It is a 50/50 contest between two raw, developing cruiserweights with everything to lose.
Then, there is talk of Chris Eubank Jr. The Brighton fighter would represent a significant step up in pure boxing pedigree. Eubank Jr possesses the name, the heritage, and the sharp-tongued arrogance to land a pay-per-view build-up for the ages. Eubank Jr would enter as a heavy technical favourite, but the weight dynamics and monetary incentive make it an enticing proposition for both sides.
Or will Paul pivot toward another mega-money crossover? A fight with Conor McGregor has long been discussed behind the scenes, either in boxing or MMA, if the Irishman’s body could hold out.
The long-rumoured cage or ring clash against heavyweight Francis Ngannou is another intriguing, albeit dangerous, fantasy fight. It would be another on-paper mismatch akin to the one against Joshua. It may be even more dangerous.
Whatever direction Paul chooses, one truth remains: the 29-year-old with estimated career earnings of $300m (£223m) is no longer a guest in the house of boxing. Guided by Bidarian, he owns a stake in the building. The establishment may still sneer, but as the packed arenas, streaming records and shifting power dynamics prove, the future of combat sports will involve plans devised in MVP’s boardroom.