"I didn't love boxing until I met Emanuel," Klitschko said. ET/PT).Īs he prepares to enter the ring, Steward is never far from Klitschko's thoughts. In his first bout since, Klitschko will attempt to regain the heavyweight throne when he challenges world titleholder Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) in a megafight at sold-out Wembley Stadium on Saturday (live on Showtime at 4:15 p.m. Steward's reshaping of Klitschko's boxing style and mental outlook laid the foundation for his historic 9½-year title reign that ended in November 2015 in a decision loss to Tyson Fury. It looked as though it might be a short union because in their first fight together Klitschko suffered a shocking fifth-round knockout loss to Lamon Brewster in a vacant heavyweight title fight that Klitschko had been winning easily.īut they stayed together and became very close. They were together for 17 fights, Steward taking Klitschko on in 2004 and rebuilding him into one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in boxing history. LONDON - Emanuel Steward made such an immense impact on Wladimir Klitschko's life and career that the former heavyweight world champion still carries the late Hall of Fame trainer's influence with him five years after his death from colon cancer at age 68 in 2012. Wladimir Klitschko: 'Didn't love boxing' until he met late trainer Emanuel Steward Marvin Goodwin covers boxing for The Oakland Press.You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser "He was the greatest trainer that ever lived." "I just wish I was there for his major fight," he lamented. Lewis said Steward was in his corner for many of his biggest fights. "Hello, hello, how you doing," announced Klitschko of Steward's favorite greeting, which he received a few days before his death. Ultimately, the feeling was prevalent that Steward knew that he was very ill, yet kept things to himself until the very end. Sugar Ray Leonard, Hilmer Kenty, Iran Barkley, who could barely get past his tears, and Andy Lee, Milton McCrory and on and on, these were the boxers who knew about Steward and were thankful of Steward's presence and influence in their lives.ĭetroit Mayor Dave Bing, Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, Judge Greg Mathis joined in the acknowledgement of Steward, along with former champ Iran Barkley, who could hardly speak through his tears. Stuart Kirschenbaum, who had a long relationship with Steward and the Hearns family beyond his years as Michigan boxing commissioner, and referee Frank Garza continued the tributes for a man who meant so much to boxing.īefore a solo rendition to the Steward family and an attentive congregation, Aretha Franklin recalled her connections to boxing, going back to the days of watching the Gillette Fights with her dad. Promoter Bob Arum, who handled several of Hearns's fights, Dr. He said he always carried a Kronk gym bag, which Steward had given him long ago, to all of his fights. Included with that group was former champ Roy Jones Jr., who revealed his respect for Kronk boxing, although a lad whose roots were deep around the Gulf Coast in Florida. The boxing world was present in full force, including Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant, Max Kellerman and Harold Lederman, the HBO boxing telecast crew in which Steward was a part for more than a decade. I love you Emanuel, I'm truly going to miss you." With his son, Ronald, and brother, Billly trying to comfort him, Hearns went on. "At this time, it's kind of hard for me," said Hearns, as his eyes welled up in tears as he looked down on the arrangement of flowers and images of Steward. "Lennox Lewis, you know how to party, I never been to a party like that before," Steward said. It was a great experience, much to Steward's delight, according to Lewis. Lewis, who had Steward in his corner for many of his big fights, recalled a light-hearted episode in England, where the pair went clubbing late at night. Current world heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko, former heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Michael Moorer, and former muti-division champ Thomas Hearns, the signature fighter of the famed Kronk boxing team, shared their powerful stories and humorous anecdotes recalling their experiences with Steward, who at one time or another, trained them all.įor some, it was easy.
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