In a match that promised punches but delivered only pauses, Netflix's live stream of the Tyson vs. Paul showdown experienced over 88,000 buffering complaints, leaving fans more frustrated than a boxer without gloves.

As fans tuned in at AT&T Stadium to witness the highly promoted bout, instead of a knockout, they were met with more buffering than a novice trying to find the right angle for a selfie. With the streaming fiasco resulting in countless crashes and technical malfunctions—prompting hashtags like #NetflixFight and #buffering—the clash in the ring quickly turned into a brawl with Netflix's servers, proving that even the mightiest of fighters can’t win a match without a solid connection.

Viewers were tuning in to see not just Tyson and Paul but a lineup that promised excitement with four matches in total. However, as the excitement peaked, so did the frustrations. Complaints erupted on Downdetector, which tracked over 88,000 fellow fight enthusiasts who found themselves battling their own streaming issues. It appears that while Tyson was dodging punches, viewers were busy dodging endless buffering signals, leaving some to question whether Netflix had mistaken a boxing match for a waiting room at the DMV.

The broadcast, with its star-studded commentary team including Rosie Perez, Roy Jones Jr., and Mauro Ranallo, seemed poised to deliver an electrifying experience. Yet, instead of insightful commentary, viewers were treated to an impromptu lesson in frustration management as buffering symbols flickered ominously on their screens. Each attempt to watch the matches was interrupted by buffering errors that echoed louder than a knockdown blow.

In the midst of the chaos, the technical difficulties had their way with both the undercard and co-main event fights. As fans hoped to witness the splendid technique of boxing, they were instead entranced by the spectacle of Netflix’s tech support trying to coordinate a streaming rescue. Miscommunication became the secondary theme of the night, highlighting a level of confusion that even a seasoned promoter would struggle to sort out during post-fight interviews.

Social media outlets exploded with gifs and memes, as users took their frustrations to Twitter and Instagram. Hashtags like #NetflixFight, #buffering, and #netflixcrash were used, much to the delight of those who have mastered the art of turning adversity into entertainment. Amid the desperately well-timed jokes and memes about Netflix's performance, you could almost hear the collective sighs of disillusionment echoing through the digital corridors of Twitter, a place united only in complaining about buffering.

This streaming misstep unfolds against the backdrop of a well-promoted fight that had fans hailing the ferocity and flair of both Tyson and Paul. However, there’s little enjoyment to be found in a sporting event when the viewers are left watching a loading circle as it leisurely spins its way through the moments of high stakes and bravado inside the ring. It begs the question: How many punches can Tyson throw before the WiFi throws in the towel?

As the night wore on and Netflix continued to struggle, the irony was not lost on the audience: a streaming service unlikely to ever carry the grace of a seasoned fighter seemed to mirror the hapless movements of a boxer trapped in a corner. With technology that could baffle a seasoned tech devotee, viewers were left contemplating whether they had accidentally subscribed to a buffering subscription rather than a viewership one. One can only hope that when it comes to future events, their servers are training just as hard as the fighters.

For all intents and purposes, it appears that the real heavyweight battle of the night was not in the center of the ring but rather in Netflix’s ability to keep up with demand. As promotions aimed to capitalize on the fight's popularity, Netflix might just want to investigate whether they were operating on a dial-up connection or a potato. Sadly, this night of would-be champions left a bitter aftertaste of missed punches and missed opportunities.

In the end, while Tyson thankfully got the chance to showcase his legendary boxing prowess, streamers got the short end of the stick, as they were thoroughly entertained by perhaps the most dramatic buffering ballet to ever grace their screens. So, if you were unable to catch the action, rest assured you were not alone; everybody was fighting their own battle with Netflix this night. As for the fighters? They might want to consider a stronger streaming partnership the next time they decide to step into the virtual ring.