10 richest fighters in boxing history

Boxing can be a tough sport and is full of hours of intense training and pain. However, it is also a sport that can make you very rich. If you demonstrate a real talent for him, you can earn a lot of money by climbing to the top of your division. If you are lucky enough to win a world title and have a long career, the money you could make is significant. When you see that fighters are now getting paid millions for the best fights, it becomes clear.

But who are the ten richest boxers the sport has ever seen?

10 PHOTOS

1. Bernard Hopkins.

He is said to have earned $40 million during his career, which ended in 2016 when he retired. Hopkins had a very long career as a boxer, which may explain how he created such a large fortune. Starting in 1988, he fought for nearly 30 consecutive years. Having won the IBF title in 1995, he became one of the most respected and popular boxers during the competition.

2. Marvin Hagler.

The late 1970s and 1980s were a great time for any boxing fan. People like Roberto Duran and Mike Tyson really made it the best sport to follow. Hagler combined speed with destructive power. Hagler enjoyed a distinguished career as he reigned in the middleweight division from 1980 to 1987. By the time he retired, Hagler's net worth was said to be around $45 million. This certainly sees him as one of the richest boxers in the sport's long history.

3. Wladimir Klitschko.

Like his brother, he turned pro in 1996 and competed in the heavyweight division. Over time, he became a two-time world heavyweight champion and held all the major belts. His amazing career has also allowed him to be considered one of the best heavyweights of all time. By the time he graduated, he was said to have $60 million in the bank.

4. Anthony Joshua.

This English heavyweight is now a big star on the world boxing scene and recently defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. to regain the unified titles he lost in his first fight. Joshua is said to be worth $60 million at the moment and that figure is sure to rise as he enters more fights. Known for his strength, physique, and intelligence, Joshua is considered by many to be the best heavyweight currently available. Before turning pro, he was an outstanding amateur who won gold at the 2012 Olympics in the UK. Since turning pro, his stellar performances and massive media presence have enabled him to amass a personal fortune.

5. Vitali Klitschko.

Klitschko may now be known more for his political career, but this retired pro is considered one of the richest boxers in history. Turning pro in 1996, he soon showed his strength and accuracy in the ring. This led to him receiving the WBO heavyweight title in 1999. Klitschko then began a long and successful professional career, leaving him with a net worth of $80 million.

6. Sugar Ray Leonard

One of the big names from boxing's golden years in the 1970s and 1980s was Sugar Ray Leonard. Known for his dashing good looks, quick mind, and quick feet, he had it all. This allowed him to become one of the richest boxers in the history of the sport with a net worth of $120 million. Since 1977, Leonard has won world titles in various weight divisions to prove his talent. The most famous fights he was involved in were against tough opponent Marvin Hagler. These were not only classic fights but also helped Leonard earn a lot of money during his career.

7. Lennox Lewis.

Another top English heavyweight who is said to be worth a lot of money is a retired star, Lennox Lewis. In a career that began in 1988 and ended in 2003, he is said to have made a fortune and is now worth around $140 million. This takes into account his 3 World titles, division reigns, and his 2 lineal titles. As with Joshua, Lewis started out as an amateur boxer before turning pro at a later stage.

8. Manny Pacquiao

This Filipino star is one of the biggest names in recent boxing history and possibly the biggest name still active. Pacman is still fighting and has held the WBA welterweight title since July 2019. But what is he worth? The latest estimate is a whopping $190 million. This not only pays homage to his distinguished career to date but also to the media visual image he has created for himself away from boxing.

9. Oscar De La Hoya.

De La Hoya, known as Golden Boy, was once the main fighter. Now retired from the sport as a fighter (although he has since created his own company to promote fights), many believe he made a whopping $200 million. Although that's a big number, De La Hoya fought from 1992 until 2008, which is a long time in boxing. Having won many world titles in 6 separate weight divisions, he is considered by many to be one of the greatest boxers in history.

10. Floyd Mayweather.

Mayweather is not only one of the most famous names in recent boxing history, but also the richest fighter to make a living from entering the ring. Although he is now retired, he has had an amazing career that has left him with an incredible $560 million in the bank. The secret of his wealth lay mainly in his outstanding boxing skills, which amazed and delighted the fans. Adept at creating trash talk fights, he had the strength and reflexes to put on a show in the ring. Mayweather retired undefeated in 2017 with a 50-0 record that shows just how good he is. He is also a master of PR and sales of his personal brand, which has also allowed him to accumulate huge amounts of money during his career.