Jack Gets Mikaelian
For WBC Cruiserweight Title Set for May 3rd!
(April 14th) Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sweden transplant, Badou "The Ripper" Jack will now face Noel "Gevor" Mikaelian for the WBC cruiserweight title on Saturday, May 3rd, on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull event, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight is a late replacement on the undercard of the as Jack's original opponent, Ryan Rozicki, had to withdraw due to torn biceps.
41-year-old, Jack, 28-3-3, 17Ko’s will be defending his WBC cruiserweight title for the first time since being reinstated as the champion in late 2024. Jack previously held world titles in two other weight divisions, showcasing his experience and pedigree. His last fight February 26th, 2023, “The Ripper” defeated Ilunga Junior Makabu to win the WBC World Cruiserweight belt.
At, 34 years old, the Miami, Florida, based Armenian, former WBC Cruiserweight Champion, Mikaelian, 27-2, 12Ko’s won the vacant title by defeating the same Ilunga Junior Makabu in November 2023 but was later designated "champion in recess" due to inactivity stemming from promotional issues. This fight presents Mikaelian, the older brother of Abel Gevor and stepson of Khoren Gevor with a direct opportunity to reclaim the title he once held.
Interestingly, both Jack and Mikaelian share a common opponent in Ilunga Junior Makabu, with both having secured victories against him, albeit in different fashion. Jack won via a 12th-round TKO, while Mikaelian achieved a quicker victory his coming by way of a third-round TKO.
The May 3rd card is absolutely loaded, arguably “The Event of the Year” from top to bottom. In addition to Canelo vs. Scully and Jack vs. Mikaelian, other fights include middleweight Jaime Munguia (44-2, 35 KOs) vs. Bruno Surace (26-0-2, 5 KOs) in a rematch of their fight which was won by the latter in a major upset, as well as heavyweight hopeful Martin Bakole (21-2, 16 KOs) vs. Efe Ajagba (20-1, 16 KOs).
This sudden matchup adds an intriguing layer to the Canelo vs. Scull undercard, pitting the current champion against the "champion in recess" in a battle for the WBC cruiserweight crown. The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds and will be broadcast on DAZN PPV in the United States and the UK.
The co-main event features a rematch between former world champion Tijuana, Mexico’s, former WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion, Jaime Munguia, 44-2, 35Ko’s and Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France’s, Bruno Surace, 26-0-2, 5Ko’s will run it back following Surace's shocking knockout victory over Munguia in December. ]
The undercard also includes a heavyweight clash between Airdrie, Scotland, heavyweight Martin Bakole, 22-1, 16Ko’s and Stafford, Texas, based Nigerian, Efe Ajagba, 20-1, 14Ko’s as well as Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Badou “the Ripper” Jack, 28-3-3, 17Ko’s defending his WBC Cruiserweight title against Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki, 20-1-1, 19Ko’s.
Additionally, in middleweight action, Sinaloa, Mexico, 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist, Marco Verde will make his professional debut against Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico’s, Michel “El Aguila” Polina, 4-5-2, 2Ko’s. Las Vegas, Nevada, based 22-year-old Cuban, Brayan Leon, 6-0, 6Ko’s faces off versus Aaron Guerrero, 11-3-1, 7Ko’s in a light heavyweight bout. This stacked card showcases a mix of established champions, rising stars, and intriguing matchups, promising an exciting night of boxing for fans worldwide.
Canelo vs Scull Kick-Off Presser!
(March 6th) The launch press conference for the highly anticipated fight between Guadalajara, Mexico’s, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Berlin, Germany’s William “El Indomable” Scull live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This event marks a significant milestone in Canelo's career as it represents his first fight outside of Mexico or the United States. The bout is scheduled for May 3rd, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Canelo's new four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.
At stake are Canelo's WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring Magazine super middleweight titles, along with Scull's IBF belt, making this a unification fight for the undisputed championship. Canelo, aiming to become a two-time undisputed champion at 168 pounds, expressed excitement about fighting in a new country and promised to put on a good show. William Scull, the undefeated Cuban challenger, confidently stated his intention to upset the odds and "shut everybody up" on fight night. The press conference set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing clash of styles between the experienced Mexican superstar and the rising Cuban talent.
As the card builds the super middleweight rematch between Bruno Surace and Jaime Munguia is scheduled. France’s Surace stopped Munguia of Mexico in the sixth round in December 2024.
About Riyadh Season: Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events.
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