Jake Paul proved to be a tougher opponent for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions. In the bout that marked Joshua's return to the ring after his December showdown with the YouTube star‑turned‑boxer, the British heavyweight found himself on the canvas twice in the opening round, both times courtesy of Prenga's unexpected knockdowns. Despite those setbacks, Joshua managed to rise, rally, and ultimately deliver a decisive knockout in the second round, keeping his schedule on track for a potential year‑end clash with Tyson Fury.
Bidarian, however, believes the fight underscored just how well Paul performed during his own six‑round encounter with Joshua earlier in the year, a match that ended dramatically when Joshua landed a crushing blow that fractured Paul's jaw. "Jake Paul achieved more than the man on Saturday night did," Bidarian told Sky Sports News. "Paul lasted six rounds, while the other opponent was finished in two, absorbing the same type of punches that Jake endured." The MVP executive expressed satisfaction with Paul's showing, despite lamenting the injury he sustained.
"I'm pleased with his performance, even though the outcome was disappointing and his jaw was broken. The hardest shots that landed on Paul didn't have the same effect on a heavyweight like Joshua on Saturday," she explained. Joshua's return to the squared circle was emotionally charged, as it marked his first fight since surviving a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends.
The victory over Prenga was dedicated to those lost friends – Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele – and highlighted Joshua's resilience in the face of personal tragedy. Bidarian spoke with admiration for Joshua's courage. "I am proud of him, I am in awe of him.
Throughout the week I sent him messages of support. We built a bond with Sina, which was difficult for all of us, but especially for his family and for AJ, who has become part of that family. To step back into the ring just seven months after such a loss, carrying that emotional weight, shows massive respect and admiration," she said.
Although Paul has not stepped into a ring since his jaw was shattered in two places by Joshua's knockout punch, Bidarian is confident that his boxing career is far from over. She outlined an extensive list of potential future opponents for Paul, ranging from former UFC champion Francis Ngannou to Britain's own Chris Eubank Jr., as well as WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. "He is 100 percent going back to boxing," Bidarian asserted.
"Jake wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and even Tommy Fury – that would make sense. A bout with Edgar Berlanga would be fascinating, and I also see a compelling matchup with Chris Eubank Jr." Bidarian cautioned, however, that any prospective fight must be realistic from a business standpoint.
"Sometimes fighters' ambitions exceed what the market can support financially," she warned, emphasizing the need for mutually beneficial arrangements. Looking ahead, MVP has a busy schedule.
The promotion's upcoming event, MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, will feature a headline clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. The show is set for August 29 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available for those who prefer a contract‑free experience.
In summary, while the Prenga bout gave Joshua a quick, decisive win, it also served as a reminder of how closely matched he was with Paul in their earlier six‑round duel. Bidarian's comments highlight both the respect for Joshua's perseverance after personal loss and the belief that Jake Paul remains a viable and marketable figure in boxing, with numerous high‑profile matchups on the horizon.
The future looks promising for both fighters as they navigate the evolving landscape of heavyweight boxing and the broader combat‑sports world.