
Jake Paul’s shortlist for a last-minute Gervonta Davis replacement just added a current IBF world champion.
The controversial matchup between Paul and ‘Tank’ appears to be in jeopardy amid the lightweight’s latest legal issue. And with just days now to go until fight week starts for a November 14 date, Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix need to find a replacement if a cancellation is to happen.
Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz are two of a number of names who have been reportedly approached, but nothing has been confirmed as yet. The bout would be Paul’s second outing on the broadcaster after his fight with Mike Tyson crashed servers and drew over 106million viewers.
A new contender for the Netflix super-fight has emerged with IBF super-lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins making direct contact with Jake Paul. The New Yorker is 28-years-old and similarly under-sized, although his lack of star-power makes him a staunch outsider.
Hitchins shared a screenshot to his Instagram story with the caption: “F— it I need to eat. Jake Paul call me I’m here.” The photo showed a DM he had sent to Paul where he wrote “Fight me, I’m ready right now.”
The New Yorker has headlined small venues before, but is far from the star of Diaz, Ngannou or other names like Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford. His Instagram has just 136,000 followers, and it is unlikely he will be considered by the promotion.
Last week, it was made public that Gervonta Davis is being accused in a civil case of committing battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress on an ex-girlfriend.
“Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025,” a statement released on Saturday read.
“At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved.”
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!