Joe Frazier's Gym | |
 Joe Frazier's Gym in 2013. | |
| Coordinates | 39.997515, -75.153153 |
|---|---|
| Built | c. 1895 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 13000257 |
| Added to NRHP | 4/30/2013 |
Joe Frazier's Gym was a training facility owned by American professional boxer, Joe Frazier. Frazier trained at the gym while preparing for his 1971 Fight of the Century against Muhammad Ali.
Joe Frazier's Gym stands at 2917 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia. The building was constructed around 1895 and originally served as a window sash and blind warehouse. [1] Several companies, including the Benson Manufacturing Company and the Air Craft Plastics Company, were listed at this address.
The building remained in industrial use until Cloverlay Inc., an investment group that sponsored Joe Frazier, purchased the property for his use in 1968. The gym served as Frazier's training center for his highest-profile fights, including his championship bouts against Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. [1]
Following his 1975 retirement, Frazier purchased the gym from his investors and opened it to the public. For the following 25 years, Frazier trained boxers at the gym, including Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion Duane Bobick, Bert Cooper, and Olympic medalist Terrance Cauthen. The gym was also open to local inner-city youth. [1]
Frazier, who maintained an apartment above the gym, was forced to sell the building due to debt and back taxes in 2008. [2]
The gym was purchased by Broad Enterprises Group L.L.C. in 2011 and is currently leased to a discount furniture store. [2] [3]
After efforts from preservationists and local politicians, Joe Frazier's Gym was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 2013. [4]
In April 2018, a portion of Glenwood Avenue near the gym was named "Smokin' Joe Frazier Boulevard". [5]
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century. Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, he held the Ring magazine heavyweight title from 1964 to 1970. He was the undisputed champion from 1974 to 1978 and the WBA and Ring heavyweight champion from 1978 to 1979. In 1999, he was named Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated and the Sports Personality of the Century by the BBC.
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