Everyone knew the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would make historic amounts of money. The final numbers are in, and it exceeded most reasonable expectations.
Per Bob Arum's pre-fight breakdown, confirmed by many, looks like Mayweather made at least $225M for the fight. Pacquiao, about $160M.
— John Branch (@JohnBranchNYT) May 12, 2015
So, for one night’s work (leaving aside the weeks of training), Floyd Mayweather made more money than Clayton Kershaw, MLB’s highest-paid pitcher, will over the life of the seven-year contract he signed last year ($215 million). That kind of rate is why “Money” was Forbes‘ Richest Athlete in the World even before the money came in from this fight, with exactly zero sponsorship dollars. I’d say it’s a fair bet he keeps that title the next time the list is updated.
Of course, Floyd’s advantage over Kershaw and other team-sports athletes is that there isn’t an owner deciding his salary; the people who watch him fight pay to do so. And a lot of people watched him fight Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather-Pacquiao bout generated a record 4.4 million U.S. buys, generating more than $400M in domestic revenue
— Richard Sandomir (@RichSandomir) May 12, 2015
4.4 million PPV buys, $400 million PPV revenues for #MayPac. Subtract 30-40% for cable companies, 7.5% for HBO/Showtime. Rest to the boxers.
— John Branch (@JohnBranchNYT) May 12, 2015
Of course, Pacquiao’s payday is nothing to sniff at, but there’s a reason Mayweather is the one who will dictate if there’s a rematch. Despite all the (justified) controversy and moral uncertainty, he remains the only boxer whose fame transcends the sport. He and his wallet remain undefeated.
