Javan “Sugar” Hill: “There is no replacement for Emanuel Steward in Wladimir Klitschko’s training camp”

By ESB - 09/30/2012 - Comments

Javan “Sugar” Hill: “There is no replacement for Emanuel Steward in Wladimir Klitschko’s training camp”(Picture credit: Michael Freitag) By Joseph Herron: While camp is just getting underway at Wladimir Klitschko’s customary training facility in Austria, many have pondered the question concerning who will serve as the Heavyweight Champion’s chief second in Hamburg, Germany on November 10th.

Due to an unexpected ailment suffered by Wladimir’s longtime trainer, friend, and mentor, Hall of Fame boxing legend Emanuel Steward, “The Steel Hammer” will find himself in a very unusual situation when he faces undefeated Heavyweight contender Mariusz Wach.

While the usual band of fighters, coaches, and supporters will be on hand to help prepare the popular fighter, the incomparable master strategist and motivator will be unable to reprise his role as head trainer for a title defense that is set to take place in just 41 days.

Emanuel Steward’s nephew and longtime Kronk Gym trainer Javan “Sugar” Hill expounds on the current situation.

“First of all, no one can replace what Emanuel brings to each and every training camp with Wladimir Klitschko,” claims the retired Detroit Police Department officer. “But James Ali-Bashir, 2nd assistant to Emanuel when training Wladimir, and Johnathon Banks will be there to help out in any way Wladimir sees fit. Whoever Wladimir wants in his corner on fight night will be entirely up to Wladimir.”

The proficient Kronk Gym fight coach is currently preparing Adonis Stevenson, Dmitriy Salita, and Johnathon Banks for three very important upcoming events. After Salita’s bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on October 20th, Sugar Hill will to travel to Austria to work with Johnathon Banks while he trains with Wladimir for the remainder of camp.

“Most people don’t realize that Johnathon always plays a big part in Wladimir’s preparation for his fights. The two fighters are very close and always discuss a lot during camp. But both of us will be there for Wladimir, and we’ll do whatever is required during his preparation for Mariusz Wach.”

Despite wanting to be by the Hall of Fame trainer’s side during this difficult period of recovery, the 40 year old boxing coach feels compelled to follow the orders of the “heart and soul” of the Kronk Gym, Emanuel Steward.

“Emanuel has been like a father to me in every sense. He’s taught me so much about everything in life, not just boxing. I feel that it is my obligation to do whatever he needs me to do, and right now Emanuel wants me to take care of business as usual.”

“This period has been especially painful, but it continues to motivate me to not only make Emanuel’s current and long-term visions a success, but to ultimately make him proud. That’s always been the most important thing to me. His approval means more to me than anything.”