Floyd Mayweather may be professionally retired, but in November 2022, he earned around US$30 million for taking part in an exhibition match in Dubai against YouTuber Deji Olatunji
George Foreman’s boxing career began in the 1960s, but his claim to fame and fortune may be Salton’s fat-reducing George Foreman Grill, which he once said brings in US$8 million a month
Boxing has long been a popular sport around the globe, with many fighters becoming household names and earning significant fortunes through their careers in the ring. And, of course, multimillion endorsements and ambassador roles have only added to their net worths.
They’re spent their careers fighting, punching opponents and taking hits in one of the world’s most dangerous sports, so it comes as no surprise that top boxers can make a pretty penny for their efforts.
Ding-ding! In this corner, get ready to meet the world’s wealthiest boxers of 2024, per Celebrity Net Worth.
5. Oscar De La Hoya, 51
Estimated net worth: US$200 million
After retiring from boxing, Oscar De La Hoya set up Golden Boy Promotions. Photo: @oscardelahoya/Instagram
Retired Mexican-American professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya became a global boxing icon during his career in the ring, bagging 10 world titles across six weight classes, ranging from super featherweight to middleweight.
After retiring from professional boxing, De La Hoya embarked on a highly successful career as a boxing promoter through his company Golden Boy Promotions.
4. Manny Pacquiao, 45
Estimated net worth: US$220 million
Former boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was also a senator of the Philippines. Photo: @mannypacquiao/Instagram
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is considered one of the best “pound for pound” boxers of all time, but his talents don’t stop there. Pacquiao has also enjoyed a successful career as an actor, singer, ambassador and even politician in his home country, having served as a senator of the Philippines for many years.
However, his biggest pay cheque came in May 2015 when he fought against long-time rival Floyd Mayweather. By the end of it, thanks to guaranteed payment and pay-per-view bonus earnings, Pacquiao made at least US$125 million from the fight, per ESPN.
3. Saúl Álvarez aka Canelo, 33
Estimated net worth: US$250 million
Canelo has been described as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Photo: @canelo/Instagram
Saúl Álvarez, better known as Canelo, is a professional Mexican boxer and four-division world champion – from light middleweight to light heavyweight – who has been described as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. But he’s also a savvy businessman who owns a chain of gas stations in Mexico called Canelo Energy, convenience stores and his very own clothing line, to name a few.
In 2018, Alvarez signed a five-year US$365 million fight contract with De La Hoya’s promotion company and DAZN, taking his wealth to even greater heights.
2. George Foreman, 75
Estimated net worth: US$300 million
You may know George Foreman not just from boxing, but from the George Foreman Grill. Photo: @biggeorgeforeman/Instagram
Despite starting his successful boxing career back in the 1960s and fighting the likes of Muhammad Ali, George Foreman’s boxing fortune reportedly peaked at a mere US$5 million during his time in the ring at the time of his first retirement.
Instead, Foreman made the bulk of his millions from a very clever and fortunate business investment. In 1994, after adopting a healthier lifestyle, Foreman became a spokesperson for Salton’s fat-reducing grill. By 2009, the George Foreman Grill had sold over 100 million units. Foreman has never confirmed how much he got paid from the endorsement, but in 1999 it was revealed Salton had paid him US$138 million. Foreman also once said that he made US$8 million a month from his share of profit for the grills.
1. Floyd Mayweather, 47
Estimated net worth: US$400 million
Being professionally retired hasn’t stopped Floyd Mayweather from taking part in exhibition tours. Photo: @floydmayweather/Instagram
World-famous American boxing champion and promoter Floyd Mayweather may have had his fair share of personal struggles and runs-ins with the law over the years, but he still boasts an impressive net worth, making him the richest boxer of all time.
While he might be professionally retired, Mayweather doesn’t mind fighting for a big cheque from time to time. In November 2022, he famously earned around US$30 million to battle against social media personality Deji Olatunji during an exhibition match in Dubai, per British media. It’s no wonder Mayweather is among the highest-paid athletes of all time, and one of just six athletes ever whose career earnings have topped US$1 billion, per Forbes.
