Most Valuable Promotions partner Nakisa Bidarian believes that Jake Paul presented a sterner test for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian contender Kristian Prenga did. In the bout that marked Joshua's return after his December clash with the YouTube star‑turned‑boxer, the British heavyweight suffered two knockdowns in the opening round at the hands of the under‑dog Prenga, who managed to send him to the canvas.
Joshua managed to rise twice, only to deliver a decisive second‑round knockout that reaffirmed his trajectory toward a year‑end showdown with Tyson Fury. Bidarian, however, used the fight as a platform to underscore how effectively Paul performed during his six‑round encounter with Joshua before the British champion landed the jaw‑breaking punch that ultimately ended the match. "Jake Paul achieved more than the man who fought on Saturday night," she told Sky Sports News. "Paul lasted six rounds, whereas the other opponent was finished in two, enduring the same blows that Jake endured." She continued, "I’m thrilled with Jake’s showing, even though the result was disappointing and his broken jaw was unfortunate.
The hardest punches that landed on Paul didn’t have the same effect on a heavyweight on Saturday." The fight also marked Joshua’s first step back into 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 sent him messages all week.
We built a bond with Sina, which was difficult for all of us, especially for his family and for AJ, who has become part of theirs. To step into the ring seven months later, carrying that emotional baggage, shows immense respect and admiration." While Paul has not returned to competition since his jaw was fractured in two places by Joshua, Bidarian is confident that his boxing career remains far from finished. She outlined an extensive list of potential future opponents for the YouTube celebrity, including former UFC heavyweight Francis Ngannou, British contender Chris Eubank Jr., and WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. "He’s 100 percent going back to the ring," she asserted.
"Jake wants to fight Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, but a bout with Tommy Fury also makes sense. Edgar Berlanga would be fascinating, and I’m intrigued by a matchup with Chris Eubank Jr. The fighters on the other side also need to be realistic; sometimes their ambitions outstrip what the market can support." Bidarian’s optimism reflects a broader trend in the sport where crossover athletes and traditional boxers are increasingly seeking high‑profile matchups that draw both mainstream attention and lucrative pay‑days. Paul’s rise from internet personality to a legitimate contender has sparked debate about the future of boxing’s talent pipeline, yet his ability to go the distance with a seasoned heavyweight like Joshua suggests he possesses more than just novelty appeal.
The upcoming MVPW‑06 event in Birmingham, headlined by a clash between Mikaela Mayer and Chantelle Cameron and featuring Caroline Dubois, will be broadcast live on August 29 via Sky Sports. Fans can also stream the card without a contract through the network’s boxing platform. This event underscores the sport’s ongoing evolution, blending established champions with emerging stars and crossover figures, all while delivering compelling narratives that keep audiences engaged.
In summary, while Prenga’s brief two‑round defeat may have seemed decisive, the underlying lesson from Bidarian’s analysis is that Jake Paul’s performance against Joshua offered a more rigorous test of skill, resilience, and adaptability. The broken jaw, though a setback, does not diminish Paul’s potential future impact on the heavyweight division, especially as he eyes a diverse slate of opponents ranging from former mixed‑martial‑arts champions to elite boxers. As the boxing calendar unfolds toward 2026, fans can anticipate a series of marquee matchups that will continue to blur the lines between traditional boxing pathways and modern, entertainment‑driven spectacles.