Kronk Gym, which produced several boxing world champions through the 1980s and 90s is making its return to Detroit with a brand-new training facility.
According to a press release, this new space will serve as a hub for young fighters, aspiring champions, and world class professionals, all with a focus on community involvement and carrying forward the Kronk tradition of excellence.
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More details on the new facility will be announced soon.
Under new ownership, with continued involvement of Marie Steward, Sylvia Steward-Williams and several of Kronk’s original world champions, Kronk is hoping to reignite the spirit of its founder, Emanuel Steward.
For decades, Kronk was more than just a gym, it was a symbol of Detroit’s fighting spirit and a proving ground for champions. Under Emanuel Steward’s visionary leadership, it became a global brand that produced several Olympic Medalists and World Champions.
During Steward’s time as a trainer in the 1980s and 90s, Kronk earned the reputation as the “mecca of boxing” due to its history of producing numerous world champions.
The leadership team features Detroit natives, boxing enthusiasts and longtime Kronk affiliates, including Paul Bhatti, John Lepak, Amer Abdallah, Mikey Shumaker, Marie Steward, Sylvia Steward-Williams and Kronk’s first world champion Hilmer Kenty.
“Like thousands of other kids, Emanuel Steward was like a father figure to me and to now be in a position to help carry on his legacy in and out of the ring is a tremendous honor and responsibility,” said Lepak, Managing Partner, and member of the Original Kronk Gym.
“Emanuel Steward and KRONK played such an important role, not just in my life, but in the lives of so many Detroiters. I am delighted to be officially back home as part of the KRONK Team,” said Kenty, recently appointed Kronk Ambassador.
In addition to training future champions, Kronk will be active in several community programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and training opportunities for the youth of Metro-Detroit.
“My father dedicated his life to Detroit, to the Kronk Gym and to shaping the world of boxing, touching the lives of so many,” said Steward-Williams, Emanuel Steward’s daughter. “I am very impressed by the new team’s vision and goals for expanding the legacy my father built. He would be incredibly proud of their efforts. We are committed to giving back to Detroit while also ensuring Kronk’s influence grows on a global scale.”
“To be a part of this team represents a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Paul Bhatti, CEO of Kronk. “It’s an honor to have assumed this role, and we are all focused on executing our vision to bring Kronk back into the mainstream. This isn’t just about restoring a legendary boxing gym, it’s about providing opportunities to the youth, closely engaging with community and business leaders, and giving the people of Detroit another sports franchise to be proud of.”
As KRONK Gym prepares for its official relaunch, stay connected at www.kronk.com for more details on opening events, fighter announcements and special programming.
