Boxer Mayweather tops world's highest paid athletes list

American boxer Floyd Mayweather was named the world's highest paid athlete for the past 12 months, according to the annual figures list from business magazine Forbes.

This the third time in four years he has topped the list released on Wednesday.

According to the magazine, Mayweather earned US $300 million in the last one year.

He was followed by Philippines boxer Manny Pacquiao with $160m. Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in a multi-million dollar 'super-fight' earlier this year.

Spanish football club Real Madrid's forward Cristiano Ronaldo ($79.6m) and fellow club FC Barcelona striker Lionel Messi ($73.8m) were third and fourth respectively on the list.

Indian cricket team's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was ranked 23rd on the list, the highest ranked person from his discipline, with total earnings of $31 million. Dhoni was tied with Brazilian football superstar Neymar for the spot.

The figures include salaries, bonuses, prize money and appearance fees, plus estimates of endorsement income for the past 12 months.

Top 10:

1.Floyd Mayweather, US, Boxing $300m

2.Manny Pacquiao, Philippines, Boxing $160m

3.Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football $79.6m

4.Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football $73.8m

5.Roger Federer, Switzerland, Tennis $67m

6.LeBron James, US, Basketball $64.8m

7.Kevin Durant, US, Basketball $54.1m

8.Phil Mickelson, US, Golf $50.8m

9.Tiger Woods, US, Golf $50.6m

10.Kobe Bryant, US, Basketball $49.5m

23. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India, Cricket $31 million