Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford makes viewership history, doesn't come close to Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson numbers

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By Joshua Ryan | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 8:48 PM ET

The fight lived up to expectations as Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford set the record for most viewers for a men's championship boxing match this century. While this feat was outstanding, it didn't come close to the reported peak viewership the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event hit.

Love him or hate him, 'The Problem Child' is among the very best when it comes to fight promotion. The 28-year-old knows how to move the needle and garner interest from the general public, even if many of those spectators are only tuning in, hoping to see him lose.

According to Netflix, over 41 million viewers worldwide were locked into the streaming service to watch the historic matchup between two of this generation's greatest boxers.

Over 41 million global viewers watched #CaneloCrawford on Netflix, making it the most-viewed men’s championship boxing match this century! pic.twitter.com/4RXR7qyvyU
— Netflix (@netflix) September 15, 2025

Terence Crawford earned the unanimous decision victory against the slight favorite Canelo Alvarez, snatching away his super middleweight title. The 41 million viewers is a century-long record for a men's boxing world title fight, but those numbers didn't compete with Mike Tyson's unsuccessful return to the ring against Jake Paul.

Boxing fans, new and old, sat and had their eyes glued to their screens as the iconic Tyson made his ring walk to face the much younger Paul late last year. Though the fight didn't live up to the hype, it was a significant feat for all involved.

The event produced one of the best women's fights in modern boxing history when Katie Taylor somewhat controversially beat Amanda Serrano in their highly anticipated rematch.

Once again confirmed by Netflix, Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson became the most-streamed sporting event of all time when they collided on November 15. Over 108 million live viewers allegedly tuned in to witness Mike Tyson's return against the antagonist Jake Paul.

While Alvarez vs. Crawford pulled in great numbers, it's hard to see what fight could ever come close to the blockbuster Tyson vs. Paul affair.

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson makes history with over 108 Million LIVE global viewers!

It’s the most-streamed global sporting event ever and Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 is the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history. pic.twitter.com/QN1P5EWUEc
— Netflix (@netflix) November 19, 2024