There are two boxers on the list of the 100 highest-paid celebrities this year. Three, if you count Conor McGregor, which I don’t. MMA is a different sport. A notable change in boxing hierarchy emerged this year as Floyd Mayweather is no longer among the highest-paid athletes in the sport. For many years, he dominated not only the boxing ring but also the financial charts, making his absence quite surprising. The undefeated boxer may have retired, yet he participated in a curious exhibition in Japan this year, earning a hefty $9 million. Nonetheless, this amount is far from enough to secure a spot in the top 100. Celine Dion, for instance, made it to the 100th position with $37.5 million in earnings.
The two boxers who made it to the Celebrity 100 are at the pinnacle of their sport. They exemplify not just talent but also significant financial success, showcasing how boxers can leverage their skills into lucrative contracts and endorsements. With their combined earnings, they not only highlight their personal achievements but also reflect the growing commercial appeal of boxing in today’s sports landscape.
Among them is Anthony Joshua, who earned $55 million this year. He ranks as the 49th highest-paid celebrity overall and the second highest-paid boxer. Anthony Joshua has had a remarkable career since turning pro in 2013, winning his first 22 fights and holding the heavyweight champion title from 2016 to 2019 before facing a shocking defeat against Andy Ruiz, Jr. In a strategic move, he left Showtime in 2018, entering a lucrative eight-year, $1 billion deal with DAZN, a streaming service. His impressive earnings are bolstered by numerous sponsorships and endorsements from brands like Under Armour and British Airways, contributing to his net worth of $60 million.
The second boxer, Canelo Alvarez, stands out with a staggering $94 million in earnings, making him the 10th highest-paid celebrity and the highest-paid boxer this year. Last fall, he signed a groundbreaking 5-year, $365 million contract with DAZN, covering 11 fights, which is regarded as one of the biggest sports contracts in history. This deal places him at the forefront of the highest-paid athletes globally. Already, he has earned around $50 million from his first two fights under this contract and is anticipated to make at least $35 million per fight going forward. Currently, Canelo Alvarez boasts a net worth of $120 million.
| Name | Earnings | Rank | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Joshua | $55 million | 49th | $60 million |
| Canelo Alvarez | $94 million | 10th | $120 million |
Key Takeaways
- Floyd Mayweather's absence from the highest-paid list marks a significant shift in boxing.
- Anthony Joshua has turned his boxing success into substantial earnings through fights and endorsements.
- Canelo Alvarez holds the record for the largest sports contract, underscoring the commercial viability of boxing.
- Both boxers exemplify how athletes can maximize their financial potential through strategic partnerships and talent.
