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former world champion Paulie Malignaggi has called for gervonta davis The champion will be stripped of his lightweight title after agreeing to face jake paul In an exhibition match.
Davis will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in a 10-round contest on November 14 in Florida.
The 30-year-old looked set to defend his WBA 135-pound belt in a rematch against Lamont Roach Jr. following their controversial draw earlier this year, but instead he opted to fight Paul, also hinting that he would retire after the contest.
East ricky hatton And aamir khan Rival Malignaggi, who will return to the ring this weekend for a bare-knuckle fight against Britain’s Tyler Gudgeon, is not too impressed with Davis’ behavior and thinks there should be consequences.
When asked his thoughts about the fight, Malignaggi said: “I’m not really a fan of it. I think Gervonta has been given the red carpet status treatment without really earning it.
“I don’t think he should be given this kind of opportunity where he can’t earn his position in the lightweight division boxingTo hold the title hostage. At the very least, he should be stripped of the lightweight title.”
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Davis has retained the title for six years by defeating Yuriorkis Gamboa of Cuba in December 2019.
He was initially a regular WBA titlist before being elevated to full champion status last year.
Davis only fought once in 2024 and that will be the case again this year as he decided to take on Paul in a fight that will not go on his professional record.
Malignaggi believes Davis is taking over the lightweight division and has called on the WBA to step in.
Malignaggi said, “He probably should have lost to Roach, but in true red carpet fashion they robbed Roach for the sake of Gervonta Davis and gave him a draw.”
“I think he’s been wasting boxing’s time for a while now, and I don’t think doing that helps a guy like that in boxing.”
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Davis is one of three current lightweight champions, but major change could soon be coming to the division.
wbc champion shakur stevenson He is expected to move up to super lightweight for a fight with Teofimo Lopez in early 2026, while IBF title holder Raymond Muratalla is next scheduled to defend his belt against Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Sam Noakes and rising American star Abdullah Mason are scheduled to face each other for the vacant WBO title on November 22 in Saudi Arabia.
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