Dillon Danis, Conor McGregor's training partner, called the fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis “a joke.” Criticism of the spectacle and the weight disparity.

Dillon Danis warns that this is just entertainment

The exhibition fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis has generated a wave of criticism, and one of the most vocal critics was Dillon Danis, Conor McGregor's training partner. The American called the matchup “a joke” and questioned the credibility of the fight.

The bout, scheduled for November 14 in Atlanta, pits a YouTuber turned 200-pound boxer against a natural 135-pound champion. The difference in weight classes has been one of the points most highlighted by critics and sports analysts.

Danis questions the legitimacy of the fight

Dillon Danis did not hold back in his statements to The Stomping Ground:

“He says he wants to be world champion, but he's facing a 135-pound fighter. This is nothing more than selling smoke and stealing people's money. Jake Paul is a good salesman, but nothing more.”

The criticism points to Paul's track record, who has mainly faced former MMA champions, retired boxers, or athletes past their prime. Although Paul has scored high-profile victories over Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva, and Julio César Chávez Jr., the general opinion is that his career in the ring lacks real sporting substance.

The spectacle as a business model

Beyond sports, Paul has established a profitable business model, with fights that attract millions of viewers and generate millions in revenue. The fight against Mike Tyson in 2024 proved that the formula works: thousands of fans followed the match, more for the spectacle than for the competition. Now, with Gervonta Davis, Paul is repeating the strategy of selling sensationalism and spectacle.

Gervonta Davis' gamble

For Davis, the decision to face Paul represents a reputational risk. The 135-pound champion could choose opponents within his division who would bring him greater sporting prestige, but he chose to participate in an uneven exhibition that many consider more of a show than a serious fight.

Danis sums it up this way:
“It will be like sparring, a show to sell tickets, but nothing that contributes to boxing.”

McGregor's teammate's message makes it clear that the criticism is directed at both the physical disparity and the format of the event, questioning whether the spectacle can really contribute to Davis' career.

Conclusion

The fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis is set to attract global attention, but controversy over its sporting value remains. While Paul consolidates his role as boxing's showman, Davis risks credibility by stepping into a ring that many consider more of a spectacle than a legitimate contest.