Hall of Fame boxing legend Emanuel Steward
, whose Kronk Gym in Detroit trained some of the world's top fighters including Thomas Hearns, owed more than $38,000 in delinquent taxes to the IRS, according to a new tax lien. That is, he did until getting a phone call this week.
, whose Kronk Gym in Detroit trained some of the world's top fighters including Thomas Hearns, owed more than $38,000 in delinquent taxes to the IRS, according to a new tax lien. That is, he did until getting a phone call this week. 
Steward, 65, whose now-shuttered gym operated on the city's southwest side until closing in 2006, has trained and managed more than 30 world champions and is a commentator on HBO's boxing coverage. Steward also is chairman of the Kronk Gym Foundation, a nonprofit group established to provide mentoring, tutoring and recreational facilities for Metro Detroit youth. On Saturday, Steward was in the corner of heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who knocked out Eddie Chambers during a fight in Germany. Steward was credited with pushing Klitschko between rounds to punch more frequently.
"I will try, Emanuel," Klitschko said between rounds. "Relax. I will try. I'm doing it."
"You do not need to have another ---- decision," Steward answered.
The goading worked.
Klitschko knocked Chambers unconscious with a left hook in the 12th round.
What's owed
$38,140
The IRS filed a $38,140 lien against Steward on Feb. 1 with the Wayne County Register of Deeds. He owed income taxes from 2006 and 2007.
His side
Steward said he was unaware of the lien until being contacted by The Detroit News on Tuesday.
He had been in Germany for a few months training Klitschko and says he never saw a notice of the lien.
"First of all, I have the money to go pay the taxes," he said. "I feel bad. You go away for a few months, the mail comes in, and nobody's going through the stuff."
So on Tuesday, after getting a call from The Detroit News, Steward set off for the IRS
office, prepared to pay $38,140. But there was one problem.
In the seven weeks since the lien had been filed, the debt ballooned as penalties, interest and costs mounted.
"They said they needed $48,000," Steward said.
Steward returned Wednesday morning with a cashier's check.
"I'm glad you called," he said. "I would never have known anything."
rsnell@detnews.com (313) 222-2028
Source: detnews.com
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