Anthony Joshua has emerged as a surprise contender to face Jake Paul after Gervonta Davis’ scheduled fight with the YouTuber-turned-boxer was thrown into doubt amid serious legal allegations.
Paul was due to meet Davis in an exhibition bout on November 14 in Miami, streamed globally on Netflix, but the event now hangs in the balance after Davis was accused of battery and kidnapping by his former partner, Courtney Rossel.
Most Valuable Promotions, the company co-founded by Paul, has confirmed it is conducting an internal review before deciding whether the bout will proceed.
In a statement, the organisation said: “Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025.
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“At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted.
“We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consulted with the appropriate parties.”
With the high-profile fight now uncertain, Paul’s team has begun preparing contingency plans.
Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PA
Anthony Joshua has not been seen in the ring since his defeat against Daniel Dubois in September | PAAccording to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, five names are currently under consideration as potential replacements: Anthony Joshua, Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has reportedly spoken with Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian about the idea, although significant contractual hurdles remain.
“There would have to be a lot of things that fall into place. But it’s possible,” Hearn told iFL TV.
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Jake Paul had been due to fight Gervonta Davis later this month
| Reuters“AJ is exclusive to DAZN, so without DAZN’s consent or a deal they’re happy with, we wouldn’t go forward anyway. I’ve spoken to Nakisa, and we’ve talked over it. AJ’s response was just, ‘Let me know where.’”
Joshua has not fought since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, though Hearn has hinted at a comeback before the end of this year.
A clash with Paul would undoubtedly generate global interest, particularly given the growing appetite for celebrity boxing spectacles.
Other potential opponents also bring considerable intrigue.
Crawford, fresh from his stunning victory over Canelo Alvarez in September, has previously claimed he would only face Paul for an extraordinary $200million.
Garcia, meanwhile, has been linked with a December bout against the social media star, but his promoter Oscar De La Hoya quickly dismissed the idea due to broadcasting conflicts.
Terence Crawford is another possible option for Jake Paul
| GETTY“Ryan fights for DAZN and Jake Paul fights on Netflix,” De La Hoya explained. “That’s pretty much the bottom line.”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou remains another option. The Cameroonian has already boxed twice, knocking down Tyson Fury in his debut before losing on points and later suffering a knockout defeat to Joshua.
He returned to mixed martial arts in 2024 with a victory over Renen Ferreira and has since been angling for a fight with Deontay Wilder.
Diaz, who lost to Paul in August 2023 after being knocked down early, has also voiced his interest in a rematch, insisting he was injured during their first encounter.
“They trippin’, I still won this fight,” Diaz wrote on social media.
As for Davis, his future is currently clouded.