Klitschko's Statement on Emanuel Steward's Passing

By Jake Donovan

World heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko from his training camp in Austria for his November 10 title defense against Mariusz Wach to share his thoughts on the passing of Emanuel Steward.

Klitschko joined the famed Detroit cornerman in 2004, a move largely credited with the resurrection of his once flailing career.

Klitschko’s official statement:

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

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Klitschko (58-3, 50KO) announced earlier this week that serving in his corner for the November 10 bout will be stable mate and aspiring trainer Johnathan Banks. The news of Steward’s passing was first revealed on Banks’ official Twitter feed, though conflicting reports from Steward’s family – citing his sister - questioned the accuracy of the statement.

Steward had been in declining health for several months, which has resulted in various and often contradictory reports between his family and his boxing stable.

Reports from Steward’s family as recent as this morning suggested that the 68-year old was still alive, though far from well. However, such news was trumped by reports from the trainer’s foundation, confirming his death early Thursday morning.

An official statement has yet to be released by Steward’s family.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox