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Emanuel Steward

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For the British West Indian cricketer, see Emmanuel Stewart.

Emanuel "Manny" Steward (July 7, 1944 – October 25, 2012) was an American boxer, trainer, and commentator for HBO Boxing. He was also called the Godfather of Detroit Boxing. Steward trained 41 world champion fighters throughout his career, most notably Thomas Hearns,[1] through the famous Kronk Gym and later heavyweights Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. Emanuel trained over two dozen boxers who turned out to be champions in the course of his career. His heavyweight fighters had a combined record of 34–2–1 in title fights.[2] He was an inductee of the International Boxing Hall Of Fame, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.[3] Steward was also known for his charity work in Detroit, Michigan, helping youth to attain an education.[4]

Emanuel Steward
Steward in Dusseldorf, Germany, March 2012
Born(1944-07-07)July 7, 1944
Bottom Creek, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedOctober 25, 2012(2012-10-25) (aged 68)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Other namesManny

Life and career

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Steward was born in Bottom Creek, West Virginia, but, by the age of 12, he had moved with his mother to Detroit, Michigan, after she divorced his father, who was a coal miner.[2][5] After moving to Detroit, he worked briefly in the auto industry before eventually going to Brewster Recreation Center, where Joe Louis and Eddie Futch trained.[1] Steward began an amateur boxing career there.[1] He compiled a record of 94 wins and 3 losses as an amateur boxer, including winning the 1963 national Golden Gloves tournament in the bantamweight division.[1]

In 1971, Steward took his half brother, James Steward, to the nearby Kronk Gym, a hot-bed for amateur boxers in the 1970s, and became a part-time coach there.[6] Steward trained many of the nation's top amateurs.[6] He eventually translated his success with amateurs into a career training championship-level professional fighters.[6]

On March 2, 1980, Hilmer Kenty became Steward's first world champion by knocking out world lightweight champ Ernesto España.[6] Steward achieved his most notable early success with welterweight Thomas Hearns, whom he changed from a light hitting boxer into one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history.[6] Hearns became one of Steward's most successful and popular fighters, fighting Sugar Ray Leonard, knocking out Roberto Durán, and challenging undisputed middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He was well known for his outgoing personality and endless energy. In addition, he was very giving and was known for being a father figure. He even, at one point, obtained a 97–3 title. Even though he fought, his main passion was training.

Death

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Steward died on October 25, 2012, after undergoing surgery for diverticulitis. He was 68.[4] Colon cancer was subsequently reported as a contributing factor to his death.[7]

Honors

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Kronk Gym

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Main article: Kronk Gym

Kronk Gym became a property of Steward's, who was also famous for his collection of Rolls-Royce cars and mansions. He opened a branch of the gym in Tucson, Arizona, and started an association with the Dodge Theater in Phoenix to present boxing undercards once a month.

Steward often turned up the thermostat to make boxers so uncomfortable that some would claim that even the walls would sweat.[8]

Fighters trained

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Among the world champions and top rated contenders who trained or sought Steward's guidance at some point of their careers were:

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Pugmire, Lance (October 25, 2012). "Legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward dies at 68". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  2. ^ a b Emanuel Steward dies at 68 From Los Angeles Times obituaries. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  3. ^ "Emanuel Steward". Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  4. ^ a b Brudenell, Mike (October 25, 2012). "Detroit Kronk boxing icon Emanuel Steward dead at 68". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  5. ^ "Emanuel Steward, Legendary Boxing Trainer, Dies at 68". Time. Associated Press. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  6. ^ a b c d e Rafeal, Dan (October 25, 2012). "Famed trainer Emanuel Steward dies". ESPN. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  7. ^ "Funeral services for Emanuel Steward set | Detroit Free Press". freep.com. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  8. ^ "America at Large: Kronk Gym, a place that offered a 'chance at life'". The Irish Times. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
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  1. ^ "Legendary boxing trainer Steward dies at 68". ESPN.com. October 25, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
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