Morning Report: Jake Paul says he was in ‘deep negotiations’ to box Tank Davis, planning Anthony Joshua fight in 2026
Jake Paul is coming for the biggest names in boxing.
Since kickstarting the influencer boxing movement five years ago, Paul has established himself as one of the biggest names in “the sweet science” both as an entertainer and a promoter. And though he’s yet to prove himself as a legitimate top-tier boxer, that hasn’t stopped Paul from courting some of the biggest names in the sport.
Paul was even linked to a possible matchup with Canelo Alvarez earlier this year before that ultimately fell through, but that’s not the only missed opportunity for the YouTube sensation. According to Paul, he also missed out on a chance to share the ring with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.
“Yeah, it was highly talked about and in negotiations, and almost ready to make happen,” Paul told iFL TV when asked about the Davis rumor. “But he has to do his rematch with Lamont and get that W. Then we’ll be able to run it back. But me and Gervonta were scheduled to fight, for sure.”
Paul has been criticized in his boxing career for taking fights against older and smaller opposition, and while Davis is still in the prime of his career, such a bout would have had a massive weight discrepancy. Davis currently competes at lightweight, with a limit of 135 pounds. Paul, meanwhile, most recently had a heavyweight bout against Mike Tyson where he weighed 227 pounds.
But Paul isn’t only looking for fights against men half his size. “The Problem Child” also revealed he’s in early talks with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua for a bout sometime next year.
“We’re going to plan that for 2026,” Paul said. “I talked to Anthony on the phone. He called me up and was like, ‘I saw you called me out. Let’s run it, let’s make it happen.’”
Joshua is not opposed to taking the odd circus fight. Last March, he brutally knocked out former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in Ngannou’s second boxing match. Unfortunately, the former unified heavyweight champion then lost his most recent bout, getting knocked out by Daniel Dubois this past September.
TOP STORIES
Security. Video: Diego Lopes, Yair Rodriguez separated by security after getting into heated altercation at UFC 314 press conference.
Interest. Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett react to Conor McGregor saying he’s ‘interested’ in their fight.
Ready. Justin Gaethje ready for June title fight against Islam Makhachev if UFC calls.
Altitude. Raul Rosas Jr. details how altitude at UFC Mexico almost finished him.
Out. PFL 2 gets last minute new main event after fighter not cleared to compete at weigh-ins.
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links.
UFC 314 Press Conference.
Chase Hooper on Anything But Fighting.
Raul Rosas Jr. interview.
Mike Heck on Submission Radio.
UFC 314 Embedded, episode 4.
DC and Paddy.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Oh Conor.
I am interested in the Chandler/Pimblett fight this weekend. @bareknucklefc @ufc @TKOGrp @tidlsport @Duelbits pic.twitter.com/PzCkACgZqn
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 10, 2025
Caio Borralho is upset.
THIS FUCKING FRENCH GUY SAID NO TO FIGHT ME! HE IS A FUCKIN PUSSY
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 10, 2025
IF I WAS HIM, I WOULD LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND FEEL SHAME FOR MYSELF!
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 10, 2025
@imavov1 U RE A FUCKIN PUSSY! U KNOW THAT RIGHT?
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 10, 2025
Imagine the conversation:
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 10, 2025
UFC: Hey, we want you to fight Caio for the n1 Contender!
French Pussy: oh I don’t want to fight him! (He is too good)
UFC: if u don’t fight he is next in line
French Pussy: ok, i wont fight
PUSSY
PUSSY
Tony Ferguson staying positive despite GFL being nonsense.
I know shit changed suddenly but that doesn’t mean I stop working towards Mythica Status MF’s This fight/season will happen one way or another @mmagfl there’s no way that mooseknuckle @dillondanis is a better Athlete than me. Let’s Dance Buddy!!! We will prove it once… pic.twitter.com/6pcYdpVZM8
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 10, 2025
Big stakes in the Mitchell-Silva matchup.
If Bryce wins Im gonna start going to church... This is it god.. prove your existence with this fight!!!!! https://t.co/OLAx9wHxNv
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) April 11, 2025
Billy Q soon to be a star in two languages.
Been doing Duolingo for the past 28 days.. and I’ll tell you what these boys don’t seem happy with each other https://t.co/FyE68t33kT
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) April 10, 2025
Mike Perry diversifying his portfolio.
Saturday we release the promo for #Platinum #Tequila I’m truly grateful for everything we’ve been building and soon we will all celebrate together! There is too much fun to be had ! #PlatinumTequila #Salutè pic.twitter.com/1txe0yU2gp
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) April 10, 2025
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Leandro Higo (23-6) vs. Marcirley Alves (12-4); PFL 2, April 11.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Welp, here we are. One more sleep to the best card of the year (so far). UFC 314 is gonna be a good one so enjoy, and come check out our Watch Party Saturday night on the YouTube page.
Love y’all!
EXIT POLL
If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.