Marat Khuzeev is a name etched in boxing history, not just for his own accolades, but for sharing the ring with legends early in their careers.
Best known to mainstream fans as one of the early tests for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, this Russian tough guy built a respectable career as a road warrior and regional titleholder.
In this article, you will know Marat Khuzeev’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Marat Khuzeev’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marat Irshatovich Khuzeev |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 1980 |
| Age | 45 |
| Education | Local Schooling in Miass, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Height | 5 ft 9½ in (177 cm) |
| Weight | Welterweight / Super Middleweight |
| Turned Pro | 2002 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $100,000 – $150,000 (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$200,000 (Estimated) |
Early Career
Marat Khuzeev was born in Miass, a city in the Chelyabinsk Oblast of Russia. Growing up in the tough environment of the post-Soviet era, he found discipline and purpose in the boxing gym.
Unlike many fighters who have extensive, documented amateur careers on the international stage, Khuzeev’s path was gritty and focused on turning professional to earn a living.
He made his professional debut on June 13, 2002, in a bout that set the tone for his blue-collar career. Fighting primarily in Russia and Ukraine during his early years, he built a solid foundation. He wasn’t a protected prospect; instead, he was a fighter willing to travel.
By 2004, he had already captured the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Intercontinental Super Welterweight title, a victory that proved he had the skills to compete at a regional level and paved the way for bigger opportunities abroad.
Professional Career
Khuzeev’s professional career is defined by his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. He became a seasoned journeyman and a gatekeeper—a fighter tough enough to test rising stars but often brought in as the “opponent.”
His most high-profile moment came on August 8, 2009, in Zapopan, Mexico, when he stepped into the ring against a young, 19-year-old Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
At the time, Canelo was a rising prodigy, and Khuzeev was the experienced veteran expected to give him rounds. Although Khuzeev lost via second-round knockout, that fight remains a significant footnote in boxing history.
Beyond the Canelo fight, Khuzeev had his own moments of glory. He held the WBC International Welterweight title and the WBC Youth World Welterweight title (vacant), showcasing that he was more than just an opponent; he was a champion in his own right.
His career spanned nearly two decades, with bouts across Europe and Russia. Even in the latter stages of his career, around 2021, he remained active in the Russian boxing circuit, facing younger contenders like Ilias Mitaev, proving his longevity and durability in a brutal sport.
Marat Khuzeev’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Marat Khuzeev’s net worth is estimated to be around $100,000 to $150,000. As a retired professional boxer who primarily fought on the regional European circuit and as an opponent for rising stars, his wealth does not mirror the multimillion-dollar fortunes of pay-per-view stars. Instead, his net worth is the result of years of hard-earned purses, smart saving, and likely post-boxing endeavors in coaching or local business in Russia.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Event / Year | Result | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canelo Alvarez | 2009 (Mexico) | Loss (KO) | ~$10,000 – $15,000 |
| Ilias Mitaev | 2021 (Russia) | Loss (UD) | ~$2,000 – $5,000 |
| Jefferson Goncalo | 2009 (Undercard) | Win/Loss | ~$3,000 – $5,000 |
| WBC Int. Title Fights | Various | Win | ~$8,000 – $12,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Activity Level | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2002-2005 | Prospect Phase | ~$15,000 |
| 2006-2009 | Peak / Title Shots | ~$80,000 |
| 2010-2015 | Journeyman Phase | ~$60,000 |
| 2016-2021 | Late Career | ~$45,000 |
| Total | — | ~$200,000 |
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 38 (Approx.) |
| Wins | 22 |
| Wins by KO | 8 |
| Losses | 15 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Division | Welterweight / Middleweight |
FAQs
1. Did Marat Khuzeev fight Canelo Alvarez?
Yes, Marat Khuzeev fought a young Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on August 8, 2009, in Zapopan, Mexico. Canelo won the fight by knockout in the second round, capturing the WBC Youth World Welterweight title.
2. What is Marat Khuzeev’s nationality?
Marat Khuzeev is a Russian national. He was born in Miass, which was then part of the Soviet Union, and he represented Russia throughout his professional boxing career.
3. When was Marat Khuzeev’s last fight?
Records indicate that Marat Khuzeev fought as recently as December 19, 2021, against Ilias Mitaev in Moscow, proving his longevity in the sport well into his 40s.
4. What is Marat Khuzeev’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $150,000. This wealth comes from his two-decade-long career as a professional boxer and regional titleholder.
5. How tall is Marat Khuzeev?
The Russian boxer stands at approximately 5 feet 9½ inches (177 cm) tall, which is average for the welterweight and super welterweight divisions in which he competed.
