Jake Paul is stepping back into the ring, but not against Anthony Joshua as once rumored. Instead, the 28-year-old social media star turned professional boxer will face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition fight on November 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, adding another chapter to Paul’s growing portfolio of high-profile bouts. But unlike his previous contests, this matchup has sparked widespread curiosity and skepticism given the staggering weight and size difference between the two fighters.
The Weight Gap That Defines the Fight
Jake Paul weighed in at 200 pounds for his last fight, while Davis competes at 135 pounds. That 65-pound disparity is one of the largest gaps ever seen in a fight of this magnitude. On top of that, Paul stands at 6’1” with a nine-inch reach advantage, compared to Davis’ 5’5” frame.
Davis’ WBA lightweight title will not be on the line, given the mismatch in divisions, but the fight still carries intrigue because of the reputations of both men. Davis enters the ring undefeated at 30–0–1 with 28 knockouts, while Paul holds a 12–1 professional record, including wins over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Mike Tyson.
Jake Paul’s Wild Boxing Journey
Paul’s career has always blurred the line between sport and entertainment. He launched his boxing run in 2020, beating fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib before taking on former NBA player Nate Robinson. A string of ex-UFC fighters followed, but his first true test came in 2023 when he lost a split decision to Tommy Fury.
Since then, Paul has worked to regain momentum, most notably beating Chavez Jr. and Tyson. His constant pursuit of big-name opponents has kept him in the headlines, and the initial talks of a potential clash with Anthony Joshua even hinted at his ambition to test himself against elite heavyweights.
On X, Jake Paul leaned into that narrative, writing:
That statement was taken as both a reference to Davis and a nod to his ongoing negotiations with Joshua.
Gervonta Davis: A Fighter With Nothing to Prove
While Jake Paul continues to carve out respect in boxing circles, Davis has already cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Ranked eighth on the pound-for-pound list earlier this year, Davis boasts knockout power and technical mastery that has carried him to the top of the lightweight division.
His last outing ended in a draw against Lamont Roach Jr., though many observers believed Davis did enough to win. Talks of a rematch fell apart after Davis faced legal issues over the summer, leaving his schedule open for the Paul exhibition.
The comment drew plenty of reaction online and added fuel to what is shaping up to be one of the most unusual boxing events of 2025.
Exhibition Rules and Expectations
The fight is officially sanctioned as an exhibition. Paul has previously said it will be 10 three-minute rounds with “no restrictions,” though the lack of official stakes makes it difficult to measure how seriously each fighter will approach it.
Journalist Mike Coppinger compared the rules to the 2021 Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul exhibition, which had agreed weight caps for each fighter. While details remain fluid, it is likely similar conditions will be put in place to ensure some form of balance.
The weight limit for Paul has reportedly been set at 195 pounds, while Davis would not be forced far above his natural class.
More Show Than Sport?
The fight is unlikely to affect either man’s legacy inside the ring. For Davis, it is a chance to expand his star power beyond boxing purists. For Paul, it is another opportunity to prove that his willingness to fight anyone is more than just talk.
Whether fans view it as a legitimate contest or simply a spectacle, the event is expected to draw massive numbers, especially with Netflix as the broadcast partner.
At its core, Paul vs Davis is the latest installment in the ongoing intersection of entertainment and combat sports. And while the weight and size differences make the matchup unconventional, it is exactly that dynamic that ensures the world will be watching come November.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
