Millions of viewers are flocking to Netflix to stream the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, which is free to subscribers of the streaming platform.
Tyson, 58, takes on YouTuber Paul, 27, in the former heavyweight champion’s first professional fight in 19 years in front of 70,000 fans at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
It is heralded as one of the biggest and most controversial fights of all time; However, ahead of the main battle, some fans took to Twitter/X to complain about buffering issues on the site.
“If Netflix doesn’t fix this buffering problem, it will go down as one of the biggest failures in all of TV/streaming history,” one person wrote.
“I would love to see this live, but I’ve seen the buffer logo more times than any fights,” another added.
A third complained: “My images are grainy due to frequent freezes and buffering. Even after delaying the broadcast for a few seconds, it still appears as if the image is coming through a dial-up line.”
Netflix declined The independent‘s request for comment.
Audio problems also plagued the commentary team, as Evander Holyfield seemed unable to hear host Kate Abdo through his earpiece. Later, Jerry Jones had to borrow Michael Irvin’s microphone after it broke.
The evening’s co-main event pits Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in a rematch of the biggest women’s fight ever, two years after the Irish legend narrowly defeated the Puerto Rican great.
The fight between Paul and Tyson has proven highly controversial, with many fans fearing for the veteran boxer’s health – especially after a flare-up of a stomach ulcer delayed the fight earlier this year – although others believe the heavyweight icon will roll back the years to beat Paul beat. Then there are those who think the fight is scripted.
During the ceremonial weigh-in at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas on Thursday (November 14), Tyson stunned the crowd when he punched Paul in the face.
“I’m so glad he did that, it makes it real and personal,” Paul said ahead of Friday’s fight. “If I beat him up, no one can say anything.
“People want to see me knocked out, and they’ll make excuses. This is serious and I’m going to knock the fuck out of him.
“Oh, I stepped on his toe? Isn’t he the big, bad Mike Tyson? It will work against him, being tired and coming out swinging. I’m in his head, that’s what makes me such a great fighter; I know how to piss people off.”
Although the fight purses have not been officially announced, Paul claimed at a press conference in August: “I’m here to make $40 million and take out a legend.” Meanwhile, Tyson will make around $20 million, according to friend and former UFC champion Henry Cejudo.
