Fighter’s Heaven, the historic training camp of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, will host a special ticketed fundraising event on October 26 from 1 to 5 p.m., commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Joseph’s Center for Special Learning, an organization supporting children and adults with developmental needs.
The event will feature a panel of boxing experts who will provide an in-depth exploration of the lead-up to the fight, the bout itself, and the lasting impact on the careers of both Ali and Foreman.
The panel includes former heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney, renowned boxing writers and historians Jerry Izenberg, Ron Borges, and Don Majeski. Fighter’s Heaven owner Michael Madden will moderate the discussion.
In addition to the expert panel, the day will include a screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings, which chronicles the buildup and cultural significance of the “Rumble in the Jungle.” The documentary captures the atmosphere surrounding the fight, Ali’s famous “rope-a-dope” tactic, and his eventual triumph over the previously undefeated Foreman.
The fight, which took place on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), is remembered as one of the greatest upsets in heavyweight boxing history. Despite being a 4-1 underdog, Ali, then 32, recaptured the heavyweight title by defeating the younger, stronger Foreman, who had recorded 24 consecutive knockouts prior to the match. Ali’s victory marked the pinnacle of his storied career, cementing his legacy as “The Greatest.”
The event will conclude with a meet-and-greet reception, where attendees will have the chance to interact with the panelists and boxing enthusiasts. Tickets for this limited-capacity event are priced at $50 and include the reception, panel discussion, film screening, and a limited-edition poster commemorating the historic bout.
Fighter’s Heaven, located near Deer Lake, was Ali’s training camp from 1972 to 1981. The camp has been restored to its original condition and is recognized as a Pennsylvania and National Historic Landmark.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance at www.fightersheaven.com. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit St. Joseph’s Center for Special Learning.
Event Details:
- Date: October 26, 2024
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Fighter’s Heaven, 58 Sculps Hill Road, Orwigsburg, PA
- Tickets: $50, includes reception, panel, film screening, and limited-edition poster. Must be purchased in advance.
For more information and to secure tickets, visit www.fightersheaven.com.