International Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley and former two-time world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon will headline a free 10th anniversary celebration at Fighters Heaven in Schuylkill County on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Fighters Heaven Anniversary Celebration Details
“Fighters Heaven in Art and Literature: A 10th Anniversary Celebration” will be held at Muhammad Ali’s former training camp in Deer Lake.
- Date:
- Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Fighters Heaven, 58 Sculps Hill Road, Orwigsburg
- Admission: Free and open to the public
The program will introduce two projects celebrating the history and legacy of Fighters Heaven: artist Mark Dickens’ “Fighters Heaven in Art” collection and historian Todd Mealy’s new book, Fighters Heaven: Inside the Camp Where Muhammad Ali Remade His Legacy.
“Because it is indisputable that Muhammad Ali is the biggest and most culturally meaningful name in boxing history, it stands that Deer Lake is the most meaningful training site in the sport,” Lampley said. “Any chance that I get to visit and relive my precious memories of Muhammad, I am determined to be there, and I look forward to being there October 10.”
Lampley served as the voice of HBO World Championship Boxing for 30 years.
New Art Collection Celebrates Muhammad Ali’s Legacy
Dickens will unveil a collection of 12 mixed-media canvases depicting significant moments from Ali’s years at the camp. Created in collaboration with Ali’s daughter, Khaliah Ali, and photographer Jeff Julian, the project uses expressive imagery, layered textures and handwritten text to explore Ali’s influence as a boxer, humanitarian and international figure.
The works also incorporate handwritten quotations from people reflecting on Ali’s lasting impact. Several contributors are expected to attend, including Lampley, Witherspoon, trainer John Scully, Hall of Fame boxing writers Ron Borges and Nigel Collins, and actor Zack Bazile, who portrayed Ali on stage.
Prints from the collection will be available for purchase during the event.
Book Explores the History of Fighters Heaven
Mealy’s book traces the history of Fighters Heaven, including how Ali selected a remote area of Schuylkill County, with which he previously had no connection, as the base for his boxing comeback.
Drawing from personal letters, memoirs and new interviews with people who knew Ali, the book examines how the secluded mountain retreat became a gathering place for Ali’s entourage and the training ground where he prepared for some of the most memorable bouts of his career.
Future heavyweight champions Larry Holmes and Witherspoon were among Ali’s sparring partners at the camp. During the 1970s, the gym was open to the public and drew visitors including Andy Warhol, Tom Jones, Michael Jackson, Kris Kristofferson, LeRoy Neiman, Diana Ross, Flip Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, Jim Brown, Dick Cavett and Howard Cosell.
Fans also traveled to Deer Lake to watch Ali train. Copies of Mealy’s book will be available for purchase at the celebration.
Preserving Muhammad Ali’s Schuylkill County Training Camp
Ali named the property “Fighters Heaven” and used it as his training base from 1972 through 1981. He prepared there for legendary fights including the “Rumble in the Jungle” and the “Thrilla in Manila.”
“I’m more at home with my log cabins than I am in my house in Cherry Hill,” Ali once said of the camp.
The property changed owners and uses after Ali stopped training there. When the six-acre site was listed for sale in 2016, Mike Madden, the son of NFL legend John Madden and a lifelong Ali fan, purchased it with the goal of preserving the camp and Ali’s legacy.
Madden restored the buildings and grounds to reflect their appearance during Ali’s time there. Fighters Heaven has since become a tourist destination and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Event Schedule, Parking and Directions
The morning portion of the October 10 celebration will feature Dickens and Mealy discussing their projects. Lunch will be provided.
During the afternoon session, Lampley and Witherspoon will share memories of their interactions with Muhammad Ali.
Fighters Heaven is located at 58 Sculps Hill Road in Orwigsburg. Visitors should follow signs along Route 61 for event parking and shuttle transportation to the camp.