Legendary Boxing Trainer Emanuel Steward Dead At 68 (PHOTOS)

Previous Photo1 / 11Next Photo

Rumors came out earlier today that hall-of-fame boxing trainer and HBO boxing announcer Emanuel Steward has passed. However, Emanuel's sister Diane Steward-Jones said he is still alive, though seriously ill.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PHOTO GALLERY

UPDATE: 3:45pm EST

Legendary boxing trainer and Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward has passed away at age 68, and the family has now confirmed his death.

As reported by 11 Action News:

Steward's sister, Diane said, "He went home about half an hour ago. He fought harder than Hagler and Hearns...It's too tough right now."

The 68 year-old had been battling an unspecified illness over the past few months and the family has asked for privacy during this time. 

SOURCE: Action News

-----

Rumors and unofficial reports have been circulating that Hall of Fame boxing trainer Emanuel Steward has died - however his sister said he is still alive and still with us.

According to his sister, Diane Steward-Jones:

"Emanuel is still with us…He hasn't left his room. There is no shade over his head."

As reported by the Detroit Free Press:

He is believed to be in a Chicago-area hospital, although his family will not disclose details.

Steward-Jones said her brother had a Reiki -- a palm-healing or hands-on-healing alternative-medicine procedure -- treatment Wednesday "to give him more energy."

Added Steward-Jones, who is with Steward at a hospital: "He's certainly had better days, but he is still here on planet Earth."

Steward-Jones said her brother believes in using alternative medicine in conjunction with traditional medicine.

Steward-Jones even told News 7 Detroit that:

"You can tell folks that he is alive and being treated by some of the best experts in the world.  The Steward family is dismayed and greatly disheartened and disappointed that during this personally challenging time, people would callously and thoughtlessly run wild with untrue statements in order to garner their '15 minutes of fame.'"

Steward had surgery for a serious stomach ailment a few months back.

SOURCE: DFP, News 7