Muhammad Ali's Training Camp facts for kids
Muhammad Ali's Training Camp was a special place in Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. It was also known as "Fighter's Heaven". This camp was built by the famous boxer, Muhammad Ali. He was a world heavyweight champion.
Ali trained here for many of his big fights. These included the "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974 and the "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975. These were some of the most famous boxing matches ever!
Quick facts for kids Muhammad Ali's Training Camp |
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|---|---|
| Location | 58 Sculps Hill Rd, Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Area | 5-6 acres |
| Founded | c. 1972 |
| Built for | Muhammad Ali |
| Owner | Mike Madden |
| Website | http://fightersheaven.com/ |
History of the Camp
Changes Over Time
After Muhammad Ali stopped boxing, he sold the camp. This happened in 1997. The new owner was a man named George Dillman.
The Camp Today
Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016. After his death, George Dillman opened the camp to visitors. People could see the gym, kitchen, and cabins. Soon after, in July 2016, the camp was sold again. The new owner is Mike Madden. He is the son of the famous sports announcer, John Madden.
Exploring the Compound
Ali bought the land for the camp in 1972. He started building the cabins himself. He cut down trees and used the logs.
The camp had several important buildings:
- A cabin for visitors
- A gym for training
- A dining hall
- A mosque, which is a place of worship for Muslims
- His family house
There was also a barn with five stalls. This was for his horses and a donkey.
One unique feature of the camp was its boulders. These large rocks had names painted on them. The names were of famous boxers, friends, and opponents. Some names included Sonny Liston, Joe Louis, Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee, and Joe Frazier. Even the famous singer Elvis Presley visited the training camp!
