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, June 17 2013 6:30 AM EDT2013-06-17 10:30:38 GMT
Greg Biffle raced to his second straight Sprint Cup win at Michigan International Speedway, easily holding off Kevin Harvick after points leader Jimmie Johnson smacked the wall in the final laps Sunday.
Greg Biffle raced to his second straight Sprint Cup win at Michigan International Speedway, easily holding off Kevin Harvick after points leader Jimmie Johnson smacked the wall in the final laps Sunday.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:11 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:11:30 GMT
Ask anyone who has been to a race and they will tell you why NASCAR is known for being a fan-friendly sport, but this weekend at MIS, the Quicken Loans 400 is about so much more than just racing.
Ask anyone who has been to a race and they will tell you why NASCAR is known for being a fan-friendly sport, but this weekend at MIS, the Quicken Loans 400 is about so much more than just racing.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:27:07 GMT
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
Monday, June 17 2013 11:31 PM EDT2013-06-18 03:31:06 GMT
Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr is working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
As Kevyn Orr tries to solve Detroit's financial crisis, he is also working on improving city services, including the streetlights. More than 40 percent of them do not work, but the Detroit Public Lighting Authority is now beginning its work.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:43:12 GMT
He is a Detroit lawmaker serving his second term in the state House, but he may be spending a little too much time at his own house. M.L. Elrick puts state Rep. John Olumba's attendance record under the microscope.
He is a Detroit lawmaker serving his second term in the state House, but he may be spending a little too much time at his own house. M.L. Elrick puts state Rep. John Olumba's attendance record under the microscope.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:36 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:36:35 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:45:07 GMT
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
In a surprising move, Tucker Cipriano pled no contest to murder in the beating death of his father. Cipriano made the plea just days before members of his own family were set to testify against him.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:55:56 GMT
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
A new search for the remains of Jimmy Hoffa is underway in northern Oakland County. Armed with a search warrant, the FBI moved in Monday morning and started digging in Oakland Township.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:56:42 GMT
General Motors is recalling more than 193,652 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years because a circuit board in the driver's door could short and cause a fire.
General Motors is recalling more than 193,652 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years because a circuit board in the driver's door could short and cause a fire.