Often referred to as Detroit’s fifth Franchise, the legendary Kronk Gym is making its triumphant return to the city of Detroit. Under new ownership, with the continued involvement of Marie Steward and Sylvia Steward-Williams, along with several of Kronk’s original World Champions.
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 numerous Olympic Medalists and multiple World Champions. The revival of Kronk is not just about restoring its name, but about bringing back the magic that made it the breeding ground for some of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Kronk is committed to reigniting the spirit of its founder, Emanuel Steward.
The new ownership group is committed to ensuring that Kronk remains true to its roots by involving many of Kronk’s former World Champions and fighters that trained under Steward. This revival will all be focused on a new boxing 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 just as Emanuel Steward always intended.
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 Kronk’s first World Champion Hilmer Kenty. With a bold vision for fighter development, boxing advisory services, licensing, creative partnerships with Detroit based businesses, community engagement, and global expansion. Kronk is poised to play a pivotal role in Detroit’s amazing resurgence.
“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 John Lepak, Managing Partner, and member of the original Kronk Gym.
Kronk is planning on bringing a brand-new training facility to the city of Detroit, with details on the facility to be announced soon. 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.
“I am delighted to be officially back home as part of the Kronk team,” Hilmer Kenty, Kronk’s first ever World Champion and recently appointed Kronk Ambassador said. “Emanuel Steward and Kronk played such an important role, not just in my life, but in the lives of so many Detroiters.”
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,” said Sylvia Steward-Williams, Emanuel Steward’s daughter. “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. 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,” Paul Bhatti, CEO of Kronk explained. “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 re-launch, stay connected at www.kronk.com for more details on opening events, fighter announcements, and special programming.
