The Dan Patrick Show — Covino & Rich: "Has Boxing Jumped the Shark?"
Date: August 21, 2025
Hosts: Steve Covino, Rich Davis, Danny G, Isaac Loincron
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
Theme:
This episode dives into the spectacle of modern boxing, sparked by the announcement of an upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta “Tank” Davis slated for Netflix. The hosts debate whether boxing has "jumped the shark," moving from serious sport to entertainment circus, and examine the viability and appeal of such fights. They discuss the evolution of attraction in pop culture, celebrity antics, and audience fascination with freakish matchups. Listeners call in to weigh their thoughts on the matchup, spectacle sports, and even take a nostalgic detour through 90s booty culture.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Pop Culture’s Booty Evolution (03:43–06:08)
- The team opens with a playful debate: When did "booty" overtake "boobs" in American pop culture?
- Rich Davis asks: “When did we go from a society of men that shifted from what was up top to what was behind? Is it Sir Mix-a-Lot? Is it JLO and Shakira?” (04:13)
- Consensus points to the "Latin Explosion" era — JLo and Kim Kardashian solidifying the cultural shift, with shoutouts to Sir Mix-a-Lot, Destiny’s Child, and Bubba Sparxxx.
2. The Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis Fight Announcement (09:26–13:21)
- Steve Covino is exasperated by the upcoming Netflix fight: “When it broke...I’m not surprised. But my immediate reaction…we’ve jumped the shark. This is corny. I don’t get it. Jake Paul and Tank Davis have agreed to fight. This is just ridiculous.” (09:26)
- They set out the ‘tale of the tape’:
- Jake Paul: 6’1”, ~200 lbs, 28 years old, 12-1 record.
- Tank Davis: 5’5”, 133–135 lbs, 30 years old, 30-0-1 record.
- The absurdity centers on the size difference—height, weight, and natural weight class—making it a mismatch in traditional boxing logic.
3. “Has Boxing Jumped the Shark?” (12:16–27:14)
- The group splits over whether boxing’s embrace of such spectacle is a problem.
- Danny G: “Did it jump the shark? No. But is boxing and the fight game finding new ways to intrigue young fans that love spectacles...?”
- Rich Davis: “Of course I’ll watch this.”
- The spectacle’s appeal is compared to previous entertainments, like Love Island or the Tyson-Paul event—a guilty pleasure.
- Analogies abound, likening the matchup to “Tyson fighting a young Sugar Ray Leonard,” highlighting the mismatch.
Notable Quotes:
- Steve Covino: “It’s like Tyson fighting a guy who weighs 135 pounds. It’s stupid.” (13:06)
- Danny G: “You’re going to learn the answer to a question we’ve always wanted to know. Can a little guy...who’s the best...just get whooped because they’re so much bigger?” (14:02)
4. Realism vs. Fantasy: Will the Little Guy, Tank Davis, Stand a Chance? (15:24–18:40)
- Discussion about whether boxing’s “sweet science” can overcome sheer size.
- Rich Davis: “Tank Davis has knockout power...he’s got great ring IQ...He could maybe outsmart Paul a little bit in the ring. If he packs a punch the way we know he can to the body, then Paul’s going to be feeling it.” (15:41)
- Spot (the video guy): “If Jake Paul lands some body shots and hits him clean, it’s over. He’s too big, he’s too strong. But it really puts Tank Davis’s boxing skills...to the test here.” (19:02)
5. Viewer Interest and the Appeal of the ‘Circus’ (20:12–27:14)
- Despite skepticism, all admit they’re likely to watch.
- Recollections of Tyson vs. Paul’s streaming issues and party anticipation.
- Vegas betting odds: Tank Davis is a slight favorite at -180, despite size disadvantage.
- Danny G: “Anyone that says, ‘Another spectacle, who cares?’ — If you’re not intrigued a little bit...to see Jake Paul fight the best undefeated little guy in boxing does have intrigue.” (26:46)
6. Listener Calls: Fan Perspective (36:06–40:32)
- Caller Tyler: “Jake Paul’s cast himself as the perfect villain. He’s Ric Flair, he’s Gorgeous George. You want to see him get his face punched.”
- Caller Tony: “As a smaller guy, I’ve always wondered how a fight like this might go…I hope it doesn’t go that way, but if I had to put money down…it would be hard to bet on that guy [Tank]. The better big man’s always going to win.”
- Discussion about rooting for the underdog, with “short kings” wanting Tank Davis to represent.
7. Event Realism & Integrity (49:00–50:57)
- Ryan Garcia’s skeptical reaction (via Twitter):
- “I strongly doubt this happens, even though it’s been announced. No way Gervonta accepts Jake Paul at 195 lbs...You gotta be delusional to think this is going to happen...Boxing is officially the WWE.” (49:19)
- Parallels repeatedly drawn to pro wrestling for its blend of sport and spectacle.
8. Final Thoughts (50:57–51:09)
- Covino (channeling the famous taco commercial): “Why not both? …Have your serious boxing match, and then also be entertained by Jake Paul and Tank Davis.”
- Rich, Covino, and Danny G admit the circus aspect feels “over the top ridiculous,” but they’ll still watch.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On pop culture:
“The J. Lo era of booty—that’s really like when she played Selena…You can credit Selena…” — Steve Covino, 05:07 - On spectacle matches:
“He’s actually making the impossible happen. I give him all the credit in the world for that. But it is ridiculous.” — Covino, 36:54 - On fight legitimacy:
“If this isn’t a sanctioned fight...then anything, I think, is a possibility.” — Steve Covino, 22:18 - On personal taste:
“I think it’s ridiculous...but of course I’ll watch...I watch dumber things on TV.” — Covino, 49:49
“Rich recommends you watch Love Island. You’ve disqualified yourself from ever saying something too dumb for you.” — Danny G, 50:08
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Pop Culture Booty Shift: 03:43–06:08
- Fight Announcement & Reaction: 09:26–13:21
- Debate: Random Matchups in Boxing: 13:22–20:12
- Boxing vs. WWE / Viewer Intrigue: 20:12–27:14
- Listener Calls & Opinions: 36:06–40:32
- Ryan Garcia’s Skepticism: 49:00–49:49
- Final Takeaways: 50:57–51:09
Summary
This laugh-filled, debate-driven episode peels back the evolution of both pop culture preferences and boxing’s current state, using the outlandish Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis fight as a lens. The hosts ponder whether the line between sports and entertainment has blurred beyond repair—and whether, deep down, everyone’s okay with that as long as it’s fun to watch. Despite the skepticism around spectacle boxing, the hosts and callers acknowledge it’s working. Even if it’s “dumb,” they’ll be tuning in. The question isn’t so much, “Has boxing jumped the shark?” as, “How far can it ride the wave of spectacle before it becomes the new norm?”