Statement from IBO/WBO/IBF/WBA heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko regarding his coach Emanuel Steward. The veteran coach is dealing with some health issues and for the first time in years he is likely not going to be working the corner of Wladimir against Mariusz Wach on November 10th in Hamburg.

By Wladimir Klitschko

I don't understand why some so-called "friendly people", for instance the coach of Wach, are burying Emanuel Steward and my career simply because Emanuel is not physically at my training camp and may not be at my fight.

Emanuel is my man and always will be. He is still my lead coach even if he is not actually present at the start of camp and may not be at the fight (which is not 100% confirmed yet).

Only Emanuel, my team and I know how the two of us work to prepare for a fight as well as all of our work over the last 9 years.

What I will tell you about our work together is that the most important part is just talking. Talking about boxing and strategy. We talk a lot!!!

What do they think? We can't continue doing this? Thanks to modern technology we can and will.

My entire team, including Emanuel, will stay the same with NO changes!

The family, friends and fans around the world all wish Emanuel Steward a fast recovery and I'm sure he'll be back in the ring as a coach and as an analyst on the HBO boxing broadcast that he enjoys so much!

In the end, I have a short message to the "friendly people" I mentioned above.....

Back off and show some respect! Stop trying to bury the man alive! Emanuel Steward is still my coach and my friend and that will NEVER change!

I'm looking forward seeing you all in the ring on November 10th!