Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis face-off before cancelled Netflix fight
The much-anticipated exhibition fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis has been officially cancelled, according to a statement released by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
The bout, which was set to take place on 14 November in Miami and stream live on Netflix, was abruptly scrapped following a lawsuit filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, alleging battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
MVP co-founder and CEO Nakisa Bidarian said the promotion made the decision after conducting an internal review and discussions with all parties involved.
“Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly,” Bidarian stated. “After an investigation, the bout will no longer be moving forward.”
The announcement ends weeks of build-up surrounding what was billed as one of Netflix’s biggest live sporting experiments yet — a cross-weight class spectacle pitting YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul (200 lbs) against WBA lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis (135 lbs).
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Paul expressed frustration and disappointment, describing his experience working with Davis as “an absolute nightmare.”
“I’m so sorry to everyone involved,” Paul wrote. “Mostly to the undercard fighters, to my team at MVP, and to my team who worked so hard prepping for this fight.”
Paul, who last fought as a cruiserweight, was set to make a statement by facing one of boxing’s most explosive pound-for-pound talents in an exhibition that blurred the lines between sport and entertainment.
In her complaint, Courtney Rossel accused Davis of physically attacking her at her workplace on 27 October, adding that he had made threats against her life. She further claimed that Davis had assaulted her on at least four other occasions and that she has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The lawsuit follows a troubling pattern in Davis’s history. He has faced multiple domestic violence allegations over the years:
Arrested in February 2020 and December 2020 on battery domestic violence charges.
Served 44 days in jail in 2023 for violating a 90-day house arrest sentence related to a 2020 hit-and-run case.
Another domestic violence case was dropped by a different ex-girlfriend just two months ago.
Despite the setback, MVP confirmed it will continue working with Netflix on a major 2025 event, with Jake Paul expected to headline once again.
“This isn’t the ending we wanted, but it’s the right decision,” a spokesperson from MVP added.
While Davis faces yet another legal battle off the ring, Paul’s focus now shifts to rebranding his next move — one that keeps his name at the intersection of sports, media, and controversy.
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