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Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: Netflix under fire for major streaming issues

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•11/15/24•

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Ahead of the highly anticipated Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, users across social media reported major streaming issues with Netflix. The broadcast was buffering throughout the main card prior to the bout.

Friday marked one of the first major forays into live sports for Netflix, exclusively broadcasting one of the biggest fights of the year. But as the main card went along, buffering issues continued, and fans were quick to voice their frustrations.

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“So the reports are in. #netflix wasnt ready for this,” Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy wrote on X. “This is unwatchable.”

Netflix’s buffering issues are especially concerning given the upcoming slate of events on the streaming app. The NFL is gearing up for a Christmas Day doubleheader on Netflix and the streamer will begin airing WWE “Raw” in January.

That’s why the Paul vs. Tyson fight was considered a test for the company to show it can handle big events. In fact, according to an analyst note obtained by CNBC, JP Morgan Chase analyst Doug Anmuth said it could be the most-watched fight ever since it’s not on pay-per-view. Anyone with a Netflix subscription can watch.

“We believe the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight could be the most watched boxing match ever given ease of access and NFLX’s (Netflix’s) large global subscriber base, and it should attract Ad Tier subs, viewers, and dollars,” Anmuth said in his analyst note, according to CNBC Pro. “Netflix is increasingly focused on sports entertainment, events, and shoulder content, and we expect a bigger push into live sports over time, particularly as negotiating leverage shifts in NFLX’s direction.”

Anticipation has been growing for Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul, especially since the fight was delayed after Tyson suffered a stomach ulcer. When the two faced off at the final weigh-in on Thursday, Tyson stunned everybody when he slapped Paul. The YouTuber-turned-professional boxer claimed he’s thankful for the extra motivation.

“I’m so happy he did that,” Paul said. “This makes it real. It makes it personal. And when I beat his ass in a couple of moments here, no one can say anything. People want to see me fail. They want to see me lose. They want to see me get knocked out.

“Then, they’re going to make excuses for Mike Tyson when he’s the one that does that, but now they can’t. It’s personal, and I don’t care if we were friends before. This is serious now, and I’m knocking him the f*ck out.”