SM Owner Henry Sy leads Forbes’ list of 15 billionaires in the Philippines

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The 40 richest people in the Philippines saw their wealth grow over $13 billion to $47.4 billion this year, thanks to a booming remittance-driven economy that outperformed most of the country’s neighbors, according to the latest issue of Forbes Asia.

The increase in wealth produced 15 billionaires, up from 11 a year ago—a result of an ongoing consumer boom, a surge in tourism and outsourcing, a stock market that gained 17 percent in the past year, and economic growth of 6.4 percent in the last quarter, the magazine said.

Henry Sy, 87, remains the richest person in the Philippines with a net worth of $9.1 billion, up $1.9 billion from a year ago, according to Forbes.

But the most impressive was Enrique Razon Jr., this year’s biggest gainer, as the 52-year old tycoon saw his wealth surge by $2 billion to $3.6 billion, catapulting him four ranks higher to become the country’s third richest person.

Took over at 27

Razon became a billionaire last year with $1.6 billion in net worth and made his first fortune in ports, taking over the family business, International Container Terminal Services (ICTS), at age 27.

He turned ICTS into one of the largest port operators in Asia, before expanding into Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Forbes said that much of Razon’s jump in wealth this year was from his stake in Bloomberry Resorts, which had a public offering this May.

Bloomberry plans to open a resort casino on Manila Bay in 2013 that Razon hopes will position the country as a gaming destination alongside Macau and Singapore.

Henry Sy retains the top spot on the list, with control of the country’s biggest retail group, which includes SM Prime, the Philippines’ largest mall developer, with 42 malls.

Lucio Tan

No. 2 on the list is Lucio Tan with $4.5 billion, up $1.7 billion from last year, the magazine said.

Known as the Philippines’ tobacco king, the 78-year-old billionaire owns part of Phillip Morris Fortune Tobacco, which has an estimated 80-percent share of the cigarette market.

Other assets held by Tan include beer-maker Asia Brewery and Hong Kong-based Eton Properties. Tan also sold a 49-percent stake in the holding company of Philippine Airlines to San Miguel Corp. for a reported $500 million in April.

Gambling is an appealing sector for other billionaires in the country, Forbes said.

PH’s only private casino

Andrew Tan’s Alliance Global, which is partnered with Malaysia’s Genting, has the country’s only private casino in Manila, Resorts World, which opened in 2010.

Andrew Tan is ranked No. 6 on this year’s list with a net worth of $2.3 billion, up from $2 billion previously.

The Sy family is also getting in on the gambling action with its own Manila Bay resort and casino, scheduled to open next year.

Overall, 34 out of the 37 returnees on the list grew richer.

Newcomers

Robert Coyiuto Jr., who owns part of the power transmission outfit National Grid Corp., saw his net worth surge from $400 million last year to $1.3 billion, making him the biggest gainer in percentage terms.

There are three newcomers to this year’s list: Lucio and Susan Co, a husband and wife team who joins the ranks of billionaires, thanks to last September’s IPO of their hypermarket chain, Puregold Price Club.

They make their debut at No. 13 on the list and are worth $1.2 billion.

Another debutant is 38-year-old civil engineer Michael Cosiquien, who took his building company Megawide Construction public last year. Cosiquien is at No. 39 with a net worth of $150 million.

This year’s qualification for the list was $140 million compared with last year’s threshold of $85 million.

Full list

The full list of the Philippines’ 40 richest can be found in the July 2012 issue of Forbes Asia, which is available on newsstands now.

The top 10 richest in the Philippines are:

1. Henry Sy; $9.1 billion

2. Lucio Tan; $4.5 billion

3. Enrique Razon Jr.; $3.6 billion

4. John Gokongwei Jr.; $3.2 billion

5. David Consunji; $2.7 billion

6. Andrew Tan; $2.3 billion

7. Jaime Zobel de Ayala; $2.2 billion

8. George Ty; $1.7 billion

9. Roberto Ongpin; $1.5 billion

10. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr.; $1.4 billion

Forbes said the list was compiled using shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts and other sources.

Net worths were based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on June 8. Private companies were valued based on similar companies that are publicly traded.

Rival showbiz personalities united by love of Dolphy

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Stars are crossing network and political party lines to pay tribute to and pray for comedy king Dolphy, who is in critical condition and under intensive care at Makati Medical Center (MMC).

Actor-director Eric Quizon told a news conference that his father successfully went through a dialysis Thursday afternoon.

He said his dad was now stable. “It was as if a miracle had occurred overnight because of the prayers from our countrymen,” he said.

He earlier told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that his father was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

At midday Thursday, doctors told the Quizon family that the ailing comedian’s condition had improved enough for him to undergo a dialysis.

Two weeks ago, the comedian was rushed to the hospital after his latest bout with pneumonia, “his 10th time to fall ill since July last year,” said his son, Eric, who is the family’s spokesperson.

Colleagues and coworkers from the country’s top three networks are rallying behind Mang Pidol, as he is known in the biz.

On Thursday, they appealed for prayers and the swift declaration of the beloved comedian as national artist.

Felipe L. Gozon, chairman and chief executive officer of GMA 7, told the Inquirer: “He is not just a national artist. He is an icon. We are praying that he gets well soon.”

Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN president and chief operating officer, told the Inquirer: “He epitomizes humility, sincerity and kindness. Whenever I talk to young stars, I always use him as an example. He is so well grounded.”

Dolphy deserves to be a national artist, Concio said, because “he has defined Filipino humor for generations. He has provided light to our dark existence.”

‘He’s an institution’

Actress and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, who will soon release a film under Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s film arm, agreed. “He is an institution in the entertainment industry,” she said. “I am continuously praying for him and his family.”

Dolphy’s fellow TV5 talent, actress Nora Aunor, said in Filipino: “Let us continue praying for him. He has given us so much joy and laughter all these years. Now it’s our turn to give to him … through our prayers.”

Singer Ogie Alcasid, a GMA 7 talent and president of the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit, said: “He is and will always be the comedic actor that we will emulate because of his wit, charm, comic timing and huge heart. We love him dearly.”

Great father

Cavite Representative Lani Mercado said she had been praying for Dolphy since Sunday, Father’s Day.

“My husband (Senator Bong Revilla) and I are truly appreciative of his kindness,” she said. “He is a great father to his children and great lolo to his grandchildren. May God guide him and strengthen him in this time of struggle.”

Senator Revilla hailed Dolphy’s contributions to show business.

“He is admired, respected and loved not just by show biz people, but by many Filipinos,” he said in Filipino. “I am praying fervently that Tito Dolphy will overcome his illness.”

Actress Carmi Martin, who was cast as one of “Dolphy’s Angels” in the 1980 movie with that title, said, “I always pray for Dolphy’s salvation and his partner Zsa Zsa’s strength.”

Martin and fellow “Angel” Liz Alindogan planned to visit their mentor at MMC Thursday.

“We want to personally pray for him,” she said. “I want to thank him for all the breaks he had given me. He was the one who discovered me.”

Serious comedians

Dolphy’s fellow comedians have turned serious, too—in praise of a pioneering comic genius who has been entertaining Filipinos for 68 years.

Comedian Roderick Paulate is despondent. “It’s hard,” he said. “I am praying for him.”

Comic Smokey Manaloto, who worked with Dolphy on the ABS-CBN sitcom “Home Along da Riles,” was just as emotional. “No words can capture Tatay’s importance in my life,” he said in Filipino.

“He’s my guide and second father.  I consider myself lucky that I was given the chance to work with and learn from him for 13 years. Although we are not related by blood, he loved me like a son. No one can replace him as King of Comedy, now and forever.”

“I am very happy to see him and I am hoping that his condition continues to get better,” Manaloto told INQUIRER.net during his visit at the MMC Thursday night.

Stand-up comic Jon Santos said: “Our King needs our prayers. With his heart and soul, he has given us the healing power of laughter all these years. It is our turn to rally behind him and his family.”

‘You can’t go yet’

Another stand-up comic, Willie Nepomuceno, who impersonates Dolphy in his performances, remarked, half in earnest, half in jest, echoing the infamous farewell speech of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona: “Mang Pidol cannot wish to be excused just yet. A TRO (temporary restraining order) has been filed and you are not allowed to leave this earth until a successor to your throne has been found. There’s no one yet to inherit your crown. Long live and prosper, my friend.”

According to reports, political figures have also called for the proclamation of Dolphy as national artist, including Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Manuel Villar. Former Makati Representative Teodoro Locsin, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Senator Pia Cayetano joined their voices to the clamor for the conferment of the national artist award on Dolphy.

National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera also endorsed the conferment of the title on Dolphy.

Pacquiao won over Bradley after WBO review

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An official review showed Manny Pacquiao to be the undisputed winner but the Filipino ring icon, feeling vindicated, said he would not accept the welterweight crown the judges had taken from him and given to Timothy Bradley—even if the American gave it back. Pacquiao would rather that the title be declared vacant by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), which had sanctioned the controversial June 9 bout. And in a jab at ring judges, Pacquiao said the fight should serve them a lesson. Pacquiao made the statements after a five-member WBO panel confirmed Thursday what everybody knows—that he was the lopsided winner in his fight with Bradley. If it’s any consolation to Pacquiao and his fans, Boxrec.com, which chronicles the ring records of all boxers, put a footnote to Bradley’s record: “After a thorough review by five veteran judges commissioned by the WBO, Pacquiao was declared the unanimous decision winner by the panel.” WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel told RingTV.com that the unanimous decision reached by the review panel of judges wasn’t even close. In all their scorecards, Pacquiao dominated Bradley—117-111, 117-111, 118-110, 116-112 and, the closest, 115-113. ‘I was vindicated’ Informed of the panel’s decision, Pacquiao told the Philippine Daily Inquirer over the phone he was happy “the findings of the five-man panel of the WBO declared me as the winner. I am happy that in the end I was vindicated.” The 12-round fight held at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas had shockingly gone Bradley’s way, with judges Duane Ford and CJ Ross scoring it 115-113 for the unbeaten American. Judge Jerry Roth also saw it 115-113, but in Pacquiao’s favor. Despite the panel’s verdict, however, the WBO won’t reverse the original decision or force Bradley to surrender the crown. “The only thing that we can do is authorize a rematch,” Valcarcel said. “We cannot go any further than that. That is in our rules.” ‘Truth has come out’ Pacquiao knows a reversal of the decision is far-fetched. “To me it’s no longer important if the WBO would not overturn the decision of the judges,” Pacquiao said. “The truth has come out and boxing fans got the justice they deserve.” He said in a radio interview that even if Bradley decided to give him his welterweight belt back, he would not accept it. Top Rank honcho Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Bradley, was also elated by the result of the review, which was done without the ringside commentaries that accompanied the earlier fight. “That’s a Solomon-like conclusion,” Arum told RingTV.com. “Paco is a good man, he really is. I have great respect for him and what he says. “It’s appropriate for him to make that final conclusion.” Fight with Marquez Valcarcel, who awarded Pacquiao with a diamond ring symbolic of his selection as Fighter of the Decade two days before the bout, said Bradley’s manager Cameron Dunkin was also furnished the result of the review. The 80-year-old Arum, however, isn’t too keen about an immediate rematch between Pacquiao and Bradley as it may not be financially viable. What the Hall of Fame promoter has in mind is a fourth showdown between Pacquiao and the Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez possibly on November 10—and in Mexico. Pacquiao said he was leaving his options open and would decide by the second and third week of July. “It’s okay if we [him and Bradley] will have a rematch. Marquez is also in line and so is (Floyd) Mayweather and anybody else my promoter chooses.” Up to Manny For Arum, however, the decision rests entirely with Pacquiao. “My first stop on any quest to determine what to do next is that I have to talk to the guy who is the money generator, and that’s Manny Pacquiao,” Arum said. “Then I have to determine after discussions with him what he wants to do next and we’ll go from there. Until Manny makes a determination, then I’m like a dog chasing its tail.” The uproar the dubious decision generated was so loud that US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator John McCain proposed legislation calling for the formation of a national boxing commission. Reid, a Democrat from Nevada who used to fight as an amateur middleweight, while McCain, a Republican from Arizona who used to box when he attended the US Naval Academy, introduced legislation that would create the United States Boxing Commission. The Nevada State Athletic Commission, which supervised the June 9 bout that generated nearly $9 million in gate receipts and probably over 900,000 pay-per-view buys (roughly equivalent to $50 million), also intends to review the fight footage with the three judges who rewarded Bradley with the split decision. WBO challenged: Right wrong Pacquiao, recently named by Forbes magazine as the world’s second highest-paid athlete (after Floyd Mayweather) with earnings of $62 million last year, said it wasn’t just a victory for him but for boxing fans and his countrymen. “May this serve as a lesson to the judges,” said Pacquiao. “I just hope this would restore the trust of the people in boxing.” While Pacquiao, a representative from Sarangani, has accepted the loss of his title, his chief of staff in Congress, lawyer Jeng Gacal, is unsatisfied with what transpired. “I am challenging the WBO to correct a wrong,” Gacal told the Inquirer. “They found an injustice and stared at it blankly. They should correct it. They should do what is right and just,” Gacal said. “Otherwise they will be allowing incompetence and (perhaps) corruption to prevail.” After attending to the needs of his flashflood-ravaged constituents in Sarangani, Pacquiao and wife Jinkee flew to Vigan City on Thursday to attend the birthday celebration of Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson. The Pacquiaos, however, did not use their newly purchased helicopter for the flight to Vigan. Thanking God The couple will be returning to the United States on Saturday to rejoin their four children who were left behind and continue their family vacation. Pacquiao told Vigan reporters: “I am happy that the truth came out. I thank all the people and God.” Pacquiao said his next opponent had yet to be decided, adding he had yet to talk with Arum about a rematch with Bradley.

Dolphy is better now, ventilator machine is off

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MANILA, Philippines – King of Comedy Dolphy is finally off his ventilator machine and is only dependent on an oxygen tank, his son Eric Quizon told ABS-CBN News on Monday afternoon.

Quizon said his family is grateful for all the prayers that were said for his dad, adding that they were overwhelmed with the amount of moral support their family received.

“I sincerely believe the prayers help kasi minsan ang bilis. Obviously he is sick. We were prepared. We could talk about a lot of things even the worst. Then Ate Sally would tell us eveytime we would talk about the worst thing, doon magkakaroon ng development or improvement sa dad ko,” he said.

According to Ronnie Quizon, Eric’s brother, they are glad that their father seems to be in a better shape.

“I have never seen a man have so much will power. Yung will niya to live. I think he really enjoys life eh,” he said.

Ronnie said he admires his dad's strength because despite his frail health, he is still able to laugh at jokes.

“I just can’t say it on TV kasi nag-joke ako sa loob ng ICU. It’s toilet humor and then tumawa si Zsa Zsa (Padilla), tumawa 'yung nurse. 'Yung dad ko, tumatawa siya pero siympre hindi malakas kasi may mga tubes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Padilla has never left Dolphy’s side while he is in the hospital.

Padilla was supposed to perform at last Saturday's "Icons at the Arena."

“Zsa Zsa is physically tired pero she’s in good spirits kasi nakikita naman niya dahil siya yung pinakamatagal na mag-spend ng time doon. Nakikita talaga niya yung developments. In fact everytime I see her, palaging may update,” he said.

Dolphy is still in the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center. He was rushed to the hospital last June 9 amid escalating concerns over his health.

Dolphy is in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Makati Hopital

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MANILA, Philippines—Veteran actor Dolphy, who has been confined at the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center since the weekend, “is responding to treatment very well,” his son and private nurse said Friday.

“My dad was sent to the hospital last Saturday because of pneumonia. This made him weak because of his COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),” Eric Quizon said in a statement.

A respirator has been attached to help Dolphy breath, he said. His private nurse told Radyo Inquirer 990AM that the “King of Comedy” was confined at the Makati Medical Center.

“Currently, his vitals are all in order and he is responding to treatment very well. However, he is still under observation and round-the-clock intensive care to make sure he recovers faster,” Quizon said.

He said that Dolphy would like to thank his fans for the “love and prayers.”

“My dad says, ‘Maraming salamat’ from the bottom of his heart,” said Quizon.

Anabelle Rama's arrest warrants lifted by Quezon City court

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, Philippines—A Quezon City court on Monday canceled the arrest warrants against talent manager Annabelle Rama following her voluntary surrender to the court.

In a two-page order, Judge Eleuterio Bathan of Regional Trial Court Branch 92 lifted the warrants he issued on June 11 for Rama’s failure to attend her scheduled arraignment.

The talent manager was supposed to be arraigned for 14 counts of libel filed by former actress Nadia Montenegro on that date but did not show up.

“Today at 8:30 in the morning, the accused, escorted by her legal counsel, Howard Calleja, voluntarily surrendered to this court. With the concomitant voluntary surrender to this court, this court has no alternative but to recall the June 11 warrant of arrest,” the order on Monday read.

This meant the court did not discuss anymore Rama’s appeal last week seeking the lifting of the arrest warrants.

The talent manager lodged the pleading through lawyer Derick Delegencia two days after the warrants were issued.

Rama claimed she had no intention to disregard the schedule and that she thought her presence was not needed.

The feisty talent manager was in the United States last week, according to her tweets on the microblogging site Twitter.

“With her voluntary surrender, there is no need to dwell on the omnibus motion as that would be academic if not at all surplusage (a useless statement completely irrelevant to the cause),” the court added.

The judge advised Rama not to take for granted the court’s order by not attending the scheduled arraignment like what happened on June 11.

The talent manager is set to be arraigned for 14 counts of libel on June 25 at 8:30 a.m.

Rama was charged with libel for her remarks on Twitter and in TV interviews against Montenegro, who is suing the talent manager for child abuse for allegedly making her two daughters work more than 40 hours a week in violation of child labor laws.

Can Efren "bata" Reyes nail a third world title?

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Billiards great Efren “Bata” Reyes will again be among the favorites in the 22nd World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Men’s 9-Ball Championship slated in Doha on June 22 to 29.

The 1999 winner in Cardiff, Wales, Reyes still packs a wallop at 57 years old. His friend and 2010 champion Francisco “Django” Bustamante is also expected to give the field a run for their money.

The (WPA) and the Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) will stake a total cash prize of $250,000, with $36,000 going to the champion.

Reyes almost did not make it to the United States in 1995 after a US embassy staffer denied his visa application. He was to compete in a major pool meet in Reno, Nevada. The embassy staffer obviously had not heard of Reyes’ exploits.

But with the help of the Puyat brothers Jose “Popit” and Aristeo “Putch”—Reyes’ longtime benefactors—and several concerned friends, the US visa was issued although a bit late.

Bucking the visa hassle in Manila and overcoming jet lag, Reyes still managed to rule the 1995 Sands Regency 9-Ball Open over perennial rival and many-time world champion Earl Strickland, 13-12, in the finals. It was his third triumph in the tournament after his 1985-86 conquest.

“It’s nice to see a man with humble beginnings rise from the pits of poverty. Efren has brought so much honor to his country and entertained millions all over the world with his talent and humility,” said Putch Puyat.

Reyes also won the World 8-Ball crown in 2004. Among his other achievements are the 2010 Billiards Player of the Decade, Presidential Legion of Honor, Hall of Fame, Athlete or co-Athlete of Year (three times) by the Philippine Sportswriters Association and inclusion in the list of Time Magazine’s 60 Asian heroes in 2006 (alongside Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Dalai Lama, the late President Cory Aquino, Inquirer founder Eugenia Apostol and Inquirer editor in chief Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc)

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal files suit over controversial decision in Pacquiao-Bradley fight

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MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino lawyer has filed a complaint before the Nevada Attorney General’s Office questioning the result of the Manny Pacquiao -Timothy Bradley fight.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said his complaint addressed to Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto “may also be treated as a class suit on behalf of those boxing fans who also deserved to be heard of their complaint and grievances and whose number is so huge that it is impracticable to include them in this letter-complaint.”

The complaint was dated June 15 and emailed to reporters on June 17.

Macalintal said he was one of the millions of boxing fans “whose right to a fair and credible verdict in any sporting event is entitled to the protection by the state where the said event is held.”

Macalintal watched the fight inside the MGM Grand Hotel Boxing Arena and was seated at Seat No. 4, Row E, Floor Section. He has been a boxing fan since the 70s. He has a scrapbook of the fights and life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali whom he personally met in 1975 in Manila.

He said his own personal scorecards were similar to other fanatics and experts, which showed that Pacquiao won the fight over Bradley.

“It is (my) humble submission that whatever will be the results of the investigation or inquiry…will surely be of great help and guidance in future sports activities sanctioned by the State of Nevada for the protection of all sports enthusiast and those who have all the rights to demand and claim fair and credible system of officiation,” Macalintal said.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has also submitted a request for inquiry to the Nevada Attorney General.

Pacquiao:"God told me to retire in my dream"

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MANILA, Philippines—Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao said on Monday that he had been told by God in a dream to retire soon, potentially raising doubt over hopes of a fight with American Floyd Mayweather.

Pacquiao, regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, told radio station DZMM in an interview also broadcast over the channel’s Teleradyo TV show, that he had decided to give up all his vices after the dream.

“I will not stay long in boxing because He said: ‘You have done enough. You have made yourself famous but this is harmful,’” said a serious-looking Pacquiao, who has won eight titles in as many weight divisions.

Pacquiao, 33, said he had the dream earlier this year but declined to reveal how many more fights he would contest before stepping down.

But when asked if his newfound religious fervor would hurt his boxing, Pacquiao replied: “I will do my work inside the ring.”

The boxer, who has translated his sports fame into huge riches, a show-biz career and election to congress, said he believed he had been chosen by God to use his fame to spread the Christian message.

“When I speak, a lot of people listen,” he said.

He said he would make a major announcement on a religious note later this month.

Pacquiao, who has a 54-3 win-loss record with two draws, stakes his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against undefeated American Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas on June 9.

Mayweather and Pacquiao have never had a fight and boxing fans have long sought a matchup. The pair were in negotiations for a mega-fight to be held later this year but talks fell through.

Formerly a heavy gambler who was fond of late-night parties, Pacquiao announced in January that he had become a changed man after his religious vision.

Philippines beats Thailand in 3 on 3 Women’s basketball

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MANILA, Philippines–The Discovery Perlas ng Pilipinas team beat Thailand on Monday at the ongoing 3×3 Women’s Basketball at the 3rd Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China.

The team, composed of Analyn Almazan, Merenciana Arayi, Melissa Jacob, and Allana May Lim, posted their first win after losing to India on Sunday.

The Philippine team is competing against Group A countries which includes Thailand, India, and Nepal.

The team’s head coach is Haydee Ong and the assistant coach is Gina Francisco.
The 3×3 basketball’s format is a little different from regular basketball.  There are three players per team playing in a 10-minute game. The game is a lot more fast-paced and the balance is shifted a little towards skill against athleticism, since the open court transition game is taken away and athletic teams can no longer just rely on their superior physique to get easy baskets end to end.

The 3rd Asian Beach Games was officially declared open in Haiyang, China on June 16, as the coastal city welcomed more than 1,600 athletes from around Asia.

This is the biggest sporting event since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  The week-long tournament will see a total of 49 gold medals up for grabs in 13 sports.

The competition features all the 45 member countries and regions under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), with the Games one of the five major multi-sport events under the OCA.

This year marks the first time China is hosting the biennial beach sport gala, with Bali, Indonesia, hosting the inaugural edition in 2008. Oman will be the host country in 2014.

Pacquiao, Mayweather top athlete income earner

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NEW YORK – Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, the boxers that fight fans worldwide want to see in the ring together, topped the list of the 100 highest-paid athletes released by Forbes magazine on Monday.

Mayweather, who ranked No. 1 for making $85 million off two fights last year, is serving a three-month jail sentence for domestic battery in Las Vegas, having failed in a bid to serve the remainder of his time under house arrest.

While his doctors and co-manager warned that staying behind bars might cause irreparable damage to his fitness and risk his boxing career, the undefeated US fighter is expected to climb back into the ring, likely later this year.

But Mayweather will not be fighting Filipino icon Pacquiao in the mega-bout that boxing fans have sought for years.

Pacquiao, second on the list at $62 million from earnings and endorsements, lost to unbeaten US fighter Tim Bradley on July 9 and they are set to fight a rematch in November.

Tiger Woods, who had topped the Forbes list since 2001, fell to third this time with $59.4 million, his earnings off $16 million from the previous year and by half since his peak in 2009, mostly due to lost endorsement deals.

It was in 2009 that Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the 18 major titles won by Jack Nicklaus, saw a sex scandal erupt that caused him to start his 2010 season late and 2011 saw Woods nagged by injuries.

Woods went on a 17-month win drought until he won last March at Bay Hill in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He followed up with a victory earlier this month at the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial but has not won a major since the 2008 US Open.

Miami Heat star LeBron James ranks fourth at $53 million, the highest of 13 basketball players and on the list. The Heat are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals as James seeks his first league crown.

While a lockout last year trimmed 20 percent off his salary, endorsement deals boosted his total and a marketing partnership made him a stakeholder in English Premier League football side Liverpool.

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer was fifth at $52.7 million followed by NBA star Kobe Bryant at $52.3 million, US golfer Phil Mickelson at $47.8 million, English football star David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy at $46 million and Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo at $42.5 million, with the top annual salary of any athlete in any league at $20 million.

American football boasts 30 players on the list, topped by No. 10 Peyton Manning, the former Indianapolis Colts star who was cut in March and signed with the Denver Broncos for $96 million over six years.

Manning’s $42.4 million ranks 10th overall and he continues to be the top endorsement pitchman among gridiron stars.

In total, the top 100 made $2.6 billion.

Only two women, both tennis players, cracked the list – Russian star Maria Sharapova, the newest career Grand Slam winner after her French Open final triumph earlier this month, and China’s Li Na, the 2011 French Open champion.

Sharapova was 26th at $27.9 million, thanks in great measure to huge global endorsement totals as well as $5.9 million in prize money over the past year.

Li was 81st overall at $18.4 million, with seven new endorsement deals after becoming the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles crown.

Cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni ranked No. 31 and India batsman Sachin Tendulkar was No. 78.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the reigning 100- and 200-meter Olympic champion and world record-holder who figures to be a top attraction at the London Olympics, was 63rd with $20.3 million.