For the majority of young fighters entering professional boxing, there isn’t a lot of money to be made throughout a career.
But there are many exceptions, with a select few bigger and more prestigious names rising to the pinnacle in order to boost their reputations on a global scale and subsequently rake in the rich rewards of doing so in the ring.
When certain fighters do rise to the cream of the crop through their in-ring talents and fight-promotion abilities, there are millions to be made on a regular basis. So, here are some of the richest fighters in the sport of boxing today.
Floyd Mayweather Jr
https://youtu.be/g_62da4IsZE
Ever since his decision success over rival Oscar De La Hoya back in May 2007, Floyd Mayweather Jr has been the face of boxing and unquestionably the biggest driver of financial success in the history of pugilism.
The American is now 42 and officially retired. But he does still hold a massive impact on boxing, with “Money” still delving back into proceedings with cash grabs and exhibition bouts every now and then. There are even more rumors he will return (again) in 2020.
Mayweather is always touted for yet another return to the ring, whether it’s a competitive bout or not, and he is currently seen as the odds-on 1/2 favourite in the latest boxing betting to beat long-standing rival Manny Pacquiao if the pair were ever to have a rematch in 2020.
A second scuffle with “Pacman” would be a mammoth money-maker and would further solidy Mayweather’s position as the key cash generator in the sport.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez
Mexico has a new superstar in the modern era. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez has taken up the mantle left by Mayweather and is now the leading light when it comes to financial power.
The 29-year-old is undoubtedly the biggest attraction in boxing today, since Mayweather has retired from prize-fighting, and he is richly rewarded for it. Canelo was the highest ranked boxer in the most recent up-to-date Forbes rich list for athletes.
Alvarez came in fourth position, behind only soccer players Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar in the overall ranking.
Manny Pacquiao
Filipino legend Pacquiao is one of the biggest box-office attractions of the modern era in, not just boxing, but in sport overall.
The 41-year-old has been fighting as a pro since 1995 and is remarkably still going strong, having won the welterweight world title earlier in 2019 when he defeated American Keith Thurman.
The new year could hold even further opportunities for the legendary pugilist to bolster his legacy further and also drive even more financial rewards. Of course, while Mayweather and Co. are busy flaunting their riches, Pacquiao is regarded for using his fight purses to benefit the less fortunate in his own country.
Pacman is always seen handing out handfuls of cash to the poor back in the Philippines and helping to finance the structure of new homes etc. He may be one of the richest but he’s also one of the most classy.
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