Emanuel Steward Dies At 68

Famed boxing trainer Emanuel Steward died today at age 68.  Steward was the trainer of current IBF/WBO/WBA/IBO/RING heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and many past greats such as Lennox Lewis and Tommy Hearns.  Wladimir Klitschko knew he was sick as he was not in his camp and was preparing for stablemate Jonathan Banks to work his corner in his upcoming fight with Mariusz Wach this November 10th. 

Here is an official statement on Steward's death from Wladimir Klitschko:

Boxing has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Emanuel Steward.

Vitali and I, along with the entire Team Klitschko, send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Emanuel's family and friends.

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. The

long talks about boxing, the world, and life itself. Most of all I will miss our friendship.

My team and I will carry on with the goals we had set while Emanuel was with us because that is exactly what Emanuel would have wanted. I know he will be with us in spirit along the way and we will accomplish these goals in his honor.

Rest in peace Emanuel. You will be greatly missed.

Until we meet again my friend.

Wladimir Klitschko