‘The time for talk is over,’ shiny host Kate Scott stated a few seconds into Netflix’s landmark broadcast. If only.

There were five hours to fill and no adjective was eschewed in the selling of what turned out to be the biggest mismatch since David took on Goliath, though the giant had not reached 58, unlike Mike Tyson.

So, Netflix’s much-trumpeted first foray into livestreaming sport was at heart a peep show. Here was Tyson, who reached his butchering prime more than three decades ago, lumbering around the ring, his knee support a tell-tale sign of decrepitude, against a YouTube video creator-turned-boxer called Jake Paul.

Pretty much all that was left of Tyson’s aura were his XL Bully features. A vestige of his punching power persisted. But of stamina, there was virtually none.

It was the viewer who needed plenty of the stuff to endure the technical issues that will need remedying if this form of circus is ever going to fulfil its potential.

Buffering was the main problem, revealing Netflix as short of the technical wizardry to support the streaming, which, judging by the angry online reviews, did more damage to the subscription company than Tyson was ever going to do to his opponent.

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Jake Paul’s clash with Mike Tyson marked Netflix’s first major foray into live sport broadcasting

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But the presentation of the controversial clash was blemished by numerous issues

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Presenter Kate Scott could be heard complaining of technical issues on the broadcast

Jake Paul wins an eight-round bout over 58-year-old Mike Tyson

At one point Scott was heard asking producers, ‘Where are we?’ as she and her guests struggled to hear each other. Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, who both knew plenty about Tyson from an age when he was the planet’s ‘baddest man’, also struggled to communicate.

Lewis asked Holyfield if he thought Tyson might bite Paul’s ear, as he had his in their 1997 rematch. Holyfield couldn’t hear and conversation moved on. A few microphones failed but no enthusiasm relented in the promotion of the big fight at the end of the undercard.

As if to prove the fusion of sports and entertainment, Scott kicked off by introducing the panel: Andre Ward, who as a retired world champion at two weights was hardly an unexpected guest, and Cedric The Entertainer, who as a stand-up comedian was.

Katie Taylor’s controversial defeat of Amanda Serrano was the dubious highlight of the night’s action, or so it seemed through the buffering.

As for the main event, it was clear as soon as Iron Mike had failed to land the early killer blow it was all over. ‘Not looking good for the legend,’ was commentator Mauro Ranallo’s verdict after the third round.

All the hype had evaporated, and the conclusion was met with some boos inside the AT&T Stadium.

Reporter Ariel Helwani asked Tyson why he was biting his glove during the fight. ‘I have a biting fixation,’ came the response. At which point, Helwani muttered: ‘I’ve heard about that.’ He hurriedly asked Paul the next question. Which was understandable.

But given Tyson pocketed some £15m for his 16-minute tribute act, he could afford to be generous to all involved, including his opponent, and he was. It was reciprocated.

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Friday’s event at the AT&T Stadium served as something of a test screening for the streaming giant

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In addition to WWE, the NFL will also soon make its debut on the platform, with two matches on Christmas Day

Where precisely the Netflix juggernaut will take sport in the longer term is uncertain. It is well-positioned in the market, with approaching 290million subscribers, to capitalise on an audience aged under 25.

Netflix’s modus operandi does not necessarily spell unpalatable changes. Formula One is a prime example of a sport that has grown among a younger audience worldwide thanks to one of the company’s fly-on-the-wall series, Drive to Survive.

Netflix benefits from synergy with online platforms. Tyson and Paul boast a combined Instagram following approaching 60m. Moss grows on the rolling stone and Netflix will screen two NFL matches on Christmas Day and have exchanged $5billion to host World Wrestling Entertainment’s Raw events for 10 years, starting in January.

Formula One bosses, as it stands, do not want a single global ‘TV’ deal, but what of a partnership with Netflix to show grands prix in the US when the ESPN rights deal runs out?

What of football? What of any sport?

Nothing is off the table in the Netflix firmament. It just remains to be scripted.