Rival Boxing, founded in 2003 by Russ Anber, has not only transformed the Canadian boxing scene but also left an indelible mark on the sport worldwide. From humble beginnings to the grandest stages, Rival has become synonymous with authenticity, craftsmanship, and the highest level of performance. The brand's gloves are now used by the greatest fighters today and worn in some of the most historic fights of this era.
On May 18, 2024, Oleksandr Usyk made history by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion while wearing Rival gloves. This monumental moment for Rival was followed by another on October 12, 2024, when Artur Beterbiev claimed the undisputed World Light-Heavyweight Championship, again with Rival gloves in his corner. These victories raise the question: Will Rival soon have undisputed world champions in every weight class? But why do so many champions choose Rival over other brands? To answer that, we need to understand the man behind the brand—Russ Anber.
Russ Anber’s passion for boxing began long before Rival was ever conceived.
As a coach, cutman, and commentator, Russ has been a fixture in the boxing world for decades. His desire to improve the quality of boxing gear emerged from his own experience in the sport. Russ knew that the gloves available at the time were simply not good enough—not for his fighters and not for the sport.
He began working out of a small boxing gym in an old fire station, Ring 83, which he founded in 1983. Russ is driven not by financial gain but by a genuine commitment to creating the best gear possible. Russ didn’t just want to sell boxing gloves; he wanted to change the game.
Unlike other brands, Rival doesn’t need to pay athletes to use their gloves. Boxers choose Rival because of the craftsmanship, authenticity, performance, and most importantly, the relationship they have with the people at Rival.
Rival’s impact isn’t limited to North America. The brand has earned the trust of fighters worldwide, from amateur boxers to world champions like Vasiliy Lomachenko, Anthony Joshua, and, of course, Oleksandr Usyk. Russ has cornered countless world champions, including Canadians Otis Grant and Jean Pascal, among others, and his dedication to the sport has earned him the respect of the boxing community.
Even outside the ring, Russ has made a mark. His television show, In This Corner, on TSN became a must-watch for boxing fans across Canada, where his knowledge and enthusiasm drew in viewers from coast to coast.
Former Canadian Champion and Olympian Manny Sobral recalls his first meeting with Russ during a trip to Denmark for a boxing tournament in 1987. “We connected because we both spoke some Spanish,” Manny says. “During my fight, we communicated in Spanish so the opponent wouldn’t understand us.”
Manny remembers Russ’s focus on gear quality even back then. “Russ was always involved with equipment, always striving to create the best. Now, years later, I still trust Rival gear for my fighters here in Vancouver.”
Another testimony comes from two-time Olympian Andrew Kooner, who worked closely with Russ when he turned pro in Montreal. “Russ brought boxing into Canada’s mainstream,” says Kooner. “He cornered my fights and introduced me to Rival gloves, which I still use today. They’re the best equipment out there—high quality and durable.”
Kooner’s Toronto gym is now outfitted with Rival equipment, and he echoes the sentiment of many others in the sport: “Rival is about authenticity and principles. Their products are real, and that’s why champions trust them.”
Beyond the gloves and the champions who wear them, Rival has made a profound impact on the boxing community. In Oklahoma, gym owner Nikki Burleson shares how her connection with Rival began. “One night, I was wearing Rival gloves at a competition, and another coach asked me what I thought of them. I told him, ‘I’ve tried them all, and these are the only gloves I’ll wear.’ Little did I know, Russ Anber was listening.”
That conversation led to a partnership, and in 2014, Nikki’s gym became the first Rival-branded gym in the USA. Today, Rival Boxing OKC is a non-profit that has produced multiple state and national champions, with Rival continuing to support the gym’s mission of discipline, community, and youth empowerment.
Rival’s commitment to boxing goes beyond selling gear. The brand supports grassroots gyms, helps foster young talent, and stays true to the principles that have guided Russ Anber from the very beginning. Rival’s success isn’t just about the gloves; it’s about the legacy that Russ has built—a legacy based on integrity, authenticity, and a deep love for the sport.
For Russ Anber and Rival, it’s never been just business. It’s been about giving back to the community, supporting champions, and ensuring that fighters have the best possible equipment. As more undisputed champions choose Rival, it’s clear that Russ’s vision has become a reality—and the future of boxing will undoubtedly have Rival’s name on it.
