HBO Boxing Analyst Emanuel Steward Dies

Legendary boxing trainer and HBO boxing analyst Emanuel Steward passed away Thursday afternoon, according to HBO officials.

Steward, 68, served as an HBO boxing analyst since 2001 for the network's World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark telecasts. The iconic, International Boxing Hall of Famer trained numerous world champions including Thomas Hearns, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis, and current heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Said Ken Hershman, President, HBO Sports in a statement: “There are no adequate words to describe the enormous degree of sadness and loss we feel at HBO Sports with the tragic passing of Manny Steward. For more than a decade,  Manny was a respected colleague who taught us so much not only about the sweet science but also about friendship and loyalty. His energy, enthusiasm and bright smile were a constant presence.  Ten bells do not seem enough to mourn his passing. His contributions to the sport and to HBO will never be forgotten.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.