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The old Kronk Gym on Detroit's west side, which trained boxing standouts like Tommy "Hitman" Hearns, was destroyed by fire Saturday night, Sarah Rahal of The Detroit News reports.
The gym at McGraw and Junction, which has been vacant since 2006, became engulfed in flames Saturday night, says Deputy Fire Chief Dave Fornell.
"After trying to battle the way up there, the chief evacuated the building. It was too dangerous to be inside," Fornell said. "We surrounded the building and then the roof collapsed.
"We are listing the fire as suspicious and it is an ongoing investigation."
The building was built in 1920s. Founded by the late Emanuel Steward, the gym was internationally known. After closing in 2006, it relocated to the current home at 9520 Mettetal.
Hearns was among a few past and present Detroit-area professional boxers who came to see the ruins Sunday, the Free Press reports, quoting him:
"It's just sad to see that people didn't value this place like we did.
"What this building brought for me was a chance at life. I got a chance to become somebody out of this building right here. To see it like this is pitiful — it's really pitiful."
