Emanuel Steward: The Mastermind Behind Boxing Greatness
Emanuel Steward, born on July 17, 1944, in Bottom Creek, West Virginia, was one of the most exceptional and respected figures in boxing. Not only was he a legendary trainer, but he also became a veteran ringside commentator for HBO Sports, where his deep knowledge and unique insight added richness to boxing broadcasts.
Before becoming a trainer, Steward enjoyed a stellar amateur career, compiling an impressive record of 93–4 and winning the 1963 National Golden Gloves bantamweight title. Interestingly, he never fought professionally, yet went on to redefine the art of training.
A former electrician, Steward’s journey began at the famous Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit, Michigan, where he first trained his younger brother. By the 1970s, his passion for grooming amateur fighters blossomed, and he developed one of the most successful stables of champions in boxing history.
His first world champion was Hilmer Kenty, who captured the WBA Lightweight title in March 1980. Shortly after, his greatest protégé emerged—Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, a devastating puncher who became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four different divisions. Hearns’ success elevated Steward into the ranks of elite trainers.
Throughout his remarkable career, Steward produced 41 world champions, including Hilmer Kenty, Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, and Miguel Cotto. His unmatched ability to study fighters, identify weaknesses, and build strategies made him a boxing mastermind.
As a commentator for HBO Sports, Steward further cemented his legacy. Fans valued his clear, passionate, and knowledgeable commentary that combined the perspective of a trainer with the charisma of a natural broadcaster. His voice became part of many unforgettable nights in boxing history.
Emanuel Steward’s place in history is right alongside American greats such as Jack Blackburn, Eddie Futch, Angelo Dundee, George Benton, Lou Duva, and Gil Clancy, all of whom shaped generations of fighters.
Sadly, on October 25, 2012, Emanuel Steward passed away from cancer. His death left a void in both the boxing ring and the broadcast booth, but his influence still echoes through the sport he loved.
Emanuel Steward was more than a trainer—he was a teacher, a visionary, and a voice of boxing. His passion transformed fighters, inspired fans, and built a legacy that remains timeless.
Emanuel Steward encourages Lennox Lewis in his corner. It's a testament to the genius of Emanuel Steward because after Lennox Lewis got with Steward, he became a truly great fighter. Lennox Lewis hooked up with Emanuel Steward in 1994 after Lewis lost his WBC heavyweight title to Oliver McCall. Lewis then trained at Steward's renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit, eventually reclaiming his title in 1997 and becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, and one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time under Steward's guidance.
Comments
This was one of the great images from that fight, Ngannou folding up like a lawn chair.
One of my favorite magazine covers, "World-class boxer obliterates mixed martial artist with sickening ease."
The Joshua-Ngannou KO.
Emanuel Steward: The Mastermind Behind Boxing Greatness
Emanuel Steward, born on July 17, 1944, in Bottom Creek, West Virginia, was one of the most exceptional and respected figures in boxing. Not only was he a legendary trainer, but he also became a veteran ringside commentator for HBO Sports, where his deep knowledge and unique insight added richness to boxing broadcasts.
Before becoming a trainer, Steward enjoyed a stellar amateur career, compiling an impressive record of 93–4 and winning the 1963 National Golden Gloves bantamweight title. Interestingly, he never fought professionally, yet went on to redefine the art of training.
A former electrician, Steward’s journey began at the famous Kronk Boxing Gym in Detroit, Michigan, where he first trained his younger brother. By the 1970s, his passion for grooming amateur fighters blossomed, and he developed one of the most successful stables of champions in boxing history.
His first world champion was Hilmer Kenty, who captured the WBA Lightweight title in March 1980. Shortly after, his greatest protégé emerged—Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, a devastating puncher who became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four different divisions. Hearns’ success elevated Steward into the ranks of elite trainers.
Throughout his remarkable career, Steward produced 41 world champions, including Hilmer Kenty, Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, and Miguel Cotto. His unmatched ability to study fighters, identify weaknesses, and build strategies made him a boxing mastermind.
As a commentator for HBO Sports, Steward further cemented his legacy. Fans valued his clear, passionate, and knowledgeable commentary that combined the perspective of a trainer with the charisma of a natural broadcaster. His voice became part of many unforgettable nights in boxing history.
Emanuel Steward’s place in history is right alongside American greats such as Jack Blackburn, Eddie Futch, Angelo Dundee, George Benton, Lou Duva, and Gil Clancy, all of whom shaped generations of fighters.
Sadly, on October 25, 2012, Emanuel Steward passed away from cancer. His death left a void in both the boxing ring and the broadcast booth, but his influence still echoes through the sport he loved.
Emanuel Steward was more than a trainer—he was a teacher, a visionary, and a voice of boxing. His passion transformed fighters, inspired fans, and built a legacy that remains timeless.
Detroit's legendary Thomas Hearns gets his hands wrapped by trainer and manager Emanuel Steward at the Kronk Gym in 1981.
Emanuel Steward encourages Lennox Lewis in his corner. It's a testament to the genius of Emanuel Steward because after Lennox Lewis got with Steward, he became a truly great fighter. Lennox Lewis hooked up with Emanuel Steward in 1994 after Lewis lost his WBC heavyweight title to Oliver McCall. Lewis then trained at Steward's renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit, eventually reclaiming his title in 1997 and becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, and one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time under Steward's guidance.