The highly anticipated boxing exhibition between Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul faced technical issues all night long as Showtime servers were crashing throughout the pay-per-view broadcast.
The problems started just as the card was about to begin as fans began complaining that the Showtime app and the Showtime website were not loading with numerous users receiving an error message. The official Showtime support page actually suggested to “please try again in 10 minutes, we are working to resolve the issue.”
If you are having issues watching the fight on https://t.co/1LFxzm7RK5
or on the SHOWTIME app, please try again in 10 minutes. We are working to resolve the issue. JB— SHOWTIME SUPPORT (@sho_help) June 7, 2021
Showtime then issued a statement during the card addressing the problems with the pay-per-view that were preventing many users from watching or buying the $49.99 event.
“We are aware that some customers have been having trouble accessing tonight’s Pay Per View event on SHOWTIME.com,” Showtime officials said. “We are working diligently to resolve the issue and will redress customers appropriately.”
The event kicked off at 8 p.m. ET with a boxing exhibition featuring former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson but many of the issues with the Showtime app crashing persisted deep into the night. There were continued problems leading into the main event with the Showtime app buffering or closing throughout the fight.
Due to the constant problems plaguing the event, Showtime eventually issued a statement on Twitter directing fans who were unable to view the card to request a refund for the pay-per-view broadcast.
“If you purchased tonight’s PPV event through http://Showtime.com or the SHOWTIME app, and could not stream the fight, please go to http://showtime.com/help for information on requesting a refund.”
While the event was criticized as a sideshow with Mayweather taking on a social influencer in Paul, the attention was undeniable leading into Sunday night. Unfortunately the technical problems plagued the event from start to finish, which will certainly affect the final pay-per-view numbers for the card.