Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: The W.A.D.E. Concept - Jake Paul vs Tank Davis Is A CIRCUS Fight.. It Makes NO Sense
Release Date: May 31, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion centers around the controversial matchup proposed between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and professional boxer Gervonta "Tank" Davis. Hosted by analysts from iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, the episode delves into why this fight is perceived as a "circus fight" and explores its implications for the sport of boxing.

2. Overview of the W.A.D.E. Concept

The episode introduces the W.A.D.E. (What A Fight Entry) concept, which serves as a framework for evaluating the legitimacy and impact of boxing matches. This segment sets the stage for a critical analysis of the Jake Paul vs Tank Davis fight proposal.

3. Analysis of Jake Paul vs Tank Davis Fight

a. Rationale Behind the Fight

The potential fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis has stirred significant debate within the boxing community. The analyst outlines the origins of the matchup and the motivations behind both fighters' interest in the bout.

“[02:10] Analyst: Something else that's unfortunate is the idea that Jake Paul might actually fight Gervonta Tank Davis. This can't be real. When it came up a couple of months ago, I was like, you know what? I'm not even gonna cover this because there's no way it's real, there's no way they're really going to do that because it makes no sense.”

b. Analyst's Criticism

The analyst expresses strong skepticism regarding the feasibility and sensibility of the fight. Key points include:

• Mismatch in Skill and Weight Class:
  Gervonta Davis is highlighted as a top-tier fighter in the 135lb weight class, currently in his prime, whereas Jake Paul is seen as an influencer-turned-boxer without the same level of professional pedigree.

  “[02:10] Analyst: Gervonte Davis is one of if not the best biggest names at 135lbs and is an active in his prime fighter. ... Tank doesn't care about being a high level champion in the sport anymore. Tells me that he's done competitively in the sport.”

• Impact on Tank Davis's Career:
  The analyst worries that taking on Jake Paul signals Tank Davis's withdrawal from serious competition, potentially marking the end of his competitive boxing career.

  “[02:10] Analyst: ... If he takes a fight with Jake Paul, it tells me he's done and that's unfortunate.”

• Questioning Jake Paul's Motives and the Fight's Purpose:
  The fight is characterized as financially driven rather than based on competitive merit, undermining its legitimacy.

  “[02:10] Analyst: Why would you do that for him outside of it? Like, okay, you can look at it like an exhibition, which it will be and we'll take a look at some of the ruleset for it.”

c. Comparisons to Other Exhibition Fights

The episode draws parallels between Jake Paul's potential fight with Tank Davis and previous exhibition bouts, notably Floyd Mayweather's exhibitions with Logan Paul and Mike Tyson.

“[04:46] Analyst: ... because it's Mike and it's an exhibition and he's retired. Tank, still, being in the competitive nature of the sport, throws this one completely off for me.”

The analyst argues that unlike Mayweather's opportunities to engage in exhibitions post-retirement, Tank Davis is still actively competing, making the proposed fight illogical.

4. Impact on Boxing's Integrity

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how such mismatched or exhibition-style fights could erode the integrity of boxing as a sport. Concerns include:

• Shift from Sport to Entertainment:
  The prevalence of spectacle fights for monetary gain could transform boxing from a competitive sport into mere entertainment, undermining the essence of athletic competition.

  “[15:25] Analyst: ... what's the point of boxing at that point? Because everybody says boxing is a business, not a sport. If things like this continue to happen, it will be for sure like that'll that's actually be the case.”

• Difficulty in Building True Champions:
  The analyst emphasizes that genuine competition is essential for developing and recognizing true boxing champions, a process that is jeopardized by superficial fights.

  “[15:25] Analyst: What happens to building champions. What's the point of boxing at that point?”

5. Future Fight Speculations: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

The conversation briefly shifts to the possibility of Jake Paul facing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a former world champion with a storied legacy. This matchup is presented as a more legitimate and meaningful fight compared to the proposed bout with Tank Davis.

“[12:40] Analyst: So then ultimately, how did you end up with Julio and were there other names that were being considered before you did end up with him?”

“[13:17] Analyst: I like it [the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. fight]. ... There's a big name there, there's legacy there. His father is one of the greatest, if not the greatest Mexican boxer ever.”

The analyst views the Chavez Jr. fight as beneficial for Jake Paul’s credibility, offering a challenging opponent with significant boxing heritage.

6. Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In wrapping up the episode, the analyst reiterates his concerns about the Jake Paul vs Tank Davis fight and its potential negative repercussions for the sport. He invites listeners to share their opinions, emphasizing the divided perspectives within the boxing community.

“[15:25] Analyst: ... Jake Paul versus Gervonta Davis makes absolutely no sense.”

Listeners are encouraged to weigh in on whether such exhibition fights are detrimental or if they offer a new avenue for boxing's evolution.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Absurdity of the Fight:
  “[02:10] Analyst: Something else that's unfortunate is the idea that Jake Paul might actually fight Gervonta Tank Davis. This can't be real.”

• On Tank Davis’s Career:
  “[02:10] Analyst: If he takes a fight with Jake Paul, it tells me he's done and that's unfortunate.”

• Comparing to Mike Tyson:
  “[04:46] Analyst: ... because it's Mike and it's an exhibition and he's retired. Tank, still, being in the competitive nature of the sport, throws this one completely off for me.”

• On Boxing’s Integrity:
  “[15:25] Analyst: ... what's the point of boxing at that point? Because everybody says boxing is a business, not a sport.”

• Regarding Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Fight:
  “[13:17] Analyst: There's a big name there, there's legacy there. His father is one of the greatest, if not the greatest Mexican boxer ever.”

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a critical examination of the proposed fight between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis, highlighting significant concerns regarding match legitimacy, the fighters' career trajectories, and the broader implications for the sport of boxing. The analysts advocate for maintaining competitive integrity and caution against prioritizing entertainment value over athletic merit.

Listeners interested in the intersection of celebrity influence and professional sports, as well as the ongoing debates about the future direction of boxing, will find this episode particularly insightful.