Around The Curve: Will Paul vs Tyson Do 20 Mil Views & The Desire For Live Content

We are in some interesting times where traditional TV is just about obsolete and streaming apps are growing and gathering as much archived content as possible to gain new subscribers and keep current ones. Streaming apps are increasing live-stream events and leagues like the NFL & MLB have used different platforms to show their games. While boxing has had ESPN+ & DAZN for some years, other non-traditional outlets like Netflix now host live boxing events (November 15: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson). So, will Paul vs. Tyson be an international hit, and will this lead to more non-traditional outlets looking for live boxing events to host?

Can Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Do 20 Million Homes Live? (Likely)

Going into the summer months, there was no question that the original fight date of July 20 between Paul and Tyson was the can’t-miss event of the year. As much buzz that was coming out of their two-city press tour, you couldn’t help getting caught up in the marketing for the event. When Tyson became ill on a flight and was forced to reschedule the fight, the reality of him being 58 quickly rushed to the front of everyone’s thoughts. The short ten-second clips capturing casual fans’ imagination were erased, and now all parties involved (Most Valuable Promotions, Mike Tyson & Netflix) were forced to press the reset button.

Maybe it was the right move, as the rollout this time seems a bit smoother. The August Fanatics Fest event in NYC was a brilliant way to kickstart the promotion again and remind fans that this fight will be considered an official boxing match, even if it involves bigger gloves and two-minute rounds. Then Paul and Tyson took to a Dallas Cowboys game to sell the event even more. Given how popular the NFL is here in the US, it was the perfect way to promote the event, especially to the older casual fans who remember Tyson in his glory days. Lastly, Netflix announced that they are releasing a three-part series which will serve as an “All Access” of sorts where Netflix will follow Paul and Tyson around as they promote the event and physically get ready for it.

While this time around, the buzz isn’t as big, it still feels as though the event will be a blockbuster. How couldn’t it be right? You have Tyson, a worldwide polarizing figure, in one corner and this generation’s biggest social media star, Paul, in the other. Since Netflix is running the event live and worldwide, there is no question that this event will be viewed by at least 20 million accounts on fight day. That number could even grow at a rapid pace to maybe 100 million by the end of the year in total viewership if the fight delivers in a massive way. I get that the boxing purists hate this fight and see it as nothing more than a show but for those that will actually tune in (casual boxing fans), they will not care about the details. They only see that Tyson will be gloving up and walking down that aisle and for them, that’s enough nostalgia for them to tune in and have fight parties.

So, for those who think this event will tank, I’m here to tell you that it won’t, and the only way this doesn’t turn into profit for all parties involved is if Tyson is forced to pull out of the fight. Aside from that, get ready for this event to test the limits of Netflix servers worldwide. If The Roast of Tom Brady hit 22.4 million views, then there is no reason a boxing event involving Tyson doesn’t surpass that.

2025 Could See Some New Players Hosting Boxing Events

This has been an exciting year for streaming apps as they have shifted their attention from gobbling up archived content to now seeing how much live content they can get placed on their platform. As mentioned, Netflix will be streaming Paul vs. Tyson for the first time as a live boxing event. In the last two years, Netflix has slowly been dipping its toes in the live content arena (Tom Brady Roast, Kevin Hart Special, etc.), and this is yet another step in that direction. In January, they announced a ten-year deal with WWE to host their Monday Night RAW show live each week on Netflix. The Paul-Tyson event will be the first but not likely the last time Netflix does business in the boxing sphere. One thing to watch is Top Rank and their expiring deal with ESPN next summer. Top Rank has the catalog and infrastructure to sign with Netflix without it being too much of a burden for the streaming app.

Another deal recently announced was the Warner Bros. Discovery one with AEW (All Elite Wrestling). This deal includes live stream on the MAX app, with PPVs being run at a discounted price. MAX has also been streaming select NHL games and this year’s MLB playoffs. They are another platform with network TV channels and the MAX app, which Premier Boxing Champions can benefit from if the Prime Video deal isn’t exclusive. This would mimic how PBC had FOX and Showtime deals simultaneously at one point. It could also be the only way to keep their large roster busy as they will not reach the “12-14” events they expected to do in the first year with Prime Video, according to ESPN’s December 7, 2023 story. Al Haymon has always found a way to get deals done when the sharks start to circle the boat, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he latches on to a Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, or a more recent player in the live sports realm like the CW to take PBC into the next few years.

However, this all shakes out, it appears boxing will be consumed by non-traditional outlets in 2025, which is a good thing for not only the fighters but also the promoters and fans of the sport.

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is the founder of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms to include online, network TV and promotional companies. He is an American Public University alumnus and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, contributed to FanSidedMMA and ProBoxTV.

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