In the eyes of Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul proved to be a sterner test for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian challenger Kristian Prenga. The comparison stems from Joshua’s recent bout, his first since the December encounter with the YouTuber‑turned‑boxer. In that fight, Paul sent the British heavyweight to the canvas twice within the opening minute, delivering two first‑round knockdowns that left Joshua scrambling to regain his footing.
Though Joshua managed to rise each time, the damage was evident, and he ultimately fell to a decisive second‑round knockout at the hands of Prenga, securing a dominant victory that kept his year‑end clash with Tyson Fury on schedule. Bidarian, speaking to Sky Sports News, argued that Paul’s performance should be weighed more heavily than the two‑round win recorded by Prenga. "Jake Paul lasted six rounds," she said, "while the opponent on Saturday night lasted only two, taking the same punches that Jake endured." She praised Paul’s resilience, noting that despite the eventual outcome – a broken jaw – his showing demonstrated a level of toughness comparable to that required of a heavyweight contender. Joshua’s return to the ring marked a poignant moment for the champion.
It was his first fight after surviving a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. The emotional weight of that experience was evident throughout the bout, as Joshua dedicated his victory over Prenga to his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele.
Bidarian expressed deep admiration for Joshua’s ability to step back into the squared circle so soon after such a loss, emphasizing the profound respect she holds for his mental fortitude and dedication to his loved ones. "I'm proud of him, in awe of him," Bidarian told the network. "We built a relationship with Sina, which was difficult for all of us, but no one felt the pain more than his family and AJ, who has become part of that family. To walk into the ring seven months later, carrying that emotional baggage, shows massive respect and admiration." While Paul has not yet returned to competition following the severe jaw fracture inflicted by Joshua, Bidarian insists his boxing career is far from finished.
She outlined a broad and ambitious list of potential future opponents, ranging from former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to British contender Chris Eubank Jr., and even WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. "He wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and Tommy Fury makes sense as a matchup," Bidarian explained.
"Edgar Berlanga is also a fascinating prospect, and I’m intrigued by a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. The other side must be realistic, though; sometimes the financial expectations exceed what the market can sustain." According to Bidarian, the confidence in Paul’s comeback is absolute. "One hundred percent he’s boxing again," she declared, underscoring her belief that the broken jaw is a temporary setback rather than a career‑ending injury. Her optimism reflects a broader trend in the sport where crossover athletes and non‑traditional fighters are carving out significant roles in the boxing landscape, drawing new audiences and generating fresh revenue streams.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to evolve, with major fights slated throughout the year. Fans can stay connected via streaming platforms that offer contract‑free access, such as NOW, and can tune into weekly podcasts like Toe2Toe for insider analysis.
Highlight reels and full‑fight replays remain popular, with platforms encouraging viewers to use Chrome for the best video experience. Looking ahead, the MVP promotion has a marquee event on the horizon: MVPW‑06 in Birmingham, headlined by a showdown between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card. The event is scheduled for August 29 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering both traditional cable viewers and streaming subscribers a chance to witness top‑tier talent in action. In summary, while Prenga delivered a swift and decisive victory over Joshua, the underlying narrative highlighted by Bidarian suggests that Jake Paul’s performance—lasting six rounds against a seasoned heavyweight and absorbing comparable punishment—represents a more rigorous test of Joshua’s capabilities.
Paul’s future remains bright, with a slate of high‑profile opponents awaiting him, and the boxing world continues to anticipate his return to the ring, eager to see how he will navigate the next chapter of his unconventional yet compelling career.