Emanuel Steward has proven that being harsh isn't the only method to become successful in boxing. With a smiling face and a comforting voice, Steward has established special relationships within and beyond the ring.

Steward, a Boxing Hall of Fame coach who owned Detroit’s Kronk Gym, passed away Thursday at the age of 68. His assistant, Victoria Kirton, had said that he died at a Chicago hospital, but did not divulge the reason behind his death.

He has trained, assisted coaching or has handled a few of the biggest names in boxing in the past four decades out of Kronk Gym as well as in international boxing establishments in many countries. This list is made up of a very long line of world champions including Thomas Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko.

Steward has even helped a lot of struggling and mislead kids in getting off the streets. He is also said to have helped them more by giving them hope and providing the way towards a brighter future.

He has worked as an HBO boxing analyst since 2001, sharing his abundant understanding of the game and warm character towards the more youthful generation of enthusiasts.