Tributes flood in for Emanuel Steward

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor

The passing of Emanuel Steward yesterday has stunned the boxing world as some of the sports top stars pay tribute to a man who lit up boxing with his engaging smile, kindness and energy.

Lennox Lewis, who stood alongside Manny throughout his greatest achievements in boxing, was devastated upon hearing the news of his trainer's death after a day of confusion and conflicting stories.

"I'm completely devastated by the passing of my long-time friend, mentor and trainer Emanuel "Manny" Steward," said Lewis.

"Manny has helped me get through some of the biggest fights in my career and I only regret that I couldn't return the favour and see him through his biggest fight.

"We've maintained a close relationship and the last time we spoke he seemed his usual upbeat self so it was very disturbing to hear about his illness and rapid decline.

"It is with a heavy heart that realisation of what I hoped were just rumours are now in fact true.

"Manny always told me I was the best, but the truth is, HE was the best and I'm grateful, privileged and honoured to be counted among his many historic successes." - Lennox Lewis

Following the death of Emanuel Steward, one of boxing’s most important contemporary figures, former 10-Time World Champion in Six Weight Divisions and President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya who trained under Steward in 1997 commented:

“It brings me great grief and sadness to hear of the passing of one of the best and most respected trainers of this era, Emanuel Steward.

“I learned a lot from him during our professional relationship and I will be forever grateful for his help during that time.

“We were also friends and I know I am going to miss him as so many others will too.  He was an important part of our boxing community.”

Bob Arum on the passing of Emanuel Steward:

"We are all grieving the passing of our friend Emanuel Steward. His founding and leadership of the Kronk Gym in Detroit was outstanding. His efforts produced many world class fighters and champions including Tommy Hearns, Milt McCrory, Michael Moorer and many more.

"Emanuel Steward always stood for the best that boxing could offer. He will be missed by all of us."

Showtime Sports, with whom Steward played a role as an analyst in their early years, released this statement.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Emanuel Steward today. Not only was Emanuel one of the most esteemed and accomplished boxing trainers in the history of the sport, he was also an incredibly generous and warm-hearted human being. In addition to his many professional pursuits, Emanuel served as a life coach to countless young men and women, particularly in his beloved adopted hometown of Detroit, and through them his legacy will live on. Those who were fortunate enough to have known Emanuel will remember him for his infectious enthusiasm, ever-present smile and seemingly limitless generosity. We extend our deepest condolences to the Steward family during this difficult time. He will be missed by everyone his spirit touched." - Stephen Espinoza

"Steward and many of his Kronk protégé were fixtures in the infancy of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in the late 1980's. Over the years, we became close personal friends. He will be missed by all of us in the sport. Moreover, the sport will miss what he embodied in boxing--everything that is good and right about this business. 

"It's a terrible shame that his life was cut short. Men like Emanuel Steward are irreplaceable." - David Dinkins, Jr.

Many of the sports' top stars including Ricky Hatton, Cornelius Bundrage, Bernard Hopkins, David Price, Amir Khan, Joe Calzaghe and Erislandy Lara have since paid tribute to the great man, who will be sadly missed by everyone.