by Richard Cloutier, Netboxe.com
"We're doing this event for the advancement of our boxers" - Camille Estephan
On November 11, businessman Camille Estephan will swap his hat as a boxing manager for one night, and put on his promoter's cap. In fact, fans are invited to the Corona Theatre in Montreal to attend a boxing event in order to support patients and survivors of breast cancer. A donation of 25% of the price of each ticket sold will be donated to help research against cancer.
With three weeks to go before the event, the card is almost complete. On the program, heavyweight Bermane "Bware" Stiverne (18-1-1) should face American veteran boxer Marcus Rhodes (34-39-2), who already fought the likes of Vitali Klitschko, Lamon Brewster Andrew Golota and Lou Savarese. The main support will feature Olivier Lontchi (18-1-2) facing Colombian Oswaldo Miranda (9-2-0). Additionally, young sensation Dierry Jean (18-0-0) will face Puerto Rican Wilfredo Negron (26-15-1). Heavyweight Sylvera Louis (2-0-0) will compete with Andriy Ivanov (3-6-0) of Ukraine, while Ahmad Cheikho (3-2-2) will face an opponent to be confirmed. In a womens bout, Nathalie Forget (3-1-0) will face Colombia's Paola Esther Herrera (14-4-2).
In anticipation of the evening gala, BoxingScene.com/Netboxe.com had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Estephan Camille, who was very generous with his time. Despite his deep involvement in the industry of pro boxing, he remains involved with the amateurs and it is with pleasure that we spoke to him about career, his plans and those linked to his boxers firm "Eye of the Tiger Management."
Born in Lebanon, Camille Estephan became interested in boxing from a young age. His father was a boxer in Lebanon, just like his uncle.
Netboxe.com: Have you ever boxed yourself?
Camille Estephan: I grew up in Lebanon and we moved to Canada in 1986 when I was 14-15 years. I boxed from the age of 6 years previously. We even had a ring at home when I boxed with my cousins. But he had come to Canada because of the war. It was very difficult for my father and my mother. My father earned a very good living there with boxing. He was known. As for my mother, she had a good education and had a good job. Here it was hard. My father knew no one. He spoke a little French but no English. Then I saw that and I said, they did all this for me, so that we have a good life. Of course, I had to leave the boxing at the time to work and go to school. Then at some point, it went well for me. I became a dealer in investments. So I started to get back into boxing gradually. This is also how I met Bermane (Stiverne) at Tristar (note: a gymnasium located on Ferrier, corner Decarie Montreal).
NB: This is what led you to become a boxing manager?
EC: He was known. He spoke about his career. I was very curious. One thing led to another. Bermane had a manager, but he needed more aid. So actually, it started like that. I eventually became his manager. After that Nicholson Poulard followed. Then it snowballed. There was Ngoudjo Hemann, Olivier Lontchi, Manolis Plait, Dierry Jean, John Wayne and Ahmad Cheiko. Then Nathalie Forget joined the team. Getting involved obviously was because of my love for the sport. But unconsciously, is also a way to give back to my parents. To my father, so he sees that we are not here for nothing. As for my boxers, I love them like family.
NB: With the presence in Quebec two major developers and UGC firm which also promotes occasionally, are you satisfied with the frequency of fighting your boxers?
EC: In the field of boxing today is very difficult because there are not many choices. There is some difficulty for boxers to move in this industry and advance their careers. This is an area that is struggling a bit. Yet it is a sport which is great. When we look at what the U F C is able to do, I think that boxing could do that as well.
NB: Tell me about your boxers.
EC: I have boxers that are very talented. Bermane Stiverne Dierry Jean, and Olivier Lontchi, have evolved over a long period of time. I think they have the opportunity to get top honors. I fully believe in their ability. I think Bermane and Dierry are very close already. Olivier made a comeback. He trained with Hercules Kyvelos for 7-8 months already. he is a little lion in the ring. I have seen sparring sessions he made with Arash Usmanee. Honestly it was beautiful. They are ready, so I wanted to give them a chance. That's why we did the boxing gala.
NB: Tell me precisely about the gala.
EC: We try to help boxers. They are fighting for their lives. That's why they train so hard. We also test to help women with cancer. This issue touches me deeply. On the card itself, most opponents are found. It remains to obtain confirmation of the authority. Hopefully they will approve Marcus Rhodes who must make the final bout with Bermane. In his career, he fought against all the big trucks.
NB: Your role as manager is usually negotiated with the promoters like Don King and Groupe Yvon Michel to take your boxer to appear on events. It's a little different this time.
EC: Don King has given us permission for this fight. We are very happy because Bermane must have a fight on Dec. 17 in Miami, Florida. A battle of great importance.
NB: Berman mentioned to me recently that his next fight could lead to top rankings.
EC: It may well be that fighting for position # 2 of an association but not confirmed. It will however be a major fight in the undercard of the fight Odlanier Solis vs Ray Austin.
NB: But now somehow you have become a promoter.
EC: In the world of boxing today is almost inevitable. We do not want to become the next Don King. This is done to ensure the advancement of the careers of our boxers. The aim is to ensure that our boxers will be able to precisely box on other cards. When we decided to go ahead, it was important for us to have good fights. Competitive fights that sell not only the boxers, but also boxing. Then, as people always want to see the big men, there are two heavyweight fights.
NB: Will you have the opportunity to present a series of galas?
EC: Our goal is to fetch $ 20,000 to give to a foundation dedicated to breast cancer. If it is successful, we are able to do that, why not do it again? It will also depend on the career advancement of our boxers. We will never create a fight between two boxers who belong to us. Even if it pays. This is not the purpose of our action. And would we consider introducing a championship bout to the world? Why not. But we have very good relations with sponsors such as Groupe Yvon Michel and Don King, who treated us very well. Indeed, he allows Bermane to box with us and they may have even found the opponent. They were very cooperative.
NB: Dierry Jean and Olivier Lontchi should appear on the event "Fast and Dangerous" on October 29, presented at the Bell Centre by GYM.
EC: Yes. The decision to make our gala is a somewhat last minute. Yvon gave them the chance to start in boxing.
NB: Is there still has an agreement with GYM for a lot of fights with those two boxers?
EC: No, it's open. In the case of Bermane Stiverne, however, there is an agreement with Don King. The duration of this agreement changes based on what is achieved by Bermane.
NB: How do you change boxing in Quebec in the coming years?
EC: When you look at what we do GYM and InterBox for the sport in Quebec and Canada, we really admire them. The level of competitiveness of boxers coming out of Quebec is currently very high. We have many talented boxers. I must say thank you to those people who really opened the door. Now, from that to say that the future of boxing is assured?! Is it possible to do more? Sure. This is an area where we can offer much more than is currently the case. Why? It's hard to say, but more is needed. Particularly as regards the visibility of boxing. You have to have consistency. It is important that the boxers are fighting and perform consistently. I am a big fan of the Canadiens, which is an organization with a great tradition. Surely they can not win the Stanley Cup every year because there are 30 teams. But the spirit of the Canadians, this tradition remains important. For boxing here in Montreal, there is such a spirit. The fans of boxing rally consistently.
