Tyson vs. Paul Sets Betting Records as Netflix Draws Millions Worldwide

The bout, streamed live on Netflix, drew massive attention, blending boxing’s legendary past with modern celebrity appeal.

Despite Jake Paul entering as the bookie’s favorite, punters overwhelmingly backed Tyson. Entain revealed that 68% of bets favored Tyson, with a knockout win as the most popular prediction. This trend underscored Tyson’s enduring status and the belief in his ability to deliver even at 58 years old. Paul’s odds reflected his youth and prior boxing experience, but Tyson’s legendary reputation swayed the betting public.

Netflix’s role in amplifying the event cannot be understated. The fight reached 65 million households at its peak, with 50 million also tuning in to Katie Taylor’s undercard victory over Amanda Serrano. Offering the fight at no additional cost for subscribers helped Netflix expand its reach beyond traditional boxing fans. Entain’s Managing Director for Sports, Greg Ferris, highlighted the platform’s impact, stating, “Netflix’s broad subscriber base and effective promotion turned this into a global spectacle, bringing in both seasoned bettors and new participants.”

Paul’s involvement also contributed significantly to the fight’s betting appeal. Known for drawing massive attention to his bouts, Paul has featured in six of the top 25 most bet-on boxing matches in Entain’s history. This event surpassed even the Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk bout from May 2024, which previously held the record for betting activity within Entain’s brands.

The U.S. market also saw unprecedented betting levels, with operators like BetMGM and DraftKings reporting record figures. Entain noted that the fight’s success mirrored broader trends, such as increased betting activity during the 2024 Olympics and a rise in NFL wagering across the UK and Ireland, driven by high-profile London games and the ongoing 2024/25 season.

Ferris emphasized the unique appeal of the Tyson-Paul showdown, describing it as a rare crossover event that united fans of traditional boxing with a younger, digitally-savvy audience. He added, “The odds being relatively close created excitement and encouraged a surge of new bettors to back their favorites.”

Looking ahead, Entain is keen to see if Netflix’s approach to sports broadcasting, including its first-ever airing of NFL games on Christmas Day, can replicate the success of the Tyson-Paul fight. The event’s popularity suggests that streaming platforms could play a transformative role in sports engagement, particularly for marquee matchups that bridge traditional and modern fan bases. With such records set, this fight may signal a new era for boxing and sports betting.