Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis declares: “I’ll jab Jake Paul’s mouth once I see him”

The world of boxing thrives on rivalries, and few matchups have generated as much buzz as the ongoing war of words between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Jake Paul. While these two fighters come from vastly different backgrounds—one a three-division world champion and the other a YouTuber-turned-boxer—their paths may be destined to cross inside the ring.

What started as a heated social media exchange has evolved into a full-blown feud, with both men taking jabs at each other verbally. But could this rivalry actually lead to a fight? And if it does, what would it mean for the sport? Let’s break down the history, the obstacles, and the potential implications of a Davis vs. Paul showdown.

Jake Paul’s Victory Over Mike Tyson Sparks Controversy

The latest chapter in this rivalry began after Jake Paul defeated former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a highly publicized boxing match. Held at AT&T Stadium in Texas, the fight drew an estimated 70,000 fans, making it one of the most-watched combat sports events of the year. However, the bout was met with widespread criticism.

Tyson, now 58 years old, was a shadow of his former self. While he still displayed flashes of power, his stamina and reflexes were visibly diminished. Many in the boxing community, including fighters and analysts, questioned the legitimacy of the fight, arguing that it was little more than an exhibition disguised as a real contest.

Gervonta Davis’ Explosive Reaction

Gervonta “Tank” Davis wasted no time in making his feelings known. The undefeated lightweight champion, known for his devastating knockout power, took to Instagram to vent his frustration. In a series of fiery posts, Davis dismissed the fight as a “joke” and took direct aim at Jake Paul.

“Mike Tyson, you will always be a legend. What happened today doesn’t change that.”

“To the clown who dragged Mike into this nonsense—you’re a disgrace.”

Davis didn’t stop there. He escalated the feud by threatening Paul directly:

“If I ever run into this bald-headed clown in real life, I’ll slap him so hard his face will shift. Jab, jab, uppercut, left hook, uppercut, hook. Just wait and see.”

The raw emotion behind Davis’ words made it clear—he was not joking.

Jake Paul Fires Back

If there’s one thing Jake Paul knows how to do, it’s stir the pot. When reporters asked him about Davis’ threats, Paul brushed them off with a smirk and a sarcastic remark about Davis’ height:

“Tank? Oh, please. Bring it on! Am I supposed to be scared of this mini Mike Tyson? Is there a height limit in boxing?”

Paul continued mocking Davis on social media, taking to X (formerly Twitter) with a post that read:

“Tank woke up angry today. Guess he couldn’t ride the roller coasters at Disney World. It’s okay, buddy. Life’s unfair sometimes.”

With his signature mix of confidence and trolling, Paul made it clear that he had no intention of backing down.

Size Matters: The Weight and Height Disparity

While the trash talk is entertaining, the logistics of a fight between Davis and Paul are far more complicated. The most glaring issue? Their massive size difference.

• Gervonta Davis: Competes in the lightweight division (135 lbs), standing at 5’5″
• Jake Paul: Fights in the cruiserweight division (200 lbs), standing at 6’1″

That’s a 70-pound weight difference and 8 inches in height—a gap that makes a fight nearly impossible under normal circumstances. Boxing has strict weight classes for a reason: to ensure fair competition and fighter safety.

Could They Meet at a Catchweight?

If this fight were to happen, it would likely require a catchweight—a contracted weight somewhere in between their natural classes.

For example:

• Paul could cut down to 175 lbs (light heavyweight)
• Davis could bulk up to around 160 lbs (middleweight)

Even with a catchweight, Davis would be at a significant disadvantage in terms of size, reach, and power. However, his speed, skill, and knockout ability could still make him a threat.

Boxing World Reactions: Should This Fight Happen?

The idea of a Tank Davis vs. Jake Paul fight has sparked mixed reactions from fans, fighters, and boxing analysts.

Tony Bellew Calls for a Boycott

Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew blasted Jake Paul after his win over Tyson and called for a boycott of his fights unless he starts facing serious competition. Bellew’s main argument? Paul needs to fight real boxers in their prime—not legends well past their best years.

“The Tyson fight was a disgrace. If you want to be taken seriously in boxing, fight someone in your weight class who isn’t twice your age.”

Fans Are Divided

• Supporters of the Fight: Many fans argue that a Tank Davis vs. Jake Paul fight would be great for business. Both fighters have massive followings, and a showdown would generate enormous pay-per-view sales.
• Critics of the Fight: Traditional boxing fans believe that such a matchup would be nothing more than a spectacle, diminishing the sport’s legitimacy.

The Business of Boxing: Money Talks

Like it or not, boxing is a business. And in today’s era, big fights aren’t always about rankings—they’re about revenue.

A fight between Davis and Paul would easily sell over a million pay-per-views, likely making it one of the most lucrative events of the year. With that kind of financial incentive, boxing promoters and networks would certainly entertain the idea.

Potential Payouts

• Jake Paul’s Purse: Likely between $15-20 million, plus PPV bonuses
• Gervonta Davis’ Purse: Estimated $20-25 million, depending on revenue split

For context, Paul made $30 million in his fight against Tommy Fury, while Davis earned $25 million for his fight against Ryan Garcia. A matchup between the two could easily surpass those figures.

Would It Be a Fair Fight?

Let’s be honest—Paul would have a clear size advantage. Even if Davis is the far superior boxer, the weight difference could be a major factor. However, boxing is unpredictable, and Tank’s knockout power cannot be underestimated.

• Scenario 1: Paul uses his size and reach to outbox Davis, winning via decision or stoppage.
• Scenario 2: Davis’ superior skill and speed allow him to land a devastating knockout punch.

Final Thoughts: Will Davis vs. Paul Happen?

While the idea of a Gervonta Davis vs. Jake Paul fight is entertaining, several hurdles need to be cleared before it can become a reality:

• Weight class differences are a major issue
• Boxing commissions may not sanction it due to safety concerns
• Davis is focused on defending his lightweight title
• Paul is chasing big-name opponents in higher weight classes

However, if both fighters truly want the fight—and if the money is right—boxing history has shown that anything is possible.

For now, this rivalry remains a war of words. But if Davis and Paul continue to exchange threats, don’t be surprised if this verbal battle turns into a real-life showdown inside the ring.