Jake Paul proved to be a sterner test for Anthony Joshua than the Albanian contender Kristian Prenga, according to Nakisa Bidarian, a partner at Most Valuable Promotions. In Joshua’s first bout after his high‑profile December clash with the YouTuber‑turned‑boxer, the British heavyweight was knocked down twice in the opening round by the under‑dog Prenga, who entered the fight with little fanfare. Despite the early setbacks, Joshua managed to rise from the canvas on both occasions and, in the second round, delivered a decisive knockout that sent Prenga to the floor for good, keeping his path to a year‑end showdown with Tyson Fury intact. Bidarian, however, believes the fight underscored just how well Paul performed during his six‑round encounter with Joshua before the Briton landed the crushing 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. That other guy was finished in two rounds, taking the same punches Jake was taking." She added that while she was pleased with Paul’s showing, the outcome—a broken jaw—was disappointing. "I’m very happy with his performance, not happy with the result, and I don’t like that he broke his jaw.
The hardest shots on Jake Paul didn’t have the same effect on a heavyweight on Saturday." The bout also marked Joshua’s return to the ring after surviving a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. In the aftermath of that loss, the champion dedicated his victory over Prenga to his late companions, Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele, a gesture that resonated deeply with Bidarian. "I’m proud of him, I’m in awe of him, I’m thinking of him," she said, noting that she had been in constant contact with Joshua throughout the week. "We built a relationship with Sina, which was hard for all of us, but no harder for anyone than their families and AJ, who is part of their family.
For him to step back into the ring seven months later, carrying that emotional weight, shows incredible resilience. Massive respect, massive admiration." Since his jaw was shattered in two places by Joshua’s knockout punch, Paul has not appeared in a ring, but Bidarian is confident his boxing career is far from over. She outlined an ambitious list of potential future opponents for Paul, ranging from former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou to British star Chris Eubank Jr., and even WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. "He’s 100 percent boxing again," she affirmed.
"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 fight with Chris Eubank Jr. The fighters on the other side also need to be realistic—sometimes their ambitions exceed what the market can support." Bidarian’s optimism reflects a broader trend in the sport: the blending of traditional boxing with crossover athletes and influencers, which has expanded audiences and created new revenue streams.
Paul’s rise from YouTube sensation to credible heavyweight contender illustrates how digital platforms can catapult a personality into mainstream combat sports. Despite the physical toll of a broken jaw, Paul’s brand remains strong, and his willingness to face elite competition keeps fans engaged. The prospect of a showdown with Ngannou, a former mixed‑martial‑arts champion known for his raw power, would generate significant pay‑per‑view interest, while a clash with Ryan Garcia could attract a younger demographic familiar with Garcia’s social‑media presence.
Meanwhile, Joshua continues to rebuild his legacy after the emotional burden of his friends’ deaths and the physical demands of recent fights. His dedication to honoring their memory in the ring adds a poignant narrative to his career, one that resonates with supporters worldwide. The upcoming year promises several marquee events, including the MVPW‑06 card in Birmingham on August 29, headlined by Mikaela Mayer versus Chantelle Cameron, with Caroline Dubois also on the bill. Fans can watch the event live on Sky Sports or stream it without a contract, reflecting the sport’s shift toward more flexible viewing options.
In summary, while Prenga’s upset attempt fell short, it highlighted the resilience and skill of both combatants. Jake Paul’s performance, though ultimately halted by a broken jaw, demonstrated that he can endure the same punishment as seasoned heavyweights, and his future remains bright with a slate of high‑profile matchups on the horizon. Anthony Joshua, meanwhile, continues to honor his fallen friends while pursuing his own championship ambitions, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s most compelling figures. The evolving landscape of boxing, with its blend of traditional talent and crossover stars, promises exciting developments for fans in the months and years ahead.