Legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward has passed away today at the age of 68. He was having difficulties with Diverticulitis which was caused by his battle with Colon Cancer.
Emanuel is without a doubt one of the greatest boxing trainers out of the famed Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit MI and trainer to such legendary champions as Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, Wilfred Benitez, Lennox Lewis, Miguel Cotto, Wladimir Klitschko and many, many more there is no doubt his name will be cemented into the hall of fame in Canastota, NY. Along with his training duties, Emanuel has been a long time commentator for HBO, covering some of the most memorable fights. Emanuel came from very humble beginnings had a successful amateur boxing career with a record of 94-6. With Steward campaigning as head boxing coach for the Kronk Boxing Gym, he led his team to seven championships at the 1971 Golden Gloves. The following year he quit his full time job as an electrician to commit full time to boxing and just nine years later his first world champion was born when Hilmer Kenty won his first world championship in March of 1980.
I got the chance to speak to Emanuel this past May while covering the events for Mayweather vs. Cotto. Humble as always and when I asked Emanuel for an official prediction on the fight he remained a consummate professional in his reply “I am a broadcaster, I can’t pick a winner. It will be a great fight.”
Emanuel will be missed throughout the sport and will always be remembered for his bright smile and humble attitude. Having the opportunity to have met with him on numerous occasions will be a memory I will hold near and dear my heart for as long as I live. May you rest in peace Emanuel.