Emanuel Steward, famed boxing trainer, dies at 68

By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer


DETROIT - Emanuel Steward, the owner of the legendary Kronk Gym and one of boxing's greatest trainers, has died. He was 68.

Victoria Kirton, Steward's executive assistant, says Steward died Thursday in a Chicago hospital. She did not disclose the cause of death.

The International Boxing Hall of Famer made his name training Thomas Hearns at the Kronk Gym in Detroit. That paved the way for Steward to work with a long line of champion boxers such as champion Lennox Lewis, during a big part of his title run, and current heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko as recently as July.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said, "I am saddened to learn of the passing of Emanuel Steward. My thoughts and prayers are with the Steward family, and I’m sure all Detroiters share that sentiment.

"With the loss of Emanuel Steward, we have lost a true Detroit icon. Emanuel Steward embodied our city’s toughness, our competitive spirit, and our determination to always answer the bell.

"We are grateful for Emanuel Steward’s many contributions to our city and his impact on generations of young people.'

Steward owned the legendary Kronk Gym, where his fighters were clad in red and gold trunks, and worked as an analyst for HBO.