Forbes' Most Powerful Celebrities: Pacquiao at 55, Mayweather at 31

9:45 AM // 0 comments // Ian Purugganan // Category: Mayweather , Pacquiao //

World boxing superstar and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao has been included in Forbes magazine’s list of most powerful celebrities in the world for the year 2010.

Pacquiao ranked 55th out of the 100 richest and most powerful celebrities in the world this year, edging out Hollywood actors like Tom Cruise and George Clooney, according to Forbes’ website.

Television host Oprah Winfrey, meanwhile, was listed as the world’s most powerful celebrity in 2010, followed by singer Beyonce Knowles and Avatar director James Cameron.

Forbes estimated Pacquiao’s earnings from June 2009 to June 2010 at $42 million, $35 million of which he earned from his blockbuster fights against Joshua Clottey and Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao’s next potential opponent, Mayweather, ranked higher than him at No. 31 with an estimated $65-million earning in the past year.

The magazine likewise acknowledged Pacquiao’s political influence, being the newly elected representative of the lone congressional district of Sarangani province in southern Philippines.

“While still regarded by many as the best boxer in the sport right now, Pac-Man (Pacquiao’s monicker) is also busy outside the ring. He was elected a member of Congress of the Philippines in May… The boxing world awaits a potential mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.," Forbes said.

Negotiations are still ongoing for a potential November 13 showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

[Boxing News Source: Andreo Calenzo, KBK, GMANews.TV]