Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis: An Unexpected Fight on the Horizon
The boxing world is gearing up for a showdown that nobody saw coming. Jake Paul, the social media star turned boxer, will face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Friday, November 14th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, in an event that will be streamed live on Netflix.
The news took everyone by surprise, as Paul was in talks for a possible heavyweight fight against former unified champion Anthony Joshua, while Davis seemed to be on his way to a rematch with Lamont Roach Jr.
But, how did this fight between two of the biggest names in current boxing come about? What implications does it have for the future of both fighters?Why This Fight?
In August 2021, Jake Paul revealed a list of desired opponents. At that time, his record was 3-0, with victories over AnEsonGib, Nate Robinson, and Ben Askren. The list included names like Tyron Woodley, Canelo Álvarez, and Gervonta Davis.
Since then, Paul has faced three of those names. Davis will be the fourth. The growth of Paul’s figure in the sport has made many boxers want to face him, attracted by the great visibility and economic benefit that this entails. Davis, for his part, has shown interest in fighting against Paul, and both have thrown indirect messages at each other on social media.
Earlier this year, there were negotiations for a fight, but they were halted after the surprising draw between Davis and Roach in March. Now, with the postponement of the rematch with Roach, Davis and Paul have finalized this match.
Both sides recognize the potential of this fight as a major cultural event. Paul is one of the biggest attractions in boxing, and Davis has proven to be a box office draw in each of his fights.Is it a Royal Rumble?
The big question is: will it be a real fight? Although Davis is champion at 135 pounds and Paul competes at cruiserweight (200 pounds), both are expected to seek victory by knockout. The weight and the number of rounds are under negotiation. The Georgia State Athletic Commission will have the final say on the rules.Exhibition vs. Professional Combat
The rules for an exhibition are more flexible than those of a professional fight. The number and duration of rounds, the size of the gloves, and the referee can be negotiated. In an exhibition, there is no official winner and it does not affect the boxers’ professional record. Exhibitions are purely for entertainment.
Will it be similar to the fight between Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather Jr.?
Yes, but Jake Paul is a more skilled boxer than Logan, and Davis is at the peak of his career, while Mayweather was retired when he faced the influencer. There will also be a big weight difference. In addition, the rivalry between Jake and Davis is more marked, and a defeat could affect Davis’s professional career.What’s Up with the Anthony Joshua Fight?
The fight between Paul and Joshua, which was expected for 2026, could be affected. If Paul loses against Davis, the demand to see Joshua face Paul could decrease.
In a statement, Paul said: “First, I’m going to kill Davis, then I’m going to massacre Goliath (Joshua), and you’ll all see it.”What’s Happening with the Davis vs. Roach Jr. Rematch?
The rematch could still happen, but it won’t be next. Roach was ready for the rematch, but Davis opted for the fight with Paul. If both boxers win their next fights, the rematch could be considered for early 2026.
The fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis promises to be an exciting event, with a significant impact on the world of boxing.
