Canelo Álvarez was eliminated from the Highest Boxers List of 2025 For A Surprising Shift in Boxing’s Top Earners

As 2024 draws to a close, the world of boxing has witnessed not only thrilling fights and intense rivalries but also some shocking shifts in earnings. When the list of the highest-paid boxers of 2025 was released, many fans were surprised to find that Canelo Álvarez, one of boxing’s biggest stars, was not among the top five earners. Despite being one of the most marketable athletes in the sport, Canelo found himself surpassed by other fighters who dominated the financial landscape in 2024. This change raises intriguing questions about the future of boxing’s financial powerhouses and the evolving market for these athletes.

Canelo Álvarez: A Giant Who Fell Short of Expectations

For years, Canelo Álvarez has been synonymous with success in the boxing world. With a career filled with championship belts, significant pay-per-view draws, and global recognition, it was almost certain that he would occupy a top spot on any highest-paid list. However, in 2024, Canelo’s earnings didn’t quite match the same astronomical levels seen in previous years.

One of the key reasons for Canelo’s dip in the rankings is the lack of a major, game-changing fight in 2024. While he continues to be a dominant force in boxing, his most recent bouts haven’t generated the kind of excitement or financial momentum seen in his earlier career. This, combined with competition from other high-profile fighters, resulted in Canelo being edged out by several notable names in the rankings.

The Surprising Entries: Mike Tyson and Jake Paul Lead the Charge

One of the most shocking aspects of the 2024 list is the presence of Mike Tyson and Jake Paul in the top ranks. Tyson, long past his prime, made an unexpected return to the ring to face Jake Paul, and their showdown turned out to be a massive commercial success. With rumors suggesting Tyson earned up to $40 million from the fight, including earnings from sponsorships, ticket sales, and pay-per-view revenue, his return to the ring has been incredibly profitable, surprising many in the industry.

On the other hand, Jake Paul, a controversial figure known more for his social media influence than his boxing skills, also made a significant impact. Paul’s fight with Tyson helped him earn a reported $40 million, solidifying his place as one of the highest-paid boxers of 2024. Despite being a relatively new entrant into the world of professional boxing, Paul’s ability to attract massive media attention and sell out arenas has allowed him to command large paydays, which directly contributed to his inclusion in the list.

Anthony Joshua: The British Star Who Continues to Shine

While Tyson and Paul were newcomers to the upper ranks of boxing’s financial elite, Anthony Joshua proved that he is still one of the sport’s most lucrative stars. With a reported $70 million purse for his 2024 fight against Francis Ngannou, Joshua maintained his position as one of boxing’s top earners. Despite his loss to Usyk in previous years, Joshua’s ability to draw attention and generate huge paydays through his fights remains a cornerstone of his career.

Joshua’s success in securing large purses, coupled with his global appeal, ensures that he remains a major player in the sport’s financial landscape. His ability to attract big-name opponents and maintain an international fanbase gives him staying power, even in a competitive era where new stars are constantly emerging.

Tyson Fury’s Continued Dominance in the Financial Sphere

Tyson Fury, the British heavyweight champion, also made a strong showing in 2024, landing in the second spot on the list of highest-paid boxers. Despite his close loss to Oleksandr Usyk earlier in the year, Fury still managed to secure $105 million in earnings, thanks to a combination of his fight purses and other sources of income. Fury’s charisma, ability to market himself, and status as a heavyweight champion continue to make him one of the highest-earning athletes in the sport.

The ongoing appeal of Fury’s larger-than-life persona has helped him remain at the top of the financial rankings. His upcoming rematch with Usyk in 2024 is expected to bring in even more revenue, further cementing his position as one of the biggest names in boxing.

Oleksandr Usyk: The Surprise Champion of 2024

The true surprise of the 2024 earnings list is Oleksandr Usyk, who not only dominated the ring but also claimed the number one spot in boxing earnings. Usyk’s victory over Fury in their rematch, which earned him a substantial $114 million, solidified his status as the top earner in the sport. Usyk’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable, and his financial success in 2024 mirrors his in-ring accomplishments.

Usyk’s win over Fury and his undisputed heavyweight title victory helped elevate his marketability, and his impressive earnings reflect the growing global recognition of his talents. As boxing’s newest financial giant, Usyk has proven that skill, discipline, and determination can lead to both championship glory and financial prosperity.

Conclusion: The Shifting Landscape of Boxing’s Financial Powerhouses

The 2024 list of the highest-paid boxers marks a significant shift in the sport’s financial hierarchy. While Canelo Álvarez remains one of the biggest stars in boxing, the emergence of new and surprising names such as Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Oleksandr Usyk shows that the sport is evolving. Boxing is no longer simply about ring success; it’s about how well a fighter can market themselves and attract global attention.

For Canelo, 2024 may not have been the year to dominate the financial rankings, but his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time remains intact. Meanwhile, new challengers are proving that in today’s boxing world, commercial success and media attention are just as important as skill and legacy.

As the sport continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these earnings evolve and which fighters will rise to the top in the coming years. Whether through exciting bouts, strategic business moves, or global popularity, boxing’s financial elite is constantly changing—and 2024 has certainly set the stage for a thrilling future.