Muhammad Ali at Stillmans Gym & when it closed down

[gladiator5050]

Hey fans,

I'm doing some research on Ali and wondering if anyone knows if he ever trained (even for a short period) at Stillman's gym in NY. I'm also trying to find a record regarding when Stillman's gym closed down. Part of the problem I'm getting is that I've gotten mixed info regarding when the gym closed down. I've heard some say 1959-60, I've also heard late 1960's, and I've also heard that another gym opened in its place when Stillman's closed down. Any info would help. Thanks!

[Ray Corso]

Stillmans closed in 1968 (I think) I know it wasn't around in the 70's because I started to use the Hartford Ct. gyms more for sparring.
I do not recollect Ali ever going to Stillmans for work. Stillmans was the home of the northeastern fighters that were top contenders and champions. You could go there in the late 40's and see celebrate boxers during the day and early nights training. It was THE gym in the northeast for 40 years!
I took a few guys there in the late 60's to get work in.
Ray

[gladiator5050]

Stillmans closed in 1968 (I think) I know it wasn't around in the 70's because I started to use the Hartford Ct. gyms more for sparring.
I do not recollect Ali ever going to Stillmans for work. Stillmans was the home of the northeastern fighters that were top contenders and champions. You could go there in the late 40's and see celebrate boxers during the day and early nights training. It was THE gym in the northeast for 40 years!
I took a few guys there in the late 60's to get work in.
Ray

So you actually remember going to Stillman's in the late 1960's? If it closed in 1968 that would help with part of the information I'm trying to verify. A guy I know was doing some work at the gym in March of 1967. He apparently met Ali at the gym and it was a few days or so before Ali's fight with Zora Folley. The guy I know is much older now and seems to think Ali was training but maybe Ali was just stopping by?