NEW YORK — By the time
Jake Paul walks to the center of the ring and looks
Gervonta Davis square in the face, he’ll have several advantages on his side.
For starters,
their November 14 matchup will take place at a catchweight of 195 pounds, 60 pounds higher than Davis’ normal weight class. He’ll also have an eight-inch height and absurd nine-inch reach advantage.
Even with everything slanted in his favor, Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) believes the unbeaten WBA lightweight champ will give him one helluva fight.
“This is a Top 10 pound-for-pound fighter," Paul said during their New York press conference.
Although Paul took the time to praise him, Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) didn’t look like his typical dominating self when last seen. For the first time in his career, the 30-year-old southpaw didn't have his hand raised in victory, as he was forced to settle for
a majority draw against Lamont Roach on March 1 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Most assumed they'd rematch. However, Paul came along with an offer Davis couldn’t refuse. Given the chance to make generational money, Davis accepted.
Paul is still searching for respect. He didn't find it after wins over a nearly 60-year-old Mike Tyson and
a long-faded Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
It’s debatable whether Paul will get the adulation he’s looking for if he comes out on top vs. Davis, especially considering the size difference, in an exhibition.
Paul knows that Davis, unlike a number of his opponents, is a true force.
“This is definitely the toughest test,” Paul said.