Manny Steward passes away

Legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward has sadly passed away aged 68, heavyweight contender Jonathan Banks has stated on Twitter.

"He's gone but NEVER!! will be forgotten. You fought a good fight you finished your course. With tears i'm saying.R.I.P. Emanuel steward," Banks wrote.

Steward was rumoured to have been battling against bowel cancer, but his sister, Diane Steward-Jones, said earlier this week that he was in fact hospitalised by diverticulosis, a serious stomach condition.

Steward, who has been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, boxed as an amateur during the 1950s and 1960s, winning the national Golden Gloves title at bantamweight in 1963.

But it is his work as a trainer which earned him a reputation amongst the sport's all-time greats.

His Kronk gym in Detroit was renowned for producing a string of world title winners, including Hilmer Kenty, Gerald McClellan and Thomas Hearns.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s he trained British world champions Lennox Lewis and Naseem Hamed.

In recent years he has also masterminded Wladimir Klitschko's domination of the heavyweight division as well as working a colour commentator for HBO.

Everyone at Hatton Promotions sends their best wishes to his family and friends.