The confrontation between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul attracted 65 million views, but still ranked only 10th in the list of most watched sporting events.

The Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul showdown was a memorable one, with 65 million views on Netflix, making it one of the most-watched sporting events of all time. But can the excitement of the event compare to classic sporting moments like Lionel Messi winning the World Cup?

Here are the top 10 sporting events that attracted the largest audiences globally, with the Tyson vs Paul match coming in at number 10.

10. Tyson vs. Jake Paul – 65 million views

Despite not being a huge spectacle, the fight between the legendary Mike Tyson, 58, and social media star Jake Paul, 27, still had 65 million views online. The fight lasted eight rounds, with a total of just 375 punches thrown. However, the appeal of the two big names made this a record-breaking night for Netflix, surpassing the 1978 World Series.

9. Super Bowl (American football) 2023 – 124 million views

With the Kansas City Chiefs’ epic comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LVII attracted 124 million viewers. Star Patrick Mahomes made his mark in a spectacular victory despite being injured.

8. Rugby World Cup 2019 Final – 857 million views

The 2019 final between South Africa and England became the most watched rugby event ever with 857 million viewers. South Africa dominated and won 32-12, marking the history of the tournament.

7. Asian Games – 986 million views

Though little-noticed in the West, the Asian Games are a major sporting event for 45 Asian teams. An average audience of 986 million people each year underscores the powerful appeal of the world’s most populous region.

6. Ali vs Leon Spinks – 2 billion views

The 1978 rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks attracted 2 billion viewers from 80 countries and territories. This was the match that brought “The Greatest” Ali to the peak of his career.

5. 2006 Winter Olympics – 2.1 billion views

The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, brought a spotlight to many little-known sports, attracting a global audience of 2.1 billion.

4. Cricket World Cup 2019 Final – 1.6 billion views

The match between England and New Zealand at Lord’s not only marked a super-attractive scenario but also reached a record 1.6 billion viewers. England won thanks to the controversial but memorable rule of counting the goals.

3. Tour de France – 3.5 billion views per year

The Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling race, attracts 3.5 billion viewers each year. In addition, up to 12 million spectators line the track.

2. 2008 Summer Olympics – 4.7 billion views

The 2008 Beijing Olympics set a record with 4.7 billion viewers, the largest sporting event in Chinese history, bearing the mark of global solidarity.

1. 2022 World Cup Final – 5.4 billion views

Not surprisingly, the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, where Lionel Messi lifted the trophy, led with 5.4 billion views. Messi’s fateful penalty kick not only made him the GOAT (greatest football legend) but also created a match that was considered “the greatest in history”.

Although Tyson and Jake Paul attracted an impressive 65 million viewers, this figure is still far from the peak of global sporting events. Once again, football has affirmed its unshakeable position as the king of sports.