Jake Paul is set to step in to the ring with one of the great heavyweight champions in recent years in Anthony Joshua on Friday night, but he was scheduled to fight a way smaller Gervonta “Tank” Davis instead.
The Paul vs. Davis fight was originally scheduled for Nov. 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami and was set to stream live on Netflix, but it was abruptly canceled just days before the event following a civil lawsuit accusing Davis of domestic violence.
The bout was expected to attract a larger audience than the upcoming Joshua fight, with reports suggesting Joshua typically draws only about 20% of a U.S. audience compared to Davis. Adding to the challenge for U.K. viewers, ring walks for the fight are expected after 10 p.m. ET in the U.S., meaning it will be the early morning hours in Joshuaâs native England.
The matchup would have been unusual regardless: Paul weighed in at 216.4 pounds on Thursday, standing 6 ft 1 in tall with a 76-inch reach, while Davis, who normally fights between 130 and 140 pounds, is 5 ft 5 in tall with a 67.5-inch reach. With Joshua stepping in, there remains a significant size disparityâhe weighed 243.4 pounds on Thursday, stands 6 ft 6 in tall, and has an 82-inch reach. Joshua was required to weigh no more than 245 pounds for the final weigh-in, with promoters citing safety concerns.
Joshua (28-4, 24 KOs) is now fighting Paul (12-1, 7 KOs)Â in a professional eight-round heavyweight bout to end the night at Miamiâs Kaseya Center.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua face off during their ceremonial weigh-in ahead their fight as part of Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua at The Fillmore Miami Beach on December 18, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
What Are the Allegations Against ‘Tank’ Davis?
Davis, the current WBA lightweight champion with a 30-0-1 record, is facing a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel. According to Miami-Dade County court records, Rossel accuses him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The complaint filed Oct. 30 states that Rossel and Davis have known each other for about five years. Rossel alleges that Davis used violence against her on multiple occasions in September and October.
Davis threatened to kill Rossel for failing to respond to his calls and messages, according to the complaint. âIn his communications, Davis accused Rossel of being with another man and used abusive and threatening language, stating that he would kill her for being unresponsive,â the complaint states.
Rossel accuses Davis of physical abuse in public settings, like her workplace â an adult entertainment club in Miami.
Rossel alleged that Davis barged into the gentlemenâs club where she worked as a VIP cocktail server early last Monday and attacked her in a back room without cameras. He is accused of dragging Rossel through a stairwell, kitchen, and back exit before assaulting her in the parking garage.
Rossel is requesting financial damages and a jury trial. Davis does not yet have an attorney listed in the records.
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