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Legendary trainer Emanuel Steward has died

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
Illness takes life of boxing coach aged 68

World-renowned boxing man Emanuel ‘Manny’ Steward has passed away today after suffering from a serious stomach illness for the past few months, it has now been formally announced.

The 68 year-old, who trained Wladimir Klitschko to invincibility after a long career coaching some of the biggest names in the sport, was reported by some to be battling cancer, although this was denied by his sister.

After earlier reports were initially rubbished, Mr. Steward's death is now confirmed, throwing the whole boxing community into mourning for one of the greatest trainers and men to ever grace the sport.

Steward’s death comes just a day after Klitschko announced that he would replace Steward with fellow fighter Jonathan Banks for his upcoming bout against Mariusz Wach on November 10 in Hamburg, Germany.

The Ukrainian was transformed under the tutelage of Steward after suffering some devastating knockouts in his early career and was enjoying an eight-year unbeaten run with the exceptional coach.

In his career, Steward guided the likes of Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and at one point, 'Prince' Naseem Hamed to notable success in their careers and will be sorely missed by all within the sport and beyond.

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