Back on March 1st, Gervonta “Tank” Davis walked into the ring a massive favorite against Lamont Roach Jr.—but what happened that night shocked everybody. Roach wasn’t supposed to be a threat. He wasn’t supposed to make Tank look human. And yet, round after round, The Reaper kept pressing, kept throwing, and for many watching, he actually did enough to win. The judges, though? They gave us a majority decision draw. Controversial? Absolutely. But the moment that really stuck wasn’t the scorecards. It was round nine.

Because in that round, the Baltimore knockout artist—the same guy who built his brand on power, swagger, and intimidation—took a knee. Not from a punch. Not from a body shot. He literally dropped down so his corner could wipe his face. He later blamed it on grease dripping into his eyes, but critics pounced. Some called it the lowest moment of his career. Others said it proved Roach broke him. Either way, the story should’ve been simple: run it back, immediate rematch.

And for a while, that’s what it looked like. Rumors floated. Dates even popped up. But then, in true boxing fashion, the script flipped. Instead of Roach, Gervonta Davis chose… Jake Paul. Yep, the YouTuber-turned-fighter. Instead of redemption, Tank’s chasing a spectacle.

Lamont Roach Jr. trolls Gervonta Davis with Lisa Simpson

Earlier today, the WBA super featherweight champion took a jab at Davis on X. He posted a meme of Lisa Simpson from The Simpsons—eyes wide, tears streaming, and bloodshot—captioning it: “Every time he gotta explain why he fighting Jake 😂.” The dig was aimed directly at Davis’ infamous knee incident, when he claimed grease from his hair was dripping into his eyes mid-fight.

Roach’s mockery aside, Davis is still locked in for his clash with Jake Paul on November 14th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, streaming live on Netflix. Originally sanctioned in Georgia, the bout was relocated after the state’s Athletic and Entertainment Commission raised safety concerns. Florida’s Athletic Commission has since set the terms: 10 three-minute rounds, 12-ounce gloves, and a 195-pound catchweight. 

Both fighters must undergo USADA testing, and unlike most exhibitions, this one will be judged with an official winner declared if it goes the distance—though the result won’t touch their professional records. Regardless, the WBA super featherweight champion isn’t the only one who is taking digs at Gervonta Davis.

Jake Paul clowns Davis for forgetting the fight date

Jake Paul wasted no time clowning Gervonta Davis after an awkward moment during their first press conference. With the exhibition set for November, Davis hilariously forgot the exact date while speaking about the matchup. “I think it’s gonna be good,” Davis said. “He been in the gym, and he been boxing for a little minute now, so he’s been taking it serious.” 

Davis continued, “So, we just gotta see what he bring come, uh… When we fighting?” The host quickly jumped in, “November 14.” Looking uncertain, Davis repeated, “November…” That’s when Paul pounced with a fake laugh, “Hahaha, he’s stupid as f—.” However, Davis fired back, “The f— was that?” as the crowd laughed.

So here’s where we stand: Gervonta Davis had a chance to silence critics by running it back with Lamont Roach Jr. Instead, he’s cashing in on a circus with Jake Paul. Roach is trolling him from the sidelines. Jake is mocking him to his face. And Tank? He looks more interested in the paycheck than proving he’s still the most dangerous man at 135.

The question is—does this exhibition actually help Gervonta Davis, or does it just make the noise around him louder? Because right now, from memes to press conferences, it feels like everyone else is winning the mind games.