SJC Boxing

Missing you, especially today, when I would be calling you for your birthday.

Today would have been Emanuel Steward's 82nd birthday. We were friends for over 40 years and for over 30 years I would call him on his birthday (July 7) and he would call me on mine (July 11). He was two years older.

Sadly, he passed away from colon cancer on October 25, 2012. He was 68.

Emanuel had called to say goodbye but didn't want me to tell anyone. He didn't want the "parade of emotions, the tributes, 'the bothering over me.'" He just wanted to go quietly and peacefully when the time came. It came much too soon.

That day I hung a picture of Emanuel and I in the gym and everyday I go there I look at that picture. I miss him terribly as many others do. He touched people that way.

In my book, Tributes, Memories & Observation of the Sweet Science, I have a chapter on him. It was the last chapter I wrote for the book and the hardest one to write. It was written on the 1st anniversary of his death. It is called, Emanuel Steward: Everybody's Best Friend - and he was! Rest in peace my friend!

Happy birthday, and many more, to former boxer and long-time friend, Ray Gunn, who was born on this day, July 5, 1961.

Happy birthday today, July 5, to former SJC amateur standout Kevin Bailey. Hope your day is as special as you are my friend.

On this date, July 1 in 2009, we lost Alexis Arguello. He was one of the true greats and was an exceptional, caring person, admired and respected throughout the world. Seventeen years have passed and much has changed. His memory will never fade. Rest in peace, my friend. Miss you.