Popular YouTuber turned boxer, Jake Paul, is reported to be gearing up to face opponent, Gervonta Davis, a.k.a ‘Tank’. As the latter is a World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion, this could be the toughest fight for Jake yet. As a former vine influencer, Jake’s life has always been in the spotlight. Meanwhile, not a lot is known about his opponent, Gervonta. So here’s everything to know about the WBA lightweight champion, from his life story to the upcoming match with Jake Paul.
Gervonta Davis grew up in a dysfunctional family and rose from humble beginnings
Gervonta Davis’ luxurious lifestyle has grabbed many headlines among the fans of mixed martial arts and boxing. However, the professional boxer did not always have these luxuries in life. To the contrary, Gervonta’s childhood was paved with struggles. He was born in Baltimore, U.S.A., on November 7, 1994, to Garrin Davis and Kenya Brown. Both of his parents were addicted to substance abuse keeping Gervonta and his brother away from a normal childhood. Their father was also absent for the most part of their childhood. Talking to Los Angeles Times, Gervonta shared:
“My mother did drugs… It took my grandma about three years to get us back as we went into different homes—to a foster family, to a group home. It was like we were locked up, too—the only times we could see our family was for about 30 minutes in this little room.”
However, things started looking up for Gervonta after he joined Baltimore’s Uptown Boxing Centre at a very young age. The young trainee also got some help from his uncle. The area where Gervonta lived was marred by crime and poverty. However, giving all his focus to boxing helped keep the aspiring boxer from the streets. Gervonta considers his coach a father figure who helped him recognise his talent. After this, he made records in amateur championships and also made a memorable debut at 18 years old against Desi Williams, winning the match with a first-round knockout.
Gervonta Davis survived a plane crash
Gervonta Davis was on a private plane with family and friends on a fateful day in 2021. However, before it could completely take off from the ground, the plane nose-dived and crashed. Gervonta went live on Instagram shortly after the plane crash, showing viewers exclusive scenes from the crash. The professional boxer could be heard saying in the livestream:
“The plane crashed… The plane didn’t even take off. It took off, but it didn’t take off. Oh my god.”
Luckily, every passenger survived the plane crash. Gervonta and the other thirteen passengers sustained no injuries from the crash. Gervonta, in an interview with Complex, got more candid about the crash and revealed the details. He was quoted as saying:
“The plane was taking off and something hit the front wheel of the plane supposedly… It knocked the whole wheel off the front of the plane, right before we were taking off. We probably slid for probably like two or three football fields. I’m good now we survived. It could’ve gone bad. Thank god we’re here.”
Gervonta Davis’s personal life
Gervonta Davis became a father to a baby girl with his then-girlfriend, Andretta Smothers. Then the boxer got together with Vanessa Posso, and the couple shares a daughter and a son. In Gervonta’s personal life, one of the most life-changing moments was when he converted his religion. In 2023, the boxer, who was born into a Christian family, accepted Islam. Though the reason behind this monumental change has not been officially revealed, several reports suggest that Gervonta followed the footsteps of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, who had accepted Islam to bring more discipline to their lives.
Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis bout will stream live on this OTT platform
Jake Paul will be facing one of the toughest professional boxers with an impeccable record, Gervonta Davis, in an exhibition boxing match. The bout is scheduled on November 15, 2025, and the OTT giant, Netflix, has the live streaming rights. Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger confirmed the bout and shared on his X handle:
“Jake Paul will face Gervonta Davis on Nov. 15 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena in an exhibition on Netflix, sources confirm to Ring Magazine. Talks for Paul to face Anthony Joshua collapsed over network issues. Paul’s last fight took place at 200 pounds while Davis is a champion at 135.”
What are your thoughts on the Gervonta Davis vs Jake Paul upcoming exhibition bout? Let us know.
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