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Emanuel "Manny" Steward (July 7, 1944 – October 25, 2012) was an American boxer, trainer, and commentator for HBO Boxing. Known as "the godfather of Detroit boxing," Steward trained 41 world champion fighters throughout his career, most notably Thomas Hearns,<ref name=LATimes1>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name= manny /> He was an inductee of the International Boxing Hall Of Fame, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.<ref name=IBHOF>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Steward was also known for his charity work in Detroit, Michigan, helping youth to attain an education.<ref name=DFP>Template:Cite news</ref>

Life and careerEdit

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.<ref name= manny>Emanuel Steward dies at 68 From Los Angeles Times obituaries. Retrieved November 13, 2012.</ref><ref name=Time1>Template:Cite magazine</ref> 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.<ref name=LATimes1 /> Steward began an amateur boxing career there.<ref name=LATimes1 /> 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.<ref name=LATimes1 />

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.<ref name=ESPN1>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Steward trained many of the nation's top amateurs.<ref name=ESPN1 /> He eventually translated his success with amateurs into a career training championship-level professional fighters.<ref name=ESPN1 />

On March 2, 1980, Hilmer Kenty became Steward's first world champion by knocking out world lightweight champ Ernesto España.<ref name=ESPN1 /> 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.<ref name=ESPN1 /> 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.

DeathEdit

Steward died on October 25, 2012, after undergoing surgery for diverticulitis. He was 68.<ref name=DFP /> Colon cancer was subsequently reported as a contributing factor to his death.<ref name="freep.com">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

HonorsEdit

Kronk GymEdit

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Fighters trainedEdit

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

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ReferencesEdit

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External linksEdit

  • Kronk Gym<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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