Mayweather tops Forbes sports rich list, Messi surpasses Ronaldo

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has reclaimed top spot from Cristiano Ronaldo in Forbes 2018 list of the world's 100 highest-paid athletes.

The American boxing icon's significant earnings from last year's fight with Irishman Conor McGregor made him the world's best paid for the fourth time in seven years, with USD 285million (£212.8million).

The Portuguese star Ronaldo, with earnings of $108million fell to third, behind his rival Lionel Messi $111million. Only the top three had earnings surpassing USD100million (£74.7million).

Irish mixed martial artist McGregor ($99million) and Paris St Germain's Neymar ($90million) were fourth and fifth, respectively, but for the first time since 2010 there was not a single female on the list.

LeBron James (basketball), Roger Federer (tennis), Stephen Curry (basketball), Matt Ryan (American football) and Matthew Stafford (American football) concluded the top 10.

Barcelona star Messi narrowly surpassed Ronaldo after signing a new contract at Barcelona, but the Portuguese, Mayweather and golfer Tiger Woods - this year ranked 16th - remained the only three to top the best-paid list during the past 18 years.

Forbes List of Highest Paid Athletes:

Floyd Mayweather, USD285million (£212.8million)

Lionel Messi, USD111million (£82.9million)

Cristiano Ronaldo, USD108million (£80.6million)

Conor McGregor, USD99million (£73.9million)

Neymar, USD90million (£67.2million)

LeBron James, USD85.5million (£63.8million)

Roger Federer, USD77.2million (£57.6million)

Stephen Curry, USD76.9million (£57.4million)