Canelo Álvarez's Riad Win: $100M Payout Sets New Career Benchmark
The Mexican heavyweight earned $91 million more than Christian Mbilli for a fight that marked Mbilli's first professional loss.
By Christopher Singh ·
Saúl 'Canelo' Álvarez earned $100 million for defeating Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The payout matches the sum he received in 2025 after his loss to Terence Crawford. This figure represents the highest amount in his professional boxing career.
The fight took place on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia. Mbilli, a Canadian resident of French descent, held the heavyweight title going into the bout. He had issued a challenge to the larger opponent, expecting to defend his crown. Álvarez entered the ring carrying the weight of his defeat to Crawford more than a year prior.
Álvarez controlled the contest through strategic positioning and precise strikes. He observed Mbilli's movement and exploited openings as they appeared. The pressure forced Mbilli into errors, leading to his first professional loss. The former champion was dethroned in the ring.
The financial disparity between the two fighters was stark. ESPN reported that Mbilli received $9 million for the fight. Both amounts were agreed upon before the event. The $100 million purse for Álvarez solidifies his position as one of the highest-earning athletes in history.
According to Sportico, Álvarez ranks 22nd on the list of the wealthiest athletes of all time. His net worth stands at $830 million. He is the second richest boxer behind Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has accumulated approximately $1.2 billion. Mayweather is often referred to as 'Money' due to his financial success in the sport.
Álvarez had previously earned $50 million for his fight against Gennadiy Golovkin. That amount remained his highest single-fight earnings until the 2025 Crawford bout and now the 2026 Mbilli fight. The recent win allows him to maintain his financial lead among active heavyweights while planning his next step in the division.
The Mexican boxer is currently planning his next fight for February 2027. He continues to operate under the nickname 'Canelo' while managing his career through high-profile international events. His recent performance in Riyadh reinforced his status as a financial and competitive force in heavyweight boxing.
