One of the most fascinating aspects of the transition from amateur to professional boxing is undoubtedly the earnings. But what’s the difference? How much does a boxer really earn as an amateur, and how much does a professional boxer earn? Let’s explore this issue together.

Amateur Boxers: A Journey of Passion, but with Modest Earnings

In the amateur world, earnings are generally very limited. Amateur boxers are not paid for their performances, except in special cases, and they must rely on other means to support themselves financially. Some athletes may receive cash prizes from tournaments and competitions, but these are generally modest sums. For example, the winner of the World Boxing Championships, one of the most prestigious events in the amateur circuit, can earn around $10,000-$20,000, but these are exceptional cases.

Most amateur boxers receive an annual stipend ranging from €5,000 to €15,000, but these earnings are heavily influenced by their ranking and the opportunities they can get. Many amateur boxers still work part-time or do other jobs to make a living. Some also receive scholarships or financial support from boxing federations or associations.

Earnings also vary greatly depending on the country. In Philippines and Argentina, where boxing is very popular but average income is low, amateur boxers may earn smaller amounts but still enough to support a growing athlete. In Mexico and Eastern Europe, amateur boxing is often a stepping stone to professional boxing, and some boxers can earn through national-level tournaments offering cash prizes or scholarships. In England, amateur athletes are generally better supported financially through clubs, academies, and competitions sponsored by big brands, with opportunities to earn more easily through local or regional sponsorships. In Italy, promising amateur boxers also receive support from sports bodies and federations, but earnings remain limited, often based on scholarships or prizes from national competitions.

Professional Boxers: A Whole New World, with Much Higher Earnings

When a boxer turns professional, things change drastically. Earnings now depend mainly on how many fights they can have and how much popularity they can build. The base earnings for professional boxers, especially in the early years of their career, might seem low compared to the fame some of them achieve later.

Beginner Boxers: In the early years of their career, boxers can earn between €1,000 and €5,000 per fight, unless they are extremely popular or have already achieved good results. However, earnings can vary greatly depending on the country. In Mexico or Philippines, novice boxers may fight for around €500-1,000 per match due to a less developed boxing market compared to the American or European markets. In Eastern Europe, the situation is similar, with earnings ranging from €1,000-2,500 per fight. In England and the United States, boxers at the beginning of their career can earn higher amounts, ranging from €3,000-5,000, thanks to TV contracts and greater visibility. In Italy, a boxer starting their career can earn similar amounts to those in other European countries, but opportunities are more limited compared to countries like the UK or Germany.

Boxers with an Established Career: As their career progresses, earnings increase significantly. Boxers with a good following and those fighting in bigger events can earn between €20,000 and €100,000 per fight, depending on their popularity and the level of the event. However, the difference between countries is still significant. In United States and United Kingdom, a well-known boxer can earn between €30,000-70,000, thanks to visibility and sponsorship deals, while in Mexico or Philippines, even an established boxer may earn less, ranging from €10,000-30,000 per match. In Italy, boxers with an established career can earn between €20,000-50,000 per fight, but the Italian market does not yet offer earnings comparable to those in countries like the United Kingdom or the United States.

World Champions: Boxers at the highest levels, such as world champions or those fighting in major events broadcast globally, can earn millions of euros per fight. An example is Floyd Mayweather, who earned record-breaking figures like $200 million for a single fight, as in the case of his match against Conor McGregor in 2017. Another example is Canelo Álvarez, who earned over $35 million for his fight against Gennady Golovkin in 2017. In Mexico and Argentina, boxers who reach the world stage can still earn millions, but they must contend with less lucrative contracts than those in the United States or the UK.

In Italy, some world-level boxers can earn significant amounts, but opportunities to reach record earnings are still limited compared to larger markets. However, with the growing interest in boxing in Italy and good TV contracts, earnings for top-tier boxers could increase in the coming years.