DEEER LAKE - “I’m more at home with my log cabins than I am in my house in Cherry Hill.”

Those words by three-time world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali chronicled the love Ali had for his famed training property located on Sculps Hill Mountain in Schuylkill County - which is now fittingly called Fighter’s Heaven.

Ali trained at the property from 1972-81, which during that time grew to comprise up to 18 various buildings that included a log-cabin gym, dining hall, small individual cabins for members of his staff, courtyard and a massive outdoor stone fireplace.

But after Ali’s departure from competing in the ring, the property would no longer hold the same sports aura that it once did when Ali was welcoming guests to watch him train for heavyweight championships. That was until 2016, when California real estate and property developer Mike Madden purchased the property and began the process of restoring the gym and training grounds to help preserve Ali’s legacy.

The eldest son of Hall of Fame football coach and broadcaster John Madden, Mike Madden’s vision for the property once again paid off this past weekend as the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission honored Fighter’s Heaven with a historical marker. The marker is one of just 2,600 markers throughout the entire Commonwealth.

“It’s very prestigious to receive one of these historical markers. I come from a football family and this is one of those accomplishments where you can say you certainly crossed the goal line and scored a touchdown,” said Madden. “I have been at this for about seven years now, and we have been consistently trying to improve the grounds and carry on the history and legacy of Muhammad Ali. To be recognized by the state of Pennsylvania with one of their historical markers is really exciting, and all of us here at Fighter’s Heaven are very grateful for that special recognition.”

The process for obtaining the marker started in 2016 when Madden purchased the property. In order for a potential location to receive a marker it needs to be at least 50 years or older. In 2022, the property now know as Fighter’s Heaven, celebrated its 50th birthday and became eligible. The decision to grant the location a marker followed quickly thereafter.

“The process for putting together a nomination, and the application is rigorous. This has to be a person or a location that had a major impact or is of major importance to state, national or international history. I have to admit, this was a pretty easy one to grant a marker to,” said PHMC Commissioner Dr. Bill Lewis. “The history of this location and the fame and accomplishments of Muhammad Ali, you can see exactly why this was an easy one to approve. I think it really shows how special the state of Pennsylvania is that Muhammad Ali chose this spot to build his training camp.”

Fighter’s Heaven served as not only Ali’s secluded getaway to help him prepare for renowned fights like the “Thrilla in Manila” and the “Rumble in the Jungle” but it also helped give other boxers their start in the sport. Former heavyweight champions Larry Holmes and Tim Witherspoon trained at the camp as Ali’s sparring partner before going on to compete in the heavyweight division.

“This is such a special place. It’s a definite landmark here in the state of Pennsylvania, and it’s a place where so many great fighters trained,” said Witherspoon. “You name them, they trained here. And a lot of famous people came here to visit as well and watch Muhammad train and to see this beautiful property. I think we need even more events like today to honor the history of this place.”

Other dignitaries who were in attendance were David Pollack, Aaron Snowell, Ali’s daughter Khaliah Ali Wertheimer and State Senator David Argall.