Table of Contents
- Shortlist of Opponents
- Davis Allegations
- Alternative Opponents
- Contractual Issues
- Davis' Legal Troubles
ANTHONY JOSHUA leads a five-man shortlist of potential opponents to face Jake Paul, stepping in for Gervonta Davis.
Davis is scheduled to fight Paul in an exhibition match on November 14 in Miami, which will be streamed live on Netflix.
Jake Paul’s upcoming fight is uncertainCredit: Getty
Anthony Joshua is proposed as a substitute for Gervonta DavisCredit: Getty
However, the fight's future is uncertain following allegations made by Davis' ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel.
Most Valuable Promotions, which Davis is associated with, confirmed that they are looking into the claims.
A statement read: “Most Valuable Promotions promptly launched an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025.
“Currently, we are gathering information and examining the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly considered.
“We strongly condemn any form of violence and are dedicated to addressing this matter with care and respect for everyone involved.
“We will decide on the next steps once we have finished our review and consulted with the relevant parties.
“Until then, we will not provide any further comments.”
With the event at risk, Paul's team is exploring alternative opponents behind the scenes.
According to Mike Coppinger , Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, Nate Diaz, and Francis Ngannou are all under consideration.
Eddie Hearn has also suggested Anthony Joshua's name after reaching out to Paul’s promotional partner, Nakisa Bidarian.
Garcia, 27, is reportedly being offered a fight with Paul, 28, in December.
However, the American's promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, has rejected the match due to Garcia's contract with rival network DAZN.
De La Hoya stated: “I woke up to calls from reporters inquiring about Jake Paul and Ryan Garcia.
“Let me clarify why this fight will not take place. Ryan Garcia fights for DAZN, while Jake Paul fights on Netflix.
“That’s essentially the main issue.”
Garcia is also discussing a potential fight with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, 30, for early 2026.
De La Hoya added: “Golden Boy has a contract with DAZN. Ryan Garcia has a contract with Golden Boy. That’s just how it is.
“This is business. Ryan will likely claim, ‘Oh, you’re preventing me from earning money.’
“No, you must adhere to the law and rules. You have a contract with DAZN, and you have a contract with Golden Boy. It doesn’t work that way.”
Similarly, Hearn has put Joshua's name forward, but contractual obligations again pose a challenge.
He told iFL TV : “Many factors would need to align. But it’s a possibility…
“AJ is exclusive to DAZN, so without DAZN’s approval or a deal satisfactory to them, we wouldn’t proceed anyway.
“I’ve been inundated by the media all day asking, ‘Have you spoken to Jake Paul?’ Yes, I’ve talked to Nakisa, and we’ve discussed it.”
Hearn confirmed he has spoken to Joshua about the fight, and AJ's response was “just let me know where.”
We strongly condemn any form of violence and are dedicated to addressing this matter with care and respect for all involved.
Most Valuable Promotions
Joshua, 35, has not fought since his loss to Daniel Dubois, 28, in September 2024, and Hearn hinted that he could make a comeback fight before the year concludes.
In other news, pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, 38, is coming off a victory against a 35-year-old opponent in September.
He previously stated he would only fight Paul for $200 MILLION (£150m).
Former champion Francis Ngannou,
