Bantamweight boxers salaries prove the 118-pound division creates Japanese millionaires. Naoya Inoue earned $35 million dominating bantamweight before moving up.
Junto Nakatani accumulated $4 million winning three division titles. Nonito Donaire made $10 million across legendary championship runs.
The division produces boxing’s most technically gifted fighters whose elite skills translate into six-figure purses that reach seven figures through Japanese market dominance.
Explore the Bantamweight Division boxers biography and net worth by clicking on their name.
| Name | Nationality | Net Worth |
| Junto Nakatani | Japanese | $4 million |
| Yoshiki Takei | Japanese | $1-2 million |
| Ryosuke Nishida | Japanese | $500,000 to $1 million |
| Seiya Tsutsumi | Japanese | $1.2 million |
| Walter Santibanes | American | $1 million |
| Anselmo Joel Moreno Ordoñez | Panamanian | $2-3 million |
| Hozumi Hasegawa | Japanese | $12 million |
| Luis Nery | Mexican | $1-5 million |
| Saul Sanchez | American | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Manuel Flores | American | $2 million |
| Immanuel Naidjala | Namibian | $1 million |
| Hiroaki Teshigawara | Japanese | $500,000 |
10 Highest Paid Boxers in Bantamweight Division Ranked
Bantamweight creates boxing’s most exciting technical champions where Japanese promotional power generates purses rivaling lightweight earnings through massive domestic television audiences and strategic Tokyo venue selections.
| Rank | Boxer | Net Worth | Career Earnings | Active/Retired | World Titles |
| 1 | Naoya Inoue | $7M | $35M | Active | Undisputed Champion |
| 2 | Nonito Donaire | $8M | $10M | Retired | 4-time Champion |
| 3 | Junto Nakatani | $4M | $8M | Active | Unified Champion |
| 4 | Jason Moloney | $2M | $4M | Active | WBO Champion |
| 5 | John Riel Casimero | $2M | $5M | Active | Former Champion |
| 6 | Guillermo Rigondeaux | $1M | $3M | Retired | Unified Champion |
| 7 | Vincent Astrolabio | $800K | $1.5M | Active | Contender |
| 8 | Takuma Inoue | $1M | $2M | Active | WBA Champion |
| 9 | Ryosuke Nishida | $750K | $1M | Active | Former Champion |
| 10 | Luis Nery | $3M | $1M | Active | Former Champion |
Naoya Inoue dominated bantamweight earnings with $35 million total before moving to super bantamweight. His $5 million Stephen Fulton victory and $2.5 million Marlon Tapales unification represented the division’s peak purses.
Nonito Donaire accumulated $10 million becoming bantamweight’s oldest champion at 38. His $800,000 Toshiaki Nishioka victory and consistent six-figure purses built wealth across three decades of championship excellence.
Junto Nakatani earned $8 million winning titles at flyweight, super flyweight, and bantamweight. His $525,000 Vincent Astrolabio purse including PPV shares demonstrated Japanese bantamweight earning power.
Who Is the Highest Paid Bantamweight Boxer?
Naoya Inoue earned approximately $35 million at bantamweight, making him the division’s all-time earnings king. His $5 million Stephen Fulton purse occurred at super bantamweight, but his bantamweight dominance from 2019-2023 generated $20 million through Japanese television deals.
Inoue’s $2.5 million Marlon Tapales unification represented bantamweight’s largest purse. The December 2023 undisputed championship bout attracted massive Japanese PPV sales, demonstrating 118-pound fighters command seven-figure guarantees.
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His consistent million-dollar purses separated him from global competitors. Inoue earned $1 million defeating Paul Butler, $500,000 stopping Nonito Donaire in their rematch, and similar amounts against Aran Dipaen.
Bantamweight Earnings Growth Analysis
| Boxer | 2020 Net Worth | 2023 Net Worth | 2025 Net Worth | Growth % | Key Income Sources |
| Junto Nakatani | $500K | $2M | $4M | 700% | Three-division titles, Japanese market |
| Jason Moloney | $800K | $1.5M | $2M | 150% | WBO championship, Australian support |
| Naoya Inoue | $3M | $5M | $7M | 133% | Moved to super bantamweight, higher purses |
| Takuma Inoue | $300K | $700K | $1M | 233% | WBA title, brother’s promotional support |
Junto Nakatani’s 700% growth represents modern bantamweight’s fastest wealth accumulation. His $525,000 Astrolabio purse and $400,000 David Cuellar defense demonstrate Japanese bantamweight champions command six-figure guarantees consistently.
Jason Moloney doubled wealth becoming WBO champion. His Australian market strength drives consistent $200,000-400,000 purses, demonstrating non-Japanese bantamweights can build substantial earnings.
Takuma Inoue tripled net worth leveraging his brother’s fame. His WBA championship status commands $150,000-300,000 purses, proving family connections accelerate earning trajectories significantly.
Current Bantamweight Champion Purses
Junto Nakatani commands $400,000-525,000 per title defense. His June 2025 Ryosuke Nishida unification paid estimated $500,000, representing peak bantamweight earning potential for non-Inoue fighters.
Jason Moloney earns $200,000-400,000 as WBO champion. His Australian promotional support maintains consistent purses, though Japanese champions command 25-50% premiums through domestic television deals.
Takuma Inoue makes $150,000-300,000 per WBA defense. His brother’s promotional company guarantees premium purses that exceed typical bantamweight champion rates by 50-100%.
Historic Bantamweight Purses
Naoya Inoue’s $2.5 million Marlon Tapales unification stands as bantamweight’s largest purse. The December 2023 undisputed championship bout generated massive Japanese revenue, proving 118-pounders can earn seven figures.
Nonito Donaire earned $800,000 defeating Toshiaki Nishioka in 2012. His HBO contract guaranteed premium purses that established bantamweight financial standards before Inoue’s era.
Junto Nakatani made $525,000 stopping Vincent Astrolabio including PPV shares. His 65% revenue split demonstrated Japanese promotional structures favor champions heavily.
Jason Moloney earned estimated $300,000 winning the WBO title against Vincent Astrolabio. His majority decision victory launched consistent six-figure championship earnings.
FAQs
How much did Naoya Inoue earn at bantamweight?
Naoya Inoue earned approximately $35 million at bantamweight from 2019-2023. His biggest bantamweight purse was $2.5 million defeating Marlon Tapales for undisputed status.
What’s Junto Nakatani’s net worth?
Junto Nakatani has approximately $4 million net worth with $8 million career earnings. He commands $400,000-525,000 per title defense across three weight classes.
How much does Jason Moloney make per fight?
Jason Moloney earns $200,000-400,000 per WBO bantamweight title defense. His Australian promotional backing maintains consistent six-figure purses.
Did Nonito Donaire make millions at bantamweight?
Yes, Nonito Donaire earned approximately $10 million at bantamweight across multiple championship reigns. His $800,000 Nishioka victory represented his career-high in the division.
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