Fans planning to watch the controversial fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson this weekend have been warned they could face a huge fine even if they subscribe to Netflix. The professional bout takes place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which boasts a capacity of 80,000.
And in an unprecedented situation for UK fans, the fight will not be on pay-per-view via Sky Sports or TNT.
Instead, it will be available to all new and existing Netflix subscribers, meaning those signed up can watch on iPads and mobile phones as well as their television sets.
But those who are prepared to stay up until 4am in the morning, when the ring walks are expected, will still have to be careful. The BBC have warned that irrespective of whether fans have subscribed to Netflix, they will still need to hold a valid TV licence.
In a statement released earlier this year, the network reiterated its rules over streaming services. And the reminder centred around UK residents using Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube to watch live programme coverage.
“A TV licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer,” they said. “Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
Those who don’t hold a TV licence but still take the gamble of watching the fight live, will be liable to a fine of up to £1,000. That’s despite the Government pledging in October that it would be reviewing the enforcement of license related penalties.
How many viewers choose to subscribe to the bout remains to be seen, with organisers having slashed ticket prices in a bid to sell out the arena. According to Gametime, the lowest ticket price is now around £55, down from £72 last week.
A month ago, the cheapest available seat was reported to be around £103. And when the contest was initially scheduled for July, the best price available stood at more than £329.
But the first bout was postponed after Tyson, 58, suffered an ulcer flare-up on an aeroplane. The development had led to fears over whether ‘Iron Mike’, 31 years older than his YouTuber opponent, was healthy enough to step back into the ring.
The fight is scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, and knockouts are permitted. On Tuesday, the pair took part in an open workout with fans, with the former heavyweight champion seemingly surprising onlookers with the intensity of his ferocious approach to the bags.
