According to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Jake Paul proved to be a sterner test for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian contender Kristian Prenga. In Joshua’s first bout after his December clash with the YouTuber‑turned‑boxer, he found himself on the canvas twice in the opening round, courtesy of two quick knockdowns delivered by the under‑dog Prenga. Despite those setbacks, the British heavyweight managed to rise, rally, and ultimately finish Prenga decisively in the second round, keeping his path to a year‑end showdown with Tyson Fury intact.
Bidarian, however, believes the fight underscored how effectively Paul performed against Joshua during their six‑round encounter before Joshua landed a knockout blow that fractured Paul’s jaw. "Jake Paul won more than the guy on Saturday night won," she told Sky Sports News. "He lasted six rounds, whereas that other fighter was stopped in two, taking the same punches Jake was taking." She added, "I’m pleased with his showing, even though the result wasn’t what we wanted and I’m sorry his jaw was broken.
The hardest shots that landed on Jake didn’t have the same effect on a heavyweight on Saturday." This bout marked Joshua’s return to the ring after surviving a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. The heavyweight’s comeback was emotionally charged; he dedicated his victory over Prenga to his late companions, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele. Bidarian expressed deep admiration for Joshua’s resilience, noting that she had been in contact with him throughout the week and felt a personal connection to his story. "We built a bond with Sina, which was difficult for all of us, but especially for his family and for AJ, who became part of that family," she said.
"To step back into the ring seven months later, carrying that emotional weight, is a testament to his character. I have massive respect and admiration for him." Although Paul has not fought since his jaw was broken in two places by Joshua, 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’s 100 percent going back to boxing," she affirmed. "Jake wants to face Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and even a Tommy Fury matchup makes sense. A fight with Edgar Berlanga would be fascinating, and I’m also intrigued by a bout with Chris Eubank Jr." Bidarian cautioned, however, that matchmaking must remain realistic.
"The fighters on the other side also need to be realistic. Sometimes their ambitions exceed what the market can support financially," she warned. In addition to discussing Paul’s prospects, the interview touched on upcoming events.
The MVPW‑06 card in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron with Caroline Dubois also on the bill, is set for August 29 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream boxing without a contract through the platform’s free‑to‑watch options.
Overall, Bidarian’s comments highlight a dual narrative: while Joshua continues to cement his status as a top heavyweight despite personal tragedy, Jake Paul’s future in the sport appears bright, with a slate of high‑profile fights that could further elevate his standing in the boxing world. Both athletes, in their own ways, exemplify perseverance and ambition, promising exciting chapters ahead for fans of the sport.