A surprising announcement has shaken the combat sports world: YouTube sensation-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul is set to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Friday, November 14, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, streaming live on Netflix. This revelation came unexpectedly, as Paul had been linked to a potential heavyweight clash with former unified champion Anthony Joshua, and Davis was rumored for a rematch with Lamont Roach Jr. after their March majority draw. Despite the size difference—Davis typically fights at 135 pounds, while Paul last competed at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds—the two boxing stars reached an agreement for what is currently labeled an exhibition bout.

The genesis of this unexpected matchup traces back to August 2021, when Jake Paul unveiled a “hit list” of opponents he aspired to fight. At that time, Paul’s boxing record stood at 3-0. Gervonta Davis was prominently featured on that list, among other high-profile names like Canelo Alvarez, Nate Diaz, and Tommy Fury. Paul has since fought several individuals from his original list, and Davis will be the fourth. As Paul’s prominence in boxing has grown, so has the financial appeal of fighting him, attracting top-tier talent. Davis himself has long expressed interest in a confrontation with Paul, with both fighters exchanging jabs on social media. Negotiations for this fight had previously been underway earlier this year but were put on hold after Davis’s surprising majority draw with Roach in March. Ultimately, Davis prioritized the lucrative Paul fight over an immediate rematch with Roach.

Both camps recognize the immense cultural and financial significance of this event. Jake Paul has become one of boxing’s biggest attractions, and Gervonta Davis consistently proves to be a box-office draw. The event, promoted by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, is anticipated to reach a massive global audience via Netflix. The precedent for such lucrative crossover bouts was set by Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s fight with Conor McGregor in 2017, highlighting the substantial financial upside. As Mayweather famously stated, “I’m a prizefighter. That’s what I’m supposed to fight for: a prize!”

The nature of the fight—whether it will be a “real” sanctioned boxing match or an exhibition—remains a key question. While both fighters are expected to compete intensely, the significant weight disparity makes a fully sanctioned professional bout less likely. Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian confirmed that the contracted weight and number of rounds are still under negotiation. The Georgia State Athletic Commission will ultimately determine the rules, with the weight difference being the primary factor in classifying it as an exhibition. Unlike professional fights, exhibition matches offer greater flexibility in rules (e.g., round length, glove size, absence of a declared winner, no impact on professional record) and are primarily for entertainment.

The upcoming bout draws comparisons to Logan Paul’s exhibition fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2021, which also featured a considerable weight difference (Logan at 189.5 pounds vs. Mayweather at 155 pounds). However, key distinctions exist: Jake Paul is considered a more skilled boxer than his brother, and Davis is still in his prime, whereas Mayweather was retired. While Mayweather did not appear to be actively trying to hurt Logan, a loss for Davis against the larger Paul would be a significant blow to his professional career. Jake Paul, conversely, will be aiming to impress and solidify his standing as a serious boxer, especially with a potential Anthony Joshua fight on the horizon.

Regarding a potential Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight, it was never expected to materialize in 2025, according to MVP. Bidarian indicated that a heavyweight showdown between Paul and Joshua could still happen in 2026 if terms are agreed upon. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, previously mentioned that Joshua is recovering from elbow surgery and plans a return fight before the end of 2025, possibly against Tony Yoka. The outcome of the Paul-Davis fight, however, could influence future plans. Bidarian noted that if “Tank” were to knock out Jake, demand for a Joshua-Paul fight could diminish. Paul, unfazed, stated, “First, I am going to kill David [Davis], then I will go on to slaughter Goliath [Joshua], and you are all going to watch me do it.”

The Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Jr. rematch, initially rumored for August, will now be postponed. Roach has been keen on the rematch for months, but Davis opted for a significantly higher payday against Paul, never signing a contract for the Roach fight. Sources suggest Roach is planning a return to the ring this fall against a different opponent. If both Davis and Roach emerge victorious and unharmed from their respective next fights, a rematch could be revisited in early 2026. Separately, Davis’s misdemeanor battery charge stemming from an alleged Father’s Day domestic incident was dismissed earlier this month.