Career
He competed at the 1980 Olympics and lost in the second round to the eventual bronze medalist Jerzy Rybicki. 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 1988 he had a second draw with Blanchard, contending the IBF European Super Middleweight Title.
In 1992, shortly before the EBU 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 (16 knockouts), 4 losses and 3 draws.
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.