’57, ’58, and ’59 he was one of the most vicious machines probably ever in boxing, but after he won the title, from my reports and from what I gather, he started drinking a lot and he was golfing and he just lost that total edge. He lost the real focus that he had earlier. He was mean, punched with both hands, and I think that the time that he finally got to the title, I think his best years had gone and right after he won the title he began to live the life of a middle aged wealthy man. I mean he had unbelievable brutal punching power. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.A: Sonny Liston, I watched Sonny Liston when I was a teenager do something that I’ve never seen any heavyweight do-walk through the whole division almost from being the number ten guy all the way up to the champion because he was that devastating like around ’57, and ’58, and ’59. His contributions to the sport and to HBO will never be forgotten. Ten bells do not seem enough to mourn his passing. His energy, enthusiasm and bright smile were a constant presence. For more than a decade, Manny was a respected colleague who taught us so much not only about the sweet science but also about friendship and loyalty. Ken Hershman, president of HBO Sports, where Steward had worked as a commentator since 2001, released a statement, saying: "There are no adequate words to describe the enormous degree of sadness and loss we feel at HBO Sports with the tragic passing of Manny Steward. Colon cancer was subsequently reported as a contributing factor to his death. Steward died on October 25, 2012, after undergoing surgery for diverticulitis. Even though he fought, his main passion was training. He even, at one point, obtained a 97-3 title. In addition, he was very giving and was known for being a father figure. He was well known for his outgoing personality and endless energy. Hearns became one of Steward's most successful and popular fighters, fighting Sugar Ray Leonard, knocking out Roberto Durán, and challenging undisputed middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Steward achieved his most notable early success with welterweight Thomas Hearns, whom he changed from a light hitting boxer into one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history. On March 2, 1980, Hilmer Kenty became Steward's first world champion by knocking out world lightweight champ Ernesto España. He eventually translated his success with amateurs into a career training championship-level professional fighters. Steward trained many of the nation's top amateurs. In 1971, Steward took his half brother, James Steward, to the nearby Kronk Gym, a hot-bed for amateur boxers in the 1970s, and became a part-time coach there. He compiled a record of 94 wins and 3 losses as an amateur boxer, including winning the 1963 national Golden Gloves tournament in the bantamweight division. Steward began an amateur boxing career there. After moving to Detroit, he worked briefly in the auto industry before eventually going to Brewster Recreation Center, where Joe Louis and Eddie Futch trained. Steward was born in Bottom Creek, West Virginia, but, by the age of 12, he had moved with his mother to Detroit, Michigan, after she divorced his father, who was a coal miner. Steward was also known for his charity work in Detroit, Michigan, helping youth to attain an education. He was an inducted of the International Boxing Hall Of Fame, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame. His heavyweight fighters had a combined record of 34-2-1 in title fights. Emanuel trained over two dozen boxers who turned out to be champions in the course of his career. Steward trained 41 world champion fighters throughout his career, most notably Thomas Hearns, through the famous Kronk Gym and later heavyweights Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. He was also called the Godfather of Detroit Boxing. Steward in Dusseldorf, Germany, March 2012Įmanuel " Manny" Steward (July 7, 1944 – October 25, 2012) was an American boxer, trainer, and commentator for HBO Boxing.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |