Jake Paul and Gervonta 'Tank' Davis are set to face off in an exhibition match on November 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Netflix will broadcast the event, which has stirred up controversy due to the significant size difference between the fighters.
The match pits cruiserweight Jake Paul against lightweight Gervonta Davis. Paul stands at 6-foot-1 and will have a 7-inch height advantage, a 9-inch reach advantage, and a seven-division weight advantage over Davis.
Terence Crawford, the undisputed champion, has voiced strong concerns about the matchup. He believes Paul is too big for Davis, creating an unfair physical mismatch.
"It's not just about skill, it's about fair conditions. If Jake Paul wants to fight real boxers, let him do it at his weight."
Crawford worries about the credibility of professional boxing and how such events might turn the sport into mere entertainment without competitive meaning.
Paul has responded to critics on social media with bravado. He posted:
"My motto is: anyone, anytime, anywhere, against all odds. And I like my odds."
He also shared edited images and 50 Cent music to mock his detractors. Critics point out that Paul has avoided facing rivals in his own weight class, opting instead for high-profile media fights.
Davis, ranked as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, will need to rely on his technique and speed to overcome the size difference. He hasn't directly responded to Crawford's criticism.
Shakur Stevenson weighed in on the matchup, saying:
"He can box him, but I don't think he'll knock him down."
Stevenson doubts Davis's ability to knock out someone with such a significant size advantage.
The event, described by some as a mixture of circus and boxing, raises questions about the direction of boxing in the age of social media. It also brings up ethical concerns about mismatched fights and the balance between spectacle and sport.
As November 14 approaches, the boxing world will watch to see whether this event prioritizes entertainment over competitive integrity. The rules for this exhibition have not yet been revealed, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already controversial matchup.
