Kronk Gym Bites The Dust

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 30 Nov 2006, 17:38

I know its not strictly a British topic but its a story sure to depress all boxing fans:

Report: Kronk Gym closed! Detroit's famous Kronk Gym has closed for good according to the Detroit Free Press. The facility brought to prominence by super trainer Emanuel Steward was the breeding ground for many world champions including ring legend Tommy Hearns. Efforts to raise enough funds to save the city-run facility were unsuccessful and the September theft of the copper pipes in the Kronk delivered the final KO blow, prompting Detroit's Recreation Department to force out the Kronk fighters, who have regrouped at a Gold's Gym in Dearborn. Steward reportedly plans to open a new Kronk Gym. Wednesday, November 29 2006

That sweaty basement has produced some great fighters. I am surprised that Emanuel Steward, with all his personal wealth and connections couldnt subsidise what was a boxing institution.

The Gold and Red uniform of the Kronk may live on but losing the building is the equivalent of the Cavan Club in Liverpool getting demolished and turned into a car park for Beatles fans.

Sad news.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 30 Nov 2006, 17:43

A bit sad and surprised, I would have thought Manny Steward had enough money to keep it open. Obviously he doesn't want to use it.... so hope he does well in the new gym.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 30 Nov 2006, 19:46

I am surprised that Emanuel Steward, with all his personal wealth and connections couldnt subsidise what was a boxing institution.

Probably too tight!

ArtOfWar · Post by **ArtOfWar** » 30 Nov 2006, 19:52

Manny probably has some savings, but I bet it costs quite a bit to keep a gym running. The burden shouldn't fall on Manny's shoulders to keep it open. He's got his own family to worry about. The city of Detroit should have paid for it to stay open as it kept some kids off the streets.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Dec 2006, 07:58

Says Steward is opening a new kronk gym. I guess the city got fed up funding something that produced no money for them.

It's a while since the Kronk's halcyon days now, I get the impression that Steward is more of a travelling magician these days, and essentially, the kronk was his product, seeing as he's always flitting about, it's unlikely the Kronk is going to be anything like it was.

Was the Kronk gym once worked by Eddie Futch, it was futch who taught Steward wasn't it, did futch train him as a young pro?

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 01 Dec 2006, 17:55

I would agree with that James, Steward is a bit of a freelance operator nowadays, he more or less goes where the big bucks take him. Saying that his track record speaks for itself so why not.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Dec 2006, 21:16

True, but when was the last time Steward developed a fighters career. He seems to just teach fighters with flaws the fundamentals. Wlad for instance has learnt how to work on the inside, hold, and tie his man up when under fire. Had he had those skills against Sanders, he probably would have prevailed, because Sanders would have gassed in a few rounds and got nailed later on.

It amazes me though how a supposedly world class fighter, and one with an amateur pedigree, can have got so far in his career without learning something as basic as that. Every big heavyweight of the last 20 years who made it to the top knew how to use their strength and leverage on the inside to buy time and control the fight. Lewis, Bowe, Holyfield, and especially the second coming of Foreman.

I was a bit shocked to note at the ABA's the almost complete lack of a jab being thrown. It wasn't until the Price fight right at the end that I witnessed a fighter pumping out the jab with force as a meaninful shot.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 01 Dec 2006, 21:28

jamesmcdonnell wrote:True, but when was the last time Steward developed a fighters career. He seems to just teach fighters with flaws the fundamentals. Wlad for instance has learnt how to work on the inside, hold, and tie his man up when under fire. Had he had those skills against Sanders, he probably would have prevailed, because Sanders would have gassed in a few rounds and got nailed later on.

Lets see how he brings on Irishman Andy Lee. He is Steward's latest protege.

Expug · Post by **Expug** » 02 Dec 2006, 01:03

In 1983 I fought on the same card with Billy Hearns , Tommys brother, in Chicago.
At the weigh in of course Manny was there with him and some other fighters who were from The Kronk.
They had the US Marine color track suits on were there to support Billy.It was impressive how these guys were tightknit.
These guys at one time were like a family with Manny as the Dad.
Its surprising all these years later to hear that the Kronk is shutting down and Steward is moving on.