The Story Of The Best Trainer Of All Time

Emanuel Steward, born on July 7, 1944, in Bottom Creek, West Virginia, was an iconic figure in the world of professional boxing. Renowned as a trainer and manager, Steward played a pivotal role in the careers of numerous legendary fighters and left an indelible mark on the sport.

Emanuel Steward’s interest in boxing began at a young age when he discovered a passion for the sport. In his early years, he had aspirations of becoming a professional boxer but was limited by his own physical attributes. Instead, Steward decided to pursue a career as a trainer and coach.

In 1971, Manny made a significant breakthrough when he joined the Kronk Gym in Detroit, Michigan. Under the guidance of Steward, the Kronk Gym quickly emerged as a powerhouse of boxing, producing a multitude of world champions. Steward’s training philosophy focused on discipline, hard work, and a strong emphasis on technical skills.

One of Steward’s most notable protégés was Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. Emanuel Steward took Hearns under his wing and developed him into one of the most feared and devastating fighters of his era. Hearns became the first fighter to win world titles in four weight divisions, and his epic battles with Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvelous Marvin Hagler are considered some of the greatest fights in boxing history.

Best Trainer of All Time – Emanuel Steward

Steward’s success as a trainer extended beyond Hearns. He worked with a roster of exceptional fighters, including Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, Oscar De La Hoya, and many others. Steward’s strategic approach, attention to detail, and ability to maximize his fighters’ strengths helped shape the careers of these elite athletes.

As a trainer, Emanuel Steward was known for his meticulous game plans, focus on conditioning, and ability to make critical in-fight adjustments. He had a remarkable eye for talent and was skilled at identifying and nurturing young fighters, moulding them into world-class champions. Steward’s impact on his fighters extended beyond the ring, as he also served as a mentor and father figure to many of them.

Steward’s contributions to the sport were not limited to his work as a trainer. He was also a renowned commentator and analyst for HBO Boxing, providing insightful and expert analysis during televised fights. His warm personality, vast knowledge of the sport, and ability to articulate the intricacies of boxing endeared him to fans around the world.

Tragically, Emanuel Steward passed away on October 25, 2012, at the age of 68. His death marked the loss of a true legend in the sport of boxing. Steward’s impact on the boxing community was profound, and his legacy continues to be felt today. He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

His life and career exemplify the role of a masterful trainer and mentor in the world of boxing. His dedication, expertise, and passion for the sport transformed the lives of countless fighters and left an enduring imprint on the sport he loved. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest trainers in boxing history.

Steward worked with 41 world champions throughout his career. Holding a ridiculous record of 34-2-1 in title bouts with him in the corner. This list of elite fighters he trained is almost endless but includes:

Dennis Andries
Vincent Boulware
David Braxton
Mark Breland
Julio Cesar Chavez
Kermit Cintron
Miguel Cotto
Chad Dawson
Oscar De La Hoya
Jeff Fenech
Miguel Angel Gonzalez
Naseem Hamed
Johnathon Banks
Leeonzer Barber
Jesse Benavides
Gaby Canizales
Thomas Hearns
John David Jackson
Anthony Jones
Hilmer Kenty
Wladimir Klitschko
Lennox Lewis
Gerald McClellan
Milton McCrory
Michael Moorer
Jimmy Paul
Duane Thomas

Emanuel Steward’s legacy lives on through his nephew Javan ‘Sugar’ Hill, who has trained a long list of sucessful fighters including Heavyweight champions Tyson Fury, and Ruslan Chagaev. As well as light heavyweight danger man and former IBF champion Adonis Stevenson. As well as this, the famous ‘Kronk’ branded activewear lives on, as well as the famous yellow shorts still worn by boxers today

By Andrew Tokley

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