Netflix’s much-anticipated debut in live sports broadcasting, featuring the high-profile boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, quickly became a night full of frustrations for viewers. The live stream, broadcast from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was plagued by technical difficulties, prompting widespread dissatisfaction across social media.
This boxing event marked a significant step for Netflix, which is preparing to stream WWE’s Monday Night Raw starting January 6, 2025. However, the debut left many questioning whether Netflix is truly ready to take on live sports, given the multiple issues that marred the night’s production.
The event, which aired for free to Netflix subscribers, featured four matches, and included commentary from actress Rosie Perez, former boxer Roy Jones Jr., and veteran broadcaster Mauro Ranallo. The pre-fight desk featured Andre Ward, comedian Cedric The Entertainer, and host Kate Scott. Despite the star-studded lineup, technical issues were evident from the start.
Stream Quality and Buffering Issues
Right from the first fight between Neeraj Goyat and Whindersson Nunes, viewers experienced buffering delays. Concerns grew about how the stream would hold up throughout the evening, with many fans fearing that the issues would only get worse as the night went on. The frequent interruptions led to complaints on social media, where viewers questioned Netflix’s ability to deliver a seamless live sports experience.
Production Blunders and Miscommunications
The technical hiccups weren’t just limited to the stream itself. During the post-fight analysis, boxing legends Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis appeared alongside Kate Scott and Andre Ward. However, Holyfield couldn’t hear Scott’s questions, causing awkward pauses. Lewis had to step in to relay Scott’s questions to Holyfield, further adding to the disarray.
The confusion didn’t end there. At one point, Scott tried to cut to a backstage shot, but the production crew failed to switch cameras in time. The backstage footage showed two fighters entering their respective locker rooms, but the delay was long enough for Scott to ask, “Where are we?”—highlighting the poor coordination between the broadcast team and production staff.
Screen Quality Issues Persist
As the night went on, some viewers also reported issues with the video quality. The footage appeared pixelated or blurry at times, making it difficult to enjoy the event at home. This, along with the buffering issues, made the entire experience feel more like a test run than a polished live broadcast.
One particularly unfortunate moment occurred when Netflix accidentally aired a close-up shot of Mike Tyson’s backside after an interview, just as he was leaving to finish his pre-fight routine. While not a major issue, it added to the growing sense of frustration over the production.
A Sneak Peek at Netflix’s Live Sports Future
This event provided a glimpse into what Netflix fans can expect when the service begins streaming other live events, such as Monday Night Raw starting in 2025. Unfortunately, based on the technical issues during this boxing event, many fans are left wondering whether Netflix can deliver the level of professionalism and reliability that live sports demand.
Despite the major issues, the event still marked an important milestone for Netflix. However, the many missteps have raised questions about the company’s ability to handle live sports broadcasts, especially as it prepares to stream larger events with global audiences.
While Netflix has yet to comment on the problems that occurred during the night, the streaming giant will likely have to address these concerns as it moves forward with live sports programming. Fans are hoping for a more polished experience in the future, but it remains to be seen whether Netflix can overcome these technical challenges in time for its next big broadcast.
