![]() ![]() I think as a fighter he came along at the right time with a lot of guys who were really intimidated-I hate to say it, a lot of them, by him-because most heavyweights have big bodies but very small hearts and that’s why the strong minded guys such as he, Larry Holmes, George Foreman-they dominated the division because they’re strong-minded and strong-willed individuals. So he has had a definitely strong impact on boxing-stronger than any other heavyweight I think other than Ali in the recent twenty years. He just had that much of an impact to the point where, sometimes I’ve trained guys who were 6’3”-6’4” and they start off they’re trying to do the Mike Tyson move, bob and the weave. Tyson came up with the all black stuff on and no socks and that affected so many boxers, really in all weight divisions, where traditionally everybody wore the white stuff because that’s what the Ray Robinsons and Muhammad Ali (were wearing). I think that Mike Tyson, after Muhammad Ali, has had more of an impact on boxing-in particular heavyweights-than any other fighter I would say in the last twenty years. In your view, Emanuel, what is the truth about Mike Tyson and his legacy?Ī: Well I think there’s definitely a legacy to begin with. On the other hand, many of his detractors say he is overrated because he presided over a weak division. Q: A lot of Mike Tyson supporters tend to believe that he was unbeatable during his prime and many maintain he would never have lost a fight if Cus D’Amato had not passed away and some even argue that Tyson was ruined when he parted ways with Kevin Rooney. This is part one of a three part series that explores heavyweight history with Emanuel Steward. During the hour long conversation, we discussed some of the most decorated personalities the sport has known and touched on some of the more memorable moments. I was recently afforded the opportunity to have a lengthy discussion with the legendary trainer that focused on the rich history of the heavyweight division. Steward also trained many other notable heavyweights, including Evander Holyfield who defeated Riddick Bowe to regain the heavyweight throne and Oliver McCall who Steward trained in his second round knockout victory over Lewis. Not only does he train reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (who became champ and had eight successful title defenses since teaming up with Steward), but he also worked with former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. (East Side Boxing' One the Ropes Boxing Radio Program, Geoffrey Ciani).Exclusive Interview by Geoffrey Ciani – Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward knows a thing or two about heavyweight history. According to a recent interview with Lennox’s former master trainer Emanuel Steward, Lennox’s wife Violet Chang did not want him to ever box again, giving him an ultimatum to choose: it’s either boxing or her. They were certain that Vitali was clearly winning in that fight, and would have knocked Lennox out in within the next few rounds.īut what really caused the talks of a rematch to cease was neither Vitali’s nor Lennox’s doing, instead it was all because of a woman. Vitali Klitschko fans were outraged with Lennox’s decision to leave the sport, and were convinced that he was too scared to face the giant Ukrainian again. They supported his decision in retiring a world champion without presenting Vitali another shot at the title they were sure that he had nothing else to prove in his boxing career. ![]() Lennox Lewis fans were claiming that Lennox was clearly won the fight, thus had no obligation to offer Vitali a rematch. Which fighter did not want to fight, and why not? Was money the stalling factor? Speculation and blame were circling the boxing forums and magazines for months on end. Many fans had confidence in a rematch being realized, but it never came to fruition. Fans booed Lennox and cheered Vitali at the end of that night, seeing that the Ukrainian champion could have possibly won the fight. Unfortunately, the next round never came. Right before the fight was stopped, both men were landing, and it seemed that very soon, one of them was going to hit the canvas, likely in the very next round. Punches and combinations were traded, with both men landing great hard shots that would drop most other heavyweights. It was an action bout with both fighters showing heart and skill. ![]() The fight, as long as it lasted, did not disappoint the fans. ![]()
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