DEER LAKE - As of Aug. 21, Fighter’s Heaven has been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Fighter’s Heaven is Muhammad Ali’s former training camp. In 1972, Ali established the camp in the heart of Schuylkill County. He spent tremendous amounts of time there as that’s where he prepared for some the biggest fights of his career - notably the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and the ‘Thrilla in Manila.’

Future heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad began their careers sparring there 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 others.

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 people who have contributed to the history and heritage of the United States.

“It has been my honor to work on such a fantastic property, and I cannot thank Mike Madden enough for all that you’ve done to open and maintain and keep the greatness of Fighter’s Heaven going,” said Emma Diehl of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, which is in charge of nominating Pennsylvania sites for inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places.