In boxing history, 2023 stood tall as a year that redefined the sport’s financial narrative. This year shattered records and raised the bar for earnings. Fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, and Terence Crawford emerged as icons. Not just for their in-ring prowess but also for their unprecedented purse earnings, marking an era where boxing’s financial pilings soared.

The year witnessed a seismic shift in the marketing strategies shaping the sport. Promoters and networks further intensified their efforts, leveraging social media, pay-per-view platforms, and sponsorships to magnify marquee matchups. Such efforts resulted in the echoing of cash registers that recognized fighters for what they brought to the table. Here are the fighters who earned the highest fight purses this year.

5. Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr.

The two pound-for-pound welterweight fighters entered the ring on the 29th of July. A historic unification of titles ensued at the coveted T-Mobile Arena of Las Vegas. ‘Bud’ put his WBO title at stake, while ‘The Truth’ brought his WBA (super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring belts to the table. In the end, Bud was crowned undisputed as he beat his opponent via 9th round knockout.

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As per boxing reporter Dan Rafael, the fight did at least’ 650,000 buys and possibly as much as 675,000 to hit a gross of $55 million. Reportedly, both fighters earned $25 million apiece. However, Spence Jr. earned slightly higher despite not winning the matchup. Come 2024, they’re all set to clash again as Spence Jr. seeks to redeem himself from the scathing loss in a rematch slated to happen early next year.

4. Ryan Garcia

‘King Ry’ recorded his career’s first loss in April this year, after his opponent, Gervonta Davis defeated him via a 7th-round knockout in their much-anticipated Las Vegas fight. The fight was highly watched and went down in the books for earning $100 million in earnings. The fighter’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, noted that despite his loss, Ry earned a staggering $30 million of that revenue as his purse earnings.

Early this month, the 25-year-old LA-based boxer returned to the ring in hopes of redeeming himself from the ‘Tank’ loss. In a Huston clash against Oscar Duarte, Ryan Garcia shut his critics down by stopping his opponent in the 8th round itself, winning via a knockout. For that fight, he earned significantly lower than his previous stint, with one entity reporting that he earned $5 million as his purse this time around.

3. Gervonta Davis

Tank, the WBA Regular Lightweight Champion, fought only once this year, a fight that was heavily celebrated. For the Garcia fight, as per sportspayouts, the Southpaw boxer was guaranteed a $5 million payout. He also earned an additional 50% of PPV revenues, amounting roughly to a handsome $50 million significantly more than his opponent.

2. Tyson Fury

After his fight with unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk fell through, Tyson Fury booked a fight against MMA fame, Francis Ngannou. From its inception, the fight was marred in controversy, as people alluded to the ‘Gypsy King’ concentrating more on the financial aspect. And why wouldn’t he? After all, there was a substantial payout from the Saudis to face an MMA fighter.

On 28th October, marking the onset of the Riyadh season, the WBC heavyweight champion defeated his Cameroonian-French opponent through a split decision. However, for whatever it is worth, Gypsy King went home significantly richer that night. According to his mate and former opponent, Derek Chisora (via FightHub TV), Fury easily earned an impressive $50 million.

1. Canelo Alvarez

In May, the Mexican fighter defeated John Ryder through a unanimous decision, successfully defending his super middleweight titles. Sources estimated him to earn a guaranteed $15 million for that fight, with an additional $40 million from PPV sales.

Furthermore, in his second fight for the year, Canelo Álvarez defeated Jermell Charlo through an easy unanimous decision victory. Marca reported that his deal with the PBC for the fight got him a purse split between $15-20 million. But that’s not it. With 605 of the PPV and merchandise sales, live gate, broadcasting rights, and advertising, the fighter’s total earnings for that night hit a triumphant $50 million.

“Great Year for Boxing”’ Fans Come Together to Reflect on All the Fights That Took Place in 2023

These are the fighters that ruled the earning charts this year. However, the list extends to multiple honorable mentions that were compensated handsomely for the befitting entertainment they brought the sport. These numbers are further promising, painting an interesting picture for the upcoming year.

Who of these fighters impressed you this year? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch this story: All About Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis