Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis: Exhibition Bout Rules and 195-Pound Weight Limit Confirmed

The unpredictable world of crossover boxing has its next mega-event, as Jake Paul and Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis are officially set to collide in the ring this November. The fight, replacing Paul’s canceled bout with Anthony Joshua, promises spectacle but will operate under a unique set of non-traditional exhibition rules that have already been laid out by ‘The Problem Child’ himself.

According to a report from The Ring on August 20, 2025, the blockbuster event is slated for the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The announcement was seemingly accidentally confirmed via a since-deleted post on Netflix, hinting at the platform’s potential involvement in broadcasting the event. This matchup pits the social media superstar turned boxer against one of the most feared punchers in professional boxing, creating a fascinating clash of worlds.

What Are the Rules for the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Fight?

The framework for how this bout will be contested is not new information. Jake Paul himself revealed key details during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show earlier this year when discussions for the fight were first heating up. Paul explicitly stated that the clash would be sanctioned as an exhibition event, not a professional bout.

The specific rules he outlined include:

• 10 three-minute rounds
• No restrictions on the action, aside from the exhibition designation
• A catchweight of 195 pounds

Paul explained the rationale, noting, “It would be an exhibition, 10 three-minute rounds. No restrictions, just the fact we couldn’t actually get it professionally sanctioned.” This format is designed to bypass the traditional athletic commission oversight that a standard professional fight would require, allowing for the significant weight disparity between the two athletes to be accommodated.

How Does an Exhibition Format Impact the Fight’s Credibility?

The exhibition label immediately shifts the narrative from a sporting contest to a entertainment-driven spectacle. Esteemed boxing reporter Mike Coppinger drew parallels to the 2021 exhibition between Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul, Jake’s older brother. On X (formerly Twitter), Coppinger noted, “When Floyd Mayweather faced Jake’s brother Logan in an exhibition, Mayweather couldn’t weigh more than 160 while Logan was capped at 190. Would expect some similar exhibition rules for weigh in here.”

This precedent suggests strict weight clauses will be enforced to ensure a level of competitive balance, though the 195-pound target heavily favors the naturally larger Jake Paul. Davis, a dominant world champion, has spent his entire career fighting at or below 135 pounds. The jump to nearly 200 pounds is monumental, fundamentally altering the dynamics of power and durability. Coppinger summarized the event as “less fighting than it is entertainment given the weight disparity and exhibition rules,” a sentiment echoing through the boxing purist community. Nonetheless, the commercial appeal is undeniable, guaranteed to capture the attention of both sports and pop culture audiences globally.

The path to this November showdown was unconventional, with both fighters pivoting from other commitments. Davis was initially slated for a title fight rematch with Lamont Roach, while Paul was deep in negotiations for a career-defining, albeit extremely risky, fight against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Those plans collapsed, paving the way for this lucrative exhibition that promises to be one of the most talked-about events of the year.

Must Know

Is Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis a real professional fight?
No, it is not a professional bout. Both camps have agreed for it to be sanctioned as an exhibition match. This means it will not impact either fighter’s official professional boxing record, though the rules are expected to allow for a full, competitive contest without major limitations on power or intent.

What weight will Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis fight at?
The fight is contracted to be contested at a catchweight of 195 pounds. This is a massive jump for Gervonta Davis, who is a natural lightweight (135 lbs), and a significant advantage for Jake Paul, who has competed as a cruiserweight.

Where is the Paul vs. Davis fight?
The event is scheduled to take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in November 2025.

Will the Paul vs. Davis fight be on Netflix?
While not officially confirmed, a since-deleted post on Netflix’s social media strongly suggests that the streaming giant will be the broadcast partner for the event, continuing its recent foray into live sports entertainment.

What are the rules for the exhibition?
Based on Jake Paul’s own statements, the rules will involve 10 three-minute rounds with “no restrictions.” The key distinction is the exhibition sanctioning, which avoids professional licensing standards.