Emanuel Steward is one of the most decorated boxing trainers ever. Steward trained 41 world champion fighters throughout his career.
Kronk Gym became a property of Steward’s and trained many of the nation’s top amateurs. His breakout star would be Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. Steward was instrumental in changing Hearns from a lightweight puncher to one of the most devastating punchers in Boxing. They had a close relationship like a father and son. Together, they would go on to be part of many fights against boxers such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Hearns was Steward’s most successful fighter.
Emanuel would also train heavyweight Lennox Lewis. Emanuel corrected several of Lewis’ mistakes and guided him into a hall of fame career. Their most memorable moment together was in the most anticipated fight of the decade: Lewis vs. Tyson. Steward did some amazing corner work in that fight. Lewis knocked Tyson to win the bout.
Steward also trained other great fighters like Evander Holyfield, Miguel Cotto and Wladimir Klitschko. Aside from being a trainer, he spend years as a commentator for HBO Boxing. This is where I started becoming a fan of Emanuel Steward. He had so much knowledge of the sport of Boxing. I knew Emanuel Steward as a commentator first than as the Boxing trainer. So I did it in reverse, haha.
Steward passed away in 2012. He is deeply missed in the sport of Boxing. His legacy lives on forever.
