Emanuel Steward Quotes

Powerful Emanuel Steward for Daily Growth

About Emanuel Steward

Emanuel Steward (January 18, 1949 – October 25, 2012) was an influential American boxing trainer and former professional heavyweight boxer, best known for his work with champions like Lennox Lewis, Thomas Hearns, and Evander Holyfield. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Steward grew up in a family of eleven children, where he developed a passion for boxing from an early age. Steward began his career as a boxer in 1969, turning professional in 1972 under the guidance of legendary trainer Gil Clancy. He fought his way to becoming the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight champion and held the WBC International Heavyweight title from 1982 to 1983. However, it was as a trainer that Steward truly made his mark in the world of boxing. In 1977, Steward opened Kronk Gym, a Detroit-based boxing club and community center, which became one of the most renowned gyms in the world, producing numerous world champions and Olympic medalists. Among these were Holyfield, Lewis, Hearns, and the late great Muhammad Ali. Steward was known for his unique training methods, emphasizing discipline, mental strength, and physical conditioning. His approach to boxing extended beyond just the ring, encouraging his fighters to be good citizens and role models outside of it. His work with Lewis, who went on to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, is perhaps his most famous collaboration. Steward's influence extended beyond individual fighters, shaping an entire generation of boxers. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002 and received numerous other accolades for his contributions to the sport. Despite passing away in 2012, Emanuel Steward's legacy continues to inspire new generations of boxers and trainers.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up."

This quote emphasizes the resilience, determination, and persistence required to become a champion in any field. A 'champion' is someone who has successfully overcome challenges and emerged victorious, while a 'contender' is someone who is competing or striving for success. The quote suggests that every individual who aspires to achieve greatness must be willing to endure hardships and setbacks, refusing to give up along the way. In essence, it highlights that true champions are not born, but made by their unwavering willpower and unwillingness to quit when faced with adversity.


"You can't just lift weights and think you're going to be a boxer. You have to train like a boxer."

This quote emphasizes that mere physical strength (lifting weights) is not sufficient to become proficient in a particular skill or discipline, such as boxing. It suggests that mastering a skill requires specific training methods tailored to that skill. In other words, one needs to train not just physically, but also mentally and strategically to excel in any field.


"In boxing, as in life, you don't get what you want. You get what you insist upon."

This quote emphasizes the importance of persistence and determination in both boxing and life. It suggests that instead of passively wanting or wishing for something, one should actively pursue it with unwavering focus and resolve. Insisting on a goal means to consistently push forward towards its achievement despite any obstacles or setbacks. Success is not given but earned through consistent effort and resilience.


"Age is not a limit. Age is just a number that people put on you."

Emanuel Steward's quote suggests that age should not be seen as an obstacle or a limiting factor in one's life. Instead, it's merely a numerical label that society imposes upon us. In reality, one's capabilities, potential, and accomplishments are not defined by their chronological age but rather by their mindset, determination, and resilience. This quote encourages people to challenge age-related stereotypes, embrace learning and personal growth, and pursue their dreams without being held back by the numbers on a birthday cake.


"Success is finding your gift. Using your gift. And sharing your gift."

Emanuel Steward's quote emphasizes that success lies not only in discovering one's inherent talent or ability (the 'gift'), but also in actively applying it and generously sharing it with others. This triple-faceted definition of success suggests that true fulfillment comes from a harmonious blend of self-awareness, personal development, and altruism. Essentially, Steward posits that one finds genuine success when they uncover their unique talents, cultivate them, and give back to the world through their skills and contributions.


My favorite hobby is being alone. I like to be alone. I also like dancing, fishing, playing poker sometimes and vegetable gardening - corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, I have a big garden every year.

- Emanuel Steward

Dancing, Big, Like, Hobby

There's not as much oxygen in that hot gym and I think it's great for conditioning. I believe in a lot of boxing. You can train and work on the speed bag and heavy bag, but when you get in the ring with another fighter, it's a different story. Punches are coming at you, there's physical contact, muscle against muscle.

- Emanuel Steward

Ring, I Think, Punches, Conditioning

You look at boxing being an international, world-famous sport, right up there next with soccer, and there's only two fighters the people want to see fight. Two little fellows, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

- Emanuel Steward

Two, Next, Floyd Mayweather, Floyd

Hopefully in 2011 the fans will get to see some fights that they want to see. Manny Pacquiao Vs. Floyd Mayweather needs to happen, and so does David Haye Vs. Wladimir Klitschko. The fans deserve to see fights that they want to see and not just the fights that the promoters want to see.

- Emanuel Steward

See, Some, Floyd Mayweather, Floyd

If there is one abiding theme in the gym, it's the withering work in the ring. Those not fit do not survive.

- Emanuel Steward

Survive, Fit, Withering, Abide

I began these clinics because I want to share my years of experience in around the ring, in addition to my proven winning methods. I have seen the good and the bad. I have learned valuable lessons, which I want to pass along to those truly interested in the sport.

- Emanuel Steward

Ring, Bad, Clinics, I Have Learned

I started boxing when I was eight. I enjoyed when I could hit someone and they couldn't hit me back. It was like a game for me. The feeling of knocking someone out. My first knockout victory was when I was ten. He went down and his nose started to bleed, so they stopped it.

- Emanuel Steward

Game, Down, Back, Knocking

I used to love to see Willie Pep and Ray Robinson. To me, the epitome of a great athlete is a great boxer. I just love the rhythm of seeing a man dance, slip punches. I loved the dancers and boxers. I would see them and be mesmerized.

- Emanuel Steward

Love, Epitome, Punches, Slip

I would love to see Wladimir Klitschko fight Antonio Tarver for many reasons. One is Tarver talks a lot; he would build up a big fight. And Tarver is coming off of a great victory. So I think he would be a good opponent.

- Emanuel Steward

Love, Big, I Think, Talks

When I was a little kid I wanted to be an artist or a painter. But once I got into boxing, all I wanted was to box.

- Emanuel Steward

Artist, Kid, Box, Boxing

I went to a motivational training course once, a course of self-discovery, and I found out after a week that my fear - it was not a fear of not being accepted - was a very violent fear of failure.

- Emanuel Steward

Week, Violent, Very, Self-Discovery

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