Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis was all set to take place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on November 14. Unfortunately, it looks like Netflix’s big event may be in trouble after Paul’s opponent has found himself in yet another legal mess.
As per Sports Illustrated, Davis has been slapped with a bombshell lawsuit by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel. The 30-year-old professional boxer is being accused of domestic violence, kidnapping, and other serious allegations. More on this in a bit.
This could result in a huge blow to Netflix, which was gearing up to stream the exhibition match globally. Davis previously found himself in a similar situation when he was due to fight Lamont Roach Jr on August 16.
Just ahead of the fight, Davis was arrested on similar charges of domestic abuse after an incident with another ex-girlfriend. The match was postponed and ultimately canceled.
Could this mean that Netflix and fans can say goodbye to hopes of seeing the younger Paul brother go head-to-head with Davis on November 14?
Fans Suggest Alternate Opponents for Jake Paul as Match in Jeopardy
There is a bit of hope left for Jake Paul fans as SI’s Chris Mannix has reported that the boxer/influencer’s representatives, as well as Netflix, are actively looking for names to replace Gervonta “Tank” Davis with.
Mannix wrote on X that “sources familiar with the situation” have told Sports Illustrated that replacements are being explored as the initial match now seems to be “in limbo” thanks to the allegations against Davis.
Netflix and reps for Jake Paul have been exploring potential replacements for Gervonta Davis, sources familiar with the situation told @SInow. Paul-Davis, scheduled for November 14th, is in limbo after new allegations of domestic violence against Davis.
However disappointing, fans already have options for Paul to choose from. Starting off with Deontay Wilder, aka The Bronze Bomber. The 40-year-old heavyweight champion seems to be a popular choice to replace Davis.
A fan wrote,
Bring in @BronzeBomber, that would make things a lot more interesting!
Another suggestion is Ray Charles Leonard, also known as Sugar Ray Leonard, a former professional boxer regarded as one of the greatest in the game. However, it is worth noting that Leonard is 69 years old, which would be a leap given Davis’ 30 years of age. Paul has previously fought 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
@SugarRayLeonard is still in great shape. Always loved a challenge, and is around the age group likely being targeted 🥊
The fan-favorite potential opponent, though, is Ryan Garcia.
Jake Paul vs Ryan Garcia will be the replacement
Some reports are claiming that Paul’s team has already reached out to Garcia to be the potential replacement on November 14.
🚨 Jake Paul has reportedly offered Ryan Garcia to replace Gervonta Davis following new domestic violence allegations against Tank
Jake’s team also reached out to other potential opponents for a December date, per @SInow pic.twitter.com/kniSd8Ya4K
Garcia has previously talked about a potential fight against Paul. During his appearance on the Ring Champs podcast earlier this year, he stated, “Of course [I’d give up weight]. There’s value in the fight. We’re going to make a bunch of money. He obviously thinks he’s going to win but again this is what I see that he’s not as good as he thinks he is in his head.“
There’s definitely a story here. There is also a sort of feud between the two after Garcia called him out online, stating,
Okay enough, it’s on I’m going to have to do this! I’m going to end this JAKE PAUL BOXING THING.
BRING IT ON JAKE IM DEAD FUCKING SERIOUS FUCK YOU! HIT MY TEAM UP
As for Paul, he had something to say to Davis during a post-fight conference: “Ryan, I love you…but you’ve got to chill out.” He called him “thirsty and desperate“, adding, “And as long as you’ve been in the game, I’m a better boxer than you” (via MMA Fighting). Could they finally hash it out in the ring?
Learn More About the Lawsuit Against Gervonta Davis
Coming to why a replacement may be needed in the first place, Davis was hit by a lawsuit by his ex, Courtney Rossel, on Thursday. As per BBC Sport, the allegations against the boxer are battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
She seeks compensatory and punitive damages of $50,000, as well as a jury trial. According to the complaint, Davis attacked Courtney at her workplace on October 27. He had also previously made threats to kill, allegedly.
Courtney has claimed that there have been “at least” four incidents where he “physically assaulted and choked” her. As per the lawsuit, Courtney is going through PTSD and is seeking therapeutic treatment.
The new allegations have come up only two months after a similar violence case against Davis was dropped. His other ex-girlfriend/the mother of his children, accused him of domestic violence (via ESPN).
She told the police that she and Davis were in a verbal dispute over “personal matters and Gervonta having insecurities about the s*xuality of their son.” Things escalated when he came over to pick his children up from her residence, only to allegedly punch her “on the rear of her head with a closed fist” and slap her on the face. He was arrested on July 11 but was later released on a bond of $10,000. In August, the case was dropped.
Davis has one daughter with Andretta Smothers and a son and a daughter with Vanessa Posso.
What are your thoughts on the legal troubles that keep surrounding Davis? Will Paul fight another man on November 14, or will Netflix have to cancel the match altogether? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
