by David Douglas: On a recent visit to Dallas,Texas a distinguished member of the worlds boxing elite trainers club, who needs no introduction yet is deserving of nothing less, the Legendary International Hall of Fame Boxing Trainer/ Manager and HBO Boxing Commentator, Emanuel “Manny” Steward, provided a rare opportunity for boxing fans, trainers and coaches, boxers, and state officials, who attended his Boxing Clinic. Upon arriving, I saw Emanuel sitting to the side of the room signing autographs and granting photo ops with all the aforementioned boxing fraternity members and fans. He was as cool and receptive as if he were an everyday member of the Maple Street Boxing Gym, the hosting venue for the 2 1/2 hour event. That was the beginning of what was to be an exceptional day for those in attendance….
Manny started the Boxing Clinic, with a brief introduction and overview, given by Anita Ruiz ( Director of Business Development for Emanuel Steward Online.com ). Anita Ruiz was very well organized and efficient with her delivery and maintaining the flow of the overall event. The immediate indication of which direction that this Boxing Clinic would go, was evident in Manny’s ability to analyze and asses the audience in front of him and make the proper adjustments and adaptions that would cater to a unique group of pugilistic brethren; Texas State Boxing Commissioner Dickie Cole and staff of referees, judges and time keepers, long time Manager and Official, Doug Lord, former local pro boxers such as Sugar Ray Phillips and the Legendary International Hall of Fame Boxer and Welterweight Champion of The World, Curtis Cokes ( who Emanuel would make several references to as having one of the best right hand crosses in boxing ) . Also in attendance, were local veteran and rookie amateur boxing coaches and trainers..
What was to be covered in this Basic Fundamentals of Boxing/ Level 1 Clinic ( Emanuel Steward’s Proven Winning Methods ), was just that, basic fundamentals; proper foot work, hand position and basic punching, over and under training, losing and gaining weight, hand wrapping ( training and competition for professional and amateur ), trainer tips in the gym and corner ( cut man work ), along with trainers do’s and don’ts….all of this material and more is covered in a well organized workbook. And Emanuel covers every bit of it, and more, in such a unrehearsed fashion, that he has you feeling as if it were just you and him one on one, talking boxing at the gym. This in itself made for an unbelievable experience. The ” more ” part of the clinic, is dedicated to watching rare never before seen sparring sessions of Tommy Hearns, James Toney and Gerald McClellan, early in their careers. Manny provides a one of a kind narration of their technical defensive and offensive moves. Furthermore, Emanuel provides insights and behind the scenes stories of his extensive experiences, at all levels of the fight game, from his former fighter’s championship bouts to the new kids that continue to train at the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit.
That was then and now is now…Emanuel brings it up to date with current video workout sessions of his Heavyweight World Champion, Wladmir Klittscho. Manny talks about the major success that Wladmir Klitschko and his brother have attained in Europe. He shares special training techniques and fight preparations that contribute to the brilliant marketing behind Wladmir’s career and the longevity of his reign as champion. He also discusses his new role as trainer of the recently crowned WBO 154lb Champion, Miguel Cotto. Manny speaks candidly about the challenges that come with assisting an established world champion and changing things that can modify Cotto’s style while gaining him continued success. In addition to Cotto, Manny has taken on the responsibilities of steering the successful career of IBF 154lb Champion, K9 Bundrage.
His thoughts and opinions on the state of boxing, amateur and professional, are delivered with a sincere sense of concern and added constructive criticism. Emanuel Steward’s passion for boxing is evident in his excitement when sharing his experiences and long time personal secrets, which have captivated boxing fans at the hands of the outstanding champions and top contenders that he has helped develop over the many years, and continues to do so…
Emanuel Steward’s Boxing Clinic is being offered Worldwide and is scheduled January 23, 2011 in London, UK. Manny will return February 9, 2011 to Dallas,Texas to deliver his level 2 version. I encourage anyone who appreciates the fine art of boxing, and that respects someone who has walked the walk, to not miss Emanuel’s one man show of extraordinary measures. He is providing a much needed opportunity to help bridge the generational gap from yesterdays glory to tomorrows champions.