Rematch fixed! The WBC has responded to Noel Mikaelian’s protest and ordered a rematch against Badou Jack.
The WBC has officially ordered a rematch between Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 knockouts) and Noel Mikaelian (27-3, 12 knockouts). The rematch follows their controversial fight on May 3 in Riyadh, where Jack defended the WBC World Cruiser title by a narrow majority decision (115-113, 115-113, 114-114). Mikaelian’s team then lodged a protest – with success: the WBC announced on June 2 that an immediate rematch had been ordered. Both parties now have around four weeks to reach an agreement. If no agreement is reached by July 1, an official purse bid will follow.
Jack was originally scheduled to face Ryan Rozicki , but the Canadian suffered an injury and Mikaelian stepped in as a replacement. The 34-year-old German had secured the title in November 2023 with a T.K.O. victory over Ilunga Makabu, but was declared “Champion in Recess” as he did not defend the belt for a long time due to various circumstances. The WBC also confirmed that the interim title will be fought on June 28 between Jean Pascal and Michal Cieslak. The winner of this must first face Yamil Peralta – a duel with the Jack Mikaelian winner is conceivable at the earliest afterwards.
Text by Robin Josten