Steve Darnell

Name: Steve Darnell
Birth Name: Stephen Jerome Darnell
Hometown: Livonia, Michigan, USA
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Died: 2025-10-25 (Age:61)
Stance: Southpaw
Pro Boxer: Record

Obituary

Stephen Jerome Darnell (“Stevie D”), 61, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025.

Stephen was born on June 28, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, to James and Donna Darnell, the baby of twelve siblings. At just fourteen, Stevie began his journey as an amateur boxer at the Livonia Boxing Gym. At nineteen, he became a professional boxer—competing around the world, from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to South Africa and everywhere in between.

A proud southpaw, Stevie built an impressive professional record of 26 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws. His love for boxing lived on in Livingston County, where he coached young athletes and passed down his knowledge of the sweet science. In 2000, he founded The Brighton Boxing Club, creating a space to train, inspire, and build community. Brighton was also where he and Leyla Darnell raised their two girls.

Whether you met him at a boxing event, passed him on the street, or were lucky enough to know him well, to know Stevie D was to love him. He lit up every room with his charisma, good looks, and infectious sense of humor. His impeccable style was just as memorable as his smile.

He is survived by his two daughters, Hally and Hanna Darnell, whom he loved with every part of his being; his brothers Tommy, Bobby, and Lorne; and his sisters Judy, Mary Ann, Kathy, Patty, and Jeannie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donna and James “Jim” Darnell; and his brothers Carl, Dennis, and Mark.