The 10 Biggest Gates in U.S. Boxing History
In boxing, winning world titles is the ultimate goal, but selling out an arena or stadium comes with its own kind of prestige. A massive gate doesn’t just mean money; it’s proof that fighters can capture the imagination of the public, filling venues with fans eager to witness history.
From Las Vegas to Dallas, some events have set records that still stand today. Whether it was a “novelty fight” pitting a YouTuber against a legend, or two pound-for-pound kings colliding at their peaks, these spectacles proved boxing’s enduring pull. Here are the 10 biggest gates in U.S. boxing history, where the hype outside the ring was almost as important as the action inside it.
10. Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson (2024) – $17.8 Million
Even in his late fifties, Mike Tyson could still draw a crowd. His comeback against social media star Jake Paul filled AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. The fight had fans buzzing, intrigued by the clash of eras and personalities.
But once the bell rang, the gulf in age and sharpness was obvious. Tyson barely landed, struggling to cope with the 31-year difference. Paul cruised to a unanimous decision, though much of the crowd had already started leaving by the final bell.
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The spectacle proved Tyson’s name still had magic — even if his performance did not.
9. Floyd Mayweather vs. Oscar De La Hoya (2007) – $19 Million
When “Money” Mayweather faced “The Golden Boy” De La Hoya, it was more than just a fight — it was a cultural event. The bout headlined the first HBO “24/7” series and became one of the biggest pay-per-views ever.
At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the gate reached $19 million. In the ring, De La Hoya pushed Mayweather harder than most, losing only by split decision. Many argued he deserved the nod, sparking calls for a rematch.
Though that sequel never came, the fight cemented Mayweather as boxing’s new commercial king.
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8. Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Álvarez (2013) – $20 Million
In 2013, Mayweather met a rising star: 23-year-old Canelo Álvarez. Billed as a generational showdown, the hype was enormous. The MGM Grand once again hosted, and the live gate surpassed $20 million.
Inside the ring, however, Mayweather’s experience told the story. He schooled Canelo with ease, winning by majority decision. A bizarre 114-114 scorecard from judge C.J. Ross remains infamous.
It was a passing of the torch moment — but Mayweather wasn’t ready to let go just yet.
7. Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford (2023) – $21 Million
Fans had clamored for years to see Spence and Crawford meet for welterweight supremacy. When it finally happened in July 2023, the T-Mobile Arena was packed, producing a $21 million gate.
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The buildup promised a 50-50 clash, but the fight itself was one-sided. Crawford dropped Spence early, then twice more in the seventh round. By the ninth, the referee mercifully stopped it.
The result crowned Crawford as one of the era’s greatest fighters — and one of boxing’s biggest box-office draws.
6. Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia (2023) – $22.8 Million
Dubbed boxing’s first true “social media super fight,” Davis vs. Garcia captured a new generation of fans. With Garcia’s Instagram following and Davis’s knockout power, the T-Mobile Arena sold out with over 20,000 in attendance.
The action matched the hype. Davis gradually imposed himself, before finishing Garcia with a brutal body shot in the seventh round. At the time of the stoppage, he was well ahead on the scorecards.
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Afterward, Davis declared himself “the face of boxing” — and with $22.8 million at the gate, few disagreed.
5. Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin II (2018) – $23.5 Million
Their first fight had ended in bitter controversy. The rematch in 2018 was billed as redemption — and fans paid top dollar to see it. Tickets for the T-Mobile Arena bout generated $23.5 million.
This time, the fighters delivered a classic. Both traded at close range in what Ring Magazine later called the Fight of the Year. After 12 rounds, Canelo edged a majority decision, setting up a third bout years later.
It was proof that rivalries, when genuine, can elevate both fighters — and the business.
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4. Canelo Álvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin I (2017) – $27.1 Million
The original Canelo–Golovkin clash was one of the most anticipated middleweight fights of all time. The gate at T-Mobile Arena hit $27.1 million, reflecting the demand.
The bout itself was thrilling but divisive. Golovkin seemed to land the cleaner shots in most rounds, yet the judges declared it a split draw. Fans cried robbery, though the controversy only fueled interest in the rematch.
In business terms, the controversy was gold — setting the stage for even bigger numbers in their rivalry.
3. Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford (2025) – $47.2 Million
A true “Fight of the Century” moment. Crawford jumped two weight classes to face Canelo at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, drawing over 70,000 fans. The live gate shattered records, totaling more than $47 million.
In the ring, Crawford made history. He dominated Canelo to become a five-division world champion and the undisputed king at super middleweight. The win preserved his unbeaten record and handed Canelo just the third loss of his storied career.
It was as much a financial blockbuster as it was a sporting one.
2. Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (2017) – $55.4 Million
When UFC star McGregor crossed into boxing, many dismissed it as a circus. But “The Money Fight” sold like nothing before. Ticket sales for the T-Mobile Arena showdown reached $55.4 million, despite thousands of seats going unsold.
The fight itself went as expected. Mayweather carried McGregor for several rounds before finishing him in the 10th.
Critics may have scoffed, but financially it was a masterstroke — one that cemented Mayweather’s nickname yet again.
1. Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (2015) – $72.2 Million
The world waited six years for Mayweather–Pacquiao, and when it came, demand was unprecedented. Tickets sold out instantly, with even the weigh-in commanding a secondary market. The MGM Grand gate totaled a record-shattering $72.2 million.
The fight itself couldn’t match the hype. Mayweather boxed cautiously to a unanimous decision win. Yet in financial terms, it was the biggest boxing event ever staged in the United States.
For better or worse, it set a bar that may never be topped.
