Forbes: Pacquiao world's 6th highest-paid athlete
MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao made it to Forbes magazine's list of highest-paid athletes in the world, tying for the sixth spot with basketball phenom Lebron James and golfer Phil Mickelson.
According to Forbes, Pacquiao is the highest-ranking among four newcomers to the list, raking in a total of $40 million in the past 12 months. The boxing star is among the eight non-Americans on the list, which had golf icon Tiger Woods ($110 million) at the top.
"Pac-Man hogged the boxing spotlight over the past year with victories in two blockbuster fights against Oscar De La Hoya in December and Ricky Hatton in May that combined for more than $100 million in pay-per-view revenue in the US," Forbes said in a brief write-up.
"The two blockbuster fights garnered more than 2 million pay-per-view buys in the US and earned Pac-Man $30 million combined."
The reputable business magazine cited the General Santos City-based southpaw’s endorsements with giant firms.
"Pacquiao's massive popularity in his native Philippines is why companies like Nike and San Miguel beer have signed him to endorse their products. Pacquiao intends to use that popularity to run for political office when his ring career is over," Forbes added.
Among those ranking above Pacquiao include basketball stars Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, and Formula One star Kimi Raikkonen at No. 2 ($45 million each), and football standout David Beckham at No. 5 ($42 million).
Forbes has earlier listed Pacquiao as the 57th most influential celebrity in the world. The Filipino spitfire was also included in Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People.
Pacquiao is reportedly returning to the ring in November, possibly against welterweight star Miguel Cotto.
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