Klitschko Discusses Personal Impact of Emanuel Steward

 By Jake Donovan

The October 24 World heavyweight championship showdown between Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury has already transcended the global boxing scene. The event will take place in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,000 at ESPRIT Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany and is already one of the most anticipated heavyweight matchups in recent memory.

Klitschko will attempt the 19th defense of at least one major title since reentering the heavyweight picture in 2006. In Fury, he faces his sixth unbeaten challenger in the span of seven fights, and also a rare occasion where Klitschko is the smaller fighter (6’6” to Fury’s 6’9”).

Along with all the many intriguing factors going into the fight, the weekend of the event will hold a special place in Klitschko’s heart. The day after the bout will mark three years (10/25/2012) since Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward suffered his untimely passing at age 68.

The timing had nothing to do with the fight date itself, but serves as a reminder to the reigning heavyweight king that the late great trainer will always be a part of his career. Steward took on Klitschko as a client in 2004, and his teachings remain evident in every training camp since Johnathon Banks—a former Kronk fighter and Klitschko’s stablemate—assumed the reins beginning with Klitschko’s Nov. ’12 win over Mariusz Wach.

“Emanuel —every day, Johnathon and I chat about it, how he would work and what he would like to see,” Klitschko reflected during a recent media conference call, of his normal training routine, well after Steward’s passing. “Even when Emanuel was my head trainer for nearly a decade, he would have to leave camp because he was commentating. He would be back at some point and finish our camp.

“We still feel like now, we wait every day for Emanuel to come to our camp. It doesn’t feel like he’s gone, just that he’s away and will be back soon.”

Klitschko had previously reigned as a heavyweight titlist at the turn of the 21st Century, lasting 2½ years until suffering a shocking 2nd round knockout versus Corrie Sanders in March ’03. Steward was brought on board roughly a year later, but his arrival came late into training camp prior to Klitschko punching himself into exhaustion in his April ‘04 knockout loss to Lamon Brewster.

It was the last time that Klitschko tasted defeat, having since gone 22-0 (15KOs) and long ago establishing himself as the best heavyweight on the planet. The now 39-year old heavyweight attributes all of his success to Steward’s influence both in and out of the ring.

“Emanuel Steward was not a trainer; he was a teacher and a friend who shared a bunch of stories about his life,” Klitschko fondly revalls. “He answered questions Johnathon and I always had. I'm happy we had him for such a long time, for around nine years, nearly a decade with him.

“It was a great experience to be around him, as many other people often share. Emanuel was loyal and ready to share his stories, and was available for media. He was a dear friend and always remains a part of (our lives) every day.”

The upcoming title defense versus Fury—which will air live on HBO—marks Klitschko's seventh with Banks as his head trainer following Steward's passing.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene