Floyd Mayweather, the world-renowned American boxing champion and promoter, has amassed a staggering net worth of $400 million, making him the richest boxer of all time. In November 2021, Sportico released an all-time athlete earnings list, placing Mayweather at the impressive sixth position, with an inflation-adjusted career total of $1.2 billion.
Born on February 24, 1977, as Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr., he began his professional boxing journey in 1996 and competed until 2017, retiring with an undefeated record. Mayweather’s dominance in the sport saw him win 15 major world championships across multiple weight classes, ranging from super featherweight to light middleweight. His accolades include securing the Ring magazine title in five weight classes and the lineal championship in four weight classes, including twice at welterweight.
Floyd Mayweather’s financial prowess extended beyond the boxing ring. During his prime years, he consistently ranked as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning staggering sums even without significant endorsement deals. When actively competing, Mayweather could easily earn between $150 million and $300 million per year. Between June 2014 and June 2015, he amassed an astounding $300 million, and from June 2017 to June 2018, he earned a total of $300 million, primarily attributed to his high-profile fight against Conor McGregor in August 2017. Additionally, Mayweather typically earns $10 million annually from endorsements and other investments.
Mayweather’s tremendous earning power was largely fueled by his immense popularity as a pay-per-view attraction. He consistently topped Forbes and Sports Illustrated’s lists of the highest-paid athletes in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Throughout his career, Mayweather generated approximately 24 million pay-per-view buys, amounting to a staggering $1.67 billion in revenue. These figures surpassed the records of other notable pay-per-view attractions, including Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, and Oscar De La Hoya.
In 2006, Mayweather established his boxing promotional firm, Mayweather Promotions, after parting ways with Bob Arum’s Top Rank. The move allowed him to take greater control over his career and further enhance his financial success.
Mayweather’s financial accomplishments extended beyond his active years in the ring. In 2018, Forbes ranked him as the highest-paid athlete globally, with total earnings, including endorsements, reaching $285 million.
Here’s the breakdown of his net worth:
| Name: | Floyd Mayweather |
| Net Worth: | $400 Million |
| Salary: | $300 Million Per Fight |
| Source of Wealth: | Professional Boxer |
Learn more: Richest Boxers in the World
Table of Contents
Early Life
Floyd Mayweather was born as Floyd Joy Sinclair on February 24, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Boxing was ingrained in his family lineage, with his father, Floyd Sr., being a notable welterweight contender, and his uncle Jeff Mayweather having held the title of former IBO super featherweight champion. Additionally, his uncle Roger Mayweather achieved success as a former WBA super featherweight and WBC super lightweight champion.
From an early age, Floyd Sr. introduced Mayweather to the world of boxing. Even before he could walk properly, his father would hold him in front of speed bags at the gym. It didn’t take long for Mayweather to start throwing punches at anything within his line of sight. At the tender age of 7, he was already fitted for his first pair of boxing gloves, igniting his passion for the sport.
Dubbed “Little Floyd” in his neighborhood, Mayweather became a familiar face at the nearby gym, conveniently located just five doors down from his family’s residence. It was there that he honed his skills, dedicating countless hours to training and developing his technique. In a symbolic gesture, Mayweather adopted his father’s last name, signifying his aspiration to follow in his footsteps and achieve boxing greatness.
Mayweather’s upbringing was marked by a complex family dynamic. His father, Floyd Sr., struggled with a violent temper and led a tumultuous life, often involved in the dangers of drug dealing. In a tragic incident in 1978, he was shot in the leg while holding his infant son. The troubles continued, and in 1993, Floyd Sr. was sentenced to prison on cocaine trafficking charges.
Mayweather’s mother, Deborah, also faced her own battles with substance abuse. The challenges within his family environment undoubtedly shaped Mayweather’s character and served as a driving force for him to seek a better life through boxing.
Despite the difficulties he faced, Floyd Mayweather Jr. would go on to forge an extraordinary career in the sport of boxing. His early exposure to the gym, his unwavering dedication, and his desire to surpass the achievements of his family members laid the foundation for his rise to greatness in the ring.
Amateur Success
Despite the challenges within his family, Floyd Mayweather Jr. discovered solace and a sense of command inside the boxing ring. In the early stages of his career, he earned the moniker “Pretty Boy” due to his unblemished face, a testament to his elusive defensive skills. Mayweather’s lightning-fast and accurate style of fighting propelled him to victory in the national Golden Gloves tournaments of 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Although he had an impressive amateur record of 84 wins and 6 losses, Mayweather’s journey as an amateur boxer concluded on a bitter note. During the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, he faced Bulgaria’s Serafim Todorov in a highly disputed bout. Despite Mayweather’s efforts, the decision did not go in his favor, resulting in a controversial loss and the disappointment of settling for a bronze medal.
Pro Boxing Career
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s professional boxing career began on October 11, 1996, and he wasted no time in establishing his dominance in the ring. With his father assuming the roles of both manager and trainer following his release from prison, Mayweather effortlessly claimed victories in several bouts, often against relatively easy opponents. In 1998, he achieved a significant milestone by defeating Genaro Hernandez to capture his first world title, the WBC super featherweight championship.
However, Mayweather’s career truly skyrocketed starting in 2000, as he embarked on a remarkable seven-year stretch that positioned him as one of the sport’s all-time greats. During this period, Mayweather showcased his exceptional versatility by moving up in weight class four times. He secured the WBC lightweight title in 2002, the WBC super lightweight title in 2005, and an impressive collection of welterweight titles in 2006, including the IBF, IBO, WBC, and IBA titles. In 2007, he further solidified his legacy by defeating the legendary Oscar De La Hoya to claim the WBC super welterweight crown.
Mayweather’s outstanding performances inside the ring translated into substantial financial success. In 2010, he ranked as the third highest-paid American athlete, earning a staggering income of over $60 million for the year.
The victories and lucrative paychecks only served to bolster Mayweather’s already formidable ego. In a sport known for its bravado, he emerged as one of boxing’s most polarizing figures. Mayweather expressed his unwavering ambition, stating, “My goal has always been to be one of the best fighters who ever lived. My career and legacy are of utmost importance to me.”
Furthermore, Mayweather recognized the significance of expanding his appeal beyond the realm of boxing. As his international profile continued to soar, he leveraged his star power in the realm of television. In the lead-up to his highly anticipated 2007 showdown against De La Hoya, Mayweather took center stage in the four-part HBO documentary series, “24/7,” which set new records for pay-per-view and live-gate revenues. Later that same year, he even ventured into the realm of reality TV, appearing as a contestant on ABC Television’s popular show, “Dancing with the Stars.”
Retirement and Comeback
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s retirement announcement after his victory over Ricky Hatton in late 2007 left the sports world in disbelief. However, he surprised everyone by returning to the ring in September 2009. Mayweather’s comeback bout was against Juan Manuel Marquez, and he showcased his skills by securing a unanimous decision victory, earning an impressive purse of nearly $60 million. Just eight months later, Mayweather added another triumph to his record, defeating Shane Mosley via a 12-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas, further solidifying his undefeated status with a professional record of 41-0.
Mayweather continued to captivate the boxing world with his remarkable comeback, and in May 2013, he made headlines once again. In a highly anticipated bout against Robert Guerrero, Mayweather emerged victorious in a 12-round unanimous decision at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This victory not only showcased his mastery in the ring but also allowed him to claim the WBC welterweight title. With this win, Mayweather extended his undefeated streak to an impressive 44-0, with 26 knockouts.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s decision to come out of retirement and his subsequent victories further solidified his status as one of boxing’s all-time greats.
Bouts vs. Pacquiao and McGregor
Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s career continued to captivate the boxing world with two highly anticipated bouts against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor.
In May 2015, Mayweather faced off against Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division champion, in what was dubbed the “Fight of the Century.” The event took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, generating immense excitement among fans and the media. Mayweather showcased his trademark defensive skills, employing his airtight defense to thwart Pacquiao’s offensive efforts. In the end, Mayweather emerged victorious, securing a unanimous decision and maintaining his flawless record.
Two years later, in 2017, Mayweather embarked on a unique endeavor, signing on to face Conor McGregor, a brash UFC champion. McGregor, having previously competed as an amateur boxer, presented an intriguing challenge for Mayweather. The negotiations for the bout included a compromise on the glove size, with Mayweather agreeing to fight using 8-ounce gloves instead of the standard 10-ounce gloves used in junior middleweight fights.
The highly anticipated showdown between Mayweather and McGregor took place on August 26, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite being 40 years old and past his athletic prime, Mayweather’s skills shone through as he outclassed his younger and less experienced opponent. In the 10th round, Mayweather unleashed a barrage of punches, ultimately leading to a TKO victory. With this win, Mayweather’s record reached an unprecedented 50-0, and he announced his retirement once again.
While retired, Mayweather’s competitive spirit remained strong. He participated in an exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in late 2018, further showcasing his abilities and keeping fans intrigued. Additionally, in November 2019, Mayweather took to Instagram to announce his intention to come out of retirement in 2020, hinting at the possibility of new challenges and future bouts.
Earnings From Notable Fights
Mayweather vs. Baldomir
In this fight, Floyd Mayweather faced Carlos Baldomir and emerged victorious in a unanimous decision, claiming both titles. Mayweather earned $8 million for the fight, while Baldomir received $1.6 million. These earnings marked career highs for both fighters at the time.
Mayweather vs. De La Hoya
The highly anticipated match between Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya took place on May 5, 2007. Despite moving up in weight, Mayweather defeated De La Hoya in a fight that set records for pay-per-view (PPV) buys and generated approximately $120 million in revenue. De La Hoya earned $58 million for the bout, the highest purse ever for a fighter at the time. Mayweather, on the other hand, earned about $25 million.
Mayweather vs. Marquez
After a 21-month retirement, Mayweather returned to the ring to face Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather won the fight in a unanimous decision and generated approximately $52 million in revenue. This bout marked only the fifth time in boxing history that a non-heavyweight fight sold more than 1 million PPV households.
Mayweather vs. Mosley
Floyd Mayweather faced Shane Mosley in a bout where Mosley’s WBA super-welterweight title was on the line. Mayweather won the fight by unanimous decision, and it became the second-bestselling non-heavyweight pay-per-view bout in boxing history, with 1.4 million purchases. The fight generated $78.3 million in revenue.
Mayweather vs. Guerrero
In his first fight after being released from jail, Mayweather fought Robert Guerrero. Mayweather was guaranteed $32 million for the fight, which took place on May 4, 2013.
Mayweather vs. Álvarez
Floyd Mayweather faced Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez in a championship bout on September 14, 2013. Mayweather received a boxing record $41.5 million for the Alvarez fight.
Entertainment Career
Floyd Mayweather Jr. had an eventful entertainment career outside of boxing. In 2008, he made a memorable appearance in WWE’s No Way Out pay-per-view event, where he got involved in a storyline altercation with Big Show. Mayweather attacked Big Show to aid Rey Mysterio, resulting in Big Show suffering a broken nose. This led to a one-on-one No Disqualification match at WrestleMania XXIV, where Mayweather defeated Big Show, using brass knuckles to maintain his unbeaten record. He reportedly earned $20 million for the fight, and the event garnered 1 million pay-per-view buys, generating $23.8 million in revenue.
In 2009, Mayweather served as a guest host for WWE Raw in Las Vegas. He interfered in a tag-team match, helping MVP and Mark Henry secure a victory. Mayweather also appeared in a backstage segment with Vince McMahon and D-Generation X, assisting McMahon in his match against The Legacy and DX.
Outside of wrestling, Mayweather participated in the fifth season of Dancing with the Stars in 2007. He was paired with professional ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff, and despite their efforts, they were the fourth couple to be eliminated from the competition, finishing in ninth place.
Houses
Floyd Mayweather has made significant investments in the real estate market, showcasing his penchant for luxurious properties in various locations. One of his notable acquisitions is an 11-bedroom custom-built mansion in Las Vegas, which has been his primary residence since 2018. This extravagant residence spans an impressive 22,000 square feet, providing ample space for Mayweather’s opulent lifestyle. The property was acquired for a sum of $10 million, demonstrating his willingness to invest in exceptional living spaces.
Prior to his current Las Vegas residence, Mayweather resided in another remarkable mansion in the same city from 2010 until 2018. Spanning 13,000 square feet, this mansion was purchased for a staggering $9.5 million, further underscoring his affinity for lavish accommodations.
In 2017, Mayweather expanded his real estate portfolio by acquiring a magnificent mansion in Beverly Hills for an astonishing $25.5 million. This palatial property features a host of luxurious amenities, including a delightful candy shop, a lavish 12-seat movie theater, and an impressive 300-bottle wine room. Moreover, at the time of purchase, Mayweather also invested $500,000 in exquisite home furnishings, ensuring that every detail of his luxurious residence met his discerning taste.
Beyond his residences, Mayweather has diversified his real estate holdings with investments in other notable properties. For instance, he owns an apartment in the vibrant city of New York, allowing him to indulge in the urban lifestyle that the city has to offer. Additionally, he is the proprietor of the Mayweather Boxing Club, a renowned boxing gym located in Las Vegas, showcasing his passion for the sport that brought him fame and fortune.
Furthermore, Mayweather has ventured into the entertainment industry by owning a strip club in Las Vegas called Girl Collection. This establishment serves as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to explore various business avenues.
In August 2021, Mayweather made headlines once again with his acquisition of a stunning waterfront mansion on Miami’s Palm Island. This property, obtained for a staggering $18 million, further solidifies his reputation as a connoisseur of exceptional real estate. The Miami mansion undoubtedly boasts exquisite features and breathtaking views, providing Mayweather with yet another enviable residence in his ever-expanding portfolio.
Commercial Real Estate
In 2014, Mayweather also made a significant investment to become a partner in the esteemed real estate development firm SL Green. This partnership announcement was made by SL Green’s CEO, Marc Holliday, in December of that year, signaling Mayweather’s entrance into the world of real estate development.
As of the present, Mayweather holds a minority stake in nine prominent skyscrapers located throughout the United States, highlighting his involvement in significant commercial real estate projects.
One of the notable buildings in which Mayweather has a stake is One Vanderbilt, the tallest commercial building in the United States. This iconic skyscraper, situated in the heart of Manhattan, stands as a testament to both architectural excellence and Mayweather’s strategic investment choices.
Car Collection
Floyd Mayweather is not only known for his prowess in the ring but also for his extravagant car collection, which boasts an array of high-end luxury vehicles. With dozens of cars to his name, Mayweather has created an impressive fleet that exudes opulence and style.
In an interview with ESPN, Mayweather revealed that he has an astounding $15 million worth of luxury cars sitting in his garage, many of which have never been driven. This statement alone underscores the extent of his collection and his affinity for acquiring remarkable automobiles.
For over two decades, Mayweather has been a loyal customer of Towbin Motorcars in Las Vegas, where he has purchased more than 100 cars. Known for his extravagant spending habits, Mayweather reportedly pays for his cars in cash, further highlighting his penchant for luxury and his ability to indulge in his automotive desires without restraint.
Among Mayweather’s notable car assets is the Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, a rare gem worth $5 million. This limited-edition supercar features a stunning diamond-coated exterior, highlighting its exclusivity and extraordinary craftsmanship. Additionally, Mayweather is the proud owner of a $3.5 million Bugatti Chiron, a masterpiece of engineering and design that embodies ultimate luxury and unparalleled performance.
The Bugatti Veyron, another prominent name in Mayweather’s collection, appears not once but three times, with each vehicle priced at approximately $2 million. These exceptional automobiles, known for their speed and exquisite design, further enhance Mayweather’s reputation as a connoisseur of the finest automobiles.
Mayweather’s collection also includes a Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse, which exemplifies the pinnacle of convertible luxury and exhilarating performance. Valued at a considerable $1.4 million, this vehicle showcases his penchant for top-tier automotive engineering.
Moreover, Mayweather possesses a limited edition LaFerrari Aperta, a true masterpiece from the prestigious Italian automaker. With a value surpassing $1 million, this exclusive vehicle combines extraordinary performance with a thrilling open-top driving experience.
The aforementioned examples represent just a fraction of Mayweather’s incredible car collection. His garage also houses numerous Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Mercedes, and many more coveted luxury vehicles. With his discerning taste and substantial financial resources, Mayweather has assembled a fleet that exemplifies his preference for top-of-the-line automobiles.
Notably, Mayweather’s distinction extends to the organization of his collection. At one point, all the cars kept at one of his mansions were white, while those at his other mansion were black. This deliberate separation showcases his attention to detail and his desire to curate a visually striking presentation for his impressive car collection.
Private Jet
Mayweather’s primary private aircraft is a Gulfstream G650, which he fondly named “Air Mayweather.” Purchased as a lavish birthday gift for himself in 2018 when he turned 41, the Gulfstream G650 holds a price tag of $60 million. This state-of-the-art jet offers unparalleled comfort, speed, and range, allowing Mayweather to travel in utmost luxury and style. Adorned with his name on the side and “50 – o,” symbolizing his unbeaten boxing record, on the wing tips, the aircraft is a testament to his success and legacy in the sport.
Mayweather’s affinity for travel extends beyond conventional destinations. In a display of his extravagant lifestyle and social media influence, he reportedly flew to Iceland solely to capture a photo for Instagram, on a dare.
In addition to his Gulfstream G650, Mayweather also owns a Gulfstream III, valued at $30 million. While the G650 serves as his primary mode of transportation, Mayweather’s second private jet, known as “Air Mayweather II,” follows closely behind when he embarks on his travels. This secondary aircraft ensures that his entourage and closest associates can accompany him in ultimate luxury and convenience.
Jewelry Collection
With an impressive array of high-end watches and extravagant pieces, Mayweather’s jewelry collection is nothing short of remarkable.
One standout aspect of Mayweather’s jewelry collection is his extensive assortment of over 40 extremely high-end watches. The boxer has never been shy about flaunting his timepiece treasures and has even claimed that when he goes on vacation, he carries an astonishing 30 watches with him. Not only does he own an impressive quantity of watches, but he also ensures that he is always adorned with a minimum of $3 million worth of jewelry at any given time.
In 2015, Mayweather made headlines with his acquisition of a single watch that solidified his position as a connoisseur of fine jewelry. The watch, created by the esteemed Jacob the Jeweler, carried an astounding price tag of $18 million. Aptly named “The Billionaire,” this remarkable timepiece features an astonishing 239 emerald-cut baguette diamonds, each weighing up to three carats.
From luxury watches adorned with precious stones to other exquisite jewelry pieces, Mayweather’s collection represents a culmination of his discerning taste and immense wealth. His dedication to collecting high-end watches demonstrates his appreciation for both craftsmanship and style, while his commitment to adorning himself with millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry exemplifies his desire to make a statement and bask in the glory of his success.
Controversies
Floyd Mayweather has been involved in several controversies. In 2002, he faced charges of domestic violence and battery, resulting in a suspended sentence, house arrest, and community service. In 2004, he was convicted of misdemeanor battery against two women, receiving a suspended jail sentence, counseling, and a fine.
In 2005, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge for assaulting a bouncer. Mayweather faced further legal trouble in 2010 when he was accused of domestic battery by his former girlfriend. He was initially charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors but ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and harassment, serving a 90-day jail sentence.
Mayweather has also faced legal issues beyond domestic violence. In 2015, he was sued for defamation by his ex-girlfriend, Josie Harris, for making false statements about her during an interview. Mayweather and DJ Khaled also settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2018 for failing to disclose payments received from companies involved in initial coin offerings (ICOs).
They agreed to a total settlement of $750,000. In 2022, Mayweather was named in a class-action lawsuit against the cryptocurrency company EthereumMax, alleging his promotion of the company constituted a pump and dump scheme. The lawsuit was later dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Floyd Mayweather Quotes
When you’re the best, you only want to surround yourself with the best.
In the end, you have to protect yourself at all times.
Everything people say I couldn’t do I’ve done.
A true champion will fight through anything.
God only made one thing in this world that’s perfect – and that’s my boxing record.
I’m a boxer who believes that the object of the sport is to hit and not get hit.