Jake Paul has announced his next fight - and it's not Anthony Joshua.
Rumours had been rife that the pair's representatives were deep in discussions, but it is Gervonta Davis that Paul will fight instead. The bought, scheduled for November 14, will be broadcast live on Netflix for all subscribers.
The announcement has effectively ended negotiations for Paul's potential clash with Joshua, which had been under discussion for early 2026.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Davis, who weighed 133.8 pounds in his most recent outing, will face Paul, who tipped the scales at 199.4 pounds for his June victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Jake Paul will fight unbeaten Gervonta Davis on November 14
|X
The lightweight champion's belt won't be at stake due to the vast weight differential between the competitors.
Paul, who transitioned from Disney Channel fame to professional boxing in 2020, holds a 12-1 record with seven knockouts. His sole defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023, though he recently secured unanimous decision victories over Anderson Silva and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Davis boasts an unbeaten professional record of 30 wins and one draw, with 28 victories by knockout. The Baltimore native has captured world titles across three weight divisions, including super featherweight, lightweight and super lightweight.
The 28-year-old Paul wrote on X: "Yes, he is one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, but my motto is anyone, any time, any place, against all odds."
JUST IN: World Boxing take action to prevent males from entering female competitions
Jake Paul has just one loss on his record, against Tommy Fury
|GETTY
He added "first David, then Goliath," seemingly referencing the shelved Joshua negotiations.
The physical disparities between the fighters present unprecedented challenges. Paul towers over eight inches taller than Davis, creating a significant height advantage for the former Disney star. The reach differential also spans nine inches in Paul's favour.
Joshua's promotor, Eddie Hearn, acknowledged the financial logic behind Davis accepting the exhibition, noting: "I can't be a hypocrite and say if you're Gervonta Davis, who is being offered 20, 30, 40 million or whatever the number is, and you're getting seven or eight to fight Lamont Roach in 50-50, what are you going to do?"
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from boxing's establishment.
Ryan Garcia labelled the bout "circus boxing," claiming it damages the sport's credibility. Lamont Roach Jr posted duck emojis on social media, suggesting Davis avoided their planned rematch following their controversial March draw.
Paul remains defiant about his future ambitions, declaring: "Gervonta's been talking trash too long. He's Tank, but I'm a bulldozer, and I'm rolling through."
He confirmed his intentions to pursue Joshua afterwards, stating: "After Davis, I want Joshua," targeting a 2026 title opportunity.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Anthony Joshua's representatives had been discussing with Jake Paul over a potential bout, but that has been cast in doubt
| PADespite this, the exhibition has disrupted plans for Joshua's return from an elbow injury, with promoter Hearn expressing uncertainty about proceeding with their targeted February or March 2026 date.
"I knew Paul would fight in November, but I didn't think it would be lightweight Tank Davis. That changes things," Hearn stated.
The 46-year-old promoter voiced concerns about Paul's chances, suggesting a defeat could alter Joshua's plans entirely.
Rather than waiting for the November outcome, he indicated they would schedule alternative opposition for the former heavyweight champion's comeback.
French boxer Tony Yoka has been touted as a potential next bout for Joshua. The 33-year-old, who won gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics super heavyweight division, recently spoke in light of the rumours that AJ's representatives were scouting stadiums in Ghana to host a major fight in Africa for the first time.
"A lot of people are talking about it, and it could generate enormous interest," Yoka told L'Equipe. "If it comes to fruition, it will indeed be a huge event for African boxing."
It now seems clear that Joshua's highly-anticipated return to the ring will not be against Paul. The question is, whether the fight after can be - but that could also be derailed should Paul falter against the unbeaten and highly-reputable Davis.
Tyson Fury recently ruled himself out of a return to the ring, while Dillian Whyte lost last against 20-year-old prodigy Moses Itauma in sensational fashion.
Joseph Parker could be an option for the 35-year-old, having beaten him before in 2018. The Kiwi's representatives believe Joshua will avoid this potential due to his excellent form - Joe Joyce being the sole heavyweight to stop him since Whyte in 2018.
So the options are narrowing for Joshua, but Hearn remains insistent he will return to the ring early 2026, which could mark 18 months since his last appearance. By then, ring rust will be a concern. But what is a concern first, is who he can get in there with him.