The WBC announced Monday it has ordered an immediate cruiserweight title rematch between champion
Badou Jack and
Noel Mikaelian following Jack’s disputed decision win last month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) retained his title via majority decision (114-114, 115-113 and 115-113) in the chief-support bout to Canelo Alvarez-William Scull. Mikaelian filed an appeal with the WBC following the decision. Now, the sides have until July 1 to strike a deal before a purse bid is ordered.
“The world knows I won the first fight, that’s why I’m getting the rematch,” Mikaelian, 34, told
The Ring. “On just three weeks’ notice, across three countries and time zones, and with less than a day’s notice that the fight would be moved from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., he still couldn’t beat me.
“I’m still the champ, and with a full camp and the proper preparation, I’m going to prove it without question.”
Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs) accepted the fight after Ryan Rozicki was injured. Armenia’s Mikaelian never lost his title in the ring, either. He was named champion in recess by the WBC last year after multiple cancellations for a defense vs. Rozicki due to injury and promotional issues.
Jack, 41, was fighting for the first time 27 months. The Swede is a former 168-pound champion.
Mike Coppinger is The Ring’s senior insider. He formerly was ESPN’s boxing insider. Follow him on X/Instagram: @MikeCoppinger