Lennox Lewis saddened by death of "long-time friend" Emanuel Steward

Retired heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis has expressed his 'devastation' after learning of the death of his former trainer Emanuel 'Manny' Steward.

The famous trainer, who coached the likes of Thomas Hearns and Wladimir Klitschko, passed away yesterday at the age of 68 after a long battle with a stomach illness.

"I'm completely devastated by the passing of my long-time friend, mentor and trainer Emanuel 'Manny' Steward," Lewis wrote on his official website.

"Manny has helped me get through some of the biggest fights in my career and I only regret that I couldn't return the favour and see him through his biggest fight."

Lewis formed a partnership with Steward in 1994 and then went on to reclaim his WBC heavyweight title in 1997.