Anthony Dirrell Sees Value in Friendship with Trainer SugarHill Steward
In the realm of professional prizefighting, oftentimes the internal relationships remain merely professional. After the boxer collaborates with their strength & conditioning coach, nutritionist and chief second, most times they go their separate ways. This is not the case with super middleweight pugilist Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (34-2-2, 25 KO’s) and his lead trainer SugarHill Steward. When it comes to this pair, as The Dog explained in a recent media roundtable, their union goes far beyond training and the ring.
“We got a connection, we do stuff outside of boxing; we don’t just train […] When we are out of camp, we are golfing, we still talk to each other. [We] just have a relationship outside of boxing, I think that’s important.”
PEAS IN A POD
The two-time WBC super middleweight champion has long since been a pupil of Hill and his notorious style of fighting. Originally based in Detroit, SugarHill Steward is also the nephew of fallen boxing legend and Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. This is both where and how he acquired the ins and outs of the brutal system of fisticuffs. In Dirrell, Steward found a capable charge and a worthy road dog.
Time will tell if this union can result in victory come October 15, when The Dog will test his might against Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (21-1, 12 KO’s). Naturally, the former 168-pound champion fancies that he can topple Dirrell, who is currently ranked #4 (WBO), #6 (WBC) and #11 (IBF). Yet with high ambitions to the side, the two PBC-pushed fighters will have to show and prove in a very short time. And to sweeten the deal, the bout will serve as a WBC title eliminator. Luckily, no matter who wins, 3Kings Boxing will be there to report the aftermath!
By: Bakari Simpson
