Netflix Faces Major Setback: Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis in Jeopardy, Replacement Plan Revealed

Netflix had a shiny, made-for-streaming boxing spectacle lined up: Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis, live from Miami on November 14. Now the whole thing might wobble off the schedule because Davis just got hit with a new lawsuit that is... not small. Let me break down what happened, what it means for Netflix, and who might step in if Tank is out.

Where things stood

Paul vs. Davis was set for the Kaseya Center in Miami, with Netflix planning a global stream. It was billed as an exhibition, but the hype was real. Then this week happened.

The new legal mess around Gervonta Davis

Sports Illustrated first flagged it: Davis, 30, has been sued by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel. According to the civil complaint, she accuses him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She is requesting a jury trial and $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

The filing alleges that on October 27, Davis attacked Rossel at her workplace and previously made threats to kill her. The suit also claims there were at least four incidents where he allegedly assaulted and choked her. Rossel says she is dealing with PTSD and is receiving therapeutic treatment.

If this feels familiar, that is because it kind of is. Back in July, Davis was arrested after another ex accused him of domestic violence following an argument that, per a police report referenced by ESPN, involved "personal matters and Gervonta having insecurities about the sexuality of their son." She alleged he punched the back of her head with a closed fist and slapped her face when he arrived to pick up their kids. Davis was arrested on July 11 and released on a $10,000 bond; the case was dropped in August.

This is also not his first fight derailed by off-ring chaos. A matchup with Lamont Roach Jr. set for August 16 was postponed and ultimately canceled after that July arrest.

So, is November 14 dead?

Not officially, but it is hanging by a thread. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated posted on October 31 that Netflix and Paul’s camp are actively looking at replacements because Paul-Davis is "in limbo" given the new allegations. There is even talk, per SI, that Paul’s team is canvassing other names for a separate December date, just in case.

Who could replace Tank?

Fans have been rapid-firing suggestions, ranging from plausible to "are you serious?" Here are the names getting the most traction:

• Deontay Wilder (40): The Bronze Bomber is the splashiest pick fans keep shouting. Big name, big power, big weight difference. Also, he is an actual heavyweight.
• Sugar Ray Leonard (69): Yes, people suggested Sugar Ray. Yes, he stays in great shape. Also yes, he is 69. Jake Paul once shared a ring with a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, so the internet is not exactly shy with this stuff.
• Ryan Garcia: The fan-favorite option. Multiple accounts claim Paul’s team has already reached out to him about November 14. A combaty influencer outlet even said an offer went in, while SI notes Paul’s side is also probing options for December.

Paul vs. Garcia? There is history there

Garcia has talked up a potential fight with Paul before. On the Ring Champs podcast earlier this year, he said he would give up weight for the matchup because, bluntly, it would be a cash machine and he thinks Paul is overestimating himself.

"Of course I’d give up weight. There’s value in the fight. We’re going to make a bunch of money. He obviously thinks he’s going to win, but he’s not as good as he thinks he is in his head."

Garcia also went nuclear on social last year with a very polite invitation to throw hands: "Okay enough, it’s on I’m going to have to do this! I’m going to end this JAKE PAUL BOXING THING. BRING IT ON JAKE IM DEAD F...ING SERIOUS F... YOU! HIT MY TEAM UP" (posted March 3, 2024).

Paul has fired back at times. At a post-fight presser he said, "Ryan, I love you...but you’ve got to chill out," then called Garcia "thirsty and desperate" and added, "And as long as you’ve been in the game, I’m a better boxer than you," as recapped by MMA Fighting. Translation: the trash talk is ready-made if Netflix wants to pivot.

What this means for Netflix

This is not the kind of last-minute drama you want when you are staging a live global stream. If Davis gets sidelined by the lawsuit situation, Netflix either lands a marquee replacement immediately or this thing gets pushed. Given the venue and timing, a smooth swap-in is possible but tight. If they can land Garcia, that keeps the spectacle intact. Wilder would turn it into a circus. Sugar Ray would be... an era-bending choice.

Background on Davis’s family situation

Davis has one daughter with Andretta Smothers and a son and a daughter with Vanessa Posso. The July case that was dropped involved the latter.

Bottom line: the November 14 card is still on paper, but it is wobbling. If Davis is out, expect Netflix and Paul to move fast. If a replacement gets announced, it will happen quickly. If not, brace for a postponement or a date shuffle.