Championing Mental Health 2:
Rematch Season Open Quotes!
(December 10th) Bash Boxing and 555 Media, Championing Mental Health held an open workout today at Forj LA in Downtown Los Angeles ahead of this Saturday’s highly anticipated Badou Jack vs Noel Mikaelian CMH 2: Rematch Season.
The fight for redemption returns to Los Angeles as the highly anticipated WBC Cruiserweight World Championship rematch between reigning champion Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) and former titleholder Noel Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs) take center stage following their closely contested showdown this past May. The first Jack–Mikaelian showdown was a tightly contested battle that left fans debating the outcome long after the final bell. Mikaelian, who took the fight on just three weeks’ notice, pushed Jack to the limit in a grueling twelve-round war that saw both men exchange punishing blows and tactical brilliance. Now, with full preparation and their legacies on the line, the rematch promises to deliver clarity and closure in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.
Also featured on the CMH 2 card is a WBC International Light Flyweight Championship rematch between Angeleno Gloria Munguilla (8-2) and Coachella Valley’s Brook Sibrian (8-2, 4 KOs) in a sequel to their instant-classic battle earlier this year that saw Munguilla earn a unanimous decision victory after eight hard-fought rounds of action.
In addition, San Diego cousins and rising stars Jonny Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs) and Julius Ballo (1-0) return to the ring for first time as professionals, as Mansour squares off against Mexico’s Marc Antonio Juarez Rodriguez (12-9-3, 5 KOs) and Ballo takes on Cleveland’s Kevin Walker (2-3-1). Making his first outing in 2025, outdoorsman from the Yukon Territory Tristan Hamm (1-2, 1 KO) enters a cruiserweight tilt against Miami knockout artist Robert Daniels Jr. (8-2, 7 KOs).
Tickets for the event are available at www.rematchseason.com. CHM 2: Rematch Season will be televised via major cable outlets, DIRECTV, and DISH, as well as Amazon Prime Video, PPV.com, TrillerTV, and Fubo. at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET Saturday, December 13.
Here's what they had to say:
Badou Jack: “It’s good to be back in the States. My last five fights have been overseas, so it’s been a long time coming. I’m blessed. I have a great team. I believe in God. I work hard, and this is what happens. I don’t have to cut that much weight anymore. The plan was to move up to cruiserweight a long time ago, but everything happens for a reason.”
“I’m not looking to leave it to the judges on Saturday.”
Noel Mikaelian: “It’s great to be in LA. I love the vibe here. It’s a great energy and I’m looking forward to Saturday. I need to correct the decision that was made last May. This time I am much more prepared. They changed the last fight to five in the morning. This time everything is done professionally. Championing Mental Health did a great job. It’s going to be an amazing show. I have a great team behind me and strong support. I’m going to get the W.”
Jonny Mansour: “Fans can expect a magic show. That means hit and disappear. That’s the sweet science, baby. Hit and don’t get hit.”
“This is an amazing opportunity, especially since I get to share the card with my cousin. We have a great family and team behind us. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. All glory to God, I’m fighting to get to 6-0.”
“I’ve been doing this so long with Julian [Ballo]. We were on Team USA together. We’re ready to handle business inside of the ring. My cousin and I are here to push each other and be the best we can be. When he gets better, I push myself to get better. That makes us better as a whole. I’m ready to put on a show for Los Angeles and for all my friends and family who are coming from San Diego. Saturday I’m going to get the win no matter what it takes. That’s all that matters.”
Tristan Hamm: “Saturday is going to have a lot of exciting fights. I’ve been in camp with Noel [Mikaelian] before, so I know how hard he works. It’s so cool to be on such a big platform. It’s also such an important cause we are fighting for.”
Brook Sibrian: “I can’t wait for this rematch. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Saturday’s fight is going to be extremely action-packed. You know how I fight. I come to hunt. To get this win I need to be me, enjoy it, and show the world who Mighty Brook is. This fight means that much more having it be in Los Angeles near home.”
Gloria Munguilla: “I’m excited for the fight. I’ve had a great training camp, and I feel ready to go. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. Saturday night I’m winning that title. Everyone can expect an action-packed fight.”
“I learned a lot from our first fight last January. I learned that I need to move more when I’m fighting so I’ve been working on that. “
Julius Ballo: “I’ve always had the same expectations for myself since the amateurs. I’m used to the pressure. Pressure makes diamonds.”
“It’s blessing to be featured on such a giant card. I want to thank Anthony Girges for the opportunity. I’m ready to compete as a professional alongside my cousin Jonny [Mansour] Saturday night. Having this fight so close to home is amazing and I can’t wait to bring the win back to my family.”
“My fans can expect fireworks this Saturday. They can expect speed and domination. I’ve been training nonstop and this is a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills.”
CMH 2: REMATCH SEASON FIGHT CARD
WBC World Cruiserweight Championship – 12 Rounds
Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) vs. Noel Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs)
Lightweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Jonny Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Juarez Rodriguez (12-9-3, 5 KOs)
Cruiserweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Tristan Hamm (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Robert Daniels Jr. (8-2, 7 KOs)
Vacant WBC International Light Flyweight Championship – 10 Rounds
Brook Sibrian (8-2, 4 KOs) vs. Gloria Munguilla (8-2)
Lightweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Julius Ballo (1-0) vs. Kevin Walker (2-3-1)
Super Bantamweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Hayley Jordan (0-1) vs. Chantal Sumrall (1-2-1)
Super Welterweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Jose Vargas Quintana (9-0, 7 KOs) vs. Sergio Garcia Herrera (8-8, 4 KOs)
Bantamweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Isaac Anguiano (9-1-1, 4 KOs) vs. Fernando Bahena (5-2-1, 2 KOs)
Light Heavyweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Angel Lozano (7-0, 5 KOs) vs. Mario Hernandez (2-2-1)
Super Featherweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Samvel Gandilian (7-0, 3 KOs) vs. Roberto Pucheta (14-27-3, 8 KOs)
Super Flyweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Abel Alba (2-0) vs. Malcolm Franklin (2-1)
Super Lightweight Bout – 6 Rounds
Deni Davtian (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Lorenzo Vasquez (2-0, 2 KOs)
Light Flyweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Sasha Saldana (1-0) vs. Vana Medrano Yanez (0-1-1)
Super Lightweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Adrian Boler (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Benji Gomez (1-5)
The fight for redemption returns to Los Angeles as Championing Mental Health presents CMH 2: Rematch Season on Saturday, December 13 at Ace * Mission Studios in Los Angeles. The event, presented by Bash Boxing and 555 Media, features the highly anticipated WBC Cruiserweight World Championship rematch between reigning champion Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) and former titleholder Noel Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs), two of boxing’s elite who have been fixtures in the world and Ring Magazine rankings for over a decade.
The first Jack–Mikaelian showdown was a tightly contested battle that left fans debating the outcome long after the final bell. Mikaelian, who took the fight on just three weeks’ notice, pushed Jack to the limit in a grueling twelve-round war that saw both men exchange punishing blows and tactical brilliance. Now, with full preparation and their legacies on the line, the rematch promises to deliver clarity and closure in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.
Also featured on the CMH 2 card is a WBC International Light Flyweight Championship rematch between Angeleno Gloria Munguilla (8-2) and Coachella Valley’s Brook Sibrian (8-2, 4 KOs) in a sequel to their instant-classic battle earlier this year that saw Munguilla earn a unanimous decision victory after eight hard-fought rounds of action.
Beyond the high-stakes title fights, Championing Mental Health continues its mission to use sport and entertainment as a force for good, raising awareness around mental wellness, inspiring resilience, and breaking stigmas within the boxing community and beyond.
“I am excited to announce Championing Mental Health (CMH) 2 on Saturday, December 13 in Los Angeles!” said Anthony Girges, Founder of CMH and 555 Media Agency. “CMH 2: Rematch Season features two WBC World Championship bouts and a plethora of fights that will showcase the future of boxing. These powerful matchups go beyond the ring, highlighting resilience, redemption, and the fight for mental well-being. This event continues our mission to use sport and entertainment as a platform to inspire hope, awareness, and change for healthy minds. I’m deeply grateful to all our partners, especially our presenting sponsor, Alleviate Tax, for helping make this historic night possible.”
“As Bash Boxing approaches its 20th anniversary in boxing, we are excited to conclude one of our busiest years with another installment of Championing Mental Health on December 13,” said Steve Bash, Promoter. “The WBC Cruiserweight World Title between Badou Jack and Noel Mikaelian is an incredibly important rematch to finally settle the score between these two heralded champions. I am also looking forward to another worthy rematch between Gloria Munguilla and Brook Sibrian as they meet for the vacant WBC International Light Flyweight Championship.”
Nicknamed “The Dark Horse,” Mikaelian, 35, is Armenian born, raised in Berlin, Germany, and fights out of Miami, Fla. Before his loss to Jack last May, Mikaelian was riding a four-bout winning streak and had not lost in nearly seven years. He won the Vacant WBC Cruiserweight title in 2023 defeating Ilunga Makabu (TKO 3) and scored a unanimous decision over Youri Kalenga in 2022 for the WBC Silver Cruiserweight title.
“I took the fight on just three weeks’ notice because I wasn’t about to let anyone walk away with my title, and I still beat him,” said Noel Mikaelian, the former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion and current WBC No. 1 contender. “The world knows it, and he knows it. This time, I’m coming in fully prepared, focused, and backed by my home coach, Pedro Diaz, to take back what’s mine. I’m the WBC King, as I never lost it in the ring!”
The 41-year-old Jack, who goes by his nickname “The Ripper,” is a native of Stockholm, Sweden, currently living and training in Dubai. Jack has held world titles in three weight classes, including the WBC Super Middleweight title from 2015 to 2017, the WBC (Regular) Light Heavyweight title in 2017, and the WBC Cruiserweight crown in 2023. Jack has won his last seven fights and has not tasted defeat since the end of 2019.
“My sights were set on a unification, but I’m glad I’m fighting him again,” said Badou Jack, the reigning WBC Cruiserweight Champion. “This time there won’t be any questions when I beat him.”
“Badou is a 3-Division World Champion, with a legendary career,” added Amer Abdallah, Jack’s longtime manager. “This fight will prove what we already know—that he’s the best in the division.”
“The WBC is extremely excited about the upcoming Mikaelian vs. Jack rematch for the WBC Cruiserweight Championship after a hard-fought first fight,” said Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council. “The best cruiserweight fighters will meet in the ring to determine the King of the Ring. This fight will also feature the Championing Mental Health platform under Bash Boxing Promotions in what promises to be a memorable event in Los Angeles.”
The rugged Gloria Munguilla, 33, is coming off her second career defeat to the undefeated Adriana Pineiro, who improved to 8-0, in the unanimous decision win in September halting Munguilla’s three-bout win streak. Munguilla turned professional in 2022 and was victorious in her first five fights.
“Mighty” Brook Sibrian, 32, has won her last three fights since suffering her second career pro defeat to Munguilla in January with the judges scoring the all-action bout 79-73 and 77-75 twice. In a DAZN televised bout in May in the first edition of “Championing Mental Health: A Night of Boxing”, Sibrian went toe-to-toe against Mexico’s Rubi Gutierrez and had her hand raised in a unanimous decision victory at the historic Avalon Hollywood.