In 2024, Ukrainian boxing sensation Ołeksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KO) stepped into the ring only twice, but those two fights were enough to skyrocket his earnings to unprecedented heights. Both bouts were against Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO) in Riyadh, with Usyk emerging victorious in both encounters. The Ukrainian boxer’s dominance in the ring translated into a staggering payday, leaving Polish sports stars Iga Świątek and Robert Lewandowski in his shadow.
A Jackpot in the Ring
According to Ukrainian portal Champion, Usyk pocketed a whopping $45 million for his first fight against Fury, and an even more impressive $104.5 million for the second bout. That’s a total of $149.5 million, equivalent to approximately 621.55 million Polish złotys (PLN). To put that into perspective, Usyk earned that amount for just 72 minutes of work in the ring. And that’s not counting additional revenue from sponsorship deals and other sources.
Polish Stars Left Behind
In comparison, Iga Świątek, the Polish tennis sensation, earned a comparatively modest $23.8 million in 2024, according to Forbes. Of that amount, $8.8 million came from on-court earnings, while $15 million came from off-court endorsements. While that’s an impressive sum, it pales in comparison to Usyk’s gargantuan earnings.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski, the Polish football star, earned $31.8 million in 2024, playing for FC Barcelona, according to Capology. That’s approximately 132.19 million PLN. While that’s a respectable sum, it’s still dwarfed by Usyk’s earnings.
The Gap Between Boxing and Other Sports
These figures highlight the significant earnings gap between boxing and other sports. Boxing’s biggest stars can command astronomical sums for a single fight, while even the top players in other sports like tennis and football earn significantly less.
Usyk’s Rise to Boxing Stardom
Usyk’s meteoric rise to boxing stardom is a testament to his dedication and hard work. With a spotless record of 23 wins and zero losses, he has established himself as one of the top boxers in the world. His victories against Fury have cemented his position as the WBC, WBO, and WBA heavyweight champion.
What’s Next for Usyk?
As Usyk looks to continue his reign in the boxing world, fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting his next move. Will he take on new challengers, or look to defend his titles against familiar foes? One thing is certain – with his current earning power, Usyk is poised to remain one of the highest-paid athletes in the world for years to come.
Data Sources:
* Champion portal (Ukraine)
* Forbes
* Capology
* WBC, WBO, and WBA boxing federations