TRIBUTES have poured in from around the boxing world following the passing of one of the sport's greatest trainers and biggest personalities, Emanuel Steward.
As the figurehead of the renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit, Michigan, the 68-year-old was partly responsible for some of boxing's greatest bouts, leading several fighters to undisputed glory in different divisions.
The man known simply as 'Manny' was a larger than life personality, one who spoke with genuine passion about the sport he loved and was driven by the desire to 'give the fans what they want' – exciting fights and knock-out finishes.
Steward's own career was just as extraordinary, from his days as an exceptional amateur Golden Gloves champion, to his first steps as a trainer in Detroit when he took a rugged 18-year-old Thomas Hearns and fashioned him into a five-weight champion, terrifying puncher and one of the most popular fighters of all time.
He also led the US Olympic boxing team to six gold medals in 1984 - with Pernell 'Sweet Pea' Whitaker among that exceptional crop of young fighters.
Most recently, Steward was working with world heavyweight champ, Wladimir Klitscho, who said today: “Boxing has suffered a tremendous loss.
“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.”
Steward was also responsible for Lennox Lewis's recovery after a defeat to Oliver McCall and his ensuing rise to undisputed heavyweight glory.
He was actually in McCall's corner and masterminded that huge upset in Wembley in 1994, but had seen real potential in Londoner, Lewis. With Steward behind him, he never looked back, recovering from that defeat and going on to unify the belts.
“Today boxing has truly lost one of its crown jewels," said Lewis in a statement on his official website. "I'm completely devastated by the passing of my long-time friend, mentor and trainer.
"Manny has helped me get through some of the biggest fights in my career and I only regret that I couldn't return the favour and see him through his biggest fight.
"He always told me I was the best, but the truth is, he was the best and I'm grateful, privileged and honoured to be counted among his many historic successes.
"Manny was giving, selfless, compassionate and stern. I'm proud to have had him in my corner for so many years.
"I'm extremely grateful for the time that I was given with him and he will be severely missed by all who knew and loved him. I'll miss his smile, his frank no-holds-barred truthfulness and our discussions on boxing and life.
"My prayers and condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time."
Incredibly, Steward worked with a total of 43 world champions at different weights – including the likes of Oscar de la Hoya, Evander Holyfield and Julio Cesar Chavez.
He also worked with several British fighters and as well as Lewis, had spells with Naseem Hamed and Dennis Andries.
"I learned a lot from him during our professional relationship and I will be forever grateful for his help during that time,” said ten-time world champ de la Hoya.
"We were also friends and I know I am going to miss him as so many others will too. He was an important part of our boxing community."
An inductee into the World and International boxing halls of fame, Steward's work also extended beyond the realms of the pro-fight game and he was closely involved in community projects for troubled teens in Detroit.
He first took ill in September, when he underwent surgery for a stomach complaint and had been in hospital in Detroit since then.
His legacy will live on in the work of the Kronk Gym and its charitable foundation.
