The much-anticipated boxing match between 58-year-old legend Mike Tyson and 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul resulted in a clear victory for Paul. Held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during Netflix’s first live boxing event, Paul dominated the eight two-minute rounds, with judges unanimously scoring the bout in his favor. Despite the massive 31-year age gap, Tyson could not keep pace with the younger fighter, who had promised an impressive performance leading up to the event.
This marked Tyson’s first officially sanctioned professional match in nearly 20 years, following his last pro fight in June 2005. Originally slated for July, the event was delayed due to Tyson experiencing an ulcer flare-up earlier this year. While Paul boasted he would earn $40 million from the fight, Tyson’s earnings remain undisclosed, though estimates suggest he made around $20 million. The buildup to the fight included moments of animosity, notably when Tyson slapped Paul during the weigh-in after an alleged provocation.
The drama extended beyond the ring, with Tyson’s bold prediction of a “vicious win” and an unexpected wardrobe mishap during an interview with his son, Amir. Both fighters made theatrical entrances: Paul arrived in a green car blasting Phil Collins’ iconic “In the Air Tonight,” while Tyson chose the gritty “Murdergram” by Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and DMX. These moments, coupled with Tyson’s unpredictable antics, captured much of the audience’s attention.
However, technical issues overshadowed the match, with Netflix struggling to deliver a smooth live broadcast. Viewers faced widespread buffering and streaming problems, which became a focal point of online discussion. The event mirrored Netflix’s earlier issues with live events like the “Love Is Blind” reunion, raising concerns about the platform’s readiness for live sports. Despite these challenges, the event served as a platform for Netflix to promote its growing sports and entertainment portfolio.
Netflix leveraged the occasion to market its other offerings, including appearances by the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders and stars from its hit series *Cobra Kai*. The broadcast also teased the upcoming second season of *Squid Game*, with actors dressed as guards adding to the spectacle. While the fight itself may not be remembered as a historic sports moment, it was a significant step in Netflix’s foray into live sports
