The world's best boxer, a politician and now an international recording artist, our very own Manny Pacquiao is the best paid athlete of 2010 according to ESPN.

ESPN The Magazine, in its May 2011 “all about the money” issue, releases their compilation of the best-paid athletes in 30 sports. The ranking was based on the athletes’ official base salary or earnings from January 1 to December 31, 2010. Please take note that endorsement deals, appearance fees and other sources of income were not considered.

Our Pambansang Kamao, Manny Pacquiao, earned a whopping $32 million (around PhP 1.4 billion) from his two fights in 2010. He ties the no. 1 spot with Alex Rodriguez, an American Major League Baseball player who also earned $32 million in 2010.

Other best-paid athletes in their respective sports include the following:

Horse Racing: Ramon A. Dominguez – $17,411,880
Football: Peyton Manning – $15,800,000
Tennis (Men): Rafael Nadal – $10,171,998
Hockey: Vincent Lecavalier and Roberto Luongo (tie) – $10,000,000
Poker: Jonathan Duhamel – $9,443,519
Golf (Men): Luke Donald – $5,867,601
MMA: Brock Lesnar – $5,300,000
Tennis (Women): Kim Clijsters – $5,035,060
Golf (Women): Na Yeon Choi – $1,871,165
Bull Riding: Renato Nunes – $1,594,527
Equestrian (Men): McLain Ward – $1,280,788
Darts: Phil Taylor – $1,044,000
Fishing: Kevin Vandam – $915,500
Surfing (Men): Kelly Slater – $516,000
Sumo Wrestling: Hakuho – $400,000
Eating: Joey Chestnut – $218,500