Netflix's Jeopardy Fight Leaves Jake Paul with Many Options

Monday Morning Musings After a Surprisingly Busy Weekend in Boxing

The weekend brought a whirlwind of activity in the boxing world, leaving many fans and analysts with a lot to unpack. With Jake Paul’s upcoming fight against Gervonta Davis now in jeopardy, the spotlight has shifted to potential replacements and other developments in the sport.

A New Fight on the Horizon?

Reports suggest that Jake Paul’s team has been actively seeking a replacement for Gervonta Davis, who recently found himself entangled in a civil lawsuit. The allegations include battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. While MVP, Paul’s promotional company, has stated they are investigating the claims, it seems increasingly unlikely that the Nov. 14 bout will proceed as planned.

Netflix, which is set to stream the event, is reportedly concerned about the negative publicity surrounding Davis. This has prompted MVP to explore alternative options. One name that has surfaced is Ryan Garcia, with a December date being considered. Additionally, undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford has also been approached. Even Logan Paul, Jake’s brother, was briefly discussed as a possibility.

Anthony Joshua: A Possible Replacement?

One of the most intriguing names in the mix is Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion. Talks between MVP and Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, have been ongoing, with mutual interest in a potential matchup. Hearn expressed openness to the idea, noting that while there are complications—such as Joshua’s exclusive deal with DAZN—the fight could still happen if the right opportunity arises.

DAZN, which holds the exclusive rights to Joshua, may be hesitant to allow him to fight on another platform. However, the financial incentives from Netflix could potentially sway the decision. Despite these challenges, the clock is ticking, and the timing remains uncertain.

Other Boxing Notes

• Eddie Hearn confirmed that Anthony Joshua will fight before the end of 2025, though the exact date is still unclear.
• Gervonta Davis could lose out on around $25 million if the fight with Paul is scrapped.
• Lenier Pero showed promise in his recent victory over Jordan Thompson, but he still needs to prove himself against top-tier competition.
• British cruiserweight Pat Brown impressed with a quick knockout win, signaling potential for future title contention.
• Joshua Buatsi, once seen as a rising star, has yet to secure a world title despite his early promise.
• Ryan Garcia is nearing a 147-pound title fight with Mario Barrios, which could be a significant step in his career.
• Tommy O’Toole is emerging as a promising light heavyweight, with strong performances and growing fan support.
• The upcoming fight between Vergil Ortiz and Erickson Lubin is highly anticipated, with potential for an exciting showdown.

Looking Ahead

As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on securing high-profile matchups and ensuring the sport remains engaging for fans. With new opportunities arising and existing challenges looming, the next few months will be crucial for determining the direction of some of the sport's most prominent fighters.