The Biggest Sponsors Behind Some of the Best Fighters in Boxing

The lines between sports and business have blurred significantly throughout history. This fact is especially evident nowadays. Boxing sponsorships and endorsements are huge in the sport. Some of the biggest boxers in the game are giving their recommendations for products that both are and aren’t involved with boxing. Some fans have expressed a disdain for the growing number of endorsements, claiming that these boxers are sellouts. However, it is good to remember that boxing sponsorships and endorsements have been a staple of the sport since the 20th century. Some of the greatest fighters of all time have done endorsement deals. But our question is: what are the biggest sponsors in boxing today?

Boxing Sponsorships and Endorsements in the Modern Day

Boxing Sponsporships and Endorsements: Online Casinos

Many fans of boxing are now discovering iGaming through the growing number of online gambling sponsorships in boxing. Affiliate sites like Casinofy have done a pretty good job of keeping the industry legitimate. They can point new fans to safe online casinos, many of which have collaborated with boxers in the past.

Some might find the relationship between casinos and boxing a bit strange. What if we told you that this relationship has been around? Before the age of huge arenas and boxing rings, fights took place in large casino halls. Indeed, many long-awaited fights even today are often scheduled within the halls of a casino.

Considering the relationship, it isn’t hard to see why a casino might want to sponsor a fighter. You might be surprised to learn that some of the biggest names in boxing today have done casino endorsements. Tyson Fury is often called “The King,” and his bout with Oleksandr Usyk was peppered with promos for online gambling platforms. 

Clothing Brands

A bulk of the marketing for clothing brands comes from endorsements and sponsorship deals. It is hard for boxers to doclothing-related endorsements because the gear they wear in the ring is very specific. Still, over the years, we’ve seen some pretty big names lend their credibility to brands that many are familiar with.

The most notable example is Floyd Mayweather, who worked with Reebok for years. Upon his retirement, the company even sold silver boxing shoes with the boxer’s signature. Manny Pacquiao, who will be stepping in the ring against Mario Barrios, has also worked with Nike in the past. The relationship ended in 2016, after years of collaboration.

Under Armour is a well-known collaborator with boxers. The sportswear company is known for their incredible boxing gear, making them the perfect fit. In the last couple of decades, they’ve worked with two of boxing’s biggest fighters;Canelo Alvarez and Anthony Joshua. The endorsements helped propel Under Armour to the top of the boxing world, proving that boxing endorsements are quite effective.

Luxury Brands

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not mention luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana or Dior. While it may seem strange to say, these companies have worked with boxers and have a well-documented past of doing so. Recently, there has been a push for men to dress better, and return to the suit-and-tie style of the 20th century. It is the perfect time for luxury brands to attempt and bring in a new customer base.

Canelo Alvarez makes a return appearance here. The Mexican pro boxer has been spotted on several occasions wearing fine Dolce & Gabbana suits and accessories. The brand has created custom designs for Alvarez both for within and outside the ring. The effort has catapulted the Italian fashion brand’s fame and notoriety in the world of boxing. 

Dior is another of the world’s most famous luxury brands, and they, too, have worked with boxers in the past. In 2022, Ryan Garcia stepped into the ring against Javier Fortuna, wearing gear custom-made by the brand. Not to mention, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Dior worked with quite a few of the female boxers, presenting them with several luxury items.

Final Thoughts

Though boxing is the most popular combat sport, many might notice a distinct lack of boxing sponsorships and endorsements deals. That is because brands are much more likely to back an athlete who is more prominent in the news. Boxers fight once, or maybe twice a year. Meanwhile, football and basketball players are on the field weekly during the season. Still, some boxers get so big, that sponsorships only make sense.