Im completely devastated by the passing of my long time friend, mentor and trainer Emanuel Manny Steward. Manny has helped me get through some of the biggest fights in my career and I only regret that I couldnt return the favour and see him through his biggest fight. Weve maintained a close relationship and the last time we spoke he seemed his usual upbeat self so it was very disturbing to hear about his illness and rapid decline. It is with a heavy heart that realization of what I hoped were just rumors are now in fact true. Manny always told me I was the best, but the truth is, HE was the best and Im grateful, privileged and honoured to be counted among his many historic successes. This has been a very tragic year for the boxing world, but today weve truly lost one of its crown jewels. Manny was giving, selfless, compassionate and stern. He always gave back to the community and never forgot where he came from. He was an institution unto himself and Im proud to have had him in my corner for so many years. Im extremely grateful for the time that I was given with him and he will be severely missed by all who knew and loved him. Ill miss his smile, his frank no holds barred truthfulness and our discussions on boxing and life. My prayers and condolences go out to his family at this very difficult time. -Lennox Lewis
I'm not too much of a man to admit that reading those moving and eloquent words bought a tear to my eyes. Such a sad loss, and such a shame that he passed away when he still had so much more he could have achieved.
