Noel Mikaelian defeats Badou Jack by unanimous decision to reclaim the WBC cruiserweight title in Los Angeles.
Mikaelian, who had narrowly edged past Jack in May to lose the belt, delivered a decisive performance this time, with all three judges scoring the bout 115-111, 116-110, and 116-110 in his favor.
The fight proved to be a gritty, hard-fought affair. Mikaelian, 35, was docked a point in the seventh round for landing a punch to the back of Jack’s head, who is 42. In the eighth round, another point was deducted from Jack for punching after the bell. The two referees and corners had to intervene as the two used the final moments of the round to keep trading blows.
Mikaelian’s record rises to 28 wins and 3 losses in 31 fights, while Jack stands at 29 victories, 4 defeats, and 3 draws across 36 bouts.
