Legendary boxing trainer Emanuel Steward has died aged 68, it has been confirmed.

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that the American had passed away after a long battle with a stomach illness.

During an illustrious 40-year career, Steward coached such boxing icons as Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. Overall he trained 43 world champions.

Steward was also a successful amateur boxer and won the bantamweight title in the 1963 Golden Gloves tournament.

He was inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.