It started unexpectedly and innocently in the mezzanine office of the Parc Extension, conveniently located above his father’s company.

Russ Umber never intended to sell boxing equipment for a living. The Montreal native was his boxing trainer. Young, talented, gregarious and talkative, Amber wasn’t even 30 yet, but when a belt meant anything, he already had three local products (Otis Grant and Howard Grant’s brother, Victor (He Salvatore), took him to the Canadian championship.

Boxer Otis Grant and trainer Russ Umber (1997). Photo by Dave Sidaway /Montreal Gazette File

But Amber also knew she had little money to train a boxer, so she had to fund an amateur boxing program. To supplement his income, he became a sales representative for an American-based company that sold boxing equipment in his mid-1980s.

The story should have ended there. But 20 years ago, by chance, Anber received a $2,000 order from a Pakistan-based manufacturer. Believing it might be more profitable to work independently, Anber dreamed and started selling his own brand of gear.

“I noticed customers were buying from me,” said Amber, 61.

By June 2003, Rival Boxing Gear was launched and grew exponentially from its humble beginnings. In addition to his 15,000+ square foot store and warehouse facility in St-Léonard, the company has stores in Las Vegas, the United Kingdom and Australia. These four facilities employ about 30 people, most of them in Montreal. Rival has millions of dollars in annual sales and a customer base of hundreds of thousands around the world. Rivals became the first company based in Canada, let alone Quebec, on the world stage of professional boxing.

Boxing trainer Russ Amber walks through the warehouse of his rival boxing gear business in Montreal. Photo by John Mahoney /Montreal Gazette

“How did I do that?” Amber said in amazement. “I work in boxing and I needed the equipment. That’s where it started. I firmly believe that other companies are businessmen trying to penetrate the world of boxing. I infiltrate the world of business.” I’m a boxing guy trying.We’re on the playground.I know what it takes and what fighters want.I’m from their world.I’m what you’re looking for. I’m not a salesman, I’m talking to you like a boxing man.

Former World Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal of Raval was the first boxer on HBO to wear rival gear, giving Amber exposure in the United States. Many others soon followed. When England’s Anthony Joshua was training for his 2012 London Olympics, he won a gold medal wearing his rival’s equipment. In 2016 Charles both wore his rivals gloves when he won his Federation title in international boxing from Martin.

Anthony Joshua of Great Britain and Charles Martin of the United States wear rival boxing gloves during the IBF World Heavyweight Championship match at The O2 Arena in London, England, April 9, 2016. Photo by Richard Heathcote /Getty Images

Amber had no relationship with either. Instead, his reputation as a trainer became his business calling card, and the company’s stock was rising based on its products and services. Anber built his own house as collateral for a line of credit. The founder and owner of Rival was also its first designer. Currently, he is joined by his two operations his director of operations at the Montreal plant. graphic designer; person in charge or R&D person; Logistics and accounting (handled by Anber’s wife, Stephanie). Web/Social Media Director and Special Projects Manager.

Competitors don’t pay boxers to wear all-inclusive equipment: gloves, headgear, groin guards, shoes, bags, ropes, apparel, etc. Specially designed swabs for bruises, cuts, and dark circles and Enwell plates are also available. Rivals has become a one-stop-shop for all things boxing. All equipment is sourced from manufacturing plants in Pakistan and China.

“At the time, we didn’t even know Joshua,” said Amber. “He tried the gloves on and loved them. That’s our motto to this day. Wear them because they want to. It’s unbelievable, 20 years ago I couldn’t have said this was going to happen.”

“I could have dealt with a lot of manufacturers who were making cheap gloves. We strive to make everything the best possible, we want it to be durable and high quality, and you can see why our gloves are good. I’m not just throwing it, I designed it this way for a reason.”

Boxing trainer Russ Amber (left) consults with Canadian Operations Director Matt Cassavant in the showroom. Photo by John Mahoney /Montreal Gazette

Amber, who trained David Lemieux before becoming world champion and worked alongside former World Boxing Council heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, has gradually reduced his involvement as a full-time trainer. Known for her abilities as a cutman and hand rapper, Amber now spends weeks at a time in specialized training camps helping boxers prepare for important fights.

His notable boxers include heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and top-ranked lightweight Vasily Lomachenko, both Ukrainians. He will also support Mark He Ramsay, who is training Montreal’s light heavyweight champion Arthur Beterbiev, in his title defense against Anthony Yard at his arena Wembley on January 28. . A week ago, Amber was in Liam Smith’s corner when the Liverpool junior middleweight faced Chris Eubank Jr. in Manchester, England.

“I don’t count my hours,” said Amber. “It’s my life. If someone calls me on Sunday, I’ll answer the phone. This isn’t my job anymore.”

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