By: Arab Seed News Sports Desk
LOS ANGELES – The debt has been paid in full. Noel Mikaelian, once an aggrieved former champion, delivered a performance defined by sheer will, dismantling veteran Badou Jack to reclaim the WBC cruiserweight title. This was more than a rematch; it was a crusade for redemption after the German lost the strap in a split decision last May. Mikaelian’s commanding display on Saturday night culminated in a clear-cut victory via unanimous decision.
The officials’ scorecards left no room for ambiguity—115-111, 116-110, and 116-110 all favored Mikaelian. The numbers reflect a stark reality: the challenger’s superior pace and power simply overwhelmed the aging champion in a way the first bout never achieved.
I. A Battle That Broke the Rules
This contest rarely resembled the “sweet science.” Instead, it rapidly devolved into a vicious, close-quarters slugfest where survival often superseded finesse. The sheer intensity of the rivalry ensured that the fight would be ugly, riddled with clinches and borderline fouls.
The referee, caught in the eye of the storm, was forced into frequent action. In the seventh round, Mikaelian, 35, took a hit to the scorecards after being docked a point for an ill-advised punch to the back of Jack’s head.
Yet, a poetic form of ring justice was swiftly delivered. In the very next stanza, the 42-year-old Jack was also penalized, losing a point after recklessly throwing a strike well after the bell had signaled the break. The moment was pure combustion, demanding that officials and cornermen rush the ring to violently pry the still-swinging fighters apart.
II. Where Stamina Triumphs Over Legacy
Despite the slight hit to his score and facing a man whose defensive ring generalship is the stuff of legend, Mikaelian’s relentless, high-volume pressure ultimately wore down the formidable Jack. The German fighter’s phenomenal conditioning and unwavering attack proved too much for the former champion to manage across twelve hard rounds.
This win is a monumental capstone to Mikaelian’s resurgence, pushing his professional tally to 28 victories (against just 3 defeats) from 31 contests. He didn’t just reverse the outcome; he re-established himself as the indisputable power player at 200 pounds.
For Badou Jack, a former two-weight world champion whose pedigree is beyond question, the loss carries a heavy weight. His record now stands at 29 wins, 4 defeats, and 3 draws. While his warrior spirit shone through every minute, the conclusive nature of this defeat strongly suggests that the fight to match the pace and youthful aggression of the elite contenders is becoming an increasingly arduous one.
III. The New World Order at Cruiserweight
Mikaelian’s dominant performance was far more than personal retribution; it was a clear staking of his claim at the top. The unanimous decision victory sweeps away any lingering doubts or arguments stemming from their first close encounter.
The championship belt is now firmly in Mikaelian’s possession, and attention pivots toward his future. He will undoubtedly be pursuing lucrative unification bouts, eager to secure his legacy with further gold. Jack, conversely, must now confront the difficult reality of his next career move, needing a profound assessment following a demanding night that underscored the brutal demands of late-career competition.
