By Benicia Ciara, TMDN
One of boxing’s most storied names is returning to its roots. KRONK Gym — often called Detroit’s “fifth franchise” — has announced its comeback to the city, with a opening set for November at 670 Wilkins Street inside Detroit’s historic Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center complex.
Founded by legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, KRONK Gym built its reputation as a cradle for champions, from Olympic medalists to world title fighters. For COO John Lepak, this homecoming is deeply personal. Having grown up in the original KRONK location on Junction and McGraw, he recalls how it wasn’t just a boxing gym — it was a cornerstone of Detroit’s west side.
That humble basement boxing gym, once part of a city-run recreation center, turned Detroit into a boxing capital. But when the city faced financial hardship, recreation centers were among the first to close.
Emanuel Steward refused to let KRONK’s legacy fade. He moved operations to West Warren Avenue, and after his passing, Marie Steward and her daughter, Sylvia Steward-Williams opened a new KRONK on Mettetal Street, inside a church.
Then, in 2020, the pandemic and a devastating flood struck. The gym was wiped out, forcing a move to a temporary space in Westland. That site became home to the Emanuel Steward Champions of Tomorrow (ESCOT) Youth Development Program, where boxing served as part of a broader after-school initiative for kids.
While Lepak represents the gym’s Detroit roots, CEO Paul Bhatti brings an international perspective and a lifelong admiration for the KRONK name.
“I grew up a boxing fan across the pond in Manchester, England,” Bhatti said. “My memories of KRONK are seeing those golden years with Tommy Hearns and those wonderful fights with Sugar Ray Leonard.“
For Lepak, the mission runs deeper than rebuilding a boxing gym.
“For me, it’s very personal,” he said. “It’s a tremendous responsibility because having been mentored and raised by Emanuel, it’s held near and dear to my heart. I want to make sure it’s not restored just as a boxing gym, but that it also helps kids find a path for their future — either in or outside the ring.“
The new location at The Brewster-Wheeler Recreation Center holds powerful symbolism. Once serving as a training site for boxing icons like Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson, KRONK’s rebirth there signals a commitment to continuing that legacy of community development through sport.
The new 3,500-square-foot facility will blend professional training with mentorship and youth outreach. KRONK’s leadership team plans to launch programs that honor Emanuel Steward’s vision — giving young Detroiters a place to belong, learn discipline, and build character both inside and outside the ring.
From Junction Street to Wilkins, KRONK’s journey mirrors Detroit’s own — resilient, determined, and always ready to fight back stronger. As the red and gold banner rises again, one thing is clear: KRONK isn’t just returning to Detroit. It’s returning to purpose.
