MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has publicly asserted that Jake Paul possesses the physical capability to defeat heavyweight Anthony Joshua, provided he secures adequate preparation time. Speaking to Sky Sports, Bidarian defended Paul’s performance in their December 2025 bout, where Paul suffered a sixth-round knockout and required immediate jaw surgery. While acknowledging the severity of the loss, Bidarian emphasized that Paul landed significant strikes on Joshua, demonstrating that the influencer-turned-boxer is not a one-dimensional underdog in the heavyweight division.
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The controversy centers on the logistical chaos surrounding the original fight, which Bidarian claims was rushed on just three weeks’ notice. “He did better than the guy Anthony Joshua fought in July [Prenga] and was not KO’d,” Bidarian stated, drawing a direct comparison to Joshua’s earlier victory over Erislandy Lara. Bidarian argued that Paul was actively cutting weight for a scheduled bout against Gervonta Davis when the Joshua fight was suddenly announced, leaving him physically compromised and unable to execute a full training camp. This lack of prep time, rather than a lack of skill, is cited as the primary reason for Paul’s vulnerability in the ring.
With Paul now cleared for action following his indefinite suspension, the focus shifts to his scheduled comeback fight in Dubai on December 24, 2026. Bidarian’s comments serve as a preemptive defense of Paul’s talent, suggesting that a properly prepared Paul remains a legitimate threat to Joshua. As the boxing world awaits Paul’s return, the narrative has shifted from questioning his ability to highlight the impact of professional management and preparation on high-stakes heavyweight matchups.
Source: Yahoo Sports
