Even though the place has long become a legend of boxing, it had to give in to unrelenting forces of urban development in the 1990s. Where once supreme fighters were trading punches at late-night bouts and hopefuls were flocking to break some sweat and make an appearance before top promoters, there is now very little left physically. The area has changed beyond recognition, but the 5th Street Gym is going to be forever remembered as a boxing Mecca for more than just a few reasons. The latest book by Ferdie Pacheto, an accomplished cornerman for a number of champions, brings back stories for good, old days of boxing.

A lot of its fame can be credited to Muhammad Ali, who found his professional home in the 5th Street Gym. Located in South Beach, it was a perfect spot for high-voltage trainings, shady meetings and club fights that electrified the crowds. The first such destination in Florida, the club also served as a critical entry port for boxing prodigies escaping Castro's regime, like the welterweight champion Luis Rodriquez. Next to Stillman's Gym in New York, it contributed volumes to boxing history in its rawest form, long before television or casinos took over and the sport become totally commercial and a bit sanitized.

The story reads extremely well, like a sentimental journey to glory days that are not likely to come back, but should not be forgotten. It is a pity, though, the building could not resist changes and had to be demolished, the place redeveloped. All tourists and visitors using Miami mansion rentals or Miami Harley rentals could have yet another attraction to see that is steeped in the history of one of the most exciting and most popular sports on earth.