Fundraiser to Benefit Joe Hand Boxing Gym and Philly Boxing History, Inc.
Fighter’s Heaven, Muhammad Ali’s historic training camp in Deer Lake, will host “A Tribute to Philly Boxing” on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as part of its Tribute Series honoring boxing history. The event will spotlight Philadelphia’s enduring impact on the sport through a full day of presentations, exhibits, and discussions featuring some of the most influential figures in Philly boxing.
Confirmed guests include former world champions Tim Witherspoon, Ivan Robinson, and Nate Miller, along with prominent boxing personalities such as former state commissioners George Bochetto and Greg Sirb, renowned promoter J Russell Peltz, boxing writer Bernard Fernandez, and Philadelphia boxing historians John DiSanto and Matthew Ward.
Supporting Boxing’s Past and Future
All proceeds from the event will support two nonprofit organizations with missions rooted in service and preservation:
-
The Joe Hand Boxing Gym, based in Feasterville, offers structured boxing and fitness programs for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, children with autism and special needs, adults seeking wellness, and at-risk youth. The gym operates as part of Joe Hand Promotions, a leader in distributing sports content to commercial venues.
-
Philly Boxing History, founded by DiSanto, is committed to documenting and honoring Philadelphia’s boxing legacy. The group’s Gravestone Program helps fund headstones for legendary Philadelphia boxers buried in unmarked graves, including Tyrone Everett and Matthew Saad Muhammad. The organization is currently fundraising for a headstone for welterweight contender Gil Turner.
Event Schedule and Highlights
The day’s programming will include themed presentations such as:
-
Philadelphia: An Historic Boxing Legacy
-
Ali: The Philadelphia Years
-
Philadelphia: The Boxing Legends
-
Philadelphia: The Past, Current and Future of Boxing
Attendees will also have access to a rare display of memorabilia curated by Bochetto and DiSanto. Lunchtime entertainment will be provided by jazz guitarist Nate Miller, and the day will close with a meet-and-greet session sponsored by Yuengling, offering attendees a chance to connect with participants and guests.
Preserving a Historic Space
Fighter’s Heaven, where Muhammad Ali prepared for many of his most iconic bouts, is recognized as both a Pennsylvania and National Historic Landmark. The June event is the second installment in the camp’s Tribute Series, following last fall’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle. A future tribute is planned for the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila later this year.
Event Details
-
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
-
Location: Fighter’s Heaven, Deer Lake, PA
-
Tickets: $60 – includes full-day admission, catered lunch, and a commemorative gift
-
Registration: www.fightersheaven.com