Knockout punch

>> Montreal fighter Hercules Kyvelos fires manager Russ Anber in attempt to bust into U.S.

by KRISTIAN GRAVENOR
photo by JASON FELKER

Every day at Russ Anber's Ring '83, dozens of energetic youths plant straight rights at punching bags, spring uppercuts on sparring partners and skip rope while dreaming of success like that enjoyed by the gym's most famous graduate, Hercules Kyvelos, a top ranking welterweight title contender with a 19-0 record. Anber and Kyvelos, who first strolled into the gym 15 years ago as a 60-pound 11 year old, were inseparable. But a few weeks ago Anber's prizefighter floored him with unexpected news, confirmed later in writing.

"He says that I no longer have the necessary skills, contacts and commitment to protect his professional interests," says Anber. "It was a shock. You could have knocked me over with a feather. I didn't see it coming." The duo have now not spoken for a dozen weeks and as well as losing a friendship, the estrangement could deprive Anber of a cut of some big purses from the only pro he manages. Most manager-trainers get up to 43.5 per cent of their fighter's purse, but Anber says he takes a mere 20 to 25 per cent of Kyvelos' winnings. "My biggest payday so far for a fight was for under $4,000," says Anber.

Their long-awaited big score was to be a title fight against Roy Jones Jr. in July, which fell through after HBO decided that Montrealer Kyvelos didn't have a sufficiently high profile to attract American viewers. The decision cost the duo an estimated $250,000 (U.S.). Anber, who also sells boxing equipment and does boxing analysis for CBC, says that having an occasional bout fall through is to be expected.

But a stoic Kyvelos tells the Mirror that this year alone "six fights fell through" and that Anber's lower management fees haven't helped him much. "Managers who make the higher percentage have to help the fighter financially. The manager has to believe in and invest in the fighter, so the fighter doesn't need to work on the side," says Kyvelos.

In spite of sitting on the cusp of marquee status--Kyvelos ranks number one in the NABA, two in the NABF and seven in the WBO--the welterweight still has to work occasionally at the family store. His meagre endorsement deals pay him in free physiotherapy and protein powder, and he recently traded in his Honda for a Neon to save on insurance.

Kyvelos says he asked Anber to stay on as trainer but Anber has balked at this by pointing to a three-year contract the two signed in June. "When I signed it, I felt we were never going to break up. It was out of the question. But then personal differences went to a different level," says Kyvelos. He adds, "Our contract includes obligations on mine and his behalf. As for who's fulfilling his obligations, well, that depends on a court of law." Anber says he's unsure if he will seek legal action against his pugilistic protégé, but Kyvelos says there's no turning back. "The ball is in his court now."

Kyvelos, considered a hero in his native Park Ex, also doesn't rule out leaving his hometown. "I'll go wherever I have to, to continue my dreams and passion. Boxing is where I find my happiness." :