By Chris Williams: Floyd Mayweather Jr (46-0, 26 KO’s) has been selected by Forbes as the No.1 money maker in the world as far as Athletes go for the big money he netted with his victories over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Marcos Maidana. Just with those two fights alone, Mayweather hauled in $105 million, which is an incredible of cash for just 2 fights.
Now imagine the money he’ll be pulling in for the next three fights on his contract with Showtime. We’re probably talking somewhere along the lines of $150 million to go along with his estimated net worth of $200 million. We’re talking $350 million in the bank by next year for “Money” Mayweather.
The incredible thing about Mayweather’s salary over this period of time is that it’s not from endorsements. Usually athletes rake in that good cash with endorsement deals on top of their large salaries, but not Mayweather. He’s getting it from pulling in fans on pay-per-view based on his talent and his charismatic personality.
Mayweather does an outstanding job of pulling in fans with his larger the life persona that he shows off during press tours and Showtimes’ All Access episodes. There’s no one that can compare to Mayweather with his ability to draw fans with his personality.
“I’m humbled and extremely fortunate to be recognized by Forbes as the highest paid athlete once again,” Mayweather said via ESPN. “I’m doing something that no other athlete is doing, promoting myself and seeing my hard work pay off in the form of record-breaking numbers. It’s all about hard work and dedication, which is so important and a key part of my financial success.”
Mayweather is so right when he talks hard work and dedication. He works hard for his money in training for his fights, and he’s made a lot of smart decisions with his career, one being that he’s promoting himself. He’s not handing 25% of his cash to his promoter. Mayweather keeps more of own money with him being a promoter. That’s good business.
The No.2 highest paid Athlete on Forbes’ list is Cristano Ronaldo, a soccer player, who hauled in $80 million. However, he has endorsements along with his salary to arrive at the $80 million. No.3 on the list is Miami Heat forward LeBron James with him making $72.3 million.
WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao didn’t make the top 3 for some reason.
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