Boxing isn’t just about the action in the ring—it’s also a high-stakes showcase of financial power. Over the years, some fights have left fans talking not just about the punches but also about the enormous payouts. Let’s take a closer look at 20 bouts that rewrote the record books in terms of fighter earnings and overall revenue.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Victor Ortiz (2011): $30 Million
Mayweather’s 2011 bout against Ortiz ended with a fourth-round knockout that sparked debates. Notably, Mayweather’s payday was a hefty $25 million, and Ortiz left with $2 million. Combined with strong pay-per-view sales, the fight amassed around $30 million.
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield I (1996): $56 Million
This clash between two heavyweight legends drew global attention. Holyfield claimed an 11th-round TKO victory and pocketed $11 million, while Tyson walked away with $30 million. With substantial pay-per-view income, the fight raked in $56 million.
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad (1999): $56 Million
Dubbed the “Fight of the Millennium,” this battle between undefeated champions ended controversially, with Trinidad victorious by decision. De La Hoya secured $21 million, and Trinidad earned $8.5 million. The $56 million total revenue revealed their popularity.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley (2011): Over $60 Million
In a unanimous decision, Pacquiao outclassed Mosley, but the fight wasn’t just about the scorecards. Pacquiao took home $20 million, while Mosley earned $5 million. With booming pay-per-view numbers, the fight’s revenue surpassed $60 million.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman (2019): $75 Million
Pacquiao defied his age in this thrilling bout against an undefeated Thurman. His $20 million payout and Thurman’s $8 million were just part of the story, as the event’s total revenue hit $75 million, showcasing Pacquiao’s timeless ability to sell tickets.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin II (2018): $90 Million
The much-awaited rematch delivered both excitement and massive profits. Notably, Canelo’s $40 million payday and Golovkin’s $30 million contributed to the $90 million total and showed their rivalry as one of boxing’s most profitable sagas.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto (2012): $94 Million
Mayweather faced off against Cotto in a gripping contest and walked away with $45 million. Cotto earned $8 million, and the match’s $94 million revenue demonstrated the enduring allure of elite matchups in the sport.
Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II (1997): $100 Million
The infamous “Bite Fight” may have ended controversially, but it was a financial blockbuster. Tyson’s $30 million payout and Holyfield’s $35 million share added to a $100 million haul, which revealed that drama sells just as much as action.
Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III (2021): $100 Million
This trilogy fight combined fierce action and financial success. Notably, Fury’s $30 million earnings and Wilder’s $20 million payday were part of the $100 million total, with the unforgettable 11th-round KO leaving fans in awe.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana I (2014): $105 Million
Their closely contested first bout saw Mayweather secure a $32 million payday, with Maidana earning $1.5 million. With $105 million in total revenue, this fight highlighted Mayweather’s unmatched ability to dominate financially and physically.
Evander Holyfield vs. Lennox Lewis II (1999): $110 Million
In their rematch, Lewis triumphed by unanimous decision. Holyfield earned $20 million, and Lewis secured $15 million. Drawing the power of heavyweight rewatches, the total revenue reached $110 million.
Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson (2002): $112 Million
This long-anticipated showdown didn’t disappoint financially. A legend, Tyson, earned $35 million, while Lewis pocketed $17.5 million. The $112 million total demonstrated the public’s insatiable appetite for heavyweight clashes.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley II (2014): $120 Million
Pacquiao’s decisive victory in this rematch earned him $20 million, with Bradley taking $6 million. Total revenue of $120 million made it one of the most lucrative events of the year, further solidifying Pacquiao’s legacy.
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather (2007): $136 Million
Known as “The World Awaits,” this fight saw De La Hoya earn $52 million, with Mayweather taking $25 million. The $136 million total confirmed Mayweather’s growing status as boxing’s leading draw.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV (2012): $150 Million
In their fourth bout, Marquez delivered a stunning sixth-round knockout. Pacquiao earned $26 million, and Marquez took home $6 million. With $150 million in total revenue, the fight remains one of the sport’s most dramatic moments.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez (2013): $150 Million
This masterclass by Mayweather resulted in his $41.5 million payday, with Canelo taking $12 million. The $150 million total revenue confirmed the massive stakes surrounding boxing’s rising star versus its established legend.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito (2010): $156 Million
Pacquiao’s dominant performance against Margarito brought him $20 million, and Margarito earned $3 million. A total of $156 million in revenue showed Pacquiao’s unparalleled popularity at the height of his career.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana II (2014): $200 Million
In their rematch, Mayweather once again proved his mettle, securing $32 million, and Maidana earned $3 million. The event generated $200 million, reflecting Mayweather’s knack for creating blockbuster spectacles.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015): $600 Million
Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” this long-awaited matchup generated an eye-popping $600 million. Mayweather took home $180 million, while Pacquiao earned $120 million. This fight shattered pay-per-view records and remains unmatched in financial success.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (2017): $600 Million
As a crossover event, it redefined sports entertainment. Notably, Mayweather earned $275 million, and McGregor walked away with $85 million. With $600 million in total revenue, the fight proved that blending sports can lead to unprecedented financial heights.
