According to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Jake Paul presented a sterner challenge to Anthony Joshua than the Albanian contender Kristian Prenga did. In Joshua’s first bout after his December showdown with the YouTube star‑turned‑fighter, the British heavyweight found himself on the canvas twice in the opening round at the hands of the under‑dog Prenga. Despite those setbacks, Joshua managed to rise, rally, and ultimately deliver a decisive knockout in the second round, keeping his trajectory toward a year‑end clash with Tyson Fury intact. Bidarian, however, believes the fight underscored how effectively Paul performed during his six‑round encounter with Joshua before the British champ landed a crushing blow that fractured Paul’s jaw.
"Jake Paul achieved more than the man who fought on Saturday night," she told Sky Sports News. "Paul lasted six rounds, while the other opponent was finished in two, enduring the same punches Paul took." She added, "I’m thrilled with his showing, even though the result wasn’t what we wanted, and I’m disappointed about his broken jaw. The hardest shots that landed on Paul 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 emotional weight of that experience was evident, as Joshua dedicated his victory over Prenga to his late companions, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele. Bidarian expressed deep admiration for the champion, noting, "I’m proud of him, I’m in awe of him. I’ve been messaging him all week.
We built a bond with Sina, which was difficult for everyone, especially his family and AJ, who feels like part of theirs. To step back into the ring seven months later, carrying that emotional baggage, shows immense respect and admiration." While Paul has not yet stepped back into the squared circle since his jaw was broken in two places by Joshua, Bidarian is confident his boxing career is far from finished.
She outlined a roster of potential future opponents for Paul, ranging from former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou to Britain’s own Chris Eubank Jr., and even WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. "He’s 100 percent returning to boxing," she affirmed. "Jake wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and a bout with Tommy Fury makes sense.
Edgar Berlanga would be fascinating, and I’m also intrigued by a match with Chris Eubank Jr. The opponents on the other side also need to be realistic – sometimes their ambitions outpace what the market can support." Bidarian’s optimism reflects a broader trend in the sport: the blending of traditional boxing with crossover athletes and entertainment personalities.
Jake Paul, who first entered the ring as a social media influencer, has amassed a sizable following and generated significant pay‑per‑view interest, prompting promoters to consider a wider array of match‑ups. His ability to survive six rounds against a seasoned heavyweight like Joshua, even if the fight ended in a jaw injury, demonstrates a level of durability and skill that many skeptics had previously dismissed. The conversation around Paul’s future also highlights the evolving business model of boxing.
With streaming platforms and contract‑free options gaining traction, fighters can now negotiate deals that bypass traditional promoters, allowing for more flexible match‑making. Bidarian herself mentioned the upcoming MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card, scheduled for August 29 on Sky Sports. She encouraged fans to watch via Sky Sports or a contract‑free streaming service, underscoring the shift toward accessible, on‑demand boxing content. In addition to potential fights with Ngannou, Garcia, and Eubank Jr., Bidarian hinted at other intriguing possibilities such as a bout with Tommy Fury, a member of the famous Fury boxing family, and a clash with Edgar Berlanga, known for his high‑octane knockout power.
Each of these match‑ups would bring a different style and narrative to Paul’s career, further cementing his place in the sport’s evolving landscape. While the immediate focus remains on Joshua’s preparation for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, the ripple effects of his recent fight with Prenga—and the comparative analysis with Paul’s performance—are already shaping future fight cards.
The respect Bidarian expressed for Joshua’s resilience, especially after the personal tragedy he endured, adds a human element to the often business‑driven world of boxing promotions. In summary, Nakisa Bidarian believes Jake Paul’s showing against Anthony Joshua was a more rigorous test than the short‑lived encounter with Kristian Prenga.
Despite the jaw injury, she is convinced Paul will return to the ring, with a diverse slate of opponents on the horizon. Her comments also reflect a broader industry shift toward flexible, fan‑centric fight arrangements, and a growing acceptance of crossover athletes within the sport. The upcoming MVPW‑06 event and the potential high‑profile match‑ups she mentioned promise to keep boxing fans engaged and eager for what comes next.