Why do boxers make so little money compared to other sports?

[Inspired]

This is INSANE considering that NFL is only popular in America!

Point is, Those other sports generate Billions on top of the Billions from Exclusive Network TV Deals. So the Millions they're giving these players is nothing compared to what the League is Generating as a whole

With Boxing, only certain fighters will see Millions but most won't that is just the harsh reality. Also fighters made way more back then compared to now but the sport as a whole was more popular then compared to now

the nfl does have an insane amount of ads. I tried to get into it when i was a teen but found it impossible.
i really don't know what americans see in it, i dont even like it as a sport.
rugby is much more appealing to me and even that isnt my sport (football, cricket and boxing for me).

[GhostofDempsey]

Almost anyone can be a pro boxer. Pass a physical and get a license. Not everyone makes the cut on a major league team.

[Toffee]

Supply and demand.

Most fighters are at levels where there is oversupply and minimal demand from the viewing public.

At the very top level it works, but the demand for boxing is not great enough to warrant more than the top few fighters.

Any other sport would recognise that it needs a healthy 'pyramid' to produce the top fighters. You're not really the best if no-one else is trying and producing elite level fighters is a numbers game. But boxing doesn't do that and benefits don't follow from the elite level.

In essence, it isn't really a sport - it's an entertainment business. No-one asks why jobbing actors don't get paid a fortune like the big stars. Same deal here.

Other sports, even individual sports, recognise that the next tiers need to be paid. Tennis and golf have guaranteed payouts for qualifiers based on final position from the monies earned by the organisation putting on the event.

In Boxing you don't even get to qualify, so there's no meritocracy. Just business.

[GrandpaBernard]

Too many boxers available vs how many boxers are needed

From what I know ANYONE can go pro

I knew guys with barely any amateur fights and were far from the best fighter in the gym who went pro

If there’s too many boxers and many of them aren’t good, why would people want to watch them. Need viewers to get big money as an entertainer

[GrandpaBernard]

Boxing is high risk, high reward

A new pro in other sports benefits from being attached to an established brand—the team he playing for or ufc. Being associated with the brand guarantees there will always be people watching him

A new pro boxer can be an Olympic gold medalist and still be unknown.

But once you make it in pro boxing the upside is unlimited

Boxing is niche, but Mayweather earnings flexed on the stars of mainstream sports

Boxing rewards its personalities who are great at fighting

[creekrat77]

H3ll I'd box anyone for 50k 🤣

[Weebler I]

the nfl does have an insane amount of ads. I tried to get into it when i was a teen but found it impossible.
i really don't know what americans see in it, i dont even like it as a sport.
rugby is much more appealing to me and even that isnt my sport (football, cricket and boxing for me).

They play it at school. If you play a game, it gives you a natural understanding and interest in it.

[BodyBagz]

Many reasons

Contracts, mostly or a large portion guaranteed.
Merchandising.
Less people to pay. Boxers have to pay many people before they see a dime.

[lokkebassen123]

Some pay to see me win, some pay to see me lose, but they all pay- Floyd Mayweather.