Top 5 Biggest PPV Boxing Buys Ever

PPV boxing events have become a vital part of the sport’s landscape. In recent years, with the shift in television models and the rise of subscription services, fans must now pay to watch boxing’s biggest stars. Here, we look at the top five PPV buys, as revealed by The Ring.

Top 5 PPV Boxing Events of All Time

PPV Boxing: Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015)

In the number one slot, generating a mammoth 4.6 million buys, is Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao from May 2, 2015. The pre-fight hype was massive, and the PPV numbers reflected how long the boxing world had desired this fight. It was a mainly one-sided bout in the end, with Pacquiao having his moments, but Mayweather proved too slick and kept the fight on the outside, frustrating the Filipino fighter. Many believe the fight came too late in their careers, and perhaps they were right. However, Mayweather’s performance left no doubt, winning by unanimous decision (118–110, 116–112 x2).

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (2017)

Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor had a huge build-up with both clashing at press conferences. It generated 4.3 million buys, showing just how much this fight had captured the imagination of the general public. On August 26, 2017, the fight itself was one-sided, with Mayweather often seeming like he was carrying McGregor through it. In round 10, Mayweather turned up the pressure and forced a stoppage. He then announced his retirement from professional boxing with a record of 50-0, 27 KOs.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather (2007)

Floyd Mayweather appears again at number three, this time for his May 5, 2007, fight with Oscar De La Hoya. The fight generated 2.8 million buys, setting a new record at the time. De La Hoya pushed the pace for most of the fight, but many of his punches didn’t land clean, with Mayweather landing the more accurate work.

One judge scored it 115–113 for De La Hoya, while the other two cards read 115–113 and 116-112 for Mayweather, awarding him the win by split decision. Despite the pressure from De La Hoya, Mayweather deserved the victory.

Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo (2013)

On September 14, 2013, Floyd Mayweather faced fellow undefeated fighter Saul Canelo Alvarez. The fight generated 2.2 million buys and wasn’t without controversy.

Mayweather got the win he deserved by a majority decision. “Money” dominated throughout, making Canelo miss while countering effectively. Despite the one-sided fight, Judge C.J. Ross somehow scored it 114-114, while the other two cards were at least reasonable, 116-112 and 117-111. It was difficult to give Alvarez more than two rounds, due to Mayweather’s dominance.

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II (1997)

Completing our top five is Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield II, which produced 1.95 million buys. The bout took place on June 28, 1997. Holyfield won the opening three rounds. Tyson had previously complained about headbuts from Holyfield in their first fight, and an accidental headbutt in the second round of their rematch opened up a large cut over Iron Mike’s right eye.

Near the end of the third round, a moment that shocked the world happened, with Tyson and Holyfield in a clinch, Iron Mike inexplicably bit a piece of cartilage from Holyfield’s ear before spitting it onto the canvas. Chaos ensued, with no one sure what would happen next. The fight continued, but during another clinch, Tyson bit Holyfield’s left ear. Soon after the second attack, the fight was ended with Tyson disqualified, and the Nevada State Athletic Commission revoked Tyson’s license.

PPV boxing has undoubtedly reshaped the sport, turning intriguing fights into huge pay-per-view events. The top five is headed by Floyd Mayweather, and it’s difficult to see his position being under threat. Could Canelo vs Terence Crawford enter the top five?