RISMEDIA, July 2, 2007–The former Muhammad Ali training camp will be offered for Auction on Ebay, Monday, July 2,2007. This property has only changed hands one time in 35 years. Originally owned by the former World Champion for 25 years, this property is rich with sports and personal history. The property is presented for sale due to a divorce settlement by Ali’s former workout partner, George Dillman. George Dillman is a world famous martial arts leader.
Dillman worked with many professional athletes in order to maximize their performance. Sharing a close relationship with one of his students, Muhammad Ali, he purchased the camp directly from him. Since 1997 Dillman has used the facility as a bed and breakfast and a karate training facility.
Looking for a place to train in peace, Ali chose Deer Lake for its beauty, breathtaking views, and tranquil setting. Located only one hour from Philadelphia, 20 minutes from Reading, Pa., 30 minutes from Allentown, and two hours from New York City, Ali trained and lived at this location from 1972 until the end of his career in the 80’s. Here he prepared for such opponents as Joe Frazier and George Foreman. His well known technique of defense was perfected here and later referred to as the legendary “rope
-a-dope.”
The property has 18 building/log cabins to lodge up to 100 people. Ali had built a spacious ranch house for himself, an additional cabin for his wife and children, a cabin for his parents, a chapel, a gym, a kitchen/dining hall, a five-stall horse barn, eight guest cabins, and three additional buildings.
The camp is full of personal Ali history/memorabilia reflecting his bright and monumental career. Over the years, thousands visited the camp where they watched Ali in train and mingle with leading figures of the time. A short list of some who came would include virtually all the greats associated with the sport. Celebrities included: Sylvester Stallone (who was rumored to have lived at the camp while writing Rocky), Andy Warhol, Mr. “T” (started as a body guard for Ali at the camp), Jackson Five,? Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Howard Cosell (a staunch Ali defender who conducted many of his famous interviews there), Elvis Presley.
Fighters who trained there included Sugar Ray Leonard, Larry Holmes, and in later years, a young Mike Tyson.
For additional information about this eBay property auction, contact Scott
Jovien by calling (832) 381-8922 or by e-mailng sj@houston.rr.com.
