The Largest Fight Purses Ever

By Arslan Saleem March 15, 2024 00:39

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty

In the realm of combat sports, the lure of enormous paydays has always been a significant draw for fighters. From the heydays of legendary boxers to the modern era, the purses for high-stakes fights have reached staggering numbers. Let's delve into the history of the largest fight purses ever, exploring the monumental earnings of some of the most iconic matches in combat sports.

The Gargantuan Purses

Floyd Mayweather's Staggering Earnings

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (2017)
- This bout, famously dubbed "The Money Fight," pitted boxing legend Mayweather against UFC star Conor McGregor. The event, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, raked in an astounding $662.5 million, with Mayweather pocketing a mammoth $223.5 million and McGregor securing a substantial $70 million. The fight marked Mayweather's 50th professional win and solidified his status as one of the highest-earning athletes in history.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015)
- Dubbed "The Fight of the Century," this monumental clash between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao generated an unprecedented $678 million, with Mayweather amassing a colossal purse of $223.5 million and Pacquiao earning a substantial $122 million. This fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, remains the most lucrative match in boxing history, with an impressive 4.6 million pay-per-view subscriptions sold.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez (2013)
- Mayweather's encounter with the rising star Canelo Alvarez in 2013 resulted in a total revenue of $214.7 million, with Mayweather securing a substantial $65 million and Alvarez earning $9.7 million. The fight, which attracted over 16,000 fans to the MGM Grand, showcased Mayweather's enduring dominance in the sport.

Other Monumental Purses

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield (1996 and 1997)
- The two clashes between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in 1996 and 1997 saw Tyson amass $30 million in both fights, setting the stage for the era of colossal purses in heavyweight boxing.
Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson (2002)
- The historic bout between Lewis and Tyson resulted in a then-record 1.95 million pay-per-view buys. Lewis, the undisputed heavyweight champion, earned an astounding $50 million, while Tyson secured a substantial $35 million.
Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather (2007)
- In 2007, Mayweather faced off against Oscar De La Hoya in a fight that garnered $187 million, with De La Hoya claiming a purse of over $42 million, overshadowing Mayweather's $20 million. Despite the financial divide, Mayweather emerged victorious, solidifying his status as the pre-eminent star of the lighter weights.

The Magnitude of These Purses

The colossal earnings from these fights underscore the immense commercial appeal and global fascination with high-profile boxing matches. These historic purses not only reflect the financial magnitude of these sporting spectacles but also highlight the enduring allure of combat sports for both athletes and fans.

The evolution of fight purses in combat sports has witnessed an unprecedented surge, with iconic matches yielding astronomical financial rewards for the athletes involved. From Floyd Mayweather's monumental earnings to the historic clashes of heavyweight legends, the largest fight purses in history stand as a testament to the enduring appeal and commercial prominence of combat sports on the global stage.

As the sporting world continues to witness the convergence of athleticism and financial prowess, the legacy of these colossal purses will remain a defining feature of combat sports history, immortalizing the indelible impact of these monumental matchups on the sporting landscape.