Serious accusations and a collapsed event

The highly anticipated exhibition bout between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis, scheduled for November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, has been officially canceled. Promoter Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) confirmed the suspension after a civil lawsuit was filed against Davis, accusing him of assault, kidnapping, and unlawful imprisonment by his ex-partner Courtney Rossel.

According to reports by ESPN, the lawsuit describes an alleged incident at a Miami nightclub where Davis reportedly assaulted Rossel in a security camera–free area before continuing the attack in the parking lot. The claim also mentions previous assaults during their five-month relationship, including alleged strangulation and death threats. Rossel is seeking monetary compensation and a jury trial.

These accusations add to the legal troubles of the WBA lightweight champion, who has already faced domestic violence cases in 2023 and again earlier this year.

The exhibition was set to stream globally on Netflix, marking a major move for the platform into high-profile boxing events. With records of 30-0-1 (28 KOs) for Davis and 12-1 (7 KOs) for Paul, the fight had generated significant buzz due to the stark contrast in size, background, and cultural impact.

Jake Paul defends himself and criticizes Davis’ behavior

Hours after the cancellation became public, Jake Paul addressed the situation on X, explaining his personal decision. He stated that he refused to “give a platform to an abuser to keep gaining money or popularity,” while describing Davis as “an absolutely despicable person.”

Paul added that collaborating with the Baltimore-born fighter had been “a nightmare,” citing habitual lateness, unreasonable demands, multiple arrests, and ongoing legal cases as part of the problem. The American insisted that the choice was made to protect his team, the undercard fighters, and everyone who spent months preparing for the event.

Despite the setback, MVP announced that Jake Paul will headline a new Netflix boxing card in 2025, with the date, opponent, and venue to be confirmed soon. Paul wrapped up his message reinforcing his readiness for future challenges — “Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere.”