In a cruiserweight rematch dripping with controversy and redemption stakes, Armenian powerhouse Norair Mikaeljan seeks to reclaim the WBC world title he believes was unjustly stripped from him seven months ago, facing off against Swedish veteran Badou Jack at Ace Mission Studios. This 12-round headliner—Jack’s first U.S. title defense since winning the belt—revives their Riyadh grudge match, where Jack eked out a majority decision amid widespread outcry over scorecards favoring his cleaner, more effective work over Mikaeljan’s volume. At 35, Mikaeljan (now 27-3) brings relentless pressure and improved conditioning to dethrone the 42-year-old Jack (29-3-3), a three-division champ whose savvy ringcraft and thudding power have defied Father Time. With Jack’s Hall of Fame aspirations on the line and Mikaeljan eyeing undisputed glory, expect a tactical opener exploding into mid-round wars—decision probability ~70%, late stoppage ~25%—as Jack’s experience clashes with Mikaeljan’s hunger in a fight that could redefine the division’s hierarchy.
Fight Information
Time: Main card starts at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT; ring walks approx. 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT
Venue: Ace Mission Studios, Los Angeles, California (capacity: ~2,000; intimate, high-energy warehouse-turned-arena with a raw, club-fight vibe, marking Jack’s return to L.A. roots)
Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video PPV ($29.95); also available on TrillerTV PPV (UK) and PPV.COM globally
Bout Context: 12 rounds at cruiserweight (200 lbs) for Jack’s WBC world title; promoted by Bash Boxing and Matchroom Boxing (Eddie Hearn). Undercard features rising prospects in a “Championing Mental Health 2” themed event.
Injury Report
Both champions enter cleared by the California State Athletic Commission following Friday’s weigh-ins (Mikaeljan 198 lbs, Jack 200 lbs), with no reported issues in the final week of camp. Mikaeljan’s history includes a cut above his right eye during 2024 sparring that delayed a prior defense, but he’s been flawless since. Jack, ever durable, has no recent ailments—his last withdrawal was a 2023 hand tweak, long resolved. Medicals confirm full health, though Jack’s age (42) invites scrutiny on recovery; Mikaeljan’s volume style risks cuts in clinches.
| Fighter | Key Notes | Status |
| Norair Mikaeljan | No 2025 injuries; full camp post-May loss. Past: Eyelid cut (2024 sparring), healed. | Cleared |
| Badou Jack | Clean bill; no setbacks since May win. Past: Hand tweak (2023), resolved. Age-related monitoring only. | Cleared |
Key Fighter Matchups
Orthodox vs. orthodox in a tale of contrasts: Jack’s 6’1″ frame and 74″ reach favor mid-range sniping; Mikaeljan’s 6’0″ build and aggression close distances aggressively. Tale of the Tape: Jack edges experience (65 fights vs. 30); Mikaeljan leads activity (higher punch output, 55/round vs. Jack’s 48).
Jack’s Craft vs. Mikaeljan’s Volume: Jack (59% KO) deploys precise counters and body work to sap momentum, as in his May MD retention (outlanded Mikaeljan 153-122 in power shots). Mikaeljan (44% KO) overwhelms with flurries (lands 42% total punches), per his TKO3 of Makabu (2023). Edge: Jack’s IQ frustrates pressure early, but Mikaeljan’s Riyadh lessons (better head movement) could force inside exchanges by Rd 6.
Power vs. Durability: Jack’s 17 KOs include thudding rights (e.g., Makabu KO12 2023); never stopped. Mikaeljan’s 12 stoppages target accumulation, but his chin held vs. Jack’s power last time (absorbed 35%). Edge: Even—Jack’s cleaner shots accumulate; Mikaeljan’s resilience shines in wars.
Late Rounds & Adaptability: Both grinders (Jack 7/10 recent decisions; Mikaeljan 4/5). Jack fades minimally at 42; Mikaeljan’s stamina (went 12 vs. Jack) tested in altitude? Edge: Jack’s veteran adjustments (turned May tide Rd 6-9).
Fighter Records and Standings
Norair Mikaeljan: 29-3-3 (17 KOs), ranked #1 WBC cruiserweight (former champ). Pro since 2011; 30 fights, 148 rounds. Strengths: Relentless output, conditioning. Weaknesses: Counter vulnerability (May loss).
Badou Jack: 29-3-3 (17 KOs), ranked #2 WBC cruiserweight (reigning champ). Pro since 2009; 65 fights, 378 rounds. Strengths: Ring IQ, multi-division savvy. Weaknesses: Age (42), occasional slow starts.
Jack’s three-division legacy (super middle/light heavy/cruiser) vs. Mikaeljan’s regional dominance.
Recent Form
Mikaeljan: One fight in 2025—a controversial MD loss to Jack—snapping a four-fight win streak (3 KOs). Jack: Dominant 2025 MD retention vs. Mikaeljan extends seven-fight streak (4 KOs), showcasing timeless skill.
| Last 5 Fights | Mikaeljan Result | Key Stat | Jack Result | Key Stat |
| May 3, 2025 vs. Badou Jack | L MD 12 (WBC title) | Outlanded 153-122 power; appealed loss | May 3, 2025 vs. Norair Mikaeljan | W MD 12 (WBC title) |
| Nov 4, 2023 vs. Ilunga Makabu | W TKO 3 | Stopped ex-champ; volume surge | Jan 28, 2023 vs. Ilunga Makabu | W KO 12 |
| Feb 12, 2022 vs. Youri Kalenga | W UD 12 | Retained Euro belt; tactical | Oct 29, 2022 vs. Richard Rivera | W UD 10 |
| Dec 20, 2021 vs. Jesse Bryan | W TKO 8 | Body work finish | Jun 25, 2022 vs. Cedric Howe | W TKO 3 |
| Jun 19, 2021 vs. Isossa Mondo | W KO 2 | Early dominance | Feb 26, 2022 vs. Ryan Rozicki | W MD 12 |
Mikaeljan: 3-1 (2 KOs) last 4; seeks revenge. Jack: 5-0 (2 KOs) last 5; unbeaten since 2017.
Fight History
Rematch—first clash May 3, 2025 in Riyadh: Jack won MD 12 (115-113 x2, 114-114) for vacant WBC cruiserweight, retaining in controversial fashion. Mikaeljan outlanded Jack overall but lost on power/effectiveness; appealed successfully for immediate rematch. No prior meetings; common foes: Makabu (both TKOd him). Riyadh averaged 5.8 goals—er, punches/round; expect tighter judging in L.A.
FIGHT ODDS
Norair Mikaeljan – 175
Badou Jack + 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
