Boxing Match Preview: Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) vs Noel Mikaelian (27-2-0, 12 KOs)
The WBC Cruiserweight Championship will be on the line as Badou Jack defends his title against Noel Mikaelian on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated bout is part of the undercard for Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull, and will be broadcast live on DAZN PPV.
Jack, a three-division world champion, is making his first title defense since reclaiming the WBC cruiserweight belt, while Mikaelian looks to regain the title he briefly held after defeating Ilunga Makabu in 2023.
Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Start Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Broadcast: DAZN PPV
- Titles at Stake: WBC Cruiserweight Championship
Fighter Profiles
Badou Jack (28-3-3, 17 KOs) – Sweden
Jack, a former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion, won the WBC cruiserweight title by stopping Ilunga Makabu in the 12th round in February 2023. After briefly vacating the belt to explore opportunities in the bridgerweight division, Jack was reinstated as champion in December 2024.
Key Strengths:
- Technical Boxing & Counterpunching – Jack is known for his precise combinations and ability to adjust mid-fight.
- Championship Experience – Has fought elite opponents like James DeGale, George Groves, and Adonis Stevenson.
- Durability & Toughness – Has gone the distance in multiple title fights, proving his resilience.
Key Weaknesses:
- Age & Activity – At 41 years old, Jack has not fought since February 2023, raising concerns about ring rust.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities – Has been caught by power punchers in past fights, including Marcus Browne and Jean Pascal.
Noel Mikaelian (27-2-0, 12 KOs) – Armenia
Mikaelian, formerly known as Noel Gevor, won the vacant WBC cruiserweight title by stopping Ilunga Makabu in the third round in November 2023. However, Jack was reinstated as champion, leaving Mikaelian in a “champion-in-recess” status. Now, he looks to reclaim the belt in a decisive showdown.
Key Strengths:
- Height & Reach Advantage – Stands 6’2” with a 75-inch reach, compared to Jack’s 6’1” frame and 73-inch reach.
- Aggressive Power Punching – Has 12 knockouts, including his dominant win over Makabu.
- Youth & Activity – At 34 years old, Mikaelian is seven years younger than Jack, potentially giving him an edge in endurance.
Key Weaknesses:
- Limited Experience Against Elite Fighters – Has yet to face the same level of competition as Jack.
- Inactivity – Has not fought since November 2023, meaning both fighters enter with long layoffs.
Fight Breakdown & Prediction
This matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash—Jack will look to use his technical boxing and counterpunching, while Mikaelian will likely push forward with power and aggression.
Key Factors:
- Jack’s Experience vs. Mikaelian’s Power – If Jack can weather Mikaelian’s early aggression, he may take control in the later rounds.
- Mikaelian’s Reach & Youth – If Mikaelian can dictate the pace and keep Jack at a distance, he could secure a decision win.
- Cardio & Endurance – Both fighters have been inactive, making conditioning a crucial factor.
FIGHT ODDS
Badou Jack + 115
Noel Mikaelian – 145
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
