Steward Legacy Hangs On The Smudged And Controversial Cape Of "Superman"

Submitted By Boxing Fan

Boxing Fans, At 67, Boxing Trainer Emanuel Steward  is a legend and his  work in developing boxing  champions  made him an easy selection for Boxing's Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, legends  aren't infallible  and his decision to train  Super Middleweight Boxer Adonis " Superman"  Stevenson  may tarnish his well manicured image of being a first class gentlemen and a boxing scholar and teacher. In less than two weeks since the announcement, a firestorm of criticism has been leveled at Steward for "stealing" Stevenson from Howard and Otis Grant, his loyal mentors and trainers. The brothers , owners and founders of Grant Brothers Pro Boxing Club and Gym in Montreal ,Quebec, issued  the following statement in addressing the sudden and recent transition  allegedly initiated  by Adonis Stevenson:

 "We are done with Adonis Stevenson...he is not an honorable guy. We put him out of the gym over some issues.Reporters can direct their questions to whoever is preparing him for Jesus Gonzales." Howard and Otis Grant, quoted on  2/26/2012 during a telephone conversation . The whoever is Emanuel Steward, one of the  boxing world's most recognizable trainers. It would be safe to say that only fellow Hall of Fame  Trainer  Angelo Merena aka Angelo  Dundee is better known.

It is not clear whether or not Emanuel Steward  lured Stevenson to his storied boxing den , aka Kronk's Gym in Detroit, or was it coincidence? According to Stevenson, he sought a new trainer to take him to the the next level. The Boxer then called Steward who told Stevenson he was headed for California and would take a look at the 34 year old fighter  and decide whether or not he would work with the Haitian born pugilist who now fights out of Longueuil, Quebec. Steward stayed five days, instead of the planned two days, and agreed to work with Stevenson . The Grant Brothers who were   instrumental in guiding Stevenson to a 16-1 professional  ring record after leaving the amateur ranks in 2006 were shocked and obviously hurt at hearing the news, second hand. 

Most boxing observers labeled the transition as a good "business" move and saw the decision as a win, win situation for Stevenson who is preparing for  a title eliminator  bout with Gonzales on  2/18  in Montreal at the Bell Centre with the winner getting a shot at IBF Super Middleweight Champion  Lucian Butte  The always nattily attired Steward, except in the gym, will no be flogged or dissed for his questionable act of   agreeing to handle  another trainer's fighter without requesting permission...it's business stupid!

The larger and more important issue to be addressed is what did Emanuel Steward knew about his new client before he promised him boxing immortality  in the form of a  future championship? Did the glib Steward know that his new client is a convicted sex peddler  or did he forget to ask? In 1998 , Stevenson was arrested and convicted of pimping underage girls in Montreal. At the time,  he was a member of a violent street  gang who swore allegiance to a leader that  advocated violence and intimidation  toward women as means of making money.  Adonis wasn't a child at the time and his crime wasn't a misdemeanor like stealing beer from a convenience store or joyriding in a stolen car.   At his trial, witnesses testified that Adonis  doubled his fists and punched his female victims when they refused to do what he asked. For his unforgivable  sins, Mr. Stevenson was fined and spent time in prison. Some of his victims and their  friends continue to protest the verdict as evidenced by the number of people who go to the Internet and infiltrate boxing sites with stinging remarks aimed towards Stevenson. A number of sites are refusing to allow  bloggers  to post negative comments about  Adonis Stevenson. In explaining why, one site described the charges and conviction as "hear say". A perfect example of why bloggers aren't confused with journalists.

As a Hall of Fame Trainer,Emanuel Steward  owes an obligation to boxing  fan to explain why he is training someone who was accused and convicted  of prostituting women.  His poor judgement mirrors Joe  Paterno's failure to ask questions after learning that one of his coaches allegedly  raped a student. How difficult would it be for Steward to ask Stevenson to address the public and alleviate  any tension or apprehension  they might have over Stevenson's past.   Natalie's House, A non-profit organization supporting sexually abused girls, sent their logo to Jesus Gonzales  a few days ago and he will wear it on his boxing trunks during his fight with Stevenson.   This is an early indicator of how  explosive the issue of crimes against women has become. Emanuel Steward can defuse   or calm some of that  fear by simply going to the airways and explaining why he standing in  the corner of Adonis Stevenson. The longer he waits to explain...the less enduring his legacy becomes.