The world of boxing entertainment just got even more electrifying as Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis turned their upcoming Netflix showdown into something bigger than just a fight. What started as a playful exchange on stage quickly spiraled into a jaw-dropping $2 million side bet that has fans buzzing.

This development not only raises the stakes of their November 14 exhibition bout but also adds a layer of unpredictability and spectacle to an event that already has the sports world on edge. Let’s break down how this wager came about, why it matters, and what it means for both fighters moving forward.

Gervonta Davis Shows Signs of Life During a Lackluster Press Tour

During the two-city press run designed to hype up his exhibition with Jake Paul, Gervonta Davis, the unbeaten WBA lightweight champion, looked anything but engaged. His body language suggested boredom, and many fans questioned whether “Tank” was even taking the event seriously.

But everything changed when internet personality Adin Ross stepped to the microphone during the Miami press conference at the Kaseya Center—home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. Ross, a close friend of Paul, wasted no time in stirring the pot.

Instead of lobbing a softball question, Ross directly challenged Davis, saying:
“Gervonta, you know I respect you, but I got Jake winning. Let’s make a side bet.”

The comment drew immediate laughter and surprise from Davis, who suddenly appeared more awake and animated than at any point in the press tour.

From $200,000 to $2 Million: How the Bet Escalated

At first, Davis revealed that he and Jake Paul had already agreed to a $200,000 wager tied to the outcome of their ten-round contest. The fight is scheduled at a 195-pound catchweight with both fighters wearing 12 oz. gloves.

Ross attempted to increase the wager to $250,000, but Davis wasn’t satisfied. The negotiation quickly escalated:

• Davis pushed for $500,000.

• Ross hesitated, but Jake Paul chimed in: “C’mon Adin, you have to take it, bro.”

• Paul then stunned the crowd by raising the stakes to $1 million.

• Davis, never one to back down, doubled down: “Let’s make it two mill.”

The crowd erupted as Davis and Paul sealed the deal with a handshake agreement right on stage. The energy in the room completely shifted—from a dull media event to a moment that will likely go down in boxing promotion history.

The Role of Adin Ross and Kai Cenat in Building the Hype

This isn’t the first time that online personalities like Adin Ross and Kai Cenat have played a role in spicing up boxing storylines. In April 2023, Ross and Cenat famously placed a $10,000 bet on Davis’ fight against Ryan Garcia. Cenat picked Davis, Ross picked Garcia, and when Davis delivered a spectacular 7th-round knockout, Ross had to pay up.

These influencer-driven wagers have become a modern extension of boxing promotion—blurring the line between sports, social media, and entertainment. Their involvement ensures that events like Paul vs. Davis aren’t just fights, but full-scale spectacles.

Nakisa Bidarian and the Business Angle

Even Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul’s longtime business partner and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), was dragged into the betting banter. Davis attempted to pull him into the wager by asking:

“How much you wanna bet?”

Bidarian, staying in promoter mode, coolly replied:
“I’ll bet you guys put on the biggest event of the year.”

This wasn’t the answer Davis wanted, but it highlighted a critical point: for Paul’s team, the real victory lies in creating one of the biggest crossover boxing spectacles of the year—something Netflix is clearly banking on.

Betting in Boxing: Rules vs. Reality

While the handshake agreement has fans buzzing, it’s important to note that state athletic commissions generally prohibit fighters from betting on their own contests. However, because this is an exhibition match, the fight’s outcome won’t affect either man’s official record.

That gray area allows this kind of side action to generate hype without legal consequences. Even so, fans should remember that the $2 million handshake deal is technically a “gentleman’s agreement” rather than a formally sanctioned wager.

Why This Fight Matters for Jake Paul

For Jake Paul, every fight is about credibility. He has transitioned from YouTuber to professional boxer, earning respect for facing legitimate opponents like Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tommy Fury.

Now, by stepping into the ring with a proven world champion in Davis—even under exhibition rules—Paul has another chance to prove that he belongs in boxing discussions.

If Paul can hold his own against Davis, even in a non-scored contest, it strengthens his position as both a fighter and a promoter. Add the $2 million side bet, and suddenly the stakes go beyond pride—they’re about money, reputation, and legitimacy.

What’s at Stake for Gervonta Davis

For Davis, this exhibition is less about proving himself—his resume already speaks volumes—and more about maintaining his aura of dominance.

Davis is unbeaten, a knockout artist, and widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. Losing to Jake Paul, even in an exhibition, could dent his image. That’s why the side bet matters: it signals that Davis is not just participating for show—he’s taking Paul seriously enough to put millions on the line.

The Netflix Factor

Another key piece of this puzzle is Netflix’s involvement. By broadcasting the event on its platform, Netflix is diving deeper into the world of live sports entertainment. With Davis, Paul, and a $2 million wager at the center of the promotion, Netflix has the perfect storyline to attract not just boxing fans but also casual viewers who thrive on drama and spectacle.

This isn’t just a fight—it’s a streaming event designed to dominate headlines, social media feeds, and watercooler conversations.

Historical Context: Big Bets in Boxing

The Paul-Davis wager is far from the first high-stakes side bet in boxing history, though it may be one of the most publicized in the streaming era.

• Floyd Mayweather was known to flaunt betting slips, often wagering millions on sports events, though not his own fights.

• Fighters like Muhammad Ali regularly used public wagers and boasts to build hype around their contests.

What makes this bet unique is the social media spectacle surrounding it. With influencers like Ross and Cenat in the mix, the wager is not just about two fighters—it’s about creating a cultural moment.

 Fight Beyond the Ring

The upcoming Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Netflix clash was already a major talking point in boxing circles. Now, with a $2 million side bet hanging in the balance, the stakes have skyrocketed.

For Davis, it’s about pride and proving that he remains untouchable—even in an exhibition. For Paul, it’s about credibility, legitimacy, and showing that his boxing journey is more than just a sideshow. And for fans? It’s about entertainment, drama, and a storyline that promises to deliver fireworks on November 14.

Whether the bet is ever officially honored or not, one thing is certain: this spectacle has already achieved what it set out to do—make the fight unmissable.