Ali training camp added to National Register of Historic Places
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – A welcome sign at the foot of Muhammad Ali’s former training camp in West Brunswick Township on June 3, 2023.
WEST BRUNSWICK TWP. – Fighter’s Heaven — the former training camp for Muhammad Ali near Deer Lake — is now officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places as of August 21.
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.
The camp received a state historical marker in June.
A Mahanoy City native — Gene Kilroy — first brought “The Greatest” to Schuylkill County.
Ali established the training camp in 1972, where he prepared for some the biggest fights of his career, notably Rumble in the Jungle and Thrilla in Manila.
Future heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad began their careers sparring here with Ali. He hosted many celebrities at Fighter’s Heaven, including Andy Warhol, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Dick Cavett, Howard Cosell, Jim Brown, Isaac Hayes, Kris Kristofferson, and many others.
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