The Most Expensive Fights in Boxing History

High-level boxing is easily one of the most exciting sports to follow, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that that it’s also one of the highest-paying sports. World-renowned professional boxers make enormous money, and so do the sport's top broadcasters. If you’re interested in how much money these massive fights cost, here’s the list of the five most expensive fights in boxing history.

#10 Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia (2023):

The unbeaten rising stars captivated the boxing world with their clash of styles. The fight delivered action and garnered a reported $100 million, showcasing the next generation of boxing pay-per-view stars.

The fight started at a fast pace, with both fighters showcasing their speed and power. Neither boxer gained a clear advantage in the opening rounds, though Davis seemed to land cleaner punches.

The fight took a dramatic turn in the seventh round. With precise timing, Davis landed a devastating left body shot that sent Garcia to the canvas. While Garcia managed to get back to his feet, the referee deemed him unable to continue, awarding the TKO victory to Davis.

#9 Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III (2021):

This was a highly anticipated boxing match as it was the third encounter between these two fighters. It was a one-sided fight with Fury dominating Wilder throughout the contest. Fury's superior boxing skills and power proved too much for Wilder to handle. The fight ended in the eleventh round with Fury knocking out Wilder. This victory solidified Fury's status as one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time and the fight grossed over $100 million.

#8 Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson (2002):

Lewis used his superior boxing skills and reach to control the pace of the fight. He effectively countered Tyson's aggressive rushes. The final blow, a powerful right hand, sent Tyson to the canvas, ending the fight decisively. This victory solidified Lewis's status as the undisputed heavyweight champion and marked a decline in Tyson's career. The fight brought in a hefty $130 million.

#7 Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. (2019):

The first fight between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua was one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Held on June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the fight saw the undefeated and heavily favored Anthony Joshua face the relatively unknown Andy Ruiz Jr.

Despite being a significant underdog, Ruiz Jr. managed to shock the world by knocking out Joshua in the seventh round. His speed, power, and relentless pressure proved too much for the previously dominant champion. This unexpected outcome sent shockwaves through the boxing world and set the stage for an epic rematch.  The fight was a massive success, generating a reported $135 million.

#6 Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II (1997)

The rematch between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson is undoubtedly one of the most infamous and controversial boxing matches of all time. Held on June 28, 1997, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the fight was a rematch of their earlier bout, which Holyfield had won.

Rather than a boxing contest, the fight is primarily remembered for the shocking moment when Tyson bit off a piece of Holyfield's ear. This unprecedented act of violence led to Tyson's disqualification and the subsequent loss of his boxing license.

While the fight itself was overshadowed by the bizarre incident, it remains a significant moment in boxing history. Holyfield again emerged victorious, and the fight garnered at least $140 million.

#5 Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson (1997)

The fifth most expensive fight in boxing history was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It was the second time Evander Holyfield faced Mike Tyson. The first was in 1996, and Holyfield won that time. He won the rematch as well after Tyson was disqualified for biting his opponent's ear.

The fight grossed over £11 million at the gate and £81 from PPV. Together with Holyfied's and Tyson's prizes, it exceeded £145 million.

#4 Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya

The next three fights on this list all feature Floyd Mayweather, who is number one among the richest boxers in the world. Mayweather faced Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in May 2007. At the time, Mayweather was the underdog. It was this fight that put him on everyone's radar after he won and earned the WBC super welterweight title. Counting the gate proceeds, PPV, and Mayweather's and De La Hoya's purses, the fight totaled £187 million.

#3 Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez

The fight between Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez in September 2013 was yet another win for Mayweather. Unsurprisingly, it also took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It was one of Mayweather's most spectacular wins, and it made him about £60 million (against Alvarez's modest £10 million). Together with the gate proceeds (£20 million) and PPV (£120 million), the fight totaled more than £214 million.

#2 Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

The second most expensive fight ever happened between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. This comes as no surprise, seeing as both were already huge names in boxing by August 2017, when the fight took place.

The poster helped them sell more activations. Mayweather's type is white, Conor's is black, plenty of subconscious momentum was created when the Irishman used some racially degrading terms during the PR hype tour.

It was one of the most anticipated fights in history. Mayweather defeated McGregor and made a record-breaking £223.5 million. Gate proceeds were £44 million, and PPV were £325 million. Overall, the fight totaled over £662 million.

#1 Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao

Finally, the top position on this list belongs to the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao held in May 2015 in Paradise, Nevada. By 2015, Mayweather and Pacquiao had been planning to face one another for over five years.

So, needless to say, boxing fans were thrilled to finally see their fight. Sadly, most critics agree that Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015) was a bit of a disappointment. Nonetheless, with Mayweather's £223.5 million, Pacquiao's £122 million, about £58 million from the gate, and £333 million from PPV, the fight totaled £678 million and earned the title of the most expensive one in boxing history.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia (2023): The unbeaten rising stars captivated the boxing world with their clash of styles. The fight delivered action and garnered a reported $100 million, showcasing the next generation of boxing pay-per-view stars.
2. Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III (2021): The culmination of their trilogy fight series delivered drama and excitement. Fury cemented his dominance with a knockout victory, and the fight grossed over $100 million.
3. Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson (2002): The heavyweight showdown between two titans of the sport lived up to the hype. Lewis emerged victorious, and the fight brought in a hefty $130 million.
4. Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. (2019): In a major upset, the underdog Ruiz knocked out the heavily favored Joshua. This shocking turn of events drew massive interest, generating a reported $135 million.
5. Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II (1997): This rematch of their infamous “Bite Fight” was highly anticipated. Holyfield again emerged victorious, and the fight garnered at least $140 million.

Why Is Boxing Such a Massive Money Maker?

Aside from the money made from views (which is a lot in itself), boxing is also big among sports bettors. Along with the casino providers that accept US dollars, betting sites offer easy and fun entertainment that can be enjoyed anywhere, even without a need for users to leave their houses. And having real money on the line makes these boxing bouta an even more captivating spectating experience than it already was.

As to the tickets and PPV (pay-per-view), boxing is indeed on the more expensive side. To compare, you can get a decent ticket to an NBA game for about $200 but should be ready to pay $400 and more if you want to attend a high-level boxing fight with a decent seat. Even watching online isn't really an affordable solution, with many PPV cards ranging from anywhere between $50-70.

But Isn't Boxing Dead?

Despite the common assertion being that “boxing is dead”, there have been recent fights that nearly made this list, which prove that boxing is alive and well.

In fact, a fight between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Ryan Garcia in April 2023 reportedly did 1,205,000 PPB buys, and earned over $102 million. It was a gigantic fight between two proved Pay Per View draws that did not disappoint.

And that doesn't even mention the boxing revolution that is taking place in Saudi Arabia. The country is doing everything in its power to become the global capital of boxing, and has put on some incredible fights in the past year alone.

As Saudi Arabia continues to dump exorbitant amount of money into this sport, the world's best boxers will continue to make massive paydays — which will bring young fighters into the sport.

In other words, boxing is far from dead. And it might be better than it has been in a long, long time.