Friday, October 26 2012 8:03 AM EDT2012-10-26 12:03:07 GMT
FOX 2 has confirmed Emanuel Steward, the owner of the legendary Kronk Gym and one of boxing's greatest trainers, has died. He was 68.
FOX 2 has confirmed Emanuel Steward, the owner of the legendary Kronk Gym and one of boxing's greatest trainers, has died. He was 68.
By Jennifer Hammond Fox 2 Sports Reporter
DETROIT (WJBK) -- A who's who of boxing champions and Detroit legends gathered at Greater Grace Temple on Tuesday to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Emanuel Steward, who became famous as a trainer and owner of the Kronk Gym.
"I just love him. I mean, he was so special to me. He's been in my home. He's been with my kids, my wife. He's family," said five time world title holder Sugar Ray Leonard.
Aretha Franklin provided a musical tribute, but it was six-time champ Thomas Hearns who provided the most emotional moment of the service when he broke down in tears at the pulpit. (pictured above)
"You've got to remember Tommy was a young man when (Steward) took him in, so Tommy (looks) at (Steward) as a father figure, so that's just like his father passed," said brother Billy Hearns.
Elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996, Steward lived and breathed the sport of boxing, but it was his common touch that made him the champion of champions.
"He's the greatest trainer that ever lived," said former world heavy weight champion Lennox Lewis.
"It's just a tremendous loss because there are not many people as knowledgeable about the sport of boxing as the great Emanuel Steward, and when we lose one like that, it's very hard to replace them," said former heavy weight title holder Roy Jones, Junior.
The three hour service was so humbling. It was amazing just to be in the room with so many boxing greats and to hear how Steward touched and changed all of their lives really gave you a true picture of the man.
Officials said nearly 4,000 people packed into Greater Grace Temple to pay their respects to Steward, who died last month at the age of 68.
Monday, April 8 2013 8:40 PM EDT2013-04-09 00:40:32 GMT
Whether it's Michigan or Louisville players cutting down the nets after Monday's big game, they will be using a yellow and blue ladder specially made for the 75th anniversary of the NCAA tournament.
Whether it's Michigan or Louisville players cutting down the nets after Monday's big game, they will be using a yellow and blue ladder specially made for the 75th anniversary of the NCAA tournament.
Monday, April 8 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-04-08 23:05:46 GMT
At Michigan, tailgating is usually reserved for football games, but that is not the case when the Wolverines are playing for their first basketball title in nearly 25 years.
At Michigan, tailgating is usually reserved for football games, but that is not the case when the Wolverines are playing for their first basketball title in nearly 25 years.
Monday, April 8 2013 6:41 AM EDT2013-04-08 10:41:28 GMT
Michigan head coach John Beilein says prepping for Louisville in only 24 hours is a daunting task. But his players feel ready to bring the university its first national title since 1989.
Michigan head coach John Beilein says prepping for Louisville in only 24 hours is a daunting task. But his players feel ready to bring the university its first national title since 1989.
Thursday, April 4 2013 10:05 AM EDT2013-04-04 14:05:44 GMT
When future classes look back at this Michigan basketball team, they'll see what this 'Fearless Five' did to put basketball back on the map in Ann Arbor.
When future classes look back at this Michigan basketball team, they'll see what this 'Fearless Five' did to put basketball back on the map in Ann Arbor.
Tuesday, February 19 2013 11:19 PM EST2013-02-20 04:19:18 GMT
It was Ali-Frazier, Holmes-Norton and Leonard versus Hagler all rolled into one Tuesday night in East Lansing -- the heavyweight battle between number one and number four at the Breslin.
It was Ali-Frazier, Holmes-Norton and Leonard versus Hagler all rolled into one Tuesday night in East Lansing -- the heavyweight battle between number one and number four at the Breslin.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:28 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:28:15 GMT
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
More than 2,000 people were in attendance to hear Donald Trump speak at Oakland County's Lincoln Day Dinner. Before the event, he told reporters he believes Detroit is "on the right path."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 06:17:02 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:02:09 GMT
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:59:19 GMT
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:14:08 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:22 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:22:30 GMT
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
An expansive plan to merge two southeastern Michigan health systems into a single, $6.4 billion nonprofit organization with 10 hospitals has fizzled out.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:46 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:46:25 GMT
Judge Wade McCree took the witness stand on Tuesday. The embattled judge had a lot to say about his affair with a woman who stood in his courtroom. His wife had something to say about it, too.
Judge Wade McCree took the witness stand on Tuesday. The embattled judge had a lot to say about his affair with a woman who stood in his courtroom. His wife had something to say about it, too.