Gary Russell Jr. stands as the most accomplished of the pack. As a long-reigning WBC featherweight champion, “Mr.” Gary Russell Jr. built a legacy on blistering hand speed and strategic brilliance.
In this article, you will know Gary Russell Jr.’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more details about his life in and out of the ring.
Gary Russell Jr.’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Allen Russell Jr. |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1988 |
| Age | 37 (as of December 2025) |
| Education | High School Diploma, Public US State University (Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 4½ in (164 cm) |
| Weight | Featherweight (126 lbs) / Super Featherweight |
| Turned Pro | January 16, 2009 |
| Net Worth | $7 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | $6 Million+ (Estimated) |
| Wife | Sapphire Russell |
| Instagram Profile | @mrgaryrusselljr |
| Twitter Profile | @mrgaryrusselljr |
Early Career
Gary Russell Jr. was destined for the ring almost from birth, trained by his father, the late Gary Russell Sr., alongside his brothers.
His amateur pedigree is nothing short of legendary. He compiled an astonishing record of 163-10, showcasing a level of dominance that made him a standout prospect nationally.
By age 16, he had already won both the U.S. Championships and the Golden Gloves, a rare feat for such a young fighter.
His amateur success culminated in him qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics as a bantamweight. However, heartbreak struck before he could throw a single punch at the Games.
In a devastating turn of events, he collapsed while trying to make weight and was forced to withdraw from the competition.
Despite this setback, his skills were undeniable, and he turned professional in January 2009, eager to prove that his potential was far greater than his Olympic misfortune suggested.
Professional Career
Russell Jr.’s professional journey has been defined by his long reign as the WBC featherweight champion. After racking up a 24-0 record, he suffered his first defeat in a majority decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2014 for the vacant WBO title.
He bounced back quickly, capturing the WBC featherweight title in March 2015 by knocking out Jhonny González. He successfully defended this belt five times over a seven-year span, defeating challengers like Joseph Diaz, Kiko Martinez, and Oscar Escandon.
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After a long layoff and losing his title to Mark Magsayo in 2022 while fighting with an injured shoulder, Russell remained inactive for over three years.
He finally made his return to the ring on July 19, 2025. Fighting on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios, he defeated Hugo Alberto Castaneda Marroquin via a 10th-round TKO.
This victory signaled that despite his age and inactivity, his hand speed and technical ability remained elite. He continues to train and mentor his younger brothers, Gary Antuanne and Gary Antonio, keeping the family legacy alive.
Wife
Gary Russell Jr. is a dedicated family man who has been with his wife, Sapphire Russell, for many years. The couple has built a large, close-knit family in Maryland.
Together, they have six biological children: four daughters and two sons. Among their children are twins named Laila and Ali, born around late 2018.
Beyond his own biological children, Russell Jr. took on a significant responsibility following a family tragedy. After his younger brother Gary “Boosa” Darreke Russell passed away from a heart attack, Gary Jr. took custody of Boosa’s three children.
He currently raises them alongside his own kids, meaning he and Sapphire have a household of nine children. He frequently credits his family as his primary motivation for fighting and maintains a modest lifestyle despite his ring success.
Gary Russell Jr.’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Gary Russell Jr. has an estimated net worth of $7 million. This wealth comes primarily from his consistent six-to-seven-figure paydays during his championship reign and smart financial management.
Fight Purses
| Date | Opponent | Result | Estimated Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 19, 2025 | Hugo A. Castaneda Marroquin | Win (TKO) | $250,000 |
| Jan 22, 2022 | Mark Magsayo | Loss (MD) | $1,200,000 |
| Feb 8, 2020 | Tugstsogt Nyambayar | Win (UD) | $1,000,000 |
| May 18, 2019 | Kiko Martinez | Win (TKO) | $900,000 |
| May 19, 2018 | Joseph Diaz | Win (UD) | $1,400,000 |
| May 20, 2017 | Oscar Escandon | Win (TKO) | $700,000 |
| June 21, 2014 | Vasiliy Lomachenko | Loss (MD) | $421,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $250,000 |
| 2022 | $1,200,000 |
| 2020 | $1,000,000 |
| 2019 | $900,000 |
| 2018 | $1,400,000 |
| 2017 | $700,000 |
| 2014 | $500,000+ |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 34 |
| Wins | 32 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Draws | 0 |
| KO Percentage | 56% |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Reach | 64 in (163 cm) |
| Rounds Boxed | 192+ |
FAQs
1. Who is Gary Russell Jr.’s wife?
Gary Russell Jr. is married to Sapphire Russell. They have been together for many years and share six biological children, while also raising his late brother’s three children together.
2. What is Gary Russell Jr.’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $7 million. This wealth has been accumulated through high-profile fight purses, including a $1.4 million payday against Joseph Diaz and $1.2 million against Mark Magsayo.
3. When was Gary Russell Jr.’s last fight?
Russell Jr. last fought on July 19, 2025, against Hugo Alberto Castaneda Marroquin. He won the bout by technical knockout in the 10th round after a three-year layoff.
4. How many children does Gary Russell Jr. have?
He has six biological children (four girls and two boys). Additionally, he has custody of his late brother’s three children, making him a father figure to nine kids in total.
5. Is Gary Russell Jr. still active in boxing?
Yes, he is active. After losing his title and taking a break, he successfully returned to professional boxing in July 2025 with a victory on the Pacquiao vs. Barrios undercard.
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