In a matter of time, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez will make his first attempt to reclaim the undisputed title that was stripped from him last year. He is set to face William Scull, the reigning IBF super middleweight champion, in Riyadh. This bout marks the opening chapter of a four-fight deal Canelo signed earlier this year with Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season. Under the agreement, Canelo faces Terence Crawford in the second fight, scheduled for September.

For Canelo, today’s fight and those that follow could define the legacy he’s been crafting over the past two decades. But is legacy the only thing at stake? Those familiar with the sport know better. Boxing is as much about business as it is about glory. For Canelo, the financial aspects of his deals remain a central focus. So, it’s no surprise how lucrative this four-fight contract with Riyadh Season truly is. The deal is reportedly worth a staggering $400 million. According to recent updates, the guaranteed purse from just the first two fights this year could earn the Mexican icon a staggering $200 million. So, with an existing net worth of approximately $275 million, Canelo could soon rival the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, whose fortune stands at around $800 million.

Canelo Alvarez is fighting his way to the top

Research by Prime Casino shows Canelo Alvarez may receive a guaranteed £175 million, or approximately $200 million, in 2025 alone. This staggering sum would make him the highest-earning sports star globally in terms of career earnings. A breakdown of his earnings paints an even more dramatic picture. Canelo is reportedly making $6.64 every second, which adds up to around $4.5 million per week and $19.2 million per month. Over the span of 12 months, that’s well over $200 million!

Now, compare that with what top athletes from other sports are taking home. Cristiano Ronaldo, Canelo’s closest rival in terms of income, is earning about £171 million (approximately $227 million) annually from Al-Nassr. Similarly, Jon Rahm did not win any tournaments last year. However, primarily on account of his high-profile deal with LIV Golf, the golfer still pocketed around $199 million.

Within the boxing world, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk also made headlines financially. He earned an estimated $120.4 million from his two recent bouts with Tyson Fury. Bringing him closer to undisputed glory, he could earn more when he faces Daniel Dubois in a July rematch.

How much is Canelo getting paid against William Scull?

Exact numbers remain unofficial. However, rough estimates suggest Canelo will earn a guaranteed purse of around $80 million for his fight against William Scull. That figure doesn’t even include his share of pay-per-view revenue, which potentially surpasses Scull’s payout by a significant margin.

Canelo’s earnings have skyrocketed in recent years, reflecting both his star power and business savvy. Last September, when he faced Edgar Berlanga as the unified champion, he reportedly took home around $35 million. He earned a similar figure for his Cinco de Mayo bout against Jaime Munguia.

His 2023 fight against Jermell Charlo, who jumped up two weight divisions to challenge him, brought in an even larger payday, reportedly $50 million. As for his fight with John Ryder, while the exact numbers remain unclear, Canelo’s estimated 60–65% share of the PPV revenue likely resulted in a purse exceeding $40 million.

Outside the ring, Canelo Alvarez is hitting a new milestone: becoming one of the richest athletes on the planet. His earnings, paired with his already iconic career, place him in rare company among the world’s sports elite.

Who do you think Canelo should face next after Terence Crawford?