Nasir Jabbar
Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis is in jeopardy over a major issue, according to stunning reports.
Paul returns to action against Davis on November 14 following his victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
But unlike his professional bout against Chavez Jr., his contest against 'Tank' has been billed as an exhibition.
'The Problem Child', who weighed in at 199.4lbs for his cruiserweight showdown, will face Davis, who tipped the scales at 133.8lbs in his last outing against Lamont Roach Jr. in March.
Advert
The weight discrepancy between the two boxing stars appears to be a problem.
According to USA TODAY Sports, the status of Paul vs. Davis is in 'limbo'.
The chairman of the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission (GAEC) Rick Thompson revealed the promoter had withdrawn their request for event permits and rule waivers required to hold the event in Georgia.
The promoter was Most Valuable Promotions, who look after Paul's career - with Nakisa Bidarian fronting the company.
Thompson said: "I believe it's in the public's interest to know that because they've been promoting something they should not have been."
Per the report, a new agenda for the GAEC meeting set for September 18 shows MVP's requests had been removed.
Robert A. Sinners, Communications Director for the Office of Secretary of State, said the event 'will not be happening'.
MVP had requested a rule waiver that would have addressed the weight discrepancy between Paul and Davis in order to hold the fight in Georgia.
The GAEC is scheduled to meet on Thursday and was expected to vote on MVP's requests.
The promotion needed the votes of three of the five commissions for approval and the chairman - one of the five commissioners - opposed the rule waiver that would have modified restrictions on the allowed weight difference between fighters.
Thompson added: "They probably evaluated a situation, knew that their weight differences were too much."
Bidarian, however, insists Paul vs. Davis is not in doubt as he took to social media to share an update on the proposed exhibition.
On X, he wrote: "Fight is not in doubt. Never has been. Stay tuned."
MVP recently rescheduled a press conference in New York to September 22 that was originally set for September 17, with another presser scheduled for September 18 at the State Farm Arena - the proposed location of Paul vs. Davis, but it remains to be seen whether the latter will take place.