Last month, while speaking about Gervonta Davis’ upcoming match against Jake Paul, coach Boog Williams speculated, “I don’t think it’s going to be what you saw in Tyson and Jake Paul. You know what I’m saying? You know, man, Tyson is a little old in age now, but you know, like, I’ve been seeing Tank spar with bigger guys. So, I think it’ll be—it’s going to be a good one.” Let’s admit – the sheer matchup shocked many. But deep inside, that riveting feeling lingered – Who will win? Will the lightweight champion outbox the YouTuber-turned-boxer who has mostly fought as a cruiserweight or heavyweight?
Jake Paul defeated former champions like Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez. So with a win over an incumbent titleholder, who’s also one of the sport’s biggest draws, he stands to gain the professional legitimacy that seemingly eluded him. Ever since the fight announcement came, these questions troubled. And the answers have finally arrived. Instead of Georgia’s State Farm Arena, Paul and Tank’s November 14 Netflix card will take place in Miami, Florida. What’s more, the state’s Athletic Commission spelled out a few guidelines, which may comfort a few and, at the same time, lessen the excitement for some.
Strict rules, no room for error: Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis
According to USA Today’s update, Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis will be an exhibition with ‘larger gloves.’ The executive director of the Florida Athletic Commission said, “You can’t do a fight like that as a pro fight; it’ll be an exhibition. I’m looking at the details right now. I’m sure there will be other stipulations.”
Additionally, the regulatory body stipulates that the fight should “display skill without necessarily striving to win using strikes and blows to the head or other full-contact maneuvers.” Senior boxing insider Mike Coppinger summed it up the best. “Let’s not waste our time over the next couple of months discussing who’s going to ‘win this fight.‘”
So for all that matters, the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis fight has now received the stamp of exhibition. The question of a winner or a loser now stands irrelevant. Boog Williams didn’t miss the point when he spoke. “I think it’s going—I think it’s going to be a good exhibition.”
Miami’s Kaseya Center will host Paul vs. Tank on November 14.
Many perspectives, but one thing’s for sure: it entertains
Earlier, Georgia’s Athletic Commission raised its hands against it. Speaking about the bout, a piece on USA Today revealed how the commission’s top official pulled no punches. “This is the dumbest (expletive) I’ve ever heard. It’s a money grabber, and I’m not OK with that.”
Reportedly, the official was at odds with sanctioning Paul vs. Tank as either a professional fight or an exhibition.
In contrast, last month, while speaking with ESPN, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian reportedly said, “I can tell you that we’re going to have a fight that will have a definitive outcome, whether by way of knockout or decision.”
For sure, the latest news will disappoint fans who hoped for a beatdown, whether from Gervonta Davis or Jake Paul. Still, they can watch it for purely entertainment purposes. There’s nothing wrong with it. Legions of followers still reminisce about the 1976 mixed fight between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki. So Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis may also join that coveted list.
What’s your take on the athletic commission’s decision about the Paul-Tank duel?