Noel Mikaelian replaces the injured Ryan Rozicki and wants to regain his WBC cruiser belt against Badou Jack on May 3 in Riyadh – on the Canelo Scull undercard.
Noel Mikaelian is returning to the ring – and on the biggest stage: the former WBC cruiserweight world champion will get a chance to reclaim his title at short notice. According to consistent media reports, Mikaelian will face current title holder Badou Jack on May 3 at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The clash will be part of the undercard of the mega-event for the undisputed super-middleweight world championship between Canelo Alvarez and William Scull.
The 34-year-old Mikaelian (27-2, 12 knockouts), who has been slowed down by a series of injury woes and promotional disputes, steps in as a replacement for Ryan Rozicki. The latter had to withdraw due to a torn biceps. Mikaelian did not hesitate for long and offered himself as a replacement opponent as soon as the cancellation was announced. “I’m ready to show that the belt rightfully belongs to me. I’ve never stopped training,” Mikaelian told The Ring. “This is not just an opportunity – this is justice.”
Belts with an eventful history
Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 knockouts) won the WBC cruiserweight title in February 2023 with a spectacular knockout victory over Ilunga Makabu. He then relinquished the title to fight at bridgerweight, but was granted “Champion in Recess” status by the WBC. When this plan failed, Jack returned to cruiserweight – just at the moment when his old belt was vacant. He was reinstated as regular champion, with the condition that he fight Rozicki.
Mikaelian had won the belt himself in November 2023 when he also stopped Makabu early. A first title defense against Rozicki never materialized – the fight was postponed several times. Ultimately, Mikaelian got into a legal dispute with promoter Don King and lost his status to Jack by WBC decision.
The title fight will now be held on the prestigious Canelo-Scull-Card in Saudi Arabia. Another coup for promoter Turki Al-Sheikh, who personally intervened in the schedule and made it possible for the fight to be moved to Riyadh.