GYM WAS FIRST PRO HOME OF “THE GREATEST”
Miami, FL– The legendary 5th Street Gym – where the great Angelo Dundee trained champions such as Muhammad Ali and Luis Rodriguez – is rising from the canvas. Miami Beach’s boxing Mecca – which the Fight Doctor Ferdie Pacheco called the Notre Dame and Yankee Stadium of boxing rolled into one – is set to reopen with all new facilities. In fact, the old sweatbox even has air conditioning.
A lineup of luminaries from the boxing world will be on hand for the grand opening on Thursday, September 23 – including The Greatest himself Muhammad Ali. Joining Ali and Dundee will be promoter Don King, the legendary Kronk Gym’s manager/trainer Emanuel Steward, and boxing historian Bert Sugar.
Nobody is happier about the gym’s rebirth than Angelo Dundee. “It’s an emotional time for me,” says the great cornerman. “I put my heart and soul into the gym with my brother Chris Dundee. I’m proud that’s its re-opening, and I hope they can catch some of the lightening in a bottle the way Chris and I did back in the day.” The team responsible for rebuilding the dream consists of Tom Tsatas, Dino Spencer and Angelo’s head trainer protégé, Matt Baiamonte – with the blessing of Angelo Dundee and his son Jimmy.
The 5th Street Gym is located at 555 Washington Avenue, Miami, Beach Florida.
The press/VIP invitation only, grand opening will start at 7 p.m. sponsored by China Grill, Winning Boxing and Absolut Vodka. On Saturday, September 25, the 5th Street Gym will be open to the public.
PEDRO’S NOTE
The last time I was in the Fifth St. Gym was circa 1988 and Roberto Duran was facing Victor Claudio in Miami. For all the years I had seen videotape shot in the gym, it looked the same as I went through the facility. An historic landmark for sure, I wish Angelo and his peeps success and good luck!
Rachael Charles
Public Relations Diva