Boxing’s Biggest Purses 2023

Parimatch conducted research on some of the most memorable boxing matches from the past 100 years. The research found that these fights have generated over £2 billion in adjusted purses.

Among the legendary boxers featured on the list were Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as modern champions like Floyd Mayweather, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua.

The research also examined exhibition fights involving mixed martial artists and emerging stars from the YouTube scene, including KSI, Logan Paul, and Jake Paul. One interesting finding was that exhibition and non-sanctioned bouts are becoming increasingly popular, and increasingly lucrative. Since 2018, these types of fights have generated over £105 million in total purse.

Although exhibition fights are on the rise, professional fights have still accumulated the most prize money across the eras. Whilst a welterweight fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in 2015 had the highest purse in boxing history, heavyweight matchups dominate the study.

Whether it’s legendary bouts from the past or exciting matchups featuring emerging stars of today, boxing continues to capture the attention of fans around the world and remains one of the most profitable sports for fighters and promoters alike.

Top 5 purses:

• Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao (2^nd May 2015)
• Weight: Catchweight
• Original Purse value £251,090,149.73 ($300,000,000)
• Purse value 2023: £312,251,852
• Inflation rise of 24.26%

Dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century’. A match-up between two of the greatest in boxing, Manny ‘Pac-Man’ Pacquiao fought Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather for the WBA, WBC, WBO and The Ring welterweight titles.

The record-breaking bout took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and generated the highest number of pay-per-views in our list with 4.6 million people worldwide tuning it to see these two collide. The fight went the distance with Floyd winning by unanimous decision, keeping the undefeated streak intact and declaring retirement afterwards.

• Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield 2 (28^th June 1997)
• Weight: Heavyweight
• OG Purse £83,263,745 ($100,000,000)
• 2023 Purse Value: £149,272,986
• Inflation Rise – 77.31%

The most controversial fight in the sport’s history is second place on the list. The bout generated the then-most PPV with 1.9 million buys for the WBA heavyweight championship. The clash was marred by controversy after Tyson bit a piece of Holyfield’s ear off during the third round, leading to a disqualification and Holyfield retaining the title.

The fight was a huge upset and would go down in boxing history for all the wrong reasons. Whilst dubbed ‘The Sound and the Fury’, the fight will always be remembered for Tyson’s bite.

• Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor (26^th August 2017)
• Weight: Welterweight
• OG purse £108,805,731.55 ($130,000,000)
• 2023 Purse Value: £130,383,439.74
• Inflation rise: 19.83%

When the biggest in UFC met the greatest in boxing. Mayweather came out of retirement to fight McGregor, the UFC champion who had never boxed professionally. The fight generated a lot of buzz and controversy, with many questioning whether it was a legitimate sporting event or just a money-making spectacle.

The two fighters engaged in a 10-round bout, with Mayweather ultimately winning by technical knockout in the 10th round, reaching 50-0 professional wins. Despite McGregor’s lack of experience in the ring, he put up a strong fight and surprised many with his ability to hold his own against one of the all-time greats.

• Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk II (20^th August 2022)
• Weight: Heavyweight
• OG Purse £125,545,074.87 ($150,000,000)
• 2023 Purse value £128,366,635.62
• Inflation rise: 2.25%

After an upset in their first fight, Joshua and Usyk locked horns for a second time as the former champion attempted to reclaim his titles. The fight went the distance but despite a valiant effort, the 35-year-old Ukrainian produced another majestic boxing display to retain the IBF, WBA WBO heavyweight titles. It was an emotional win for Usyk who dedicated the fight to people of Ukraine, currently affected by the war.

The fight generated 1.2 million PPV buys and its purse size doubled in value from the first bout. Usyk demonstrated his immense skill and capabilities, keeping his undefeated streak (20-0) intact. The Ukrainian is now one of three boxers to have unified the cruiserweight world titles and become a world heavyweight champion.

• Floyd Mayweather vs Oscar de la Hoya (5^th May 2007)
• Weight: Catchweight
• OG Purse £65,057,411.05 ($77,000,000)
• 2023 Purse Value £98,989,259.56
• Inflation Rise: 16%

The Mayweather vs Oscar de la Hoya fight was a highly anticipated boxing match that took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather, an undefeated champion, and De La Hoya, a boxing legend, faced off in a 12-round bout for the WBC light middleweight championship. The two fighters engaged in a close and competitive fight, with Mayweather ultimately winning by split decision.

The fight generated a record-breaking 2.4 million PPV buys. It was also seen as a passing of the torch from De La Hoya to Mayweather, who would go on to become one of the most successful and dominant boxers in history.

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