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best defensive boxer of his generation — topped the magazine’s Fortunate 50 list, issued on Wednesday.

Mayweather also took the top spot last year, earning an estimated US$85 million, again from just two fights, the magazine reported.

Miami Heat basketball star LeBron James (28), a four-time National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, came in this year in the number two slot,.

He earned a total of US$56,5 million.

The list is calculated by combining estimated salary, winnings and endorsements. Mayweather’s total earnings are even more impressive considering he received no endorsement money either this year or last.

James’ US$56,5 million income combines a US$17,5 million salary with an additional US$39 million in endorsements.

Golfer Tiger Woods, the highest paid US athlete from 2004, when the list was first published, through 2011, dropped to the No. 5 slot on this year’s list, earning US$40.8 million.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano came in as the 50th highest-paid US athlete with an estimated US$18,2 million.
Candidates for the list must be US citizens and compete in a US-based league.

Internationally, soccer great David Beckham is estimated to earn more than US$48 million. This lands him the top spot on the magazine’s annual list of highest-paid athletes worldwide, The International 20. — AFP.