The legendary Kronk Gym is returning to Detroit under new ownership, with the continued involvement of Marie Steward and Sylvia Steward-Williams, along with several of Kronk’s original World Champions like Detroiter Hilmer Kenty.
The original Kronk Gym, made famous by the late Detroit boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, who trained 41 World Champions, began in the 1970s and gained notoriety with Kenty, who earned the WBA Lightweight Title with a TKO at the former Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. He was Steward’s first World Champion.
The gym operated out of the lower level of Kronk Recreation Center at McGraw and Junction streets on the city’s west side. The gym was closed in 2006 due to budget cuts, and was destroyed in a fire in 2017. Then gym has since carried on in other locations.
Kronk Gym gained in fame with the success of Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, who won world titles in five different weight divisions.
Under Steward’s leadership, Kronk became a global brand that produced numerous Olympic medalists and multiple World Champions.
The new ownership group says it is committed to ensuring that Kronk remains true to its roots by involving many of its former World Champions and fighters that trained under Steward.
The revival will be focused on a new gym in the heart of the city that will involve developing elite level talent at both the amateur and professional levels of the sport, fostering a deep connection with the Detroit community.
The leadership team, featuring Detroit natives, boxing enthusiasts, and longtime Kronk affiliates, includes Paul Bhatti, John Lepak, Amer Abdallah, Mikey Shumaker, Marie Steward, Sylvia Steward-Williams, and 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,” says John Lepak, managing partner and a member of the original Kronk Gym.
The new facility will center on fighter development, boxing advisory services, licensing, creative partnerships with Detroit based businesses, community engagement, and global expansion.
Kronk is planning on bringing a brand-new training facility to the city of Detroit, with details on the facility to be announced soon.
“To be a part of this team represents a once in a lifetime opportunity. 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,” says Paul Bhatti, CEO of Kronk.
The new space will serve as a hub for young fighters, aspiring champions, and World Class professionals.
“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,” says Kenty and recently appointed Kronk Ambassador.
In addition to training future champions, Kronk will be very 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. 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,” says Steward-Williams, Emanuel Steward’s daughter.
As Kronk Gym prepares for its official relaunch, stay connected at kronk.com for more details on opening events, fighter announcements, and special programming.
