According to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Jake Paul presented a sterner test for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian contender Kristian Prenga did. The remarks come after Joshua’s recent bout, his first since the high‑profile December clash with YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul, in which he endured two first‑round knockdowns before ultimately rallying to stop Prenga in the second round. While the victory kept the British heavyweight on track for a potential end‑of‑year showdown with Tyson Fury, Bidarian believes the fight underscored how effectively Paul performed during his six‑round encounter with Joshua, which ended dramatically when Joshua delivered a knockout blow that fractured Paul’s jaw. "Jake Paul achieved more than the man who fought on Saturday night," Bidarian told Sky Sports News.
"He lasted six rounds, whereas the opponent was finished in two rounds, enduring the same punches that Jake was taking." Bidarian went on to explain that, although he was pleased with Paul’s display, the outcome—a broken jaw—was disappointing. He noted that the most powerful blows that landed on Paul did not have the same effect on the heavyweight Joshua, highlighting the difference in size and resilience between the two fighters. This bout marked Joshua’s return to the squared circle 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 fight, and Joshua dedicated his win over Prenga to his late companions, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele.
Bidarian expressed deep admiration for Joshua’s courage, saying, "I’m proud of him, in awe of him. We’ve built a relationship with Sina’s family, and it’s been incredibly hard for everyone involved. For AJ to step back into the ring just seven months later, carrying that emotional burden, speaks volumes about his character." While Paul has not yet stepped back into the ring since his jaw was broken in two places by Joshua’s knockout, Bidarian is confident that the YouTuber‑boxer’s career is far from over. He outlined a long list of potential future opponents for Paul, ranging from former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to Britain’s own Chris Eubank Jr., and even WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.
"He’s 100 percent going back to boxing," Bidarian asserted. "Jake wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and a match with Tommy Fury makes sense. Edgar Berlanga would be fascinating, and I also like the idea of Chris Eubank Jr." Bidarian cautioned, however, that the other side of any proposed matchup must be realistic, noting that sometimes promoters’ ambitions exceed what the market can support financially.
He emphasized the need for both parties to align expectations with box‑office realities. Looking ahead, MVP is set to host the MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham on August 29, featuring a headline bout between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the card.
The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and fans can stream the action without a contract through the network’s boxing package. In summary, while Prenga’s defeat was decisive, the fight served as a reminder of the challenge Paul posed to Joshua during their six‑round contest. Bidarian’s comments highlight both the respect he holds for Joshua’s resilience after personal tragedy and his belief that Paul’s boxing journey is only beginning, with a slate of high‑profile fights potentially on the horizon.
The upcoming MVP event promises further excitement for boxing enthusiasts, showcasing emerging talent and marquee matchups that could shape the sport’s landscape in the months to come.