Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis and Jake Paul face off
Gervonta Davis’ trainer Calvin Ford has concerns over one particular rule ahead of ‘Tank’s’ showdown with Jake Paul.
The two stars are set to go head-to-head in an exhibition dust-up at the Kaseya Center in Florida on November 14. With just over a month to go until the controversial clash, there has already been some pre-fight drama after the event was relocated from Georgia after the commission objected to the monumental weight disparity between the two fighters.
Following confirmation of the fight, many fans were left wondering about the rules of the contest. Their clash will be an exhibition bout, over 10, 3-minute rounds, as revealed by MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian. “There will be a victor because the fighters have agreed and the commission has approved a maximum weight of 195lbs for this exhibition. The fight will be contested over 10 three-minute rounds, and when Tank and Jake enter the squared circle to go to battle, they will be wearing 12oz gloves,” said Bidarian.
“Sitting ringside will be three commission-approved world-class professional judges that will score every round to ensure there’s a decisive outcome for the fight if it goes the distance. And both men are enrolled in the highest level of testing with USADA.” Paul is predominately a cruiserweight (200lbs) – despite moving up to heavyweight for his win over Mike Tyson last November. As for Davis, the American has fought at lightweight (135lbs) throughout the majority of his career so far.
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Despite the huge weight disparity and the 195lb limit on fight night, Ford is more aggrieved with the fact that both Paul and Davis will be wearing 12oz gloves on fight night. “I said the fight was doable because I watched Tank for years and watched other young men in gyms deal with big guys,” Ford told Fight Hub TV.
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“Yes, he’s big. To me it’s like Jake having his first open fights, if anyone knows about the amateurs. My only concern is the gloves because we don’t fight in 12 oz gloves, we don’t use 12 oz gloves, that’s training gloves. So my thing is, ‘Put Tank in eights, put (Jake) in tens.’
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“That makes the fight more interesting, and we’ll go from there. And I brought that up to one of his handlers, and they say, ‘No, we don’t want to do no mix and match.’ It’s supposed to be an exhibition…He can wear the tens and we wear the eights, then we got a fight.”
During a launch press-conference last month, Paul vowed to score a statement finish in November. “I haven’t got a knockout in a long time, so I’m itching. I’m just excited to be able to deliver that for the fans and have another most viral knockouts ever,” he said. Davis himself was quick to offer his take on how the fight will potentially play out. “I’m much quicker than him. He’s much stronger and much bigger, but we all know that it’s harder for taller fighters to fight a shorter one,” he said. “He’s decent and he’s gonna hold up for a couple of rounds – but once it gets hot in there, you know how things play out.”
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Dave Allen is set to return to the ring on Saturday night when he takes on Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield. Coverage is expected to get underway at around 6pm UK time (1pm ET / 10am PT / 12pm CT). In the main event, Makhmudov will make the walk to the ring first at around 10pm UK time (5pm ET / 2pm PT / 4pm CT) with Allen set to follow immediately after.
The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete. All of the action is set to be shown live on DAZN. The popular streaming platform can be found as an additional subscription on TVs. It can also be streamed live on the official website or the downloadable app. A DAZN subscription is £119.99 or £14.99 per month, or £24.99 on a flexible commitment that can be cancelled at any point.
The Unchained Beast: John Dodd’s 27-Liter Merlin V-12 Marvel Roars Back to Auction in 2025
For those of us steeped in the rich tapestry of automotive history, where engineering audacity often trumps conventional wisdom, few machines command reverence quite like “The Beast.” This isn’t just a car; it’s a myth made manifest, a rolling testament to the unbridled spirit of innovation that defined a bygone era. As we approach the twilight of 2025, this colossal custom shooting brake, housing a legendary 27-liter Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine, is once again poised to electrify the global auction stage. Having witnessed a decade of shifting tides in the collector car market, I can confidently say that “The Beast” transcends mere automotive curiosity; it’s an investment-grade classic car, a piece of living history that continues to defy categorization and captivate the imagination of luxury classic car enthusiasts worldwide.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electrification, autonomous driving, and sleek, homogenized designs, the sheer, unapologetic mechanical violence of “The Beast” feels almost anachronistic – a glorious, roaring protest against conformity. Nearly 19 feet long, with a silhouette that screams 1970s bespoke craftsmanship, this unique creation boasts an estimated 750–850 horsepower and a verified top speed that would challenge many of today’s supercars. Its upcoming appearance at auction isn’t merely a transaction; it’s an event, offering a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most famously eccentric and undeniably powerful unique vehicle auctions entries in recent memory.
The Heart of a Legend: Unleashing the Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12
At the very core of “The Beast’s” legend lies its monstrous powerplant: a 27-liter Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12. For those unfamiliar with its pedigree, this isn’t just any engine; it’s an icon, the beating heart of countless Allied victories during World War II. Imagine the raw power that propelled Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes across the skies of Britain during the Battle of Britain, or powered Avro Lancasters on their bombing runs, or even found its way into American P-51 Mustangs. This exact lineage, a vintage Merlin engine originally designed for aerial dominance, is what snarls beneath “The Beast’s” impossibly long hood.
To put its scale into perspective, 27 liters is approximately five and a half times the displacement of a typical modern V-8 engine found in a performance muscle car. The sheer physical presence of this V-12 is staggering, filling the engine bay with an intimidating array of metal, hoses, and wiring. The sound it produces isn’t merely an exhaust note; it’s a deep, resonant rumble that vibrates through the very ground, a symphony of industrial might and controlled explosions. This isn’t just an engine; it’s a piece of automotive engineering marvel, a triumph of early 20th-century mechanical design adapted with audacious brilliance for road use.
The conversion of an aero engine for automotive duty is a monumental task, fraught with challenges. Adapting the cooling system, fuel delivery, and especially the drivetrain to handle the immense torque and power produced by such a unit requires not just mechanical skill but an almost obsessive level of dedication. The Merlin, in its automotive guise, delivers a breathtaking surge of power, reportedly capable of launching “The Beast” to a claimed 180-mph top speed. For a vehicle constructed in the early 1970s, hitting such speeds wasn’t just fast; it was unprecedented for a non-racing vehicle. This audacious Rolls-Royce engine swap transformed what could have been a mere curiosity into a genuine high-performance vintage machine, cementing its place in the annals of automotive historical significance.
John Dodd: The Mad Genius Behind the Wheel
No discussion of “The Beast” would be complete without paying homage to its creator, the gloriously eccentric British businessman and mechanic, John Dodd. A man clearly unburdened by conventional thinking, Dodd was a successful proprietor of an automatic transmission repair shop, a background that perhaps gave him the mechanical insight and confidence to tackle such an ambitious project. His creation wasn’t born out of a focus group or market research; it was the pure, unfiltered vision of one man’s desire to build something utterly extraordinary.
Dodd’s philosophy seemed to echo the famous line from Jurassic Park: “So preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” But in Dodd’s case, the “should” was irrelevant; the sheer joy of the “could” was paramount. He wasn’t just building a car; he was crafting a statement, a rolling sculpture of defiance against the mundane. This makes “The Beast” a prime example of automotive eccentricity, a genre cherished by discerning collectors who value originality and personality above all else.
The initial chassis work was actually laid down by another English builder, Paul Jameson, who reportedly sourced the Merlin V-12 from a Centurion tank – another testament to its robust, military-grade origins. Dodd acquired the rolling mechanics and proceeded to build the distinctive fiberglass body around it, a design choice that allowed for flexibility and weight savings, albeit with a uniquely retro aesthetic. While originally finished in a very “1970s” tan-over-tan scheme, embodying the vibrant, experimental spirit of the decade, the essence of Dodd’s vision remained unmistakable: a car of unparalleled presence and power. His legacy isn’t just in the vehicle itself but in the defiant spirit that infused every nut and bolt of its construction, making it one of the most iconic custom car builds of its time.
Evolution and Refresh: A Legend Reborn for 2025
“The Beast” has had an eventful life, transitioning from Dodd’s personal conveyance – often used to delightfully annoy Rolls-Royce’s legal team, as we’ll discuss – to a cherished family possession, and now, finally, to the international auction block. The current owner, who acquired the vehicle from the Dodd family a couple of years ago, recognized the need to preserve its integrity while giving it a contemporary refresh. This meticulous process has transformed its appearance, without sacrificing its irrepressible soul.
Gone is the original tan, replaced by a sophisticated two-tone silver and gray exterior that lends a touch of modern elegance to its imposing silhouette. The interior, too, has been refinished in a businesslike black, with “The Beast” elegantly embossed in the headrests – a subtle yet powerful nod to its identity. This careful classic car restoration showcases a thoughtful approach to preserving a unique historical artifact. It’s not a complete re-imagining, but rather an homage, ensuring that while the aesthetics are updated, the spirit of John Dodd and the audacity of the Merlin V-12 remain unequivocally at the forefront.
Perhaps the most poetic aspect of this refresh is the return of the iconic Rolls-Royce grille and the “Spirit of Ecstasy” mascot to its impossibly long snout. This was Dodd’s original vision – that a car powered by such a magnificent, albeit military-grade, Rolls-Royce V-12 deserved to wear the marque’s crown. Rolls-Royce, understandably protective of its brand, famously sued Dodd and won, forcing him to remove their emblem. The fact that the current custodians have returned these elements, whether through negotiation or a quiet act of reverence, feels like a posthumous vindication for Dodd. It solidifies “The Beast” not just as a bespoke classic car but as an unofficial, yet undeniably impactful, part of Rolls-Royce heritage, albeit a rebellious one.
Performance and Legacy: A Record-Breaking Monster
Beyond its visual spectacle and gargantuan engine, “The Beast” also holds a significant place in automotive record books. In 1973, it officially achieved a Guinness World Record for speed, clocking an astonishing 183 mph. For context, this was a time when production supercars were just barely breaking the 150-160 mph barrier. To achieve 183 mph in a custom-built shooting brake, powered by a modified WWII aero engine, was an engineering feat that borders on the miraculous. It wasn’t just fast; it was a genuine Guinness World Record car, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for a road-legal vehicle.
While the driving experience of “The Beast” is undoubtedly raw and visceral, characterized by the thunderous roar of the Merlin engine and the firm engagement of its three-speed automatic transmission, its legacy extends far beyond mere performance figures. It represents a golden age of automotive experimentation, a time when individual visionaries could, with enough ingenuity and sheer will, create machines that defied convention. The “shooting brake” body style itself, a practical yet elegant two-door wagon often associated with European aristocracy and sporting pursuits, takes on a new, almost satirical dimension when paired with such a monstrous engine and scale.
“The Beast” is more than a vehicle; it’s a testament to human ingenuity, a cultural artifact that speaks volumes about the audacious spirit of the 1970s. Its story, from its humble origins in Dodd’s workshop to its legal battles with a global luxury brand, and its subsequent restoration, has cemented its place in automotive folklore. It’s a prime example of a rare collector vehicle whose value is derived not just from its physical attributes but from the compelling narrative that surrounds it.
“The Beast” in 2025: A Collector’s Dream and Market Reality
As we look at the classic car market trends 2025, several factors align to make “The Beast’s” auction a truly significant event. The demand for luxury classic car investment continues to strengthen, particularly for vehicles with undeniable provenance, unique stories, and a level of engineering audacity that cannot be replicated today. In an era where many luxury marques are focused on electrification and digital integration, the analog, mechanical grandeur of “The Beast” stands as a powerful counterpoint, appealing to collectors who cherish the tactile experience and the sheer, unadulterated passion of automotive history.
This isn’t just an eccentric curiosity; it’s a blue-chip asset for the right collector. Its uniqueness ensures it will always draw attention, whether displayed in a private collection, at a prestigious concourse event, or occasionally, unleashed on a private track. The rising interest in high-end car auctions for truly bespoke and historically significant vehicles means “The Beast” will undoubtedly attract global bids from discerning enthusiasts and serious investors alike. It represents a particular niche within the market: investment-grade classic cars that defy easy categorization but possess an undeniable allure rooted in their singular narrative and engineering marvel.
Owning “The Beast” isn’t for the faint of heart. Maintaining a 27-liter Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, even in its automotive adaptation, requires specialized knowledge, resources, and a deep commitment to preservation. It’s a lifestyle choice, an acknowledgment of its demanding nature. But for the individual capable of embracing these challenges, the reward is immeasurable: the ownership of a living legend, a tangible piece of automotive lore that sparks conversation, inspires awe, and stands as a monumental achievement of a bygone era. It’s the ultimate conversation starter, a guaranteed showstopper, and a true icon among automotive legends.
Seize the Roar: Your Chance to Own a Legend
“The Beast” is more than just a car; it’s a monumental achievement, a defiant roar from an era of unbridled automotive ambition. It embodies the passion, the eccentricity, and the sheer audacity of an individual who dared to dream big and build bigger. Its unique blend of military-grade power, custom craftsmanship, and record-setting performance ensures its place in automotive history is secure.
Now, as it rolls onto the auction block this November 29th via Historics Auctioneers, this is your unparalleled opportunity to not just witness, but to acquire a piece of that legend. Don’t let this chance to become the custodian of one of the world’s most talked-about and truly singular vehicles pass you by. Whether you’re a seasoned collector seeking the ultimate statement piece, a museum curator looking for a show-stopping exhibit, or simply an enthusiast captivated by the allure of a truly unique machine, explore the auction details and prepare to bid on an automotive icon that promises to redefine your understanding of performance and presence.
