R.I.P. Emanuel Steward (1944-2012)

Legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward passed away Thursday in a Chicago hospital at the age of 68.

Steward was hospitalized after undergoing stomach surgery for diverticulitis at a Chicago-area hospital last month. Members of the boxing community gathered for a prayer vigil in Walled Lake, Mich. on Sept. 23rd.

Often called the Godfather of Detroit boxing, Steward became a legend for training championship boxers like Lennox Lewis, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns and Wladimir Klitschko. He was also a popular ringside commentator for HBO.

Prayers go out to Emanuel Steward’s friends and family.