Do Boxers Get Paid for Exhibition Fights?

When you see a big-name boxer like Floyd Mayweather or Mike Tyson step into the ring for an exhibition match, it’s easy to assume they’re just fighting for fun. But here’s the truth: exhibition fights aren’t charity events. They’re high-stakes business deals wrapped in nostalgia, hype, and carefully managed risk.

Exhibition fights aren’t amateur bouts

People often confuse exhibition fights with amateur sparring or charity matches. They’re not. These are fully produced events-sometimes held in arenas with 20,000 fans, broadcast on pay-per-view, and promoted like championship fights. The gloves might be heavier, the rounds shorter, and the scoring unofficial. But the money? It’s real.

Take the 2021 exhibition between Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather. It wasn’t sanctioned by any boxing commission. No official winner was declared. But Mayweather reportedly earned $30 million for just three rounds. Paul, a social media star with no pro boxing record, made an estimated $15 million. That’s not a goodwill gesture. That’s a negotiated contract with revenue shares, PPV cuts, and sponsorship deals baked in.

How do boxers get paid for exhibitions?

There’s no standard pay scale. Every exhibition deal is custom. But here’s how the money usually breaks down:

• Guaranteed purse: A flat fee paid upfront, regardless of ticket sales or views. This is the baseline. For lesser-known fighters, it might be $5,000-$25,000. For legends, it’s often seven figures.
• Revenue sharing: A percentage of pay-per-view buys, ticket sales, or streaming revenue. This is where big names make their real money. If the event sells 500,000 PPV copies at $50 each, a 20% cut equals $5 million.
• Merchandise and sponsorships: Fighters often get a cut of branded gear sold during the event. Sometimes, they’re paid to wear specific brands-think boxing trunks with logos from energy drinks or betting apps.
• Post-event bonuses: Some contracts include clauses for social media reach, media appearances, or future fight options.

Even fighters who’ve retired or are past their prime still get paid. Why? Because their name sells tickets. A 50-year-old Mike Tyson drawing 80,000 fans in Riyadh? That’s not about fitness. That’s about brand equity.

Who gets paid the most?

It’s not about who’s the best boxer anymore. It’s about who’s the most recognizable. The top earners in exhibition boxing aren’t necessarily the most decorated. They’re the ones with:

• Massive fan followings (social media, TV fame, movie roles)
• Strong brand recognition (think Evander Holyfield, George Foreman)
• History of controversial or memorable fights

For example, in 2023, Conor McGregor’s exhibition bout with Floyd Mayweather (a rematch of their 2017 boxing match) didn’t even happen-but the hype alone generated millions in pre-sales. The mere rumor of it pushed merchandise sales and streaming subscriptions through the roof. That’s the power of a name.

Meanwhile, a local pro boxer with a 10-2 record might get $1,500 to fight in a charity exhibition in Sydney. No PPV. No sponsors. Just a small crowd and a check that covers their travel and training costs. The pay gap isn’t just wide-it’s a canyon.

Why do boxers do exhibition fights?

You might wonder: if these aren’t official fights, why bother? Here’s why:

• Income after retirement: Most boxers don’t retire rich. Exhibition fights let them cash in on their legacy without risking injury in a pro bout.
• Staying visible: A well-timed exhibition keeps a name in the public eye. That helps with endorsements, podcasts, or even acting gigs.
• Testing a comeback: Some fighters use exhibitions as a low-risk way to get back into ring shape. Manny Pacquiao did this before his official return in 2021.
• Legacy building: Fighting a younger star in a charity match can cement a fighter’s status as a legend. It’s about storytelling as much as sport.

There’s also the emotional side. For older fighters, it’s often about giving back. Many exhibition bouts raise money for cancer research, youth programs, or veteran charities. But even then, the fighter still gets paid-just not always upfront. Sometimes the donation is made after the event, based on profits.

What about amateur or semi-pro fighters?

Not everyone in an exhibition fight is a household name. Local gyms, regional promoters, and even universities sometimes organize exhibitions to showcase talent. In these cases, fighters might get:

• A small flat fee ($500-$2,000)
• Free gear or travel reimbursement
• No pay at all-just exposure

Some fighters use these events as stepping stones. A win in a high-profile exhibition can lead to a pro contract. But don’t expect a paycheck. Most of these fighters still have day jobs. They train after work, pay their own gym fees, and drive themselves to the venue.

Are exhibition fights dangerous?

Yes. And that’s why many medical boards warn against them.

Even though the rules are relaxed-no official scoring, shorter rounds, bigger gloves-fighters still throw real punches. In 2022, former UFC champion James Toney suffered a brain bleed during an exhibition bout against a much younger opponent. He spent weeks in recovery. He wasn’t even fighting for money. He was doing it for charity.

Most exhibition fights don’t have the same medical staff as professional bouts. No ringside neurologists. No mandatory post-fight scans. That’s a risk many fighters downplay-especially when they’re offered a big payday.

What’s the future of exhibition boxing?

The trend is growing. With social media driving fan engagement and streaming platforms hungry for content, exhibition fights are becoming a new revenue stream for the sport.

Platforms like Triller and DAZN have started producing their own exhibition cards. They sign retired champions, YouTube stars, and even MMA fighters to fight under boxing rules. The goal? To create viral moments that drive subscriptions.

By 2025, it’s estimated that exhibition fights generated over $200 million globally. That’s more than some regional boxing promotions. And it’s not slowing down.

For fans, it’s entertainment. For promoters, it’s profit. For boxers? It’s a way to keep fighting-on their own terms, at their own pace, and for a paycheck that still matters.

Bottom line

Do boxers get paid for exhibition fights? Absolutely. But the amount varies wildly. A superstar might walk away with $30 million. A local fighter might get $500. The common thread? They’re not fighting for glory. They’re fighting for a contract.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it-ask yourself this: Would you risk your health for a chance to earn a life-changing sum, even if no title is on the line? For many boxers, the answer is yes.