Jake Paul to Face Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in High-Stakes Atlanta Bout

Jake Paul’s next test in the ring will come against one of boxing’s most dangerous opponents. Netflix announced Wednesday that Paul will face Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Nov. 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, in what is expected to be the most difficult challenge of the YouTube star’s young boxing career.

Paul, 28, has built a 12-1 record since turning professional in 2020, drawing both attention and criticism along the way.

While he has recorded victories against MMA veterans Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren and Mike Perry and even knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson — detractors argue that most of his competition has lacked elite boxing pedigree.

His lone professional defeat came in 2023 to Tommy Fury, half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Most recently, Paul earned a unanimous decision over former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June.

Davis, however, presents a different level of opposition. The 30-year-old WBA lightweight champion is widely regarded as one of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters. Known for his ferocious punching power despite his 5-foot-5 frame, Davis holds an unbeaten record of 30-0-1, with 28 wins coming by knockout.

He last fought in March, retaining his title with a majority-decision draw against Lamond Roach Jr.

Davis’ career faced uncertainty over the summer after his July arrest in Miami during an alleged domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend. The case was later dropped after a misdemeanor battery charge was dismissed by prosecutors, according to Miami-Dade County court records.

The Paul-Davis matchup is the latest in a string of high-profile fights promoted by Netflix as the streaming giant deepens its investment in live sports. Paul’s November exhibition against Mike Tyson drew 65 million peak streams, according to the company. Netflix also has Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez scheduled for Sept. 13, alongside WWE Raw and NFL broadcasts.

Not all in the boxing world are pleased with Paul’s latest marquee fight. Ryan Garcia, a former WBC interim lightweight champion who lost to Davis in 2023, criticized the matchup online. “Boxing is officially the WWE … integrity of the sport is getting ruined every day,” Garcia wrote.

With Paul seeking legitimacy against a reigning world champion and Davis looking to reinforce his dominance, the Atlanta bout promises both spectacle and controversy as Netflix continues reshaping the way fans consume the sport.