Malignaggi urges WBA to strip Davis over Jake Paul exhibition

Former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi urged the World Boxing Association to strip Gervonta Davis of his WBA lightweight title after Davis agreed to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a 10-round exhibition bout scheduled for November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Malignaggi said the decision to take an exhibition, which will not count on Davis’s professional record, amounts to holding the lightweight crown "hostage" and harms the division’s competitive integrity.

Malignaggi, speaking after Davis confirmed the exhibition, argued that Davis has received preferential treatment without defending his status. Davis has held versions of the WBA lightweight title since defeating Yuriorkis Gamboa in December 2019 and was upgraded from regular to full champion last year. He has not fought since a majority decision draw with Lamont Roach Jr earlier this year, a result some observers deemed controversial. Davis has hinted he may retire after the Paul bout.

Organizers announced at a press conference that the Davis-Paul exhibition will carry a maximum weight limit of 195 pounds and that both fighters will wear 12-ounce gloves. Malignaggi said those conditions and the...