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Emanuel Steward: Boxing Genius

posted by Kathleen Holland on September 3, 2007, in The Kronk Connection

Story by Kathleen Holland
Photos by Chris McGee

“Good” boxing trainers are probably the biggest void in boxing today. Why? Well, when you look at the big picture, trainers are probably the least appreciated and least paid vital member of a boxer’s team.

I’m quite sure that most boxing fans don’t realize this, I know I didn’t. So it came as quite a surprise to me when researching the subject.

What is a good trainer responsible for when it comes to preparing his fighter to be the best he can be?

Many of today’s trainers are so busy looking for new methods and techniques, they have forgotten the basics and good old fashioned common sense.

I have had the opportunity to talk with Emanuel Steward on several occasions about his training regimen, and better yet, I have gotten to see him in action.

First of all, Emanuel Steward cares about the sport of boxing and his passion shows through, not only in the way he “trains” his fighters, but in his true commitment to them.

He doesn’t just spend a couple of hours a day at the gym watching and critiquing his boxers like many trainers do. Emanuel teaches his fighters. He spends hours in the gym each day working with his protégés, from wrapping their hands, to working with them on the punch pads, to teaching in the ring during sparring sessions. Then, of course watching film of his fighters past fights, pointing out positives and negatives and studying how to improve on his fighters weaknesses. Studying film of upcoming opponent’s fights, breaking it down so that he can effectively teach his fighter what he needs to do to win.

If you think that is it, well think again. Emanuel firmly believes that one of the most crucial parts of a good training regimen is proper nutrition, so if at all possible, he cooks for his fighters. He has a whole little traveling kitchen that he takes with him and he is an awesome cook. He prepares well balanced meals (not to mention delicious) to ensure his athletes are fit and ready for battle.

Emanuel is the busiest man I have ever met. He travels all over the world training and managing his fighters and he is also a commentator for HBO Championship Boxing.
He has probably logged more flying hours than a lot of pilots. During the last Klitschko camp he flew from Austria to the U.S. and back at least twice in less than one month to do his broadcast and was also awarded “Man of the Year” at an event in Los Angeles during this same period of time. At the end of this camp, he had three victories, two of them championships in one night, Wladimir Klitschko, IBF and IBO Heavyweight champion and Johnathon Banks, NABO Cruiserweight champion. Also, his future undefeated Middleweight sensation, Andy Lee scored an impressive knockout victory. One short week later, IBF Welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron handed Emanuel his fourth win in one week.

As busy as he is, he always has time for fans and autographs, and I can promise you this, you will never meet a nicer or more caring person than Emanuel Steward.

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