Jake Paul presented a tougher challenge for Anthony Joshua than Kristian Prenga did, according to Nakisa Bidarian, partner at Most Valuable Promotions.
In Joshua’s first bout since facing YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul last December, he was knocked down twice in the opening round by the underdog Albanian.
Joshua rose from the canvas both times and went on to stop Prenga decisively in round two, keeping him on course for a year‑end showdown with Tyson Fury.
Nevertheless, Bidarian believes the fight underscored just how effectively Paul competed against Joshua over six rounds before the British heavyweight landed the knockout that fractured Paul’s jaw.
“Jake Paul did more than the opponent managed on Saturday night,” Bidarian told Sky Sports News. “He lasted six rounds, while that fighter was out after two, absorbing the same punches Jake endured.”
“I’m pleased with his performance, disappointed with the result, and regret that he suffered a broken jaw, but the hardest blows landed on Paul didn’t produce the same effect they did on the heavyweight that Saturday.”
Joshua returned to the ring for the first time since surviving a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his friends.
Bidarian voiced his respect and admiration for Joshua, who dedicated the victory over Prenga to his friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
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Jake Paul told Sky Sports he eyes a fight with Francis Ngannou in his comeback bout after losing to Anthony Joshua.
“I’m proud of him, in awe of him, constantly thinking about him,” Bidarian said. “I messaged him throughout the week.
“We built a relationship with Sina, which was difficult for everyone, but none more so than for their families and AJ, who considers them family.
“For him to step back into the ring seven months later, carrying that emotion, I’m certain it weighed on him deeply. I have tremendous respect and admiration for what he accomplished.”
Paul Confirms Full Return to Boxing
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Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian says Jake Paul will 100% be returning to the ring and has Francis Ngannou, Chris Eubank Jr and Ryan Garcia all in his sights.
Paul has not competed since Joshua broke his jaw in two places, but Bidarian insists his boxing career is far from over.
The MVP CEO listed a range of potential opponents for Paul, including former UFC star Francis Ngannou, British contender Chris Eubank Jr, and WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.
“He will definitely be back in the ring,” Bidarian declared.
“Jake is eager to face Ngannou or Ryan Garcia, though a bout with Tommy Fury also makes sense. Edgar Berlanga presents an intriguing matchup, and I also rate Chris Eubank Jr highly as a prospective opponent.
“The other side must stay realistic, too; sometimes their ambitions exceed what the purse can support.”