Manny Steward's amateur days (with pics)

[JuicyJuice]

At the order of the authorities, Emanuel began training at the Brewster Recreation Center (once the home gym of Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson) in Detroit. He began training under the experienced tutelage of Jimmy Myland and Festus Trice, whom Emanuel credits with teaching him the fundamentals and proper balance. Whilst at Brewster he won back-to-back Detroit Parks and Recreation Junior Tournament titles in 1959 and 1960.


In anticipation of fighting professional Steward began training at the Lasky Recreation Center with Coach Bill O'Brien. It was there that he sparred regularly with world professional lightweight contender, Gene Gresham. On weekends, he would train at the "Big D" gym, a gym used strictly by professional fighters. Steward was so advanced everyone thought he was already a professional fighter.

In 1961, he won the local Golden Gloves title while representing the Lasky gym. Steward was a very talented and tough boxer, other fighters from the gym really admired Steward and many asked for fighting tips, it was here that Emanuel began training fighters. He trained Richard Alexander, Charles Murray, Orlandis McClain, James Johnson, Alex Farrar, Larry Luster, George Grant Jr., Roland Welborn, and Alvin Jones, all nine won amateur titles.


In anticipation of fighting professional Steward began training at the Lasky Recreation Center with Coach Bill O'Brien. It was there that he sparred regularly with world professional lightweight contender, Gene Gresham. On weekends, he would train at the "Big D" gym, a gym used strictly by professional fighters. Steward was so advanced everyone thought he was already a professional fighter.

In 1961, he won the local Golden Gloves title while representing the Lasky gym. Steward was a very talented and tough boxer, other fighters from the gym really admired Steward and many asked for fighting tips, it was here that Emanuel began training fighters. He trained Richard Alexander, Charles Murray, Orlandis McClain, James Johnson, Alex Farrar, Larry Luster, George Grant Jr., Roland Welborn, and Alvin Jones, all nine won amateur titles.


In the summer of 1962 Emanuel began dating Marie Steele and soon began to take her younger brother Elbert Steele, Jr. along with him to the Lasky gym. Emanuel taught Elbert how to box, eventually coaching him to win a title.



Later that year, by winning Detroit's 1962 Golden Gloves title, Emanuel earned the chance to represent Michigan in the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions. This prestigious tournament was being held in Chicago, Illinois.

[JuicyJuice]

Going to Chicago was Emanuel's first trip outside of the state of Michigan since his arrival there, almost a decade earlier. Catherine Steward was so proud of her boy that she bought him a $30 black suit, Emanuel's first ever suit.


The Chicago trip was a trip of many firsts. Emanuel had never stayed at a hotel before, he'd never eaten at a fine restaurant and since the fancy menu baffled him, he let someone else order for him to avoid embarrassment. Dressed in his black suit Emanuel observed everything and kept a small journal of his new experiences.


It was this Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions that had a dramatic effect on Steward's life and belief system. The tournament brought champions from most major cities in America to compete against each other over a two-week period. At the conclusion of this tournament thewinner would be declared as the champion and No. 1 amateur boxer in America.


During the first fight of the tournament Emanuel's dreams were shattered when he lost a close decision in a hard fought fight. Devastated and distraught, Steward had to watch the remainder of the tournament from the bleachers, which added to the humiliation.



The tournaments' eventual champion was the boxer to whom Steward had lost the close decision. The sports writers acknowledged that the champions' toughest match had been against the boxer from Detroit. With that realization, Steward became even more frustrated knowing that, with a little more experience and effort, he could of became the champion of America.

During his stay in Chicago Emanuel was exposed to, and thoroughly enjoyed, a newly discovered world. After collecting all of the sweet smelling soaps in the Conrad Hilton hotel, he returned home to Detroit. Steward now saw his surroundings and neighborhood through different eyes. He realized there was a better world out there.


The Chicago trip became one of his life's greatest lessons. Emanuel graduated from high school as an honor student. The lessons learned while in Chicago, not only offered him exposure to another lifestyle, it also offered him a way off the streets and out of trouble. Steward vowed to follow his dream and dedicated himself to a crime-free lifestyle.

With the help of Coleman A. Young, a neighborhood politician (eventually went on to become Mayor of Detroit) Steward was soon hired at the Chrysler automobile plant. Steward had become a responsible young man and knew that leaving the life of crime and violence behind was the right move. Today, most of Emanuel's childhood friends are either in prison or dead. Emanuel credits sports related experiences, in particular boxing, with changing the direction of his life.


Even though he had a full-time job, Emanuel became totally obsessed with winning the National Golden Gloves title and the diamond studded golden glove pendant that would be presented to the national champion.
Steward won all of his fights from that point on, qualifying him for the 1963 National Golden Gloves Tournament. The tournament was once again held in Chicago.

[JuicyJuice]

After four consecutive victories Emanuel, fighting with a badly damaged nose from a head butt in an earlier bout, was matched in the finals against Frank Glover, a hard punching boxer representing Columbus, Ohio. Glover, who was five years older and vastly more experienced than Steward, had knocked out most of his opponents en route to the finals. Glover was heavily favored to defeat Steward.



Steward was instructed to box safely and defensively against the power-punching Glover. Emanuel followed his corners instructions, but it didn't work, he lost the first round. Steward then made a crucial decision. He decided to abandon his corners instructions and abandon his normal fancy footwork style of boxing and risk it, all or nothing.

At the beginning of the second round, to the surprise and delight of the sold-out Chicago stadium, he attacked his opponent and stood toe to toe with Glover until the final bell. As a result of his quick change of strategy, Steward out fought Glover, winning the 1963 National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions title in the bantamweight division and received his diamond-studded gloves pendant. Following the impressive victory, he collapsed from exhaustion en route to the dressing room. His corner men that night were Taylor Smith, Russ Gilbert and Chuck Fecay. His coach was Bill O'Brien.

Although Steward was the only Detroit boxer to win an individual title, Detroit through its overall team performance, won its first team title in twenty-four years. The team trophy was presented to team manager Mr. Frank Connolly, a man who always had great belief in Emanuel and knew it was his performance that secured team success.

During this tournament Steward befriended a welterweight from New Jersey, a classy fighter named Larry Hazzard. Later in life Hazzard went on to become a world-class boxing referee and currently serves as the New Jersey State Boxing Commissioner. Today, the two are still good friends and often reminisce about that 1963 tournament.

As a result of his experiences, Steward now believes that to obtain the most out of life and to succeed at the very highest level - one must be willing to take RISKS and combine it with DETERMINATION, DISCIPLINE and SACRIFICE. Steward, credits much of his success to this combination.

Upon his return home, Steward entered Elbert Steele Jr. and his three other young boxers into the local Junior Tournament. All four won titles and repeated this feat again in 1964. Steele won three consecutive championships and never lost a fight during his entire career.

With a final amateur record of 94 wins from 97 fights, Emanuel's dream of becoming a professional world champion was dealt a severe blow when he was unsuccessful in finding a trustworthy and competent manager to handle his pro career. His best offer came from a group of Californian businessmen and celebrities, which included the late boxing trainer Eddie Futch. The managerial offer required Steward to relocate to California. He was still closely attached to his mother Catherine and his two younger sisters, Dianne and Laverne, who still lived in Detroit. Subsequently, he decided to turn down the offer to remain close to his family.

[JuicyJuice]

http://www.kronkgym.com/Boxing/History/history.cfm

[ferocity]

Once i found out Steward was an amature fighter, i got even more respect for him. I'll have to read this later.

[j]

Once i found out Steward was an amature fighter, i got even more respect for him. I'll have to read this later.

well, it is kinda hard to be a boxing coach without at least an amateur backround.

jj, thanks for the pics and info!

[2OSouzaSuarez12]

What nationality is Emmanuel Steward?

[JuicyJuice]

What nationality is Emmanuel Steward?

Hmm, Korean?

[BrooklynBomber]

Damn it, seeing skinny Steward is weird.

[2OSouzaSuarez12]

Hmm, Korean?

nah i think hes black but he has a somewhat arabic look to him and with a name like emmanuel he might be cape verdian or something