The highly anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson has set new records, with Netflix announcing that 60 million households worldwide tuned in to watch the fight. The event peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, marking a significant milestone for the streaming service as it expands into live sports.
The fight, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, attracted an impressive live audience of 72,300, according to the promoter, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-owned by Paul. This attendance figure makes it the largest boxing gate outside of Las Vegas, generating over $18 million in ticket sales. This surpasses the previous record of $9 million set during the 2021 fight between Canelo Álvarez and Billy Joe Saunders at the same venue.
In addition to the live viewership, the fight was streamed in over 6,000 bars and restaurants across the U.S., achieving the largest commercial distribution for a boxing event. The event also featured a highly anticipated rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, which drew 50 million viewers, making it the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in U.S. history.
Despite the record-breaking viewership, Netflix faced criticism for technical issues during the broadcast, including buffering and low-resolution video, which affected many viewers. Reports from Downdetector indicated that peak outages reached over 95,000 around 11 p.m. ET.
Promoter Nakisa Bidarian revealed that both Tyson and Paul are expected to earn eight-figure payouts from the fight, while Taylor and Serrano will also enjoy record earnings for women’s boxing.
Jake Paul, a 27-year-old YouTube influencer-turned-boxer, faced off against 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson in a match that showcased the growing trend of crossover events in sports entertainment. Tickets for the fight ranged from approximately $58 to $1,500, with premium packages, including a $2 million VIP experience, selling out quickly.
Paul emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This is a statement that we had the biggest live gate outside of Vegas in U.S. boxing history.”
As Netflix continues to explore the sports broadcasting landscape, the success of this event signals a potential shift away from traditional pay-per-view models, appealing to a broader audience through its subscription service.
The fight between Paul and Tyson, alongside the historic women’s match, represents a pivotal moment in boxing, merging entertainment with competitive sports in a way that resonates with a diverse fan base.
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