Canelo's payday: $100 million purse matches career high
The Mexican heavyweight earned a record sum for his victory in Riyadh, securing his status as the second-wealthiest boxer in history.
By Aiko Brooks ·
Saul "Canelo" Alvarez collected $100 million for his win over Christian Mbilli on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This figure ties the largest purse of his professional career, a record he previously set in 2025 during his bout with Terence Crawford.
Alvarez entered the fight with a recent loss still fresh in memory. He had been defeated by Crawford just over a year prior. Despite that setback, the Mexican fighter approached the match with confidence against the French champion, who was based in Canada.
In the ring, Alvarez controlled the pace and targeted Mbilli's errors. He landed precise blows that swayed the challenger throughout the contest. Mbilli, who had issued a bold challenge to the larger opponent, suffered his first professional defeat at the hands of Alvarez.
The financial disparity between the two fighters was stark. While Alvarez took home $100 million, Mbilli received $9 million. These amounts were agreed upon before the event took place. The payout allowed Alvarez to maintain his position as the second-richest boxer in history.
According to Sportico, Alvarez currently ranks 22nd among the richest athletes in history with a net worth of $830 million. He is followed by only Floyd Mayweather Jr., who holds the top spot in boxing with approximately $1.2 billion, earning the nickname "Money."
Alvarez's previous highest earnings came from his 2018 fight against Gennadiy Golovkin, where he earned $50 million. The new $100 million payout doubles that previous record and cements his financial standing in the sport.
