Netflix’s Live Boxing Debut of Tyson vs Paul Fight Draws 60 Million Viewers but Faces Technical Glitches
Netflix reported that 60 million households tuned in globally to watch Mike Tyson face Jake Paul in its first live boxing event, which was free for subscribers. The tech giant hailed the night as “record-breaking,” but many fans expressed frustration over repeated streaming issues that disrupted their viewing experience.
Despite the high viewership, complaints about buffering and crashes flooded social media, with some users calling the fight “unwatchable.” Tyson, at 58, lost to the 27-year-old Paul at AT&T Stadium in Texas, drawing significant media attention and a star-studded ringside audience.
While Paul claimed 120 million viewers watched live, Netflix later confirmed the 60 million figure and promised to release further statistics soon. However, many viewers, including those who stayed up late to watch, reported being unable to access the stream or experiencing severe lag.
Brendan Ashford, a frustrated viewer from Devon, shared his disappointment after struggling to log in and experiencing loading issues. He questioned Netflix’s ability to handle future live sports events, considering the challenges faced during this high-profile bout.
This isn’t Netflix’s first encounter with live streaming problems; last year it faced backlash over a delayed reunion for its dating show, “Love is Blind.” Experts suggest that the overwhelming demand for the Tyson vs. Paul fight highlighted Netflix’s need to enhance its streaming capabilities as it plans to expand into more live sports, including a new deal with WWE next year.
