One of the greats of boxing, trainer Emanuel Steward has died today in Detroit.
The work of Emanuel Steward, and the many great champions he trained, will go down in boxing history so it is very sad news that he has died today at the age of 68, according to the Detroit Free Press. His family have yet to confirm the news.
For over 40 years he was in the corner of some of the best boxers in the world. The driving force behind the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit, Steward helped the likes of Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Andy Lee and, most recently, Wladimir Klitschko, to glory in the ring.
The heavyweight champ issued a statement today, saying: “Boxing has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Emanuel Steward.”
Steward had been sick in recent times, with reports about a serious stomach complaint surfacing last month.
Here are two videos that are the best possible tribute to Steward. The first is his no nonsense corner talk to Jermaine Taylor (a little NSFW so stick headphones in).
The second is a compilation of the greatest hits of the Hitman, Thomas Hearns, arguably the finest fighter to pass through Steward’s hands.
RIP Emanuel Steward.
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