Kronk Gym Foundation executive director Anita Ruiz said the word ''Kronk,'' is being dropped from the facility.
''We're taking the high road,'' Ruiz said Thursday.
The nonprofit organization's board made the decision Wednesday night after the late Emanuel Steward's family threatened legal action for alleged trademark infringement.
''That was the main goal,'' said Steward's daughter, Sylvia Ann Steward-Williams. ''Anyone else would do the same thing to fight for their family. We wish her the best because we need more gyms and opportunities to get kids off the street. But the gym just needs to be called something else.''
Kronk Gym is a trademark owned by Steward-Williams. Steward died in 2012. The International Boxing Hall of Fame trainer worked with a long list of champions, including Thomas Hearns and Wladimir Klitschko.
Ruiz said the foundation isn't attached to the Kronk name and remains committed to helping the community in and out of the ring with the facility, which will give people of all ages athletic and academic opportunities. Ruiz signed a five-year lease last month to rent part of the Considine Recreation Center.
''We're hoping to open the doors by the end of May,'' she said.
Steward's family is discussing plans to bring back the Kronk Gym.
''We're hoping to be able to announce details in the next six months with some of the former champions coming back to help us,'' Steward-Williams said. ''Detroit wants the Kronk name associated with a gym that can help the family continue the legacy of helping the youth in Detroit.''
