Messi unseats Mayweather on the list of highest-paid athletes

The Forbes magazine published a list of highest-paid athletes. They were ranked according to the money earned directly from sportsmanship, fixed payments, commissions, and advertising contracts. In the list were four boxers, the best of which was Saul Alvarez, who was in fourth place ($94 million earned in the last twelve months).

Mexican signed a contact with DAZN last October, that will allow him to earn $365 million by the end of 2023. Canelo can earn more on advertising of various products in Mexico and the United States, including Tecate beer.

On one of the top positions in Forbes list is Anthony Joshua (13th place, $55 million), who in addition to huge payments for the battles is cooperating with many famous brands, led by Under Armour. Joshua earns from these contracts more that most of the boxers - 10 million. Canelo earns "only" 2 million.

Deontay Wilder (56th, 30.5 mill.), Manny Pacquiao (92th, 26 mill.), and Gennady Golovkin (95th, 25.5 mill.) are also included in the top-100. Wilder has recently expanded his financial empire, although, according to analysts, he has not yet fully used its advertising potential.

FORBES TOP 10 best athletes (from June 2018 to June 2019)

1. Lionel Messi (Soccer) - $127 million

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer) - 109

3. Neymar (Soccer) - 105

4. Saul Alvarez (boxing) - 94

5. Roger Federer (tennis) - 93.4

6. Russell Wilson (American football) - 89.5

7. Aaron Rodgers (American football) - 89.3

8. LeBron James (basketball) - 89

9. Stephen Curry (basketball) - 79.8

10. Kevin Durant (basketball) - 65.4