Netflix has revealed record-breaking viewing figures for the Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson boxing match, with 60 million households tuning in globally.
The streaming service reported 65 million concurrent streams for the fight, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The event, organised in partnership with Most Valuable Promotions, drew approximately 70,000 spectators to the venue whilst shattering streaming records for the platform.
The event has set a new record for boxing gate revenue outside of Las Vegas, surpassing $18 million (£14.2m).
This figure is double the previous Texas gate record for combat sports, eclipsing Canelo Alvarez’s mark of $9 million.
“We crashed the site. This is the biggest event,” Paul remarked after his victory.
Mike Tyson was beaten by Jake Paul on Friday night
Reuters
Despite the commercial success, Netflix faced some criticism as viewers reported streaming issues, including connection disruptions and frozen screens.
The co-main event between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano drew nearly 50 million households worldwide, setting it on course to become the most-watched women’s sporting event in US history.
Taylor retained her undisputed lightweight championship in a controversial unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the contest 95-94 in her favour.
The bout, which left both fighters battered and bloodied, echoed their historic 2022 Madison Square Garden meeting, though the Texas crowd voiced their displeasure at the decision.
Paul secured victory over Tyson via unanimous decision in what was the 58-year-old’s first professional bout in 19 years.
The younger fighter dominated the contest, landing 78 of 278 punches compared to Tyson’s 18 from 97 attempts.
Paul later admitted: “I didn’t want to hurt someone who didn’t need to be hurt,” whilst Tyson revealed he “almost died in June” during a health scare that had caused the fight’s postponement.
Mike Tyson suffered a seventh career defeat after returning to the ring for the first time in 19 years
Reuters
The final rounds drew boos from the crowd as both fighters showed limited aggression.
Netflix’s successful venture into live sports broadcasting marks a significant milestone for the streaming platform.
Jake Paul moved to 11-1 in his boxing career
Reuters
The streaming giant is set to continue its expansion into sports coverage with plans to broadcast NFL matches on Christmas Day.
This boxing event’s success, despite some technical streaming issues, demonstrates Netflix’s growing influence in the live sports broadcasting arena.
The platform is expected to release more detailed viewing data in the coming days, including estimations on the total number of viewers.