What Is Saúl Álvarez Net Worth’ Net Worth?
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, a prominent figure in professional boxing, primarily in the light middleweight division, has amassed a significant net worth estimated at $250 million. His career, marked by multiple world championships across four weight classes, has solidified his position as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the sport. This net worth is primarily built from lucrative fight purses, endorsements, and burgeoning business ventures.
Canelo Álvarez’s Career Earnings and Contracts
Álvarez’s career earnings are substantial, reflecting his success in the ring and his marketability. As of 2025, his pre-tax earnings from all sources are estimated at $600 million. This figure encompasses fight purses, endorsement deals, and income from his various business endeavors. Some of his notable purses include $1.2 million for the Sugar Shane Mosley fight in 2012, $2 million for defeating Josesito Lopez in the same year (plus a $100,000 knockout bonus), and a significant $12 million for his bout against Floyd Mayweather, which included a percentage of the pay-per-view profits.
Other major fight purses include $5 million for his victory over Miguel Cotto in 2015, and an estimated $15-$25 million for defeating Amir Khan in 2016. His two fights against Gennady Golovkin also contributed significantly, with $40 million for the first fight and $30 million for the second. Between June 2017 and June 2018, Álvarez earned $44 million from endorsements and boxing purses. The Golovkin fight generated over $20 million in live gate revenue.
One of the most significant contracts in Álvarez’s career was a 5-year, $365 million deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN, signed on October 17, 2018. This deal was intended to cover 11 fights, beginning with his December 15, 2018, match against Rocky Fielding. Under this agreement, DAZN was to pay Golden Boy $40 million per fight, with Álvarez receiving $35 million per fight. However, this deal later led to legal disputes, as outlined below.
Despite the DAZN deal, Álvarez’s earnings varied year by year. Between June 2018 and June 2019, he earned $95 million from his empire. In the following 12 months, his earnings were $40 million. Between June 2020 and June 2021, Álvarez earned $90 million.
Business Ventures of Canelo Álvarez
Beyond boxing, Canelo Álvarez has established a diverse business portfolio. He owns “Canelo Energy,” a chain of gas stations in Mexico, and operates 20 locations of a convenience store called “Upper.” He also has a clothing line and a fitness app. In 2023, he launched a canned tequila-based cocktail called VMC and a sports drink company called Yaoca. These ventures contribute to his overall income, diversifying his revenue streams beyond the boxing ring.
Canelo Álvarez’s Endorsement Deals
Unlike many athletes, Álvarez has been selective with his endorsement partners. One notable endorsement is a $2 million per year contract with Anheuser-Busch. This partnership highlights his brand appeal and the value he brings to his endorsement deals. Historically, he has been very selective about endorsements.
DAZN Deal and Subsequent Lawsuit
The $365 million deal with DAZN in 2018 was intended to guarantee that Álvarez’s next ten fights would be broadcast through their platform. The agreement stipulated that DAZN would pay Golden Boy $40 million per fight, with Álvarez’s share being $35 million. However, in September 2020, Álvarez filed a breach of contract lawsuit against DAZN, Golden Boy Promotions, and Oscar De La Hoya, seeking $280 million in damages plus lost sponsorship and gate revenue. The lawsuit arose from disagreements over the opponents Álvarez chose to face, with DAZN reportedly finding them not “premier.” DAZN allegedly offered Álvarez half of his guaranteed $35 million purse to fight Billy Joe Saunders, an offer he rejected.
Álvarez argued that he should either be paid the $35 million he believed he was guaranteed to fight opponents he selected with Golden Boy, or he wanted to terminate the contract to pursue fights independently. He claimed that Golden Boy had a separate contract giving DAZN the right to approve or reject potential opponents.
Early Life and Boxing Beginnings
Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, born on July 18, 1990, in the outskirts of Guadalajara, is the youngest of seven siblings. His family moved to Juanacatlan when he was five, and he was raised on their family’s farm. All six of his brothers also became professional boxers. Álvarez’s red hair, a rarity in Mexico, earned him the nickname “Canelo,” meaning “cinnamon” in Spanish.
Álvarez began boxing at age 13, following in his brothers’ footsteps. His amateur record was impressive, winning a silver medal in the Mexican Junior Championship and a gold medal the following year at age 15. Shortly after winning gold, Álvarez turned professional due to a lack of opponents in the amateur ranks. In 2006, he won the welterweight title. He then moved to light middleweight, winning the WBC silver title in 2010. That year, he also became the first boxer to knock out Carlos Baldomir. He defended his title multiple times, eventually beating Austin Trout in 2013. Later that year, he suffered a major loss against Floyd Mayweather.
Key Milestones in Canelo Álvarez’s Career
Álvarez’s career is marked by numerous achievements and milestones. In 2011, he won the WBC, WBA (Super), and Ring magazine light middleweight titles. In 2015, he secured the unified WBA (Unified), WBC, Ring, and lineal middleweight titles. In December 2020, he became the first boxer to unify the WBA (Super), WBC, and Ring magazine super middleweight titles. In 2019, he moved to the light heavyweight division and won the WBO title.
Other notable fights include a victory over Alfredo Angulo in 2014 and a win against Miguel Cotto in 2015, securing the WBC, Ring, and lineal middleweight titles. He defended these titles with a knockout against Amir Khan. In 2016, Álvarez challenged Liam Smith for the WBO light-middleweight world title, winning with a body strike. After negotiations, Álvarez fought Julio Cesar Chavez Junior, winning in a unanimous decision. The fights against Gennady Golovkin in 2017 and 2018 were also significant, with the first ending in a split decision and the second resulting in a controversial win for Álvarez.
Boxing Style and Attributes
Álvarez is known for his counterpunching ability, exploiting small gaps in his opponents’ defenses. He is also renowned for his powerful body punches, particularly liver strikes. His head movement is another notable attribute, making him a difficult target. Álvarez’s intelligence in the ring allows him to set traps for his opponents with creative combinations, often ending fights with multiple punches.
Major Purse History
Saúl Álvarez’s significant fight purses include:
- Sugar Shane Mosely: $1.2 million
- Josesito Lopez: $2 million
- Floyd Mayweather: $12 million
- Miguel Cotto: $5 million
- Amir Khan: $25 million
- Gennady Golovkin I: $40 million
- Gennady Golovkin II: $30 million
Career Earnings Over Time
Canelo Alvarez’s earnings have varied across different time periods. Between June 2018 and June 2019, he secured $95 million. In the following year, his earnings totaled $40 million. From June 2020 to June 2021, Alvarez earned $90 million. More recently, between June 2022 and June 2023, his earnings amounted to $110 million.