YouTubers have stormed the boxing world, and names like Jake Paul, KSI, Logan Paul, and Salt Papi are putting the sport back in the spotlight. Their arrival hasn’t just drawn casual fans—it’s brought new revenue, mainstream attention, and a revival of boxing’s global profile. But with fame comes scrutiny. Critics have slammed the wave of influencer boxing as mismatched or even “fixed” spectacles.

Take last year’s headline-grabbing clash: 27-year-old Jake Paul vs. 58-year-old Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Texas. Despite a 31-year age gap, the fighters squared off for eight rounds under special rules, with Paul claiming a decision victory. The bout divided fans. Many decried the mismatch, questioning its legitimacy, yet the event shattered records, streaming to 65 million concurrent viewers on Netflix—the most ever at the time. Even after the lights dimmed, the debate raged on, with Jake Paul once again facing same allegation.

Gervonta Davis vs. Jake Paul Draws Scrutiny from Lamont Roach Jr.

The boxing world exploded on August 20 when Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions dropped the bomb: Jake Paul vs. Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. Set for November 14 at Miami’s Kaseya Center, the fight immediately sparked debate—not just over personalities, but also over a staggering 65 lb (≈29.5 kg) weight gap. Consequently, critics quickly labeled it a “circus” and a “mismatch,” and the chatter inside the boxing world only intensified. Adding fuel to the fire, WBA super featherweight champion Lamont Roach Jr. weighed in on The Danza Project, calling the matchup “fixed” and comparing it to WWE.

On influencer-driven fights in boxing, he said: “We used to be a sport where everybody grabbed their popcorn and sat in front of the TV like, ‘Oh [ __ ] we in for another one tonight…. I’m all for somebody getting paid, but it’s like… what? Like that’s a stretch. Like that’s a big leap. Alright, you fighting Jake Paul. Jake Paul is 200 lb, you know, in an exhibition where they just denied y’all ass. Now y’all gotta move it to fight somewhere else.'”

Understandably, Lamont’s frustration resonates with many. He was next in line for a rematch against Davis, but Paul managed to secure the 10-round contract instead. Roach accused Davis of ducking him, while boxing insiders and promoters have warned that stepping into the ring with Paul could seriously impact Davis’ career.

Ultimately, the numbers speak for themselves: Paul at 6’1″ and 200 lbs versus Davis at 5’5″ and 135 lbs. Despite the massive size difference, the fight is moving forward, promising fireworks—and at the same time raising questions about legitimacy versus spectacle.

Lamont Roach’s father calls out Davis for dodging rematch with son

On August 20, the boxing world got a jolt: WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis announced he would face YouTube sensation Jake Paul in an exhibition bout on November 14, 2025. The buzz had been building for nearly a year. Reports suggested that Davis and Paul had already struck a deal before Davis stepped into the ring with Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1. That fight ended in a majority draw, leaving fans clamoring for a rematch.

But instead of arranging the eagerly awaited second bout with Roach, Davis chose a different path—one that promised bigger headlines and even bigger paydays. They tentatively scheduled the rematch for August 16, but nothing happened as the date got closer. Davis did not sign a contract, and his decision to face Paul explained why the rematch kept slipping further down the line. Lamont Roach Sr., father and trainer of Roach Jr., shared his thoughts with FightHype hours after the announcement. “[Lamont] pretty much said it all. Like, [the Roach vs. Davis rematch is] the fight. We wanted that fight, I think that’s the fight the fans wanted. After a great fight like that, everybody was looking forward to the second bout.”

“But unfortunately, things didn’t line up as planned. So we just can’t sit around and wait. We’ve got to move forward and continue our own career. We aren’t in a position to just stay stagnant and wait for something like that to happen. That fight is going to be there, and hopefully it happens soon,” he said.

But the boxing world isn’t letting that slide. Roach Sr.’s words hit at the heart of a brewing debate: is Gervonta “Tank” Davis dodging a real test in the rematch, or is he chasing the payday that comes with facing Jake Paul?