YouTube star takes on WBA lightweight champion in highly anticipated event streamed live on Netflix
The surprising announcement that Jake Paul will fight WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Friday, November 14, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta stunned fans. Paul had recently been linked to a potential heavyweight clash with former champion Anthony Joshua, while Davis had been rumored to pursue a rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. after their March majority draw. The two fighters reached an agreement Wednesday for a matchup currently classified as an exhibition.
How the Bout Came About
Paul first revealed a list of dream opponents in August 2021, when he held a 3-0 record after victories over fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, NBA Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson, and MMA fighter Ben Askren. His target list included Tyron Woodley, Canelo Alvarez, Nate or Nick Diaz, Kamaru Usman, Conor McGregor, Tommy Fury, Gervonta Davis, KSI, and his brother Logan Paul.
Since then, Paul has fought Woodley twice, Fury, and Nate Diaz. Davis will now be the fourth prominent opponent from that list. Both fighters have expressed interest in facing each other for years, exchanging challenges on social media. Earlier this year, talks were paused after Davis’s draw with Roach, but he ultimately chose the larger payday against Paul over a rematch.
Why the Fight is Happening
Both sides see this as a major cultural and financial event. Paul has become a significant draw in boxing, while Davis consistently delivers strong ticket sales. The fight is expected to reach a global audience when streamed on Netflix. Since Mayweather’s crossover bout with Conor McGregor in 2017, the lucrative potential of such high-profile fights has been well established.
Is This a “Real” Fight?
Despite a large weight difference—Paul last fought at 200 pounds, while Davis is a 135-pound champion—the fighters are expected to compete seriously. However, it may not be a fully sanctioned match. Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian stated that the fight’s weight and round structure are still being finalized. The Georgia State Athletic Commission will oversee the rules, and the size disparity may result in the fight being officially classified as an exhibition.
Exhibition Match Rules
Exhibition bouts differ from professional fights in several ways: round length, number of rounds, glove size, and refereeing can be adjusted. No official winner is declared, and the fight does not count toward professional records, making it primarily an entertainment event.
Comparison to Logan Paul vs. Floyd Mayweather
The Paul-Davis fight has similarities to Logan Paul’s 2021 bout with Mayweather, though Jake is more experienced, and Davis is in his prime. Weight differences will exist, but tension between Jake and Davis adds higher stakes, as a loss could impact Paul’s credibility and his planned heavyweight fight with Joshua.
Implications for the Joshua Fight
While a Paul-Joshua matchup is still targeted for 2026, a loss to Davis could affect fan interest. Joshua is recovering from elbow surgery and may fight Tony Yoka later this year, but Paul remains confident: “First, I am going to kill Davis, then I will go on to slaughter Joshua,” he said.
Status of Davis-Roach Rematch
The Davis-Roach rematch is postponed but not canceled. Roach is expected to fight a different opponent this fall, and the rematch could be rescheduled for early 2026 if both fighters remain undefeated.
Legal Matters
Davis had a misdemeanor battery charge from an alleged incident on Father’s Day, which was dismissed earlier this month.
