Fighter’s Heaven consists of almost six acres of land and is divided by Sculps Hill Road. The lower portion of the property includes the chalet, barn & stable, gym, kitchen, Ali’s personal cabin, and two bunk houses.

The chalet, near the entrance to the camp is where Ali’s family would stay when visiting the camp. Horses were kept in the stable behind the chalet. The large log gym has been refurbished inside and out by Amish craftsmen, as were many of the buildings on this historic site. The gym has a boxing ring in the same spot where Ali’s once stood, and the walls are filled with various photographs and fight posters.

There is a touch-screen monitor where visitors can watch highlights of Ali’s boxing career narrated by Howard Cosell. A small room off the back of the gym was a dressing room where Ali would get massages and relax after workouts.

Behind the gym is the kitchen where Ali, staff, and guests would eat their meals. It still contains the original long wood table where they would eat and the original gas stove. Ali’s Aunt Coretta was the original cook for the camp and a reproduction of her “Rules of My Kytchen” hangs on the wall. In later years, Lana Shabazz took over as cook for the camp.

To the right of the kitchen is the rustic log cabin where Ali slept. It was sparsely furnished and originally had no electricity. Through researching old photographs and films, we have tried to recreate the “feel” of the cabin with similar period furniture. The cabin includes a video of Ali giving talk show host Dick Cavett a tour of the cabin, which Ali obviously was very proud of. Up the hill from Ali’s cabin are two log buildings that served as bunkhouses for Ali’s sparring partners.

On the upper portion of the property, which includes the parking area, is the mosque Ali had built for his daily prayers. In the mosque is another video in which Ali discusses what he planned to do with his life after boxing.

Also scattered around the upper portion of the property are various smaller cabins where staff members or special guests would stay while at the camp. The large log building at the top of the hill once served as an office.

We hope you enjoy your visit to this historic site and hopefully come away with a better understanding and appreciation of Muhammad Ali’s life and legacy.

This was written by photographer Jeff Julian of Reading, PA. On a recent visit Mick Stefanek and Joe Bascio of Team Ali were kind enough to help give a tour with visitors.

58 Sculps Hill Road

Orwigsburg, PA 17961

PHONE (570) 968-2961

Email: info@fightersheaven.com

Website: fightersheaven.com

Facebook: Fighter’s Heaven

MICK STEFANEK

(570) 778-3976

mick@fightersheaven.com