A boxing landmark returns this week as the 5th Street Gym reopens its doors in Miami Beach. For those of you who enjoy nostalgia, the grand reopening of the gym will take place with many boxing legends in attendance, paying tribute to its history and celebrating its future. At the forefront of those boxing celebrities is Angelo Dundee, legendary boxing trainer and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. The building's history runs through his family, and his enthusiasm for its renewal has sparked interest all over the boxing world.
"I feel strongly about it, like it would be a monument to my brother Chris," said Dundee. "My brother and I were the originators of the place; I started my training at the 5th Street Gym." Many other boxing A-listers will be in attendance at the reopening, including none other than Dundee's most famous pupil, Muhammed Ali. "Most of those guys will be there; Muhammed is going to be there," said Dundee. "If they come to see you, you know they really love you."
While nostalgia will be a big part of the gym, its owners, led by Tom Tsatas, do not intend for it to rest on its historical laurels. The gym will feature workouts for people from all walks of life. In addition, competitive boxers and MMA fighters will train there. "They're going to have members," said Dundee. "Whenever fighters go down there, they will train at the gym because they're friends of mine."
Though he doesn't plan to visit everyday, Angelo Dundee will have a strong involvement in the operation of the gym. Even at the age of 89, Dundee has not lost a beat, and he hopes that the gym will bring him his next champion. "It was never work for me; it was fun, like going to a party everyday," said Dundee. "When you're with these kids and see them develop into fighters and men, it's a big feeling."
For those of you reading those words and feeling motivated to hit the heavy bag, the 5th Street Gym offers an opportunity to feel the history while getting into fighting shape. With guys like Angelo Dundee leading the way, it's an opportunity to get invaluable experience.