[fsenties4]

World-renowned boxing man Emanuel ‘Manny’ Steward has passed away after suffering from a serious stomach illness for the past few months, according to close friend Jonathan Banks.

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.

Steward’s reported death comes just a day after Klitschko announced that he would replace Steward with fellow fighter 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 the boxing community.

[fsenties4]

Man, what a big loss for the sport, I just hope he is resting now, that illness was reported to be painful as hell.

May he rest in peace.

[bill1234]

This one gutted me more than Angelo Dundee, Bert Sugar, and Joe Frazier's deaths. Very, very sad.

Steward was the last of the true ATG trainers that was alive, and his work speaks for itself. Guiding Tommy Hearns from the first day he walked into the gym as a 12 year old boy to being one of the most formidable oponents ever and into a hall of fame fighter. Bettering Lennox Lewis and Wlad Klitschko exponentially. Training the nightmare of a match up Gerald McClellen, and training countless other champions.

He was a good man and one of the few left who genuinely cared for the sport of boxing. I was fortunate enough to meet him in 2010, he was a class act and immensely fan friendly. Even just earlier this year he was still a very strong man, and not just for his age, he was a strong man in general.

Many do not know this, but he as an outstanding amateur fighter as a young man. He went 96-3 as an amateur and was a national golden gloves champion. He then left boxing for a bit to be an electrician, but found his way back into the gym and training fighters...the rest of his career is well known, and should be.

A few months ago I did notice his hair had rapidly turned grey and had thinned a lot between each fight, but I just figured it was because he was 68 and his hair had to grey and thin eventually. Now I realise it was because he had death knocking on his door.

RIP Emanuel.

[5991619]

Great post Bill. RIP Emanuel

[HUGOBOX]

What a sad shame and so suddenly, great man and great trainer may his soul rest in peace.....

[o336MR]

Terrible news.

[carob]

Dan Rafael among others hinted that this was very, very serious. You certainly don't want to make a patient's situation worse by telling the world he's terminal. Steward may have been told there was hope.

From the way he handled his fighters, to what he said and what he didn't choose to say in his HBO commentary, to just his demeanor and facial expressions standing there with Lampley and Merchant...it all suggested a man of integrity, humility and class.

Very sad news about someone who surely was a very good man.

[Colzo]

Fuk I knew the guy was ill but I didn't see this coming

[coopieroLCFC]

Originally Posted by carob

Dan Rafael among others hinted that this was very, very serious. You certainly don't want to make a patient's situation worse by telling the world he's terminal. Steward may have been told there was hope.

From the way he handled his fighters, to what he said and what he didn't choose to say in his HBO commentary, to just his demeanor and facial expressions standing there with Lampley and Merchant...it all suggested a man of integrity, humility and class.

Very sad news about someone who surely was a very good man.

His sister has supposedly came out saying that this Is bogus, I hope so

[Colzo]

Just read his family says he's alive I'm confused but hope he is