Table of Contents
- Unlike decades ago where the fan support was physical, today social media is the real deal
- The likes of Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, Floyd Mayweather Jr among others enjoy massive social media following
- This is where they cement their fan base
Who are the most followed boxers on social media? Nothing is more powerful in the world of boxing than skill and fan support. And unlike decades ago where the fan support was physical, today social media is the real deal. So, you can’t help but ask who the most followed boxers on social media are.
Athletes – not just boxers – use social media to communicate with fans across the world. They share their ideologies and whip up emotions when need be which is all there is about social media and sports.
For boxing though, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram are a battleground. SportsLeo highlights most followed boxers on social media on these two platforms.
MANNY PACQUIAO: 2.5M X, 8M INSTAGRAM
Manny Pacquiao. [The Bangkok Post]
He quit boxing for politics. In the ring, Pacquiao had a reputation for brutality. But, he remains among the most followed boxers on social media.
ANTHONY JOSHUA: 17M INSTAGRAM, 3.5M X
WBA super, IBF, WBO and IB heavyweight titles were previously held by Anthony Joshua. When he faced Andy Ruiz in June 2019, the British boxer was shocked to lose to the American Andy Ruiz. He lost in the seventh round by knockout. He later regained the championship in a rematch. His on-ring success makes him one of the most followed boxers on social media.
MIKE TYSON: 34M INSTAGRAM, 6M X
Mike Tyson, dubbed the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” is one of the most followed boxers on social media. Ever since making the announcement about his comeback to the ring in 2022, “Iron” Mike has been working out to get back in shape. He has been documenting his sessions on Instagram thereby earning him a huge fan base.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER: 30M INSTAGRAM, 7.5M X
Floyd “Money” Mayweather is the winner of the award for the most followed boxers on social media. The 47-year-old retired from the sport with a perfect 50-0 record, having gone unblemished in his career.
On his Instagram account, Mayweather lives true to his moniker “money,” regularly boasting about his financial success. Mayweather is always on the go. He will always intrigue his fans whether it’s on his private jet, or on his latest million dollar watch. Or, it could be in his designer clothing, or in his new jewelry.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez: 19M Instagram, 2.5M X
Saul Alvarez. Photo/The Times
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, one of the finest boxers in the world right now, shows off his work ethic on Instagram.
Ever since 2018, he has held the WBA super-middleweight and middleweight titles. This is in addition to the WBA middleweight titles at The Ring and lineal middleweight divisions.
Since he began playing professionally 15 years ago, the Mexican superstar has only lost one match as a counterstriker. Canelo frequently posts fitness videos, but he also demonstrates his love for golf by updating his followers on his improved swing. For those who haven’t already, he also encourages them to download his new fitness app, ‘I CANNOT’.
RYAN GARCIA: 12.1M INSTAGRAM, 1.1M X
In addition to a large social media presence, the 26-year-old is flashy online. He goes by the name KingRy, and has been frequently featured on ESPN and SportsCenter”s news feeds for his postings. The tremendous power of the former WBC Silver lightweight champion has carried him to 24 victories, including 20 knockouts.
When it comes to Instagram, the flamboyant Garcia regularly updates his feed with workout videos that showcase his lightning-quick hand speed. He is also the mastermind behind the body shot challenge. He hits victims in the stomach until they collapse in agony from the pain.
Garcia uses X to express his support for other sportsmen from a variety of sports. He also keeps his followers up to date on his upcoming fights and recent interviews.
TYSON FURY: 7M INSTAGRAM, 2.2M X
Tyson Fury in Las Vegas. Photo/Sports Illustrated
When Tyson Fury defeated Deontay Wilder in 2020, he rose to the peak of the division. It also placed him among the most followed boxers on social media.
In history, the Gypsy King is the first heavyweight to hold all five major boxing federations’ championships (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring magazine).
Two years ago, ESPN had him at number one among active heavyweight boxers. BoxRec put him at number two among active heavyweights.
In addition to posting fitness videos on Instagram, Fury regularly informs his followers about new clothes designs. When it comes to X, the Gypsy King has pinned his new book, ‘The Furious Method, at the top of his page. He discusses his battle with depression and his subsequent recovery.
Jake Paul: 29M Instagram, 6M X
One of the fastest rising stars in the boxing world is prominent YouTube streamer Jake Paul. At the age of 27, Jake has already made headlines in boxing, especially due to his most recent fight with the legendary Mike Tyson. The American was crowned the winner of the fight via unanimous decision.
Considering Jake is an internet personality, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see his name on the list of the most followed boxers on social media. He has over 6 million followers on X and 29 million others on Instagram.
