Detroit, MI – June 4, 2025 – One of the most legendary names in boxing, often referred to as Detroit’s 5th Franchise, announced today at a press conference along with Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, that is making its long-awaited return to the city where it all began. KRONK GYM, the world-renowned training ground of champions, will reopen its doors in Summer 2025—this time in the iconic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, restoring a powerful legacy of athletic excellence and community empowerment in the heart of Detroit. Under new ownership, with the continued involvement of Mrs. Marie Steward and Sylvia Steward-Williams, along with several of KRONK’s original World Champions, KRONK is committed to reigniting the spirit of its founder, Emanuel Steward. KRONK GYM will be located at The Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, at 670 Wilkins Street, Detroit.
During its early years in the 1930s and 40s, the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center was the training site for some of the world’s greatest boxing champions, most notably the “Brown Bomber” Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Eddie Futch & Emanuel Steward, founder of KRONK GYM. Emanuel Steward started his boxing career at the Brewster Center before moving on to train the likes of Thomas Hearns, Hilmer Kenty, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya and Wladimir Klitschko. After sitting vacant for nearly two decades, KRONK’s history of producing Olympic Medalists and World Champions will restore the historic landmark to a center for boxing in Detroit as well as around the world.
Located at the corner of Wilkins Street and The Walter P. Chrysler Freeway, Detroit’s iconic boxing institution, KRONK GYM, 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.
With new investments in training facilities, youth programs, and community outreach, KRONK GYM aims to become a cornerstone once again in the city’s athletic and cultural fabric. The 3500 Sq/Ft facility will feature high performance training areas, set up specifically to cater for all levels of Boxing training. KRONK’s training staff will focus on developing elite level talent at both the amateur and professional levels of the sport. Just as important as developing the next generation of champion boxers is KRONK’s commitment to fostering a deep connection with the Detroit community, as KRONK founder Emanuel Steward always intended, and continuing the legacy of the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center which provided youth from the neighborhood with athletic training and a variety of other activities from its opening in 1929 until it closed in 2006.
The KRONK 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.
“Can you imagine a more perfect use for this building than the Kronk Gym? And to have Emmanuel Steward’s family, Maria and Sylvia Steward being a part of it – they have been working to keep the legacy alive. We are so lucky to have Paul Bhatti and the team step up and say, ‘we are not going to let the legend die’, said Mayor Mike Duggan. Duggan added “Kronk Gym has given Detroit such pride. This is the city we are building; the city where we honor our history, and we keep it alive.”
“Seeing KRONK return full circle to the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, where his journey began, is deeply meaningful. It’s not just a building—it’s history, heart, and home. I’m very impressed by the new team’s vision and direction. My father left KRONK in a place where it could one day become exactly what he had always envisioned—and that time is now. He would be incredibly proud of our efforts. We are committed to giving back to Detroit while also ensuring KRONK’s influence grows on a global scale.” Said Sylvia Steward-Williams.
“Choosing the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center as the new site of KRONK GYM was a natural decision. The new facility will carry on the legacies of both our founder, Emanuel Steward, and the staff of the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, serving the youth of the community while shaping the next generations of championship boxers.” said John Lepak, Managing Partner, and member of the Original KRONK GYM.
“This isn’t just about reopening a gym. It’s about reigniting a culture of excellence, mentorship, and opportunity for a new generation of Detroiters. Situating KRONK GYM squarely in the heart of Detroit reinforces our commitment to be active members of the community all the while training future Olympic and World Champions and restoring Detroit to a center of the boxing world.” Said Paul Bhatti, CEO of KRONK.
“The relaunch of the world’s most iconic brand in boxing gives me tremendous pride to be involved with. KRONK will be expanding around the globe and will continue to build upon its rich history and legacy.” Said, Amer Abdallah, Managing Partner, VP International Business
“I’ve loved the city of Detroit since I was a kid. Being from Monroe, MI and becoming friends with Bronco McKart—a World Champion from my hometown inspired me early on. It’s an honor to be part of the team behind this iconic brand and to help bring KRONK back into the heart of the city.” Said Mikey Shumaker, Director of VIP Relations.
As KRONK GYM prepares for its official opening Summer of 2025 at the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, stay connected at www.kronk.com for more details on opening events, fighter announcements, and special programming.
IMAGES: Courtesy of KRONK
Click here for images and video
*Dropbox includes video and image from press conference: (left to right) Tarick Salmaci; former KRONK boxer, Mary Sheffield; President of Detroit City Council, Amer Addallah; VP of International Business, Mike Duggan; Mayor of Detroit, Mrs. Marie Steward; Business Consultant and wife of the late Emanuel, John Lepak; COO, Sylvia Steward-Williams; Business Consultant and daughter of the late Emanuel, Paul Bhatti; CEO, Ken Crabb; CFO, Mikey Shumaker; Director of VIP Relations, Chief Todd Bettison; Chief of Police, Detroit
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ABOUT KRONK
Founded in Detroit by the legendary Emanuel Steward, KRONK played a pivotal role in developing some of the greatest champions in boxing history, including Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis, and Wladimir Klitschko. Renowned for its winning culture, community spirit, and rich legacy, KRONK continues to be an iconic name in boxing, fostering the next generation of champions while giving back to the city that helped build it.
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