heaven! Small groups, large groups, youth groups, friends and families all came to tour this historic site. Normal weekend hours will stop in November and start up again in May, but you can call 570-968-2961 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment to tour the camp year round.
Boxing Reunion / Cookout
“Iceman” John Scully organized a boxing reunion/cookout at Fighter’s Heaven on Saturday Sept. 16th. Those in attendance for the reunion included Tim Witherspoon, Iran Barkley, Junior Jones, Pito Cardona, Michael Stewart, Lonnie Davis, Fred Druding, Timmy Sinese, Hector Cruz, Eddie Montavlo, cut man Richard Schwartz, Jose Toledo of Untouchables Boxing Club of Liberty, NY, and many others. Traveling from Connecticut was Isidro “GG” Roman and Larry Pelletier and a group of young amateur boxers from the Silver City Boxing Gym of Meriden, CT. Also in attendance was the Philadelphia Pugilists Association. Everyone enjoyed reconnecting and reminiscing with old friends and acquaintances from the boxing world. This is the second boxing reunion Scully has organized at the Camp.
Visitors Share Their Stories of Ali
Fighter’s Heaven held a special event on Saturday Oct. 7th called “Memories of Ali at Deer Lake”. Fans who visited the Camp “back in the day” when Ali was training came to share their personal stories, photos, and recollections. Historian Todd M. Mealy, who is working on a book about the Ali Training Camp, was there to interview folks about their personal experiences for possible inclusion in the book. If you were unable to attend but would like to share your experiences, please get in touch with Dr. Mealy at 717-380-6815 or [email protected].
Albright College Sports Marketing & Business Students
Professors Matthew Bieber and Richard Schott brought their individual Albright College student classes to visit Fighter’s Heaven for research.
Professor Bieber’s “Sports Marketing” course is working with us to develop marketing plans to bring greater awareness to this historical site and develop strategies and suggest tactics that will advance our mission here at the Camp.
Professor Schott brought his “Introduction to the Business of Sports” class to learn about sports tourism development and management of an iconic, sports relevant historical site.
We’re very pleased to be working with these groups.
Atlantic City Boxing HOF
Fighter’s Heaven had an information table and exhibit set up at the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s “Fight Fan Experience” during their 7th Annual Induction Weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Representing Fighter’s Heaven and spreading the word on this historic site were Mick Stefanek, Jeff Julian and Mustafa Ameen.
The many boxing legends in attendance, as well as the many boxing fans in general, were thrilled to hear that this historic Training Camp of Muhammad Ali has been restored and many have expressed interest in visiting.
Many thanks to Ray McCline and his staff at the ACBHOF for their hospitality and also to New Jersey Boxing Commissioner Larry Hazzard, Sr for inviting us as his guests at the Friday night fights at Bally’s Casino.
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