Lewis ‘devastated’ at loss of legend Steward

Lennox Lewis yesterday spoke of being “completely devastated” by the death of revered trainer Emanuel Steward.

Steward, who had recently undergone surgery for a stomach illness, died on Thursday night aged 68 with his family gathered at his hospital bedside.

Involved in the careers of over 40 champions, Steward established his reputation as one of boxing’s greatest coaches at the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit.

Among his extensive list of world title-holders was former undisputed heavyweight king Lewis, who he trained from 1995 until the end of his career in 2003.

“I’m completely devastated by the passing of my long-time friend, mentor and trainer Emanuel ’Manny’ Steward,” Lewis said.

“Manny has helped me get through some of the biggest fights in my career and I only regret that I couldn’t return the favour and see him through his biggest fight.”

Limerick middleweight Andy Lee was also trained by Steward and the southpaw said he was deeply saddened on hearing the news.

One of Lewis’ successors as world heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko, was being trained by Steward for next month’s showdown with Mariusz Wach.

“Boxing has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Emanuel Steward,” Klitschko said.

“It is not often that a person in any line of work gets a chance to work with a legend, well I was privileged enough to work with one for almost a decade. I will miss our time together.”