Jake Paul’s Sparring Partner Gives Insights Into Gervonta…
David “Flat” Sparks, an undefeated light heavyweight with a 3-0 record, has quickly become one of boxing’s most colorful personalities.
Known as “Mr. All Call Outs Are Mandatory,” Sparks recently shared his behind-the-scenes experience as Jake Paul’s sparring partner for the much-hyped exhibition bout against Mike Tyson, and offered candid insights into Tyson and Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
Sparks revealed that his invitation to Paul’s training camp came through J’Leon Love, a longtime figure in boxing who now works closely with Paul.
“He put the call in, told me to send my info, and next thing I know, I got a ticket to Puerto Rico,” Sparks explained on MRECK TV on Thursday, August 21. “They flew me out there, took care of me, made sure my pockets was good. Nobody never took care of me like Jake Paul did.”
The accommodations, Sparks added, were top-notch. He stayed in a villa alongside other fighters, including his friend “Mac Truck,” and immediately noticed how serious Paul’s team was about preparing him properly.
“That’s how you supposed to treat your sparring partners if you want them to give you the best effort,” Sparks said. “Jake’s team is A1, and that’s why he’s had the success he’s had.”
Once inside the ring, Sparks admitted he initially underestimated Paul. “I was fake taking it easy and Jake Paul caught me big,” he said, describing a stiff shot that landed clean.
Sparks, who has shared the ring with heavy hitters across multiple weight classes, called Paul’s power “deceptive” and credited him for training harder than expected. “Jake Paul is a real fighter. He trains hard, runs hard, and puts in those hours,” he said.
When asked about Tyson’s performance in the exhibition, Sparks dismissed speculation that the fight was fixed. He pointed instead to the realities of age and inactivity.
“The age showed up, that’s all,” he said. “Mike was doing his thing in the first round, but reality sets in. Sparring and fighting are two different things. Smaller gloves, no headgear, a live crowd—it’s not the same.”
Sparks added that Tyson nearly lost his life to a medical scare before the bout, making his ability to go the distance all the more impressive. “You gotta give Uncle Mike his respect for that,” he said.
Sparks also touched on Gervonta Davis, noting rumors of retirement after his bout with Lamont Roach. He doesn’t believe Davis is finished, instead suggesting the young champion is simply taking time to reset. “He’s so rich at a young age, he just needs to get his mind together,” Sparks said.