The world of combat sports witnessed another digital blockbuster as the boxing match featuring YouTube star-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul against former world champion Anthony Joshua shattered records on Netflix. The live-streamed bout, which took place on Friday, December 20, has cemented its place as one of the platform's most-watched sporting events ever.
Record-Breaking Global Audience for Main Event
According to official data released on Monday, December 23, by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the fight promotion company co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, the main event captivated a massive global audience. The fight averaged an impressive 33 million Live+1 viewers worldwide, who tuned in to watch the entire contest from start to finish. The broadcast maintained strong and steady numbers throughout its duration, demonstrating sustained viewer interest.
The event's success was not limited to raw viewership figures. It achieved the number one spot on Netflix's charts in a remarkable 45 countries and secured a position within the Top 10 in 91 countries overall. This widespread dominance highlights the global appeal of the crossover boxing spectacle and marks it as a landmark moment for sports on streaming platforms in 2024.
Social Media Buzz and Co-Main Event Success
The excitement spilled over onto social media, generating a deafening online roar. Official Netflix accounts recorded approximately 1.25 billion impressions across various platforms. On the night of the fight, the event became the most popular trending topic on X (formerly Twitter), underscoring the immense internet buzz it created.
While the Joshua fight drew a smaller audience compared to Jake Paul's November 2024 clash with Mike Tyson, which reportedly attracted 108 million viewers, executives hailed the 33-million figure as a major triumph. Nakisa Bidarian confirmed that both Paul and Joshua were compensated "fairly" for headlining what was Netflix's biggest sporting event that night, though specific financial details were not disclosed.
The co-main event also proved to be a significant draw, showcasing the rising popularity of women's boxing. The title fight between Alycia Baumgardner and Leila Beaudoin attracted an estimated 15 million global viewers. MVP pointed to this result as clear evidence of growing fan interest in women's boxing on major streaming services.
Aftermath and Industry Impact
Bidarian also addressed Jake Paul's physical condition following the match. Paul sustained a broken jaw during a sixth-round knockout loss to the more experienced Joshua. Despite the severe injury and defeat, Bidarian emphasized that the night represented a "win" for Paul in terms of exposure, personal growth, and expanding his global reach.
With its powerful combination of strong viewership numbers, extensive international penetration, and relentless online conversation, MVP believes the event has conclusively proven that boxing can still attract massive audiences in the streaming era. The success paves the way for more high-profile fights to land on digital platforms, changing how fans consume live sports.
