Lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis is facing a new civil lawsuit alleging battery, aggravated battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit was filed by his ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, in Miami-Dade County, Florida, just two weeks before Davis is scheduled to face Jake Paul in an exhibition bout.

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Details of the Allegations

According to the complaint, Davis allegedly attacked Rossel at her workplace on 27 October 2025, and had previously made threats to kill her. Rossel claims there were at least four previous incidents in which Davis allegedly physically assaulted and choked her.

Rossel is seeking compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $50,000 (£38,145) and has requested a jury trial. The complaint states that she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the alleged incidents and is undergoing therapeutic treatment.

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Timing Ahead of Upcoming Fight

Davis is set to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on 14 November 2025, which adds significant public attention to the legal proceedings. The timing of the lawsuit, just weeks before a high-profile bout, has amplified scrutiny of Davis’ personal and professional life.

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Previous Legal Issues

This is not the first time Davis has faced allegations of violence. Key points in his legal history include:

• A domestic violence case against another ex-girlfriend dropped earlier in 2025.
• Arrests on battery domestic violence charges in February 2020 and December 2022.
• 44 days in jail in 2023 for violating the terms of a 90-day house arrest related to a hit-and-run case in Baltimore in November 2020.

Davis’ representatives have declined to comment, citing that this is an ongoing legal matter.

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Broader Context

The lawsuit raises serious concerns about athlete conduct and the intersection of high-profile sports careers with legal controversies. Davis, who has held the WBA lightweight world title since 2023, now faces additional legal scrutiny alongside his boxing commitments.

Observers note that cases like this underscore the importance of safeguarding athlete accountability, while also balancing the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in civil and criminal proceedings.