Jake Paul spills tea on Gervonta Davis showdown rules - despite MASSIVE weight gap (exhibition brewing for 2025)

By Lewis Barnett 21 May, 2025 6 mins read 67 Views

Holy crap. I never thought I'd see the day when a YouTuber and a lightweight boxing champ would seriously consider throwing hands. But here we are in 2025, and the boxing world has gone completely bonkers.

I was scrolling through Twitter last night when I saw this bombshell drop. Nearly spilled my coffee all over my keyboard.

Audio Summary of the Article

The Fight That Almost Was

Jake Paul just confirmed what many of us suspected - he and Gervonta "Tank" Davis were thisclose to announcing a fight that would've broken the internet. Like, one-yard-line close. The kind of close that has promoters already counting their money.

But then reality kicked in.

Tank's controversial draw with Lamont Roach back in March threw a wrench in teh works. Remember that fight? My buddy who works security at Madison Square Garden texted me during round 8: "This judge needs glasses or a paycheck." Turns out, Tank needs to handle that business first with a summer rematch.

Wait... HOW Much Weight Difference?!

Let's talk about the elephant in the room. These two aren't even in the same universe weight-wise. We're talking FIVE STONE difference. That's around 70 pounds for those who don't speak British.

Tank fights at 135 pounds. Jake? The dude was just fighting MIKE TYSON at heavyweight.

Listen. I've seen some crazy matchups in my 15 years covering boxing, but this is next-level insanity. It's like watching a Chihuahua challenging a German Shepherd.

So What's The Deal With The Rules?

Paul told Ariel Helwani (who, by the way, has been absolutely killing it with these exclusives lately) that they couldn't get this professionally sanctioned. No kidding.

Instead, they're looking at an exhibition over ten three-minute rounds. Jake would cap his weight at 195 pounds - still a massive advantage, but hey, at least he's not coming in at full heavyweight.

"No restrictions," Jake said. Except, you know, the fact that no boxing commission in their right mind would allow this as a pro fight.

Netflix Numbers That Make HBO Execs Cry

I still can't wrap my head around this... 100 MILLION people watched Jake fight Tyson on Netflix. That's not a typo. One hundred million.

Back in 2018, I paid $89.95 for the Canelo-GGG rematch PPV. Now kids are watching bigger fights while scrolling through their recommendations between episodes of Stranger Things.

The world is weird.

Jake's Surprisingly Harsh Take on Tank

Paul didn't mince words about Davis's abilities: "I never really thought Tank was that good it would just take the right fighter to pick him apart, to be honest."

Bold words from someone who was posting Vine videos while Tank was winning world titles.

But then again, confidence has never been Jake's problem. The guy literally tried to make a fight with Canelo Alvarez happen before the Mexican star walked away to sign with the Saudis instead.

What's Next? (Besides My Editor Questioning My Career Choices)

While this potential circus act develops, Paul's focusing on his June 28th fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. - the son of the boxing legend. Another fight where I've spent $40 on snacks to watch something I still can't believe is happening.

Paul seems dead-set on making the Davis exhibition happen by year's end: "We're working on it behind the scenes to make that happen. Obviously, that's a fight where the fans are going to win, and it's going to be the biggest event of the year."

I've covered boxing since 2010. Started when I was just an intern getting coffee for the real journalists. Now I'm writing about YouTube stars fighting lightweight champions.

What a time to be alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of diet is best for a boxing beginner?

Beginner Boxers should aim for a balanced diet consisting of carbohydrates to provide energy, lean meats and proteins to repair and grow muscles, healthy oils for endurance and plenty fruits and veggies for vitamins. Hydration is also crucial, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after workouts.

What should I look for when choosing a boxing gym?

If you are looking for a boxing club, make sure to look for an inviting environment, friendly instructors with experience, a wide range of classes that suit different skill levels and quality equipment. Also, ask for positive feedback or recommendations from other members. You can also get a better feel for the atmosphere and style of training at a gym by trying out a trial session.

Can I learn Boxing at Home?

It's possible to learn boxing from home using instructional videos or fitness applications, but it's best to train with a professional coach in a gym to make sure you master the correct techniques. Additionally, a boxing gym provides the equipment and the opportunity to practice with others.

What is the equipment I need to get started boxing

In order to train and be safe, you will need certain essentials. It includes a boxing glove and hand wraps which protect the wrists and arms, as well a mouthguard if you are sparring. Boxing shoes and athletic clothing that is comfortable are also recommended to improve movement and support.

Can boxing enhance mental health?

Boxing can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, boosting self-esteem, providing a sense of accomplishment, and promoting discipline. The focus required during training can also serve as a form of meditation, helping to clear the mind and improve concentration.

Can I begin boxing at any time?

Absolutely, you can begin boxing at any age as long as you are in good health and have clearance from your physician. Boxing is adaptable and can be customized to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Is it a good idea to box in order to be fit?

Boxing is an excellent exercise to improve fitness. The full-body workout improves cardiovascular and muscular health, as well as endurance, coordination and agility. Moreover, it is an effective form of stress relief and can boost your confidence and discipline.

Statistics

Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
Women are joining boxing in increasing numbers, rising by about 15% in the past decade, indicating growing gender diversity in the sport.

External Links

How To

How to Stand Correctly In a Boxing Stance

Proper stance is essential to boxing. Stand with feet shoulder-widths apart, and the non-dominant side facing forward. Spread your weight equally and angle your foot back at 45°. You can protect your chin by bending your knees, keeping your elbows close, and holding your gloves high. Stay on the balls of your feet to remain agile. Your body needs to be relaxed and ready for quick movements.