Gary Russell Jr. is an American professional boxer who held the WBC featherweight title from 2015 to 2022, making him one of the longest-reigning world champions in boxing. Known for his fast-hand speed and slick defensive skills, he remains a significant figure in the featherweight division.
Here we have Gary Russell Jr.’s net worth, fight purse earnings, professional career, boxing record, and more.
Gary Russell Jr.’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Allen Russell Jr. |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Reach | 64 in (163 cm) |
| Professional Debut | January 16, 2009 |
Born on June 5, 1988, in Washington, D.C., Gary Russell Jr. hails from a family deeply rooted in boxing, with several of his brothers also competing professionally.
His father, Gary Russell Sr., played a pivotal role in training him, shaping him into a talented and disciplined fighter from a young age.
Professional Career
Gary Russell Jr.’s professional career began in 2009 after a successful amateur stint, where he represented the U.S. in the 2008 Olympics. He quickly gained attention for his exceptional speed and ring IQ, earning a series of victories that propelled him up the ranks in the featherweight division.
In 2014, Russell faced Vasiliy Lomachenko for the vacant WBO featherweight title but suffered his first professional loss by majority decision.
However, his determination led him to bounce back stronger, and in 2015, he captured the WBC featherweight title by defeating Jhonny González via a stunning fourth-round knockout.
Russell defended his WBC featherweight title five times over the next seven years, defeating notable opponents like Joseph Diaz and Kiko Martinez.
In January 2022, he faced Mark Magsayo, suffering a close decision loss, ending his reign as the WBC featherweight champion.
Achievements
- WBC Featherweight Champion (2015–2022)
- Represented the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Gary Russell Jr.’s Net Worth Details
Gary Russell Jr.’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025. His earnings primarily come from his boxing purses, endorsements, and championship reign.
Despite his limited number of fights, his high-profile bouts have earned him substantial prize money.
Fight Purse Earnings
| Opponent | Date | Result | Purse ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Magsayo | Jan 22, 2022 | Loss | $500,000 |
| Tugstsogt Nyambayar | Feb 8, 2020 | Win | $600,000 |
| Joseph Diaz | May 19, 2018 | Win | $800,000 |
| Jhonny González | Mar 28, 2015 | Win | $900,000 |
| Vasiliy Lomachenko | Jun 21, 2014 | Loss | $500,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth ($) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 million |
| 2022 | 3.5 million |
| 2023 | 4 million |
| 2024 | 4 million |
Professional Boxing Record
| Fight Record | Wins | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 31 | 2 | 0 |
FAQs
1. Who is Gary Russell Jr.?
Gary Russell Jr. is a professional boxer from the United States who held the WBC Featherweight title from 2015 to 2022. Known for his exceptional hand speed and technical skill, he is considered one of the most talented fighters in the featherweight division.
2. What is Gary Russell Jr.’s professional boxing record?
Gary Russell Jr.’s professional record stands at 31 wins, 2 losses, and 0 draws, with 18 wins coming by knockout. He has never been stopped in any of his losses, showcasing his durability in the ring.
3. What are Gary Russell Jr.’s most notable achievements?
His most significant achievement was winning the WBC Featherweight title in 2015 by defeating Jhonny González via TKO. He successfully defended the title five times over seven years, becoming one of boxing’s longest-reigning champions.
4. When was Gary Russell Jr.’s last fight?
Gary Russell Jr.’s last fight took place on January 22, 2022, against Mark Magsayo. He lost the bout via majority decision, which ended his long reign as WBC Featherweight Champion.
5. How did Gary Russell Jr. start his boxing career?
Russell began boxing at age seven and had a successful amateur career, including winning a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships. He turned professional in 2009 after missing the 2008 Olympics due to a medical issue during weigh-ins.
6. What is unique about Gary Russell Jr.’s family?
Gary comes from a family of boxers, with his father, Gary Russell Sr., training him and his brothers. All six sons were named Gary Russell, differentiated by their middle names. His brothers Gary Antonio and Gary Antuanne are also professional boxers and undefeated contenders.
7. What style does Gary Russell Jr. use in boxing?
Gary Russell Jr. fights in a southpaw stance, favoring his left hand for power punches. His style is characterized by incredible hand speed, precise combinations, and high ring IQ.
8. How tall is Gary Russell Jr., and what is his reach?
He stands 5’4½” tall (164 cm) with a reach of 64 inches (163 cm). Despite his relatively short stature for the division, his speed and skill have made him a dominant fighter throughout his career.
9. What are some of Gary Russell Jr.’s career highlights?
Key highlights include winning the WBC Featherweight title against Jhonny González in 2015, defending it against Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in 2018, and defeating Tugstsogt Nyambayar in 2020 to retain his title for the fifth time.
10. How has Gary Russell Jr.’s legacy impacted boxing?
Russell’s dominance as one of the longest-reigning featherweight champions has inspired many young fighters, including his brothers who followed him into professional boxing. His technical prowess and consistency have left an indelible mark on the sport’s featherweight division.
