With all eyes on the much-anticipated fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, fans took to social media to share their reaction and widespread frustration with Netflix’s first boxing event.
The broadcast provides a glimpse at what might be expected from the streaming service, which will serve as the home of WWE’s weekly show Monday Night Raw beginning Jan. 6, 2025.
The boxing event is broadcast live on Netflix from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and features four matches. It was free for viewers who subscribed to the platform but it’s come with its share of blunders and significant issues.
Actress Rosie Perez, boxer Roy Jones Jr. and broadcaster Mauro Ranallo made up the commentary team. The show also began with boxer Andre Ward, comedian Cedric The Entertainer and host Kate Scott at the desk.
The stream has had its problems early on with viewers complaining about buffering issues and some miscommunication with the host. Netflix has experienced problems like this in the past. USA TODAY reached out to Netflix. There is no comment from the platform at this time.
As the night has progressed, the screen quality has been brought up as an issue for some watching the fight at home.
Here is how fans from around the world have thought about the Netflix presentation.
How did fans react to the Netflix production?
Some viewers began to worry about how the stream would hold up throughout the evening after experiencing buffering issues during the first fight between Neeraj Goyat and Whindersson Nunes.
Did Netflix suffer any production miscues?
Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis joined Kate Scott and Andre Ward at the desk for an appearance following the first fight. Both were opponents during Tyson’s professional career.
There were some technical difficulties during the production with Holyfield being unable to hear Scott’s questions during the interview. Lewis was then tasked with having to feed the questions to Holyfield, who was sitting next to him.
The miscommunication continued with Scott tossing to a camera backstage that took a moment to actually show two fighters entering their respective locker room. Scott was heard asking the production truck ‘Where are we?’ while the backstage shot was being shown.
Netflix issues continue with Mike Tyson butt image and fan frustration
Some fans remain unhappy as the event card has moved along. Tonight provides a first look at what can be expected when Netflix streams other live events such as WWE Raw in early 2025.
Along with the buffering issue, viewers have also mentioned poor screen quality.
Fans were also treated with a sudden view of Tyson’s backside following an interview in the locker room as the fighter walked away to complete his prefight routine.