Canelo Alvarez may have ended 2025 with a loss in the ring, but his financial success tells a different story. According to Sportico’s recently published “100 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World” list, Alvarez secured the position of the second-highest paid athlete globally, amassing an impressive $137 million in estimated earnings for the year.
Of that total, a substantial $125 million was generated from his bouts against William Scull in May and Terence Crawford in September. Additionally, Alvarez earned $12 million from endorsements, bolstered by a lucrative four-fight contract he signed with Riyadh Season in February.
Alvarez was not the only boxer to make waves on the list. Terence Crawford, who defeated Alvarez, claimed the No. 21 spot with estimated earnings of $66 million, stemming from a single fight in 2025, which included $60 million in salary and winnings, alongside $6 million from endorsements.
Not far behind Crawford was Naoya Inoue, the undisputed junior featherweight champion, who ranked No. 25 with $62 million in earnings—$45 million from fights and $17 million from endorsements. Inoue maintained an active schedule in 2025, competing four times and achieving victories over opponents such as Ye Joon Kim and Anthony Joshua.
Jake Paul also found his way onto the list, coming in at No. 30 with earnings of $60 million, consisting of $50 million from fights and $10 million from endorsements. Paul had two matches in 2025, winning against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. while facing a sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua.
Topping the list was Cristiano Ronaldo, who led all athletes with an astounding $260 million in earnings, which included $200 million from salary and winnings, plus $60 million from endorsements.
Sportico’s annual rankings feature athletes from a diverse range of eight sports across 28 countries, showcasing the global reach of sports earnings. For more insights and updates in the world of sports, stay tuned to hiphopraisedmetheblog.com.
