Canelo Alvarez may have closed 2025 with a loss on his record, but financially, boxing’s biggest superstar continues to reign supreme. According to sports business publication Sportico, Alvarez finished as the second-highest paid athlete in the world in 2025, earning an estimated $137 million, trailing only global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sportico released its fifth annual “100 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World” list, which tracks salary, prize money, and endorsement earnings across global sports. Alvarez’s massive total once again underscored boxing’s unique place at the top of the pay scale when it comes to elite stars.
Breaking Down Canelo’s $137 Million Year
Of Alvarez’s estimated $137 million in earnings, a staggering $125 million came directly from his fights including bouts against William Scull in May and Terence Crawford in September. The remaining $12 million was generated through endorsements.
The windfall was fueled in part by Alvarez’s highly lucrative four-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which he signed in February. The agreement further cemented Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global boxing and reaffirmed Alvarez’s status as the sport’s most bankable attraction.
Boxing Well Represented on Sportico’s List
Alvarez was one of four boxers to make Sportico’s top 100 for 2025. Crawford, who defeated Alvarez in September and later announced his retirement, ranked No. 21 overall, earning an estimated $66 million despite fighting only once during the year.
Just behind him at No. 25 was undisputed junior featherweight champion Naoya Inoue, who earned an estimated $62 million. Inoue was among the most active elite fighters in the sport, competing four times in 2025 and defeating Ye Joon Kim, Ramon Cardenas, Murodjon Akhmadaliev, and David Picasso.
Rounding out boxing’s presence was Jake Paul, who placed No. 30 with $60 million in estimated earnings. Paul went 1-1 in 2025, defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June before suffering a sixth-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in December.
Ronaldo Tops the World Again
At the top of Sportico’s list was Cristiano Ronaldo, who led all athletes with $260 million in estimated earnings including $200 million in salary and winnings and $60 million from endorsements.
Sportico’s 2025 rankings featured athletes from eight different sports and 28 countries, highlighting the global reach of elite athletics. The full list and Sportico’s methodology are available through the publication.
Boxing’s Elite Still Cashing In
While Alvarez’s 2025 campaign may not have ended with his hand raised every time, his earning power remains unmatched in boxing. Even amid a changing competitive landscape and the rise of new stars, Canelo continues to prove that win or lose he is still one of the most valuable athletes on the planet.
For boxing, that kind of star power remains priceless.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
