Muhammad Ali's Deer Lake Training Camp

Muhammad Ali's Training Camp or "Fighter's Heaven" was a compound and training facility in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania built by former professional boxer and heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali. Ali trained in the facility preparing for numerous fights, such as Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, and Thrilla in Manila in 1975.

History

1970s

Before Ali trained at the Deer Lake camp, he mostly trained at the 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, Florida. In 1970, when Muhammad Ali came back to boxing, he attracted significant media attention. Ali's closest friend, who helped him regain his license Gene Kilroy, introduced Ali to Bernie Pollack, a furrier in Pottsville, Pa., who had undeveloped land just outside Deer Lake. Kilroy, who was Ali's closest confidant and business manager, brought Ali to the area and urged him to purchase the secluded site in an area called Sculps Hill. Kilroy told Ali that he was going to make a businessman of him, and introduced him to a top-flight accounting firm. Kilroy knew all along that Ali could use the site as a tax write off and the accounting firm acknowledged Kilroy’s savviness. A total of 8 log cabins were built and served as quarters for Ali's support personnel. In addition, a Mosque was built for Ali to practice his religious beliefs of Islam. The gym was the focal point where he trained along with a kitchen, two bunkhouses where his sparring partners trained and another house, now known as the Ali house where he stayed by himself away from distractions. In addition, there was a Chalet for Ali's wife to stay with the couples four children. The land was purchased in 1971 and construction commenced immediately with the gym being the first building erected. Kilroy felt that this site was perfectly suited for a man of Ali's stature and popularity; away from the big city lights and media of Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore and Washington. It was without question the best move for Ali, who loved Deer Lake until his passing on June 3, 2016. Over the years, thousands of adoring fans visited his training facility; and many celebrities, including the Jackson 5, have visited his training camp.

1980s-90s

After Ali's retirement from the ring, he sold the camp to George Dillman in 1997.

Present day

Following Ali's death on June 3, 2016, Dillman reopened the compound to the public, including the gym, kitchen, and the cabins. It was then sold to Mike Madden, the son of John Madden, in July 2016.

Inside the compound

After Ali bought the land in 1972, he began to build the cabins by cutting down trees, and getting logs. The compound included a visitors cabin, a gym, a dining hall, a mosque, and his family house. It also included a five stall barn for his horses and donkey. The compound included boulders that showed the painted names of boxing legends, friends, and opponents such as Sonny Liston, Joe Louis, Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee, and Joe Frazier.{{cn, date=February 2020

References

Boxing gyms in the United States
Historic sites in Pennsylvania