Bill Stewart (ビル・スチュワート, Biru Suchuwāto)[1], occasionally referred as Bill Martin (ビル・マーティン, Biru Mātin)[2] is the trainer and manager for Ricardo Martínez and José Nargo. He is a world renowned trainer that has trained up to seven world champions (including Ricardo.)
Quick Answers
What led Bill Stewart to become a boxing trainer and manager?
Who are some of the world champions that Bill Stewart has trained?
How did Bill Stewart meet Ricardo Martínez?
What is the significance of Bill Stewart being referred to as Bill Martin?
What makes Bill Stewart a renowned boxing trainer?
Background
At some point, Bill became a boxing trainer and manager. After a young Ricardo Martínez came up to him with boxing gloves and asked how it feels to be strong, Bill took him under his wing and became his trainer and manager.[3]
History
Part I
Revenge Arc
Bill as Ricardo's second during his spar against Ippo.
When WBA featherweight super champion Ricardo Martínez was to go against Japanese boxer Eiji Date a second time in his 18th title defence, Bill arrived with Ricardo to Tokyo. Bill went with Ricardo to the Otowa gym for a public sparring session that included the JBC featherweight champion Ippo Makunouchi. When it was Ippo's turn to spar, Bill instructed Ricardo to handle the spar however he liked, but to show the audience the difference between Japan and the world. After Ricardo effortlessly hits Ippo with lefts and stops his Dempsey Roll, Ricardo walked away and told Bill who then explained the reporters that Ricardo has no intention of destroying the pride of the Japanese champion, simply wanting to warm-up his left, and any more than that would be pointless. After the spar, Bill commented how surprised he was to see someone in Japan able to use the Dempsey Roll and that the Japanese champion had a good amount of power, wondering if Ricardo felt a chill down his spine before apologising for asking a "stupid" question since he believed no matter who Ricardo fights or what they use, Ricardo has no reason to feel agitated. Later, Bill attended the press conference between Ricardo and Date.
Bill holding the WBA belt in Ricardo's entrance for his title defence.
When Ricardo's 18th title defence match against Date arrived, Bill was his second for the match. Prior to the match, Bill told Ricardo he won't give him a strategy, asking to destroy him with technique and experience, and to show the people of Japan the true magnificence of boxing. After the first round, Bill noticed that Date had levelled up since the last time, but since Ricardo had as well, Bill instructed him to prove the strength difference had not changed in the second round. After the second round, Bill believed that Date probably had experience against fighters with very strong punches, with the experience being the reason that he was brought this far. After the eighth round, Ricardo wondered why Date still stood after taking so many punches. Bill replied to have confidence in his punches, believing that Date probably reached his limits, but he felt that Date has miraculous toughness, as if he has something that holds him up past his physical limits, like the dream to become world champion or revenge against Ricardo, however Ricardo disagreed. After Ricardo blocked Date's Heart Break Shot, breaking Date's fist in the ninth round, Bill wondered if they still planned to fight, deeming it foolish for his second to allow him to continue. The match continued into the tenth round where Ricardo downed Date and won the match by knockout, defending his title for the 18th time.
Part II
A Passing Point Arc
Bill was Ricardo's second when he fought an American in his 21st WBA featherweight title defence, winning and defending his title in the first round by knockout.
Go to the World Arc
Bill talking to Ricardo about Alfredo.
Ricardo received a call from Alfredo González before Alfredo's match against Ippo, requesting for Ricardo reconsider a second rematch between them if he defeats Ippo. Ricardo, however, did not remember who Ippo was, as he does not remember every name of fighters he has sparred with. After the call, Bill reminded Ricardo that Ippo used the Peek-a-Boo Style, causing Ricardo to finally remember who Ippo was.
Battle of the Beasts Arc
Bill with Nargo in his match against Sendō.
With Bill's boxer, the Mexican featherweight champion José Nargo, having a match against Sendō Takeshi, Bill went to the Yokohama Arena to be Nargo's chief second for the match. During the first round, Bill quickly recognised Sendō's tiger features, comparing him to a sabre tooth tiger and wanting Nargo to show how the species became extinct. The match resulted in Nargo's loss by knockout in the eighth round. Bill planned to tell Ricardo about Sendō, seeing a match between the two likely. As Sendō requested for Bill to tell "him" back in Mexico that he would see him soon, Bill assumed he meant Ricardo and agreed to Sendō's request. However, Bill was shocked to discover that Sendō meant Alfredo.
Before going back to Mexico, Bill was asked to comment about Sendō's request to fight Alfredo by reporter Mari Īmura. Bill replied that Alfredo is not one of his boxers, so he wouldn't see him when he goes back.
Part III
Sendō in Mexico Arc
Bill recognising Sendō as the sabre tooth tiger.
In preparations for Ricardo's next WBA featherweight title defence match, Bill went with Ricardo to the J.C. Gym for a public spar, where Bill was his second. When Sendō arrived to the gym wanting to spar against Ricardo, Bill let Ricardo know Sendō's ranking, causing Ricardo to be interested in sparring with him. Bill allowed the spar of three rounds. When Sendō downed Ricardo, who has never been downed in his entire career, Bill tried to stop the press from taking pictures and told them and Alfredo that Sendō leaned on Ricardo while throwing a punch, causing him to lose his balance. As tensions between Sendō and Alfredo raised, Ricardo offered the two to fight in a semi-final match for his own title defence match in Mexico City, offering the winner a title match against him, which Bill voiced his dislike of Ricardo making the decision. Driving away from the gym, Bill asked Ricardo if Sendō really did hit him, to which Ricardo thought it didn't matter. Bill revealed to Ricardo that he heard from a reporter that Alfredo and Sendō both fought against Ippo, who pushed Date in a match before, which he thought was good information.
Deathmatch in Mexico Arc
Bill watching Sendō and Alfredo's match.
When the weigh-in for Ricardo's 22nd WBA featherweight title defence match arrived, Bill went with him to the Arena México. The next day, Bill went with Ricardo to the Arena México and watched Sendō and Alfredo's match in his dressing room. Before the match began, Bill criticised Nargo's claim that Sendō's destructive power is the best in the world, thinking it as rude to say in front of Ricardo. While watching the third round, Bill mentioned how Sendō is a shining example of Machismo, and began to do mitt practise with Ricardo.
When Ricardo's 22nd WBA featherweight title defence match against the former WBC featherweight champion Billy McCallum began, Bill was Ricardo's chief second for the match. In the first round, Bill recognised McCallum's stance as the Detroit Style and saw McCallum as the real deal since he is from Philadelphia, where the Detroit Style got it's name "Philly Shell" from, thinking that it will be hard for even Ricardo to break the clam shell-like guard. As Ricardo attacked McCallum's left arm until the guard broke, Bill saw that if one can't pry it open, they can just smash the shell. After the match ended in Ricardo's victory in the first round, Bill gave Ricardo his belt before walking away from the ring.
Grim Reaper to the World Arc
Bill giving details about Wally to Ricardo.
Despite Ricardo announcing to Sendō and Alfredo that he would give the winner between them the right to challenge him in his next title defence, it was decided that, instead of Sendō, Ricardo's next match is against the third ranker in the WBA and a former Indonesian champion, Wally. Bill announced the decision to Ricardo, since his match with Sendō got postponed, he wanted Ricardo to keep his fight sense sharp and prepare a strategy to go against Sendō. Ricardo was interested and ultimately accepted the decision once Bill mentioned that Wally pushed the Dempsey boy with just three matches in his record and has wildness that may surpass Sendō. Bill later informed Ricardo of Wally's record and details of how Wally fights, along with his likeness of boxing. Ricardo asked about his one loss, which Bill answered that it was from Ippo.
Alpha and Omega Arc
Bill realising the greatest weakness of his camp is that they let Ricardo isolate himself.
Bill went to the Arena México and arrived to the ring with Ricardo to be his chief second when his 23rd WBA featherweight title defence match against Wally was about to begin. Bill noticed Ricardo having his attention towards Ippo, who is standing as a second for Wally and reminded him that Ippo and Sendō, who is at the audience seats, are not who he is fighting, but Wally. After the third round, Bill advised Ricardo to use the data from the past three rounds to trap Wally. During the fourth round, Bill felt as if he ordered Ricardo someone wild, thinking that he accidentally brought Ricardo a genius when the match was just for Ricardo to experiment. After the fourth round, Bill had the referee warn Wally about using the ropes too much. Bill told Ricardo at his corner how Wally's side has revealed his side's weakness: that they isolate Ricardo, as Bill believed that there is no one that can advise him. Ricardo, however, told Bill how maybe it is because he respects his decisions he makes, and that he has nothing but gratitude for his seconds.
Bill with Ricardo after defeating Wally.
After the fifth round, Bill, predicting that Wally will be gambling it all in the next round, advised Ricardo to prepare himself and when he comes, ambush him. Ricardo declined the advice, as he planned to take the initiative, refusing to let Wally take the pace a second time. After Ricardo won in the sixth round by knockout, Bill and the other seconds went into the ring to accompany Ricardo. Bill told Ricardo that he did a good job but knew that Ricardo was bothered by Wally still being unconscious. Bill left the ring with Ricardo and his other seconds.
King vs. Tiger Arc
Bill introducing Mari to Ricardo.
Two weeks before Ricardo's 24th WBA featherweight title defence match against challenger Sendō, Bill arrived to Osaka, Japan with Ricardo and his team, getting off his flight at the Kansai International Airport. Bill met Mari at the airport as she would be acting as the attendant for Ricardo and his team since she knew Spanish and English. Bill asked Mari if she could lecture him on the running courses on the way to the hotel, as they want to head straight for the gym after dropping off their luggage. Mari was surprised that they want to start going immediately, but Bill commented that Ricardo is always this way.
Bill at Ricardo's public sparring session.
The next day, Bill arrived to the Ōtemae gym to be Ricardo's second during his public sparring session against three sparring partners. As Ricardo's second sparring partner looked too hurt, Bill stopped the spar and told Ricardo that he doesn't need to get serious since it is only a maintenance check. Ricardo revealed to Bill how he met Sendō in the morning, noting how he looked like he was all done. Bill realised that that must be why Ricardo is acting serious, but warned him to not get injured. Bill calls up the third sparring partner, and Miyata entered the ring. As Ricardo began sparring against Miyata, Bill remembered Miyata being ranked fifth in the WBA and WBC, making him a possible candidate for a future opponent. When Miyata and Ricardo paused after throwing many punches, Bill was surprised to see another fighter in the Japanese featherweights that was on the same calibre as Ippo, Date, and Sendō. Bill acted as Ricardo's second for the sparring matches against Miyata that occurred for three straight days.
Bill explaining to other members of the Ricardo team about Sendō's broken pinky bone after sparring against Ricardo.
The day before the match between Ricardo and Sendō, Bill went to the Seagail Royal Hotel to accompany Ricardo for the press conference. After the press conference, Bill, Ricardo, and the rest of the staff stayed at the hotel for the night. Bill told his staff that everything would go how it usually goes with Ricardo. However, Nargo pointed out how Sendō is a dangerous boxer and believed he has most destructive power in all of the featherweight class. While some of the staff argued about Nargo's opinion, Bill told them that Nargo has fought both boxers, so he believed that Nargo is right. Some of the staff remembered Sendō downing Ricardo during their spar, but thought that that was an accident. Bill revealed to them that it wasn't an accident, but an incident, and was why Ricardo picked Sendō in the first place. He added that while Ricardo believed that he dodge Sendō's punch, Sendō managed to graze Ricardo's cheek by a few centimetres, though Sendō broke his pinky bone in the process. He further added that with Sendō being the most absurd boxer in the world, Ricardo took interest in him. Bill stated how Ricardo's match against Wally was a countermeasure against Sendō's wildness, and, since the simulations are complete, he is running through the match from start to finish in his mind.
Bill as Ricardo's chief second during his match against Sendō.
The next day, Bill went with Ricardo to the Osaka-jō Hall where the latter's world title defence match against Sendō is taking place as the main event in the King vs. Tiger event. When Ricardo's match was about to begin, Bill and the other seconds were told by Ricardo to do the same as they always do for now as they leave their waiting room. Bill walked with Ricardo to the ring to serve as his chief second for the match. After the first round, Bill told Ricardo at the corner that a whip won't be enough to tame Sendō, instructing him to switch to the rifle instead and become a hunter in the next round. At Ricardo's corner after the second round, Bill was in disbelief that Sendō seems to be able to take more punishment as the match goes on. Ricardo had an ice pack put on his right arm due to the swelling happening from blocking Sendō's punches. Bill asked Ricardo if the ice will help him recover in a minute, and Ricardo replied that it will recover 60%, which may be enough. Bill believed that Sendō is on the verge of breaking down in body and spirit.
During the third round, Sendō pushed Ricardo away from him during a clinch, making the latter fall down. Bill demanded the referee to penalise Sendō, but the referee chose to not penalise him since Ricardo did the same thing to him earlier. Bill then asked Ricardo if he was injured. Ricardo lifted his right hand, making him realise that Ricardo's right arm has fully recovered thanks to Sendō's constant clinches. After the third round, Bill told Ricardo how Sendō's big swings gave him chills even though they miss their mark. He asked his boxer of his plan moving forward: safely take it to a decision or dangerously end it early. Ricardo believed a longer fight may be more dangerous. Bill decided to leave the plan up to Ricardo. He mentioned to Ricardo how it is said that a lord named Kiyomasa once captured tigers alive and offer them to the lord of his respected Osaka Castle as a token of appreciation and even ate them, increasing his own authority as tigers were a symbol of strength. Bill asked Ricardo if he believes the tale and if he would devour Sendō. Ricardo answered that he is interested, but taking him alive is impossible.
During the fourth round, when Ricardo was pushed to the ropes after blocking Sendō punches, Bill recalled how, with just his left, Ricardo had defeated opponents with only jabs, but now they are being made to look cheap. He believed it is because Sendō's adrenaline is at it's max, making him so worked up that he can't even comprehend the damage he's in. He noted that there's a way to make him settle down, and it's being prepared now.
Appearance
Bill has the appearance of a middle-aged man with white short hair. He wears brown tinted shades.
Personality
Bill is somewhat of a cocky and intelligent trainer, just judging by the fact that when Ricardo was going up against Eiji Date he wasn't worried much. However when Ricardo hesitated to finish Date due to the fact that an unfortunate accident could occur, he demanded that Ricardo finished him. During the José Nargo vs Takeshi Sendō match, Ippo comments that Bill is known for being a great tactician. He believes the perfect boxer is a combination of science and violence. He mentioned that he felt elegance and technique aren't enough to claim the world, and that there are times when savageness to coat the ring in blood is required.
Gallery
Trivia
- While he is always referred to as "Bill Stewart" in the series, he was referred to as "Bill Martin" in Round 1123 for unknown reasons, unless it is his middle name rather than his surname or it was an error. He was then referred back to as "Bill Stewart" in Round 1275.
- Bill is able to speak at least three languages - English, Spanish, and Japanese.
References
- ↑ Round 327
- ↑ Round 1123
- ↑ Round 1407, page 15