Anthony Joshua, the English boxer, has once again put himself in the position to compete for the world title. He did so by defeating Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion, in a knockout victory in Saudi Arabia. The match took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, and Joshua emerged the victor in just two rounds. Joshua, who is a two-time world heavyweight champion, is now focusing on the winner of the unification bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
In the coming weeks, Fury and Usyk will face each other in Riyadh. The winner of this match will become the recognized world heavyweight champion, a title that has been vacant for the past 25 years. All the prestigious belts are up for grabs, and Fury is currently the favorite according to top online betting sites. However, it remains to be seen whether Fury, the Gypsy King, will live up to expectations and win, or if Usyk, another undefeated champion, will pull off an upset. The match is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, and fight fans are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge victorious.
After his knockout victory, Joshua is now playing the waiting game. Joshua made a powerful statement by defeating Francis in the second round, knocking him down three times before referee Ricky Gonzalez stopped the match for Francis’s safety. Joshua’s victory, which came in just two rounds against a boxer who had previously gone the distance with Fury, was a clear reminder that he remains a significant contender in the boxing world.
Heavy hitters and earners
It’s not common for a boxing champion to face an MMA champion in the ring, but the fight between Joshua and Ngannou was captivating. Many critics believed that Joshua had no business sharing the ring with Ngannou, an MMA fighter who was participating in only his second professional boxing match. However, Ngannou gave Joshua a run for his money, even knocking him down at one point before ultimately losing in a contentious split decision.
Given Ngannou’s impressive debut and Fury’s upcoming match with Usyk, a bout between Joshua and Ngannou seemed like a logical step, especially for the broadcasters and fighters involved. Joshua’s professional record now stands at 28 wins and three losses, with 25 of his victories coming via knockout. This translates to a knockout average of 90%. Those who believed that Joshua, a former Olympic gold medalist, had lost his power were proven wrong in Riyadh.
One of the major reasons Joshua was eager to fight and defeat Ngannou was the substantial prize money involved. Reports suggest that Joshua earned a staggering $50 million for his match against Ngannou, which equates to more than $4 million per punch landed. This lucrative payout explains why Joshua was so keen to step into the ring with Ngannou, and his earnings continue to soar. But how does this compare to the earnings of fighters in other major bouts?
This article will delve into the earnings in professional boxing and reveal the three highest-earning fighters in history. These fighters are not only skilled at throwing knockout punches but also at making money. The list includes big names like Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
Floyd Mayweather Jr
When discussing the highest-earning boxers, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. is the first name that comes to mind. He has an impressive record of 50 wins and no losses and is known as much for his flamboyant lifestyle and promotional skills as he is for his strategic brilliance in the ring. His pay-per-view matches, including the record-breaking “Money Fight” against Conor McGregor in 2017, have earned him unprecedented amounts of money. Mayweather reportedly made around $275 million from the “Money Fight” alone, making him the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Mayweather’s income isn’t just restricted to his performances in the ring. His strategic partnerships, brand endorsements, and ownership stakes in Mayweather Promotions have also contributed to his wealth. Outside the ring, his undefeated record and larger-than-life personality have helped him become a pop culture icon, ensuring a steady income even after his retirement from boxing.
Manny Pacquiao
Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao is not just one of the greatest boxers of all time but also one of the highest earners in the sport. Born in the Philippines, Pacquiao’s rise from poverty to international stardom is a testament to his skill and resilience. His ability to win titles across multiple weight classes has not only solidified his legacy but has also earned him a massive global fan base. His matches, especially those against big names like Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Juan Manuel Marquez, have consistently drawn huge pay-per-view audiences and contributed significantly to his earnings.
In addition to boxing, Pacquiao is also involved in politics, acting, and music. His popularity in the Philippines, where he serves as a senator, boosts his marketability. His endorsements, sponsorships, and his own promotional company, MP Promotions, have also added to his financial success, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya, popularly known as “The Golden Boy,” is a boxing legend who has successfully transitioned from fighting in the ring to running a business. Born in East Los Angeles, California, De La Hoya’s charisma, good looks, and exceptional boxing skills made him a crossover sensation in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His appeal went beyond just boxing fans, attracting mainstream audiences to his fights. His match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007, known as “The World Awaits,” was the highest-grossing non-heavyweight fight in history at that time.
After retiring from boxing, De La Hoya turned to promoting and founded Golden Boy Promotions in 2002. The company has played a significant role in organizing major boxing events and has contributed greatly to De La Hoya’s wealth. Additionally, his ventures into other businesses, including real estate, have further diversified his financial portfolio.
