Jake Paul Among Top 4 Highest-Paid Boxers In 2025 With Canelo Reigning Supreme
Boxing once again proved its financial muscle in 2025 as the sport placed four fighters inside the Top 100 highest-paid athletes in the world. According to figures released by Sportico, boxing outperformed MMA at the elite earning level, with no UFC or mixed martial arts fighter making the list.
At the top of boxing’s representation stood Canelo Alvarez, who continued his long-standing reign as the sport’s biggest commercial attraction. Canelo ranked second overall among all athletes worldwide, pulling in an estimated $137 million across fight purses, pay-per-view revenue, and sponsorship deals. His ability to draw massive audiences regardless of opponent remains unmatched in modern boxing.
Trailing behind Canelo but still firmly among boxing’s financial elite was Terence Crawford. Crawford ranked 21st overall with reported earnings of $66 million, a figure that reflects both his in-ring dominance and the commercial success of high-profile championship bouts.
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Jake Paul’s Rise Highlights Boxing’s New-Era Economics
One of the most talked-about names on the list was Jake Paul, who finished 30th overall with earnings estimated at $60 million in 2025. While his boxing résumé continues to divide opinion, Paul’s presence among the top four highest-paid boxers highlights how entertainment value and audience reach now play a central role in boxing economics.
Paul’s success has been driven by pay-per-view sales, strategic matchmaking, and his ability to market fights directly to a younger, digital-first audience. Unlike traditional boxers who rely primarily on championship legitimacy, Paul has built a business model rooted in attention, controversy, and consistent fan engagement.
Also making the list was Naoya Inoue, who ranked 25th overall with earnings of approximately $62 million. Inoue’s inclusion reflects boxing’s growing global footprint, particularly in Asian markets where major fights continue to generate massive revenue.
The absence of UFC and MMA fighters from the Top 100 once again underlined the earning gap between boxing and mixed martial arts at the highest level. While MMA remains globally popular, its centralized pay structure continues to limit individual athlete earnings compared to boxing’s superstar-driven model.
As 2025 showed, boxing’s biggest names — from established legends like Canelo Alvarez to crossover figures like Jake Paul — continue to dominate the conversation when it comes to fighter pay. Until structural changes occur in MMA, boxing is likely to remain the sport where individual athletes command the biggest financial rewards.
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