Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Daniel Cormier TV REACTS to Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis (Nov. 15th on Netflix)
Date: August 21, 2025
Host: Daniel Cormier (DC)
Main Theme: Daniel Cormier reacts to the blockbuster announcement that Jake Paul will fight Gervonta "Tank" Davis in Atlanta on November 14th, exclusively on Netflix, breaking down the event’s potential, absurdities, and what it means for boxing.
Episode Overview
Daniel Cormier shares his unfiltered thoughts on the shocking news that YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to fight lightweight boxing champion Gervonta Davis, highlighting the spectacle, size disparity, and business behind the bout. Cormier reflects on his evolving respect for Jake Paul as a promoter and fighter, but details why this matchup is a true head-scratcher for fight fans.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jake Paul’s Place in Boxing
- Cormier emphasizes Jake Paul's evolution from internet celebrity to credible boxer.
- “Jake Paul is not an amateur fighter... Jake Paul has money. So Jake Paul is getting trained by the best boxing coaches that money can buy. He's full time boxing.” (04:40)
- He points out Jake’s ability to secure huge deals with media like Netflix due to his star power and promotional savvy.
- “I respect how he's promoted fights. I respect what he's done to build his name to... the point that Netflix always wants to be in business with him.” (06:48)
2. Announcement Reaction & Size Disparity
- DC breaks the news: Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis, officially announced for November 14 in Atlanta, live on Netflix.
- “Netflix announced it publicly. Jake Paul made it official. Jake Paul is fighting Gervonta Tank Davis. I'm all for fun fights. I'm all for big events. I will talk about what the fight entails.” (05:50)
- He highlights the vast weight difference:
- “Gervonta Davis in his last fight weighed 133.8 pounds. When Jake Paul fought Mike Tyson, he weighed 199.4 pounds.” (05:23)
- Daniel questions the sporting legitimacy:
- “I don't know that I can look at this one and go, well, I respect... I respect that he's fighting the guy that's better than him. I just don't know that. I mean, he's so much bigger. It's actually kind of crazy.” (07:04)
3. David vs. Goliath Narrative
- Cormier references Jake Paul’s social media bravado and his adoption of the “David vs. Goliath” analogy.
- Quoting Jake: “Yes, he's one of the top pomfopom boxers in the world. But my motto is anyone, anytime, any place, against all odds. And I like my odds.” (13:54)
- DC points out the irony that “David” (Gervonta) is actually the far more skilled fighter, not the underdog in boxing terms.
- “He used a David versus Goliath computer. That's the other way around. But David is more skilled. David is the guy that has been trained in the US Olympic system. David is the world champion.” (15:36)
4. Risk, Intrigue, and What’s at Stake
- Cormier explores the stakes for both men:
- “Imagine if Javante Davis knocks this dude out. People would go absolutely crazy. But Jake knows... how many are rooting for him to get beat.” (17:20)
- He explains the upside and danger:
- “If Gervonta Davis wins this fight, everything Jake Paul has done is wiped completely out. Javante Davis loses to Jake Paul... he lost to a guy that's going to be upwards of 70 pounds bigger.” (14:44)
- Cormier wonders if the draw is purely financial, comparing it to Mayweather-Logan Paul.
- “There’s got to be something to what he is as a draw in terms of money... Floyd Mayweather fought his brother Floyd and now Gervonta Davis is fighting Jake Paul. It’s to me crazy.” (15:10)
5. Fan Perspective and Personal Reaction
- DC admits his own fascination despite his skepticism.
- “I will tell you this right now, without a shadow of a doubt, I will watch this. I stayed up till two in the morning watching Jake fight Mike Tyson. I will watch this.” (16:12)
- He reflects on how unprecedented the match is, both as a fan and analyst.
- “But I’m telling you right now, Jake Paul is fighting Gervonta tank Davis on November 14th in Atlanta, Georgia. There’s some danger in that, man. There’s some danger for Jake Paul, less for Javante, but there’s some real danger in that fight.” (17:48)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Daniel Cormier on Jake’s progress:
“Whereas in the beginning of this thing, I did not have much respect for Jake Paul and what he's done in boxing, but today, I am much more respectful of what he's starting to build as a professional boxer.” (06:30) -
On the matchup and weight difference:
“A guy that fought at 205 is going to fight a guy that fights at 135. But imagine this though, and this is where it interests me. You're fighting a guy that's better than you. He's just much smaller.” (14:15) -
Cormier’s disbelief at the announcement:
“When Luis told me, hey, some news broke while you were on the plane. Gervonta Davis is fighting Jake Paul. I said, get the bleep out of here. I said you’re a bleep liar.” (14:56) -
On the absurdity and spectacle:
“You want to talk about Jake Paul fighting the real boxer? That's a real boxer. Unfortunately, he's seven weight classes below him. You can't make this stuff up, man.” (19:43)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 04:39 – Cormier introduces Jake Paul’s career trajectory and matchups
- 05:23 – Weight difference and announcement of the Davis fight
- 06:30 – DC’s earned respect for Jake’s boxing journey
- 07:04 – Reservations about the fight’s legitimacy
- 13:54 – Jake Paul’s “David vs. Goliath” quote and narrative
- 14:44 – The stakes for both fighters and DC’s initial disbelief
- 15:10 – The appeal of big matchups for star fighters
- 16:12 – Daniel Cormier’s personal take and promised viewership
- 17:48 – Outlining the “danger” and unpredictability of the fight
- 19:43 – Closing comments on the spectacle and boxing’s unpredictable evolution
Tone & Style
The episode is candid, energetic, and full of Cormier’s signature authenticity. He blends skepticism with genuine intrigue, speaking for hardcore fight fans and casual observers alike. The mood is both analytical and conversational, mirroring the topsy-turvy world of modern celebrity boxing without losing respect for the sport’s traditions.
Conclusion
Daniel Cormier delivers a candid, comprehensive reaction to the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis spectacle, blending disbelief, analysis, and a fan’s excitement. While he questions the legitimacy of the matchup due to the huge weight gap, DC respects the promotional game and the risks for both men. Ultimately, he sums up what most fight fans feel: “You can't make this stuff up, man... But I’m telling you right now, Jake Paul is fighting Gervonta tank Davis... I will watch this.” (19:43)
