Gervonta Davis has signed to fight Jake Paul next, putting his status as lightweight world champion in jeopardy.
It was announced on Wednesday that the WBA lightweight champion would clash with Youtuber-turned-boxer Paul in an exhibition contest on Friday November 14 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Davis had been initially scheduled to defend his world title against fellow countryman Lamont Roach Jr in their much anticipated rematch next, but these plans fell through after a period of failed negotiations between the camps of both fighters.
Paul made his most recent ring appearance back in June, defeating Mexico’s former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the Honda Center in Anaheim, a victory that earned him his first ever world ranking with the WBA, going in at number 14.
As reported by ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez on X, the WBA will now look at Davis’ status as world champion due to failing to finalise a deal to face Roach for the second time, after a fight between the American duo had been ordered to take place next.
“WBA will analyse Gervonta Davis’s status as lightweight champion after announcing an exhibition with Jake Paul. A rematch against Lamont Roach had been ordered following a controversial draw. Should they strip him of the belt? Could they make room for an interim title?”
Though the rematch is ordered, Davis could potentially argue that he intends to still pursue it and that this exhibition should not be considered as part of his professional career – a case that would diminish the event with Paul. Regardless, pressure will be put on the sanctioning body to act.
The full details of the bout between Davis and Paul look set to be confirmed in the coming weeks, with rumours circulating about the number of rounds and rules.
‘The Problem Child’ weighed in at 198.5lbs for his most recent outing against Chavez, just shy of 65lbs heavier than what ‘Tank’ Davis weighed in at for his showdown with Roach back in March.
