On the official Facebook fan page of Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Wladimir initially released the following statement on the passing away of Emanuel Steward:
Boxing has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Emanuel Steward.
Vitali and I, along with the entire Team Klitschko, send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Emanuel's family and friends.
It is not often that a person in any line of work gets a chance to work with a legend, well I was privileged enough to work with one for almost a decade.
I will miss our time together. The long talks about boxing, the world, and life itself. Most of all I will miss our friendship.
My team and I will carry on with the goals we had set while Emanuel was with us because that is exactly what Emanuel would have wanted. I know he will be with us in spirit along the way and we will accomplish these goals in his honor.
Rest in peace Emanuel. You will be greatly missed.
Until we meet again my friend.
Wladimir Klitschko
That post, however, has since been removed. We all hope that's good news as it relates to Emanuel Steward, as there have been conflicting reports since no official words has come from his family. However, those in boxing that are closest to him continue to maintain that, sadly, the news is true.
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