Reports: Canelo vs Crawford Becomes the Most-Watched Men’s Championship Fight of the Century

For both fighters, the spotlight was massive. Crawford’s victory not only cemented his place in history but unfolded in front of a global audience that few could have imagined. Canelo, already one of boxing’s biggest stars, stepped onto a stage amplified by Netflix’s reach. The streaming giant shared on X that the bout had become the most-viewed men’s championship fight of the century, a statement that underscored how the event broke barriers beyond the ropes and into the cultural mainstream.

When stacked against past super fights, the shift becomes clear. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao in 2015 drew around 4.4 million U.S. pay-per-view buys, setting a record at the time. Two years later, Mayweather vs. McGregor topped 4.3 million buys, again through the PPV model. Both fights generated massive revenue, but their reach was largely limited to paying audiences in select markets.

By contrast, Netflix’s global streaming model allowed Canelo vs. Crawford to break into households worldwide, removing many of the barriers tied to traditional PPV. The rise of platforms like DAZN and Amazon’s foray into live sports further highlights how streaming is not just an alternative but an emerging standard, making these blockbuster events more accessible and capable of drawing unprecedented viewership.

One thing is certain: boxing hasn’t seen this level of global attention in decades. With reports validating its place in history, Canelo vs Crawford has proven that streaming can not only deliver the fights fans want but also ensure they’re shared on a truly worldwide scale.