LOS ANGELES – Noel Mikaelian did more than enough to get revenge in a rough-and-tumble rematch against Badou Jack for the WBC cruiserweight title on Saturday night.

The sequel came with high stakes, and now it’s Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) who gets to move on for significant title unification matchups against The Ring and IBF champion Jai Opetaia, and possibly against the winner of the May 2 matchup between WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez.

“I’m the world champion, so of course everyone would want to fight me,” Mikaelian said during his post-fight press conference. “I’m here, and I was never gone. The people have been wanting to see my fight against Opetaia and Ramirez. They are both great southpaw fighters. They are very experienced with different styles.

“Ramirez is a strong fighter who is durable and underestimated. He’s beaten good guys lately. I know everybody has Benavidez beating Zurdo, but I have Zurdo this time. Zurdo has really surprised me lately.

“Opetaia is a very good fighter and a technician who can take a punch; he’s a great fighter, but so am I. I have respect for both of them. You can’t underestimate either of them. They both have great resumes and are dangerous. In order to find out who is the best cruiserweight in the world, you have to face each other. I am looking forward to these fights.”

Opetaia (29-0, 23 KOs) has already stated that he’s ready to slug it out against Mikaelian following his win against Jack. Opetaia fought earlier this month and knocked out Huseyin Cinkara in eight rounds.

On Saturday against Jack (29-4-3, 17 KOs), Mikaelian ensured the decision could not be disputed, despite the fight being filled with multiple fouls and point deductions on each side. Mikaelian swept the final five rounds on the cards and was awarded scores of 116-110, 116-110, and 115-111.

“I’m a very collected guy and very calculated and I don’t want to get emotional, but sometimes you just have to let the dog out, and he forced me to let the dog out [after the fouls],” said Mikaelian.

Mikaelian first became the WBC cruiserweight champion in November 2023 by stopping Ilunga Junior Makabu in three rounds. But the sanctioning body downgraded Mikaelian to Champion in Recess in 2024 due to injuries and promotional issues with promoter Don King. The WBC elevated Jack to the full title, and after Mikaelian was on the wrong end of a majority decision in May, he filed a petition and a rematch was ordered.

With the WBC title now in tow, the 35-year-old Armenian is once again in an advantageous position.

“I’ve been waiting for the unifications, and that’s why we had this fight,” said Mikaelian. “I am happy to become a two-time world champion and I am looking forward to those challenges.”