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Posts Tagged ‘Emanuel Steward’

The usually true and prophetic adage: “you and run but you can’t hide” became a truism during a press conference held in Montreal (2/15) to promote the highly publicized 2/18 title fight between Haitian born Adonis “Superman” Stevenson and American Jesus “El Martillo ” Gonzales at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. For years, it was rumored that Stevenson was arrested during his late teenage years for pimping and assaulting underage girls; but, Montreal Police refused to confirm or deny the allegations when asked by a relentless reporter who eventually emailed members of the Canadian press asking for help. He got his wish. On Wednesday, Stevenson’s past was brought up by Montreal Gazette reporter Herb Zurkowsky who addressed the issue, at the press conference, and the 34 year-old Stevenson, taken by surprise, admitted to serving 18 months in a Bordeaux jail on charges of managing prostitutes, assault and making threats. His belated public confession answers the basic questions, but he failed to elaborate on whether he received professional treatment for his bizarre behaviour. Jail time isn’t considered the best therapy for someone convicted of peddling sex, assault and making threats. He now lives with his girlfriend of four years and their two children in Longueuil, a suburb of Montreal. The event promoter, Yvon Michel, was quick to point out that Stevenson was never found guilty of rape, sexual assault or aggravated assault, as Jesus Gonzales allegedly suggested. Regardless of his actual sins, the southpaw fighter with a 16-1 record will never be offered a role in a Disney film and women may boycott his fights. Simply put, his “Superman” image took a major hit.

The disclosure opens up a discussion on whether or not Stevenson’s ring performance will be affected by the news and how much did his new trainer (Emanuel Steward) know about the incident and conviction. Steward wasn’t at the press conference but the same unnamed relentless reporter placed a call to Steward’s business office in Detroit and the associate told the journalist that the Hall of Fame Trainer had a computer in his office and he always did a thorough search on his prospective clients . Apparently, he didn’t google enough.

Gonzales ,27-1, said the surreal disclosure will not alter his ring strategy and the Phoenix, Arizona Native predicted an upset victory over the hard punching Stevenson. The 27 year-old Gonzales (also a southpaw) trained in Calgary, Alberta because of the higher altitude and colder climate. Also, his promoter Fanbase is partially based there and it is the home of Light Middleweight Janks Trotter, the #1 sparring partner of Gonzales. Coincidentally, According to Gonzales, he will be wearing a logo on his trunks that expresses his support for Natalie’s House, a women’s shelter in Arizona that helps teenage girls recover from sexual exploitation and abuse. Gonzales categorically denied using Stevenson’s criminal past as a ploy to mess with his foe’s head. For the record, Gonzales has been cited numerous times for his community service in Phoenix; including a campaign to help cancer patient Erin Goodwin get an expensive Medical Machine in her battle to ward off infection stemming from her double mastectomy surgery in 2010.

Fight Now TV (PPV) will televise the contest on Saturday, 2/18 and at stake is Stevenson’s four minor belts and the right to challenge IBF Super Middleweight King Lucian Bute for his Crown. 1st bell is set for 7 pm , Montreal time.

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Steward Legacy Hangs On The Smudged And Controversial Cape Of “Superman”

Submitted By Boxing Fan

Boxing Fans, At 67, Boxing Trainer Emanuel Steward is a legend and his work in developing boxing champions made him an easy selection for Boxing’s Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, legends aren’t infallible and his decision to train Super Middleweight Boxer Adonis ” Superman” Stevenson may tarnish his well manicured image of being a first class gentlemen and a boxing scholar and teacher. In less than two weeks since the announcement, a firestorm of criticism has been leveled at Steward for “stealing” Stevenson from Howard and Otis Grant, his loyal mentors and trainers. The brothers , owners and founders of Grant Brothers Pro Boxing Club and Gym in Montreal ,Quebec, issued the following statement in addressing the sudden and recent transition allegedly initiated by Adonis Stevenson:

“We are done with Adonis Stevenson…he is not an honorable guy. We put him out of the gym over some issues.Reporters can direct their questions to whoever is preparing him for Jesus Gonzales.” Howard and Otis Grant, quoted on 2/26/2012 during a telephone conversation . The whoever is Emanuel Steward, one of the boxing world’s most recognizable trainers. It would be safe to say that only fellow Hall of Fame Trainer Angelo Merena aka Angelo Dundee is better known.

It is not clear whether or not Emanuel Steward lured Stevenson to his storied boxing den , aka Kronk’s Gym in Detroit, or was it coincidence? According to Stevenson, he sought a new trainer to take him to the the next level. The Boxer then called Steward who told Stevenson he was headed for California and would take a look at the 34 year old fighter and decide whether or not he would work with the Haitian born pugilist who now fights out of Longueuil, Quebec. Steward stayed five days, instead of the planned two days, and agreed to work with Stevenson . The Grant Brothers who were instrumental in guiding Stevenson to a 16-1 professional ring record after leaving the amateur ranks in 2006 were shocked and obviously hurt at hearing the news, second hand.

Most boxing observers labeled the transition as a good “business” move and saw the decision as a win, win situation for Stevenson who is preparing for a title eliminator bout with Gonzales on 2/18 in Montreal at the Bell Centre with the winner getting a shot at IBF Super Middleweight Champion Lucian Butte The always nattily attired Steward, except in the gym, will no be flogged or dissed for his questionable act of agreeing to handle another trainer’s fighter without requesting permission…it’s business stupid!

The larger and more important issue to be addressed is what did Emanuel Steward knew about his new client before he promised him boxing immortality in the form of a future championship? Did the glib Steward know that his new client is a convicted sex peddler or did he forget to ask? In 1998 , Stevenson was arrested and convicted of pimping underage girls in Montreal. At the time, he was a member of a violent street gang who swore allegiance to a leader that advocated violence and intimidation toward women as means of making money. Adonis wasn’t a child at the time and his crime wasn’t a misdemeanor like stealing beer from a convenience store or joyriding in a stolen car. At his trial, witnesses testified that Adonis doubled his fists and punched his female victims when they refused to do what he asked. For his unforgivable sins, Mr. Stevenson was fined and spent time in prison. Some of his victims and their friends continue to protest the verdict as evidenced by the number of people who go to the Internet and infiltrate boxing sites with stinging remarks aimed towards Stevenson. A number of sites are refusing to allow bloggers to post negative comments about Adonis Stevenson. In explaining why, one site described the charges and conviction as “hear say”. A perfect example of why bloggers aren’t confused with journalists.

As a Hall of Fame Trainer,Emanuel Steward owes an obligation to boxing fan to explain why he is training someone who was accused and convicted of prostituting women. His poor judgement mirrors Joe Paterno’s failure to ask questions after learning that one of his coaches allegedly raped a student. How difficult would it be for Steward to ask Stevenson to address the public and alleviate any tension or apprehension they might have over Stevenson’s past. Natalie’s House, A non-profit organization supporting sexually abused girls, sent their logo to Jesus Gonzales a few days ago and he will wear it on his boxing trunks during his fight with Stevenson. This is an early indicator of how explosive the issue of crimes against women has become. Emanuel Steward can defuse or calm some of that fear by simply going to the airways and explaining why he standing in the corner of Adonis Stevenson. The longer he waits to explain…the less enduring his legacy becomes.

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Latest Boxing News in Brief – Thursday, March 17 for: Berto vs. Ortiz, Braekhus vs. Emery, Butevs. Magee, Crystal Hoy, Emanuel Steward, Froch vs Johnson, Golden Boy inks Nonito Donaire, Haye want to rip Klitschko’s face, Hopkins vs Solomon, Jimmy Burchfield, Klitschko-Solis in Times Square, Miguel Cotto, Rigondeaux vs. Casey, Roberto ‘La Amenaza’ Garcia, WBO honors veteran officials

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• Braekhus vs. Emery - WBA, WBC & WBO Female Welterweight Champion Cecilia Braekhus (16-0, 4 KOs) will make another defence of her title collection on April 2 when she takes on Jill Emery (10-4, 4 KOs) at the TV2 Fight Night in Herning, Denmark. Unbeaten in 16 fights (4 KOs).

• Golden Boy inks Nonito Donaire - According to Golden Boy Promotions, they signed the Two-Division World Champion Nonito Donaire to its roster of fighters. Which basically should translate to mean that Nonito Donaire, will be fighting new fighters in the future and won’t be fighting under the Top Rank banner anymore.

• Haye want to rip Klitschko’s face to shreds - WBA heavyweight champion David Haye wants to inflict maximum damage in his fight with IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in June or July. Haye isn’t satisfied with just beating up Wladimir; he wants to badly hurt him to the point where he’s out cold. In an article at the dailyexpress.co.uk, Haye said “Conclusively rip his [Wladimir] face to shreds, and I wouldn’t want the referee or the doctor to stop it. I want him to take the 10 count and be completely unconscious. Hopefully, I’ll do the job on Wladimir so his brother, Vitali, gets touchy ad it hits a nerve. No one likes there brother to get bashed up, especially with the beating I’m looking to inflict on Wladimir.”

• Klitschko vs Solis - The WBC Heavyweight World Championship battle between heavyweight kingpin Vitali “Dr. Steel Hammer” Klitschko and undefeated #1 challenger Oldanier “La Sombra” Solis will air this Saturday, March 19th LIVE in Canada only on Super Channel courtesy of American premium entertainment channel EPIX. The highly anticipated event begins at 5:00PM E.T. direct from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany, all in crystal clear HD.

• Klitschko-Solis in Times Square - EPIX will present a closed captioned simulcast of WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko’s defense against Odlanier Solis on a jumbotron screen in Times Square on Saturday beginning at 6PM. “EPIX believes the heavyweight championship of the world is very big and very important to the sport of boxing and its fans,” said Mark Greenberg, president and CEO of EPIX. “That is why we are broadcasting it live, streaming it live, and for free, and putting it on the big screen in Times Square.”

• Las Vegas fighter Crystal Hoy (5-4-3, 2 KOs) has landed a spot on the first-ever female boxing reality show “Todas Contra Mexico” which began filming this week in Chiapas, Mexico. The show is produced by MapiTV and hosted by fighter Maureen Shea. Over a six-week period, Hoy will be part of a group taking on a team of Mexican fighters.

• WBO honors veteran officials - The WBO and president Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel paid tribute to four veteran official who have worked more than 100 world title bouts. Those honored were Roberto Ramírez, César Ramos, Nelson Vázquez and Luis Pabón, who have judged or refereed bouts around the world. - Ramirez is the most senior among the group has 173 world title bouts in his 40 year career. Ramos, who started as judge in 1972, has 160 world title bouts, while Vazquez, a judge since 1980, has 120 world title bouts. Pabon, the youngest at 44, has 103 world title bouts as a referee and judge.

• Junior middleweight contender Roberto ‘La Amenaza’ Garcia (28-3, 21 KOs) of Weslaco, Texas, training at the world famous Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, California, will headline and take on former world title challenger Jose ‘Shibata’ Flores (45-10, 26 KOs) of Los Angeles, California on Friday, March 25th at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California in a 10-round junior middleweight bout, the fight card titled ‘All In’ is being presented by All Star Promotions.

• Bute vs. Magee - This weekend super middleweights Lucien Bute of Canada and Brian Magee of the United Kingdom will square off for Bute’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) title. The fight matches two skilled southpaws in a fight that promises to be a pleasing and satisfying to the fans.

• BOSTON (March 16, 2024) – Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ “Boxing At The Royale” show, which was scheduled for yesterday Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, at The Royale (formerly The Roxy), has been rescheduled for a later date. The rescheduled date and corresponding venue will be announced shortly. Classic Entertainment & Sports apologizes for any inconveniences. For more information, contact CES at 401.724.2253/2254 or check online at www.cesboxing.com.

• Berto vs. Ortiz - NEW YORK, NY (Mar. 16, 2011) An April 16 showdown between the lightning-quick World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Welterweight World Champion and undefeated star Andre Berto from Winter Haven, Florida, and powerful, WBC # 5 rated challenger “Vicious” Victor Ortiz of Ventura, Calif., will add up to non-stop action when they square-off in an “East-West Showdown” from the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Connecticut on April 16. The bout will be televised live on HBO’s World Championship Boxing starting at 9:45 PM/ET 6:45 PM/PT. The broadcast kicks off with Amir “King” Khan (24-1, 17 KOs) defending his WBA Super Lightweight World Title against Paul “Dudey” McCloskey (22-0, 12 KOs) from the M.E.N. Arena in Manchester, England.

• Hopkins vs Solomon - ESPN’s Friday Night Fights will originate from Hollywood Fla. on March 18 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 with a 10-round main event featuring undefeated, welterweight Brad “King” Solomon (16-0, 7 KO’s, WBC #6) facing former jr. welterweight contender Demetrius “Dynamite” Hopkins (30-1-1, 11 KO’s). Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, describing the action.

• Rigondeaux vs. Casey - WBA Interim World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux, arguably the greatest amateur boxer of all-time, has been in Ireland since March 7 to complete his extensive training for his first title defense this Saturday night (Mar. 19) in Dublin against Irish favorite, former European title holder Willie “Big Bang” Casey.

• Froch vs Johnson: Still no venue - With two months to go before the semifinal fight between WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch and challenger Glen Johnson, the fight still hasn’t found a venue. It’s rumored to be taking place in the United States, but where in the U.S is the big question.

Lucian Bute - SHOWTIME Sports Pre-Fight Feature - Bute vs. Magee - Sat Mar 19 @ 10pm ET

Emanuel Steward on Training Miguel Cotto

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Both Wladimir Klitschko and up-and-coming heavyweight contender Tyson Fury spent time with one another training under the guidance of Emanuel Steward recently in their training camp in Austria. Fury had a few words to say about the encounter as he gets ready for an encounter against a TBA opponent on February 19th.

“It was a pleasure and a great honour spending time in camp with Wladimir Klitschko, it’s given me a great deal of confidence training alongside such a champion, he is definitely a fighter who is at the top of his game.”

“Wlad and his brother, Vitali are both modern day heavyweights who are not only very talented and athletic but also big heavyweights.”

“There has been all sorts of speculation flying around why David Haye isn’t fighting one of the Klitschko brothers, but in my honest opinion I believe it’s because David isn’t big enough to deal with the likes of Wladimir or Vitali.”

“But I’m going to change all that in the future, not only am I talented, athletic, have the determination and toughness but also I’ve I got youth on my side, plus I’m also bigger than the likes of the Klitschko brothers as you can see by the photo.”

“When i realise my dream and become unified heavyweight champion of the world I will avoid no one, I’m sure I will be a dominant heavyweight champion just like Lennox Lewis, only I will be representing the UK and Ireland.”

“I’m really looking forward to my next fight which is at the prestigious Wembley Arena on Saturday 19th February, this is going to be a big year for me, I’m going to give boxing the shot in the arm it needs.”
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London, UK – Boxing legend and founder of Detroit’s famous Kronk Gym, Emanuel Steward is putting on a boxing clinic in the UK – Steward will bring his ring savvy to the London Hilton on Park Lane Hotel on January 23.
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He will cover all the fundamentals of the sport – from punching and hand wrapping to conditioning and boxing
secrets – based on years of experience in the sport boxing. This will make this clinic invaluable for anyone involved or interested in boxing.
Steward, this past year has conducted clinics in the United States. These clinic have become must-attend events for amateur and professional boxers, trainers, conditioning coaches, officials, MMA enthusiasts and boxing fans. This is the first time he is conducting a clinic in Europe.
”I began these clinics because I wanted to share my years of experience.” Steward said. “I have seen the good and the bad. I have learned valuable lessons, which I want to pass along to those truly interested in the sport.”
He is particularly concerned about the lack of standardized requirements or certification for those who want to become a trainer, manager or cut-man.
“The liability factor is great when it comes to the safety of the fighter.” Steward said. “These clinics are designed to address these issues.”

The clinic will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane Hotel, located at 22 Park Lane in London.
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10 a.m.: Registration
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Clinic
2- 3:00 p.m.: Bonus question-and-answer session with Steward
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The cost of the clinic is $160 per person. VIP tickets are $395 and give you a front row seat, including a meet-and- greet with Steward.
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A portion of the proceeds benefit the Kronk Gym Foundation (http://www.kronkgymfoundation.org), which provide boxing training and mentorship for underprivileged youth. This non-profit organization turns kids into champions in the ring and championship citizens in the community.

For more information, group rates and to register visit: www.EmanuelStewardOnline.com

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