Tank's title dilemma: WBA exploring options as Gervonta Davis takes on Jake Paul

Gervonta 'Tank' Davis may lose his WBA title should the Jake Paul fight go ahead

WBA champion Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) is putting the 135-pound division on hold in order to pursue a lucrative exhibition bout against social media star turned Boxer Jake Paul (12-1, 7KOs).

The fight is touted to earn Davis in the region of $40 million, making it one of his most lucrative endeavours to date. 

The bout, scheduled for November 14, will prevent the champion from defending his title in a rematch against Lamont Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs), which was previously ordered by the sanctioning body.

The WBA is understood to be exploring its options and will likely either strip the 30-year-old or create a new interim title for Roach to defend.

“WBA will analyse Gervonta Davis’s status as Lightweight champion after announcing an exhibition with Jake Paul. A rematch against Lamont Roach had been ordered following a controversial draw. Should they strip him of the belt? Could they make room for an interim title?” said Salvador Rodriguez on X.

A handful of fighters have already spoken out on the matter, with Roach voicing his displeasure at his rival's recent decision to take on Paul.

The Washington-born fighter likely feels he is deserving of a title shot, especially given the circumstances of the pair's first meeting, with many fans and pundits alike feeling that ‘The Reaper’ was unfortunate to not walk away with the decision in March.

Tank hit the canvas in the ninth following a delayed reaction to a Jab; however, referee Steve Willis decided against counting the knee as a knockdown, much to the displeasure of fans across the globe. 

Had the knockdown been counter, Roach likely would've clinched a decision, so it's easy to see why he is feeling hard done by.

However, for Davis, the financial incentive may prove too lucrative to turn down. His reputation and ability likely will allow him to walk straight into a title bout if the WBA strips him following his ‘Problem Child’ clash.