Canada’s Russ Anber – coach, cutman, broadcaster, businessman, and lifelong supporter of all things boxing – will be inducted into the International Professional Boxing Hall of Fame June 14th 2026!

Russ Anber’s history in boxing spans over four decades, during which he has become a globally recognized, multi-faceted figure in the sport. His career has touched nearly every area of boxing, showcasing his dedication and passion.

CTV News Interview about his induction

• Trainer and Coach: Anber has worked with fighters at all levels, from beginners and amateurs, including Canada’s Olympians, to the very best professional champions.

  • He has trained and built fighters from the ground up to world-class status, notably with Otis Grant (who won the WBO middleweight championship in 1997) and David Lemieux (who became a world champion).

  • He presently works with top global superstars, including heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and top lightweight Vasiliy Lomachenko, and has also assisted the corner of Artur Beterbiev.

  • His heroes are old-school trainers like Eddie Futch, Ray Arcel, and Angelo Dundee, and he prides himself on his ability to work with an amateur and guide them to world-class status.

• Cutman and Hand-Wrapper: Anber is highly respected and in demand for his skills as a cutman and for the art and science of hand-wrapping, a crucial element for protecting a fighter’s hands.

• Broadcaster and TV Personality: He has been behind the microphone as a TV commentator for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation at six Olympic Games, and he hosted his own weekly boxing TV show, “In This Corner”, on Canada’s TSN (The Sports Network).

• Entrepreneur and Innovator: Anber is the founder of his globally recognized boxing equipment company, Rival Boxing Gear, which he launched in 2003. Rival has become a major name in the sport, with champions around the world using its equipment.

• Gym Owner: He owned a boxing gym until a couple of years ago.

Congratulations to Russ on all his past achievements, and surely to many still in the future!