Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson viewing figures revealed by Netflix as 50-year boxing record broken
The official viewing figures for Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson have been confirmed - and the numbers involved are staggering.
Paul defeated Tyson via unanimous decision at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the 31-year age gap between the two fighters clearly showing as the eight-round bout wore on.
The fight was part of Netflix's first-ever live boxing card, and while fans complained of technical issues throughout the broadcast, there were plenty of high-quality matches, including Katie Taylor's somewhat controversial decision victory over Amanda Serrano.
Earlier in the card - which took place in its entirety in the early hours of Saturday morning UK time - Mario Barrios defended his welterweight crown via split decision in another memorable matchup against Abel Ramos.
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Naturally, much of the hype in the build-up to the event was the return of Tyson to professional boxing for the first time in 19 years. But how many actually tuned in?
Netflix have confirmed that its live stream - which was offered with no extra charge to existing and new subscribers - peaked at 65 million views during the night.
It is estimated that over 60 million households watched the event, though full data will be made available during next week.
A total of 50 million people watched Taylor vs Serrano which, while unconfirmed, is believed to be 'likely the most-watched professional women's sporting event in US history', according to Netflix.
The preliminary card appeared to set the tone for the rest of the night, with over 300,000 people tuning in at one stage to watch live on Netflix's YouTube channel.
And media consultant Joe Hand Promotions distributed the stream to over 6,000 bars and restaurants in the US - setting a record for commercial distribution of a combat sports event in the company's history.
A total of 72,300 people were present to see the event in person at the AT&T Stadium - with two fans getting ringside seats worth a staggering $2 million.
The seats, which were slightly elevated above the other ringside seats, were purchased by US law firm TorkLaw.
You can see footage below of what the view actually looked like.
As you can see, as well as being able to view the fight from the elevated position at ringside, there was also a screen specially set up for the two guests to watch throughout the show. There were other benefits available, including a pre-fight locker room tour, a personal escort and a two-night luxury hotel stay.
The VIP package was available for up to six guests, with the other four people given ringside tickets.
People were divided over whether they would want to pay $2 million for such an experience, but TorkLaw clearly did.
Korosh Torkzadeh told USA TODAY about why his firm snapped up the ticket: "At TorkLaw, as we spend our days fighting for our clients both inside and outside the courtroom, we see in boxing the same determination required to face life's toughest battles.
"Our involvement in this event is more than just support for sport - it's a celebration of the human spirit and the strength it takes to keep fighting, no matter what the odds."
Topics:Ā Boxing, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson
Ryan Smart