Tarmo Uusivirta


Tarmo "Tare" Tapani Uusivirta was a Finnish professional boxer who competed from 1982 to 1992, and challenged once for the European super-middleweight title in 1991. As an amateur he won a gold medal at the 1979 European Championships, and consecutive silver medals at the 1978 and 1982 World Championships; all in the middleweight division.

Amateur career

Besides the European title, Uusivirta won silver medals at the world championships in 1978 and 1982. He competed at the 1980 Olympics and lost in the second round to the eventual bronze medalist Jerzy Rybicki.

Professional career

In 1982 Uusivirta turned professional. In 1986, he had a draw with the then reigning European Champion Alex Blanchard in a non-title match. In 1987, he won against the future European champion James Cook. In 1988 he had a second draw with Blanchard, contending the IBF European super-middleweight title. In 1992, shortly before the European super-middleweight title fight against James Cook, Uusivirta suffered an injury and had to give up a close bout in the 7th round. He retired the same year with a record of 24 wins, 4 losses, and 3 draws.

Retirement and death

After retiring Uusivirta grew bitter and regretted his move from amateur to professional boxing. He eventually lost his job as a fireman due to alcoholism, and committed suicide at the age of 42 in 1999.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
31Win24–4–3Shannon LandbergUD85 Apr 1992Seinäjoki, Finland
30Loss23–4–3James CookRTD7, 0:5822 Oct 1991Latchmere Leisure Centre, London, EnglandFor European super-middleweight title
29Win23–3–3Ron Lee WarriorKO117 Jun 1991Helsinki, Finland
28Win22–3–3Kenny SchaeferTKO7 25 Mar 1991Helsinki, Finland
27Win21–3–3Jimmy ShaversKO5, 1:103 Dec 1990Helsinki, Finland
26Win20–3–3Irving HinesTKO4, 2:285 Nov 1990Helsinki, Finland
25Win19–3–3Troy WatsonUD81 Oct 1990Helsinki, Finland
24Win18–3–3William ClaytonKO1, 2:5920 Aug 1990Helsinki, Finland
23Draw17–3–3Alex Blanchard1212 Dec 1988Ice Hall, Helsinki, FinlandFor vacant IBF European super-middleweight title
22Win17–3–2Gonzalo MenchoKO4 11 Sep 1988UKK Halli, Laukaa, Finland
21Win16–3–2Harry CowapRTD3, 3:0015 May 1988Ice Stadium, Tampere, Finland
20Win15–3–2Tony BurkeRTD8, 3:007 Feb 1988UKK Halli, Laukaa, Finland
19Win14–3–2Mbuyanba KalomboPTS615 Jan 1988Skive Hallerne, Skive, Denmark
18Win13–3–2James Cook1026 Oct 1987Jyväskylä, Finland
17Draw12–3–2Enrico ScacchiaPTS1026 Dec 1986Bern, Switzerland
16Win12–3–1Joe CooperTKO2 21 Nov 1986Tre Falke Scenen, Copenhagen, Denmark
15Win11–3–1Jimmy CablePTS109 Nov 1986Vaasa, Finland
14Draw10–3–1Alex Blanchard1026 Mar 1986Jaap Edenhal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
13Win10–3Philippe SeysKO224 Nov 1985Vaasa, Finland
12Win9–3Paul TchouePTS811 May 1985Vaasa, Finland
11Win8–3Willie WrightPTS89 Mar 1985K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark
10Win7–3Esperno PostlTKO327 Oct 1984Mariehamn, Finland
9Loss6–3Jose SeysTKO521 May 1984Urheilutalo, Helsinki, Finland
8Loss6–2Anthony Holt811 May 1984Felt Forum, New York City, New York, US
7Win6–1Juan Munoz HolgadoKO3 18 Feb 1984Idrætshuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
6Win5–1Martin McEwanKO217 Dec 1983Hotel Arkipelag, Mariehamn, Finland
5Loss4–1Dick KatendePTS85 Nov 1983Mannheim, West Germany
4Win4–0Maurice Bufi518 Sep 1983Jyväskylä, Finland
3Win3–0Andre Mongelema5, 3:009 Apr 1983Blendecques, France
2Win2–0Deano Wallace21 Oct 1982Helsinki, Finland
1Win1–0Mick Morris625 Jun 1982Hanko, FinlandProfessional debut