“Noel wins the thing”: Tim Tszyu raves about his training partner and explains why the rematch against Badou Jack will be different.
Tim Tszyu firmly believes that his training partner Noel Mikaelian will settle his score with Badou Jack on Saturday. The Australian, who has been training with Mikaelian under head coach Pedro Diaz in Miami for several weeks, is convinced that this time the signs are in the German’s favor.
In the first duel in May, Mikaelian only had three weeks to prepare – and lost controversially. Now, according to Tszyu, the situation is completely different. “When you have a full eight-week camp instead of three weeks, it’s a different sport,” he said. “Noel has put on a real camp. The guy is ready. I think he’s going to get the title back.” Tszyu describes Mikaelian as technically stronger and more physically stable than ever: “His footwork, his jab, his control – it all seems much clearer. And he knows better how to distribute his energy over the rounds.”
While Tszyu himself is about to have his first fight under Diaz, the head coach has to stay in the USA for the time being to accompany Mikaelian through the World Championship week. Tszyu takes this in his stride: “Good vibes in the gym – that’s all that matters.”
The rematch between Jack (42) and Mikaelian (35) will not only decide the WBC belt – according to promoter Mick Francis, the winner already has a contract for 2026: a world championship duel against IBF champion Jai Opetaia. For Mikaelian, victory would therefore be tantamount to opening the door to the absolute top of the world.
Text by Robin Josten