Noel Mikaelian regained the WBC cruiserweight title after defeating Badou Jack by unanimous decision in their rematch in Los Angeles.
The German boxer overturned his narrow defeat from May with a more convincing display this time, as all three judges scored the contest in his favour – 115-111, 116-110 and 116-110.
Mikaelian, 35, controlled much of a scrappy encounter, using his work rate and pressure to edge the exchanges against the experienced Jack. The fight was not without controversy, however, with both fighters having points deducted in successive rounds.
Mikaelian was docked a point in the seventh round for punching to the back of Jack’s head. In the following round, Jack was penalised for striking after the bell, with tempers flaring as officials and both corners were forced to enter the ring to separate the fighters.
Despite the heated moments, Mikaelian maintained his composure to see out the fight and reclaim the belt he lost earlier this year.
The victory improves Mikaelian’s professional record to 28 wins and three defeats from 31 bouts. Jack, the 42-year-old former champion from Sweden, now has 29 wins, four losses and three draws from 36 fights.
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