Major Boxing Showdowns in November: Paul vs. Davis and More

The boxing landscape in November is set to captivate fans with several high-stakes matchups featuring prominent names in both men’s and women’s divisions. Among the most anticipated is the exhibition bout between YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul and reigning WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Scheduled for November 11, this clash has drawn significant attention, not only for its celebrity angle but also for the implications it carries for both fighters’ careers.

While Paul’s foray into boxing has attracted a vast audience, many purists see this encounter as a mismatch. Davis, stepping up in weight to meet Paul at 195 pounds, is the more seasoned competitor, boasting a professional record of 30-0 with 12 world titles across three weight classes. In contrast, Paul has yet to secure a ranking in the cruiserweight division and is untested at this level. Despite this, the event is expected to draw large viewership, with last year’s exhibition between Paul and Mike Tyson attracting 60 million households on Netflix.

Another significant fight on the November calendar is the rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, taking place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on November 25. This matchup marks the continuation of a storied family rivalry that has captivated fans for decades. Eubank Jr., with a record of 35-3, previously defeated Benn in April by unanimous decision. With Benn seeking revenge, this fight promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially given Eubank’s experience and power as he has stopped two of his last three opponents after the seventh round.

In addition to these high-profile bouts, several top-ranked fighters are also in action. Alycia Baumgardner, currently ranked No. 7 in the ESPN women’s pound-for-pound rankings, will defend her WBO, IBF, and WBA junior lightweight titles against Leila Beaudoin. This co-main event will be contested under men’s championship rules, featuring 12 three-minute rounds, a shift from the typical two-minute rounds in women’s boxing. Baumgardner aims to elevate her profile with a standout performance, especially given the exposure from the Paul-Davis event.

The month also features rising talents like Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, both of whom hold top rankings in their divisions. Ortiz, the No. 1 junior middleweight, is on a quest for his first world title and will face off against Erickson Lubin. Meanwhile, Rodriguez, the WBC and WBO junior bantamweight champion, will unify titles with WBA champion Junto Nakatani. These bouts add further excitement to an already packed schedule.

Another significant highlight is the light heavyweight clash between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde. Benavidez, recently elevated to full WBC champion status, will defend his title against Yarde, who is seeking redemption after previous title shots. This fight is expected to showcase a battle of power and strategy, with both fighters known for their knockout capabilities.

November’s boxing landscape not only promises thrilling matchups but also highlights the growth of women’s boxing alongside their male counterparts. With the inclusion of more competitive bouts and increased visibility, female fighters like Baumgardner are set to capture greater audience interest.

As fight fans gear up for an action-packed month, the anticipation surrounding these bouts underscores the dynamic nature of modern boxing. With numerous titles and personal rivalries at stake, November is shaping up to be a pivotal month in the sport.