The controversial clash between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis will no longer take place in Atlanta. Originally scheduled for Nov. 14 at State Farm Arena, the bout has been relocated to Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, according to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. The move comes after the Georgia State Athletic Commission (GAEC) expressed concern over the massive weight disparity between the two fighters.
Paul, who last fought at 199½ pounds, will meet Davis, a 133¾-pound lightweight, in a contest that has raised eyebrows across the sport.
Georgia Commission Pushback
GAEC commissioner Rick Thompson didn’t mince words about the matchup, previously calling it “the dumbest (expletive) I’ve ever heard.” On Monday, Thompson told USA Today the decision stemmed from safety concerns, noting the weight gap was simply too great.
Fighters Trade Jabs
Despite the venue shakeup, both fighters have continued their war of words.
“Jake Paul has been cherry-picking in the sport of boxing for a while now, but he picked the wrong opponent this time,” Davis said in a statement. “He better start losing some weight, chasing some chickens, and pray that helps him some on fight night! Thank you to Netflix for giving me the opportunity to whoop this clown!”
Paul fired back: “New city, same mission, seek and destroy the Tank. Kaseya Center. Friday, November 14. I’m bringing the heat, and Miami will see me take down this angry elf while the world watches live on Netflix.”
Background and Stakes
Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs), 30, enters the fight fresh off a controversial majority draw with Lamont Roach Jr. earlier this year at Barclays Center. Many felt Roach should have pulled off the upset had a ninth-round knee been ruled a knockdown. A rematch for Davis’ WBA lightweight title was in the works for August but never materialized.
Paul (12-1, 7 KOs), 28, is coming off a wide decision victory over former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr. in June.
Sanctioning Still Unclear
As of now, the fight’s parameters remain murky. It is still unknown whether Paul vs. Davis will be a fully sanctioned professional bout or an exhibition, and how the wide weight difference will be officially handled. What is certain: the matchup will be streamed worldwide on Netflix, ensuring massive visibility regardless of format.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
