Netflix’s Boxing Spectacle: Paul vs. Tyson Smashes Records
Mumbai: Netflix’s maiden live boxing event featuring Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul captivated 60 million households globally, marking a groundbreaking moment for the streaming giant. However, the milestone was marred by technical glitches, as over 100,000 users reported buffering issues on Downdetector, sparking frustration on social media.
“We crashed the site,” said Paul, 27, after securing a victory over the 58-year-old Tyson. “This is the biggest event.” Netflix has yet to address the streaming complaints.
The co-main event, Serrano vs. Taylor, drew 50 million live viewers worldwide, likely setting a record as the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in US history. The event also saw unprecedented commercial distribution, with Joe Hand Promotions broadcasting the fights to over 6,000 bars and restaurants across the US—a record in its 50+ years.
The fights dominated global social media, with #PaulTyson trending No. 1 worldwide on X (formerly Twitter) and #Serrano ranking No. 2 in multiple countries. In the US, the event accounted for all of the top 11 trending topics.
A dazzling array of celebrities attended ringside, including Evander Holyfield, Shaquille O’Neal, Sugar Ray Leonard, Charlize Theron, Jay Shetty, Daddy Yankee, Joe Jonas, and Simu Liu, among many others, solidifying the event’s cultural significance.