DESPITE fighting only once last year, Manny Pacquiao remains one of the sport’s top earners, according to Sports Illustrated.
Pacquiao’s shocking sixth-round knockout loss to Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez last December reportedly made him $35 million richer, enough for him to keep sixth spot in SI’s International 20 for 2013, a listing of the world’s top-earning sportsmen other than Americans.
British soccer superstar David Beckham climbed to the top spot from No. 2 with earnings of $48,349,000, dislodging four-time highest earner Roger Federer, who raked in $43,424,842.
Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso vaulted to third place from fifth with $42,800,000, while Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo remained at fourth with $35,300,000.
Lionel Messi of Argentina, nosed out Pacquiao at fifth with $35,100,000.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. heads SI’s Fortunate 50, a separate listing of the richest American sportsmen, with $90 million.
Mayweather toppled Tiger Woods, who slipped to fifth, and relegated LeBron James to second with earnings of $56.5 million.