The most lopsided fight in modern history? Elephant vs. Ant – Is the Netflix world pulling a stunt to grab views?

Boxing fans are in for an unexpected spectacle as Jake Paul gears up to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in what many are calling the most uneven fight in modern history. With nearly 65 pounds separating the two fighters, the matchup feels like an elephant squaring off against an ant. But could there be a shocking twist that defies the odds?

Introduction – An Unexpected Drama in the World of Boxing

Boxing has always thrived on drama. The sport is not only about punches thrown inside the squared circle but also about the narratives that surround each fight—stories that captivate fans before the first bell even rings. And in 2025, no story is bigger—or stranger—than Jake Paul vs. Gervonta “Tank” Davis.

Originally, Paul was supposed to face Anthony Joshua in a blockbuster matchup that promised fireworks between a YouTuber-turned-cruiserweight boxer and a former heavyweight champion of the world. But those plans collapsed. Instead, the world woke up to an announcement that Paul would fight Tank Davis, a man nearly half his size in terms of weight.

It feels like an elephant being asked to fight an ant. Yet here we are, with Netflix staging one of the most talked-about events of the year. The burning question: is this a step backward for boxing’s credibility or a genius marketing move designed to push the sport further into mainstream entertainment?

Why Did the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Fight Collapse?

The cancellation of Paul vs. Joshua wasn’t due to injuries, fear, or a lack of fan interest. On the contrary, fans were buzzing about the possibility. But in modern boxing, business often overshadows sport.

At the heart of the collapse lies a broadcasting war: DAZN vs. Netflix. Joshua is tied to DAZN under an exclusive deal. Jake Paul, however, has signed a lucrative partnership with Netflix, which has been aggressively pushing into live sports. The result? A stalemate. Neither side was willing to compromise, and the proposed fight crumbled under the weight of television contracts and corporate interests.

This is not new in boxing. Fighters often want to fight, but networks, promoters, and streaming platforms pull the strings. It shows how modern boxing is less about “the best fighting the best” and more about “the most profitable fighting on the right platform.”

What fans got instead was something they didn’t expect: Jake Paul pivoting from Joshua to Gervonta Davis.

Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis: The Fight of Unequal Proportions

Let’s put the numbers in perspective.

• Jake Paul’s usual weight: around 200 lbs (cruiserweight division).

• Gervonta Davis’s weight: around 135 lbs (lightweight division).

• The gap: nearly 65 lbs, or close to an entire weight class spectrum.

In traditional boxing, such a fight would be impossible. The sport is built on weight divisions precisely to avoid unfair advantages. A man weighing 200 lbs simply carries more natural power, reach, and durability than someone at 135 lbs.

The solution? A catchweight or an exhibition.

Reports suggest that this fight will not be a fully sanctioned professional bout. Instead, it’s expected to be an exhibition fight with rules tailored to level the playing field—or at least to protect both fighters. It will be staged at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta and broadcast globally on Netflix, marking another step in Netflix’s strategy to own headline-grabbing spectacles.

But the fact remains: this is one of the most uneven fights ever proposed in modern boxing history. On paper, it should be a mismatch. Yet in boxing, the unexpected often lurks beneath the surface.

From Davis’s Perspective – Why Accept the Fight?

To understand this bizarre matchup, you need to look at it from Gervonta “Tank” Davis’s point of view. Why would a legitimate world champion, widely respected as one of the pound-for-pound elites, accept a fight against a much bigger, non-traditional opponent like Jake Paul?

The Money Factor

This is the simplest and most compelling reason. Paul vs. Davis is expected to generate massive revenue. Netflix is going all-in, and Davis will likely earn more from this fight than from many of his world title defenses combined. For a fighter, payday matters, and Davis is no exception.

Global Recognition

Inside boxing circles, Davis is already a star. But outside the sport? Many casual fans barely know his name. Jake Paul, however, is a household name—thanks to YouTube, social media, and his ability to generate controversy. By fighting Paul, Davis reaches a new audience, gaining global exposure far beyond hardcore boxing fans.

Low Risk, High Reward

On the surface, it looks like Davis is at a disadvantage due to weight. But because this fight is not for a title and is likely an exhibition, his legacy as a legitimate lightweight champion won’t be tarnished even if he loses. At the same time, if he pulls off a stunning upset—beating a man nearly twice his size—his legend grows exponentially.

For Davis, the equation is simple: money, fame, and low-risk legacy damage.

Jake Paul and the Showbiz Boxing Strategy

Jake Paul’s career has been a case study in branding, controversy, and calculated risks. He is not the best boxer in the world, nor does he claim to be. But he is, without a doubt, one of the most influential figures in boxing today.

From YouTuber to Fighter

Paul’s journey from YouTube prankster to professional boxer shocked purists. But over the years, he’s built credibility by defeating ex-MMA champions, mid-level pros, and headlining events watched by millions. He’s not a world champion—but he doesn’t need to be. His brand is his championship belt.

Keeping His Name Hot

After the collapse of the Joshua fight, Paul needed something big to stay in the headlines. Fighting Davis gives him that. It may not be the “boxing purist” dream match, but it ensures Jake Paul remains the center of conversation.

The Bigger Goal: Mainstream Entertainment

Paul isn’t trying to fit into boxing’s old traditions. Instead, he’s reshaping boxing into mainstream entertainment, where spectacle matters as much as skill. Think of WWE, but with real punches. In this sense, Davis is the perfect foil—a respected fighter who legitimizes Paul while also being small enough for Paul to look dominant.

The Public and Expert Reactions

Not surprisingly, the announcement of Paul vs. Davis has split opinions.

Fans

Casual fans love it. The storyline of “big vs. small,” the entertainment factor, and the sheer weirdness of the matchup have already gone viral. On social media, memes are flooding timelines.

Hardcore fans, however, are outraged. They see this as a circus act that cheapens the sport. Weight divisions exist for a reason, and ignoring them undermines boxing’s integrity.

Experts

Boxing analysts and former champions are also divided. Some argue that Davis is too small and risks his health stepping into the ring with a cruiserweight. Others claim that Jake Paul is cherry-picking an undersized opponent to avoid real danger.

Ryan Garcia, for example, has scoffed at the idea that Davis would ever fight at close to 200 lbs, calling it delusional. Analysts like Spencer Oliver have criticized the fight as a “bad move” for Paul’s credibility, arguing that it looks like a stunt rather than a real sporting contest.

The Commercial Side – Netflix’s Big Gamble

This fight isn’t just about Paul and Davis. It’s also about Netflix making a statement.

Netflix has already dipped its toes into live sports, streaming golf exhibitions and tennis events. But boxing represents a new frontier—a chance to compete directly with DAZN, ESPN, and Showtime.

For Netflix, the fight is less about who wins and more about who watches. Numbers matter. Subscribers matter. Engagement matters. Jake Paul is the perfect partner because he brings eyeballs, not just boxing fans but casual viewers who normally wouldn’t watch a fight.

If successful, this event could mark the beginning of Netflix becoming a serious player in live combat sports.

Possible Scenarios: How Could This Fight Play Out?

Despite the size difference, boxing has always been unpredictable. Let’s consider a few possible outcomes.

1. Paul Overpowers Davis
   The most likely scenario. Paul uses his size, reach, and power to dominate. Davis struggles to close the distance, and the fight ends with Paul either winning comfortably or scoring a knockout.

2. Davis Shocks the World
   Speed kills. Davis is lightning fast, technically superior, and capable of catching Paul with punches he never sees coming. If Davis avoids Paul’s power and lands cleanly, a massive upset could happen.

3. A Scripted Draw?
   Given this is likely an exhibition, there’s always the possibility of a “safe ending” where neither man loses face. A draw keeps Paul strong, keeps Davis untarnished, and sets up a potential rematch.

Conclusion – Show or Sport?

At the end of the day, the question isn’t whether Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis is fair—it clearly isn’t. The question is whether it’s entertaining enough to justify existing.

For Paul, the fight cements his role as the king of boxing entertainment. For Davis, it’s a chance to cash in and expand his brand. For Netflix, it’s a test of whether spectacle can drive subscriptions.

Is it sport? Is it showbiz? Maybe it’s both.

And just maybe, somewhere between the elephant and the ant, fans will find themselves watching one of the most unforgettable nights in modern boxing history.