Miami: Social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul has reportedly approached Ryan Garcia as a replacement opponent for Gervonta “Tank” Davis in his upcoming exhibition boxing match, which was set to take place on November 14 at Miami’s Kaseya Centre, according to multiple reports.
The highly publicized bout between Paul and Davis — which was to be the first-ever boxing match scored by artificial intelligence (AI) — now appears uncertain following fresh domestic violence allegations against Davis.
Initially, the exhibition was agreed upon at a catchweight of 195lbs, with both fighters using 12oz gloves to minimize injury risks. Paul, who fights at 200lbs, was set to face Davis, the WBA lightweight world champion at 135lbs, in a non-title clash.
However, after Friday night’s developments, the match is reportedly “in limbo”, with Paul’s team and streaming partner Netflix seeking a new opponent.
“Netflix and representatives for Jake Paul have been exploring potential replacements for Gervonta Davis,” reported Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
“Paul-Davis, scheduled for November 14th, is in limbo after new allegations of domestic violence against Davis.”
Davis, who has faced previous domestic violence charges, was last arrested in July following allegations from his ex-girlfriend but released shortly after on a $10,000 bond. That case was dismissed when the complainant declined to pursue charges further.
Despite the earlier dismissal, new allegations have reignited controversy, casting doubt over Davis’s involvement in the planned exhibition bout.
According to Mannix, Jake Paul’s camp has already made an official offer to former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia to step in as a replacement — possibly in December if the Davis fight is fully canceled.
“Representatives for Jake Paul have made an offer for Ryan Garcia to fight Paul in December,” Mannix reported.
“Garcia is not the only opponent Paul’s team has approached as they aggressively pursue a replacement for Gervonta Davis.”
If confirmed, a Jake Paul vs Ryan Garcia exhibition would mark one of the most intriguing crossover bouts in recent boxing history, blending YouTube fame, star power, and legitimate boxing talent.
