On May 3, 2025, Badou Jack defeated Norair Mikaeljan in a controversial majority decision for the WBC world cruiserweight title.
However, the WBC ordered an immediate rematch after a successful appeal by Don King Productions, Mikaelyan’s promoter.
Jack won a controversial majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 115-113) over Mikaelyan. Mikaelyan outhit Jack 153 to 122 in total punches over 12 rounds.
In fact, DAZN's Chris Mannix on the live broadcast had Mikaelyan in front. So, too, did Uncrowned's unofficial scorecard and the majority of viewers at home.
However, the judges reached different conclusions after 36 minutes.
As a result, Mikaelyan and his team filed an appeal with the WBC over the decision. Subsequently, in a rare move, the WBC granted the request for an immediate rematch.
Betting action is already heavy for this championship rematch, and traffic figures to increase for the showdown.
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Badou Jack vs. Norair Mikaeljan Betting at Bookmaker
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Badou Jack will face Norair Mikaeljan for the WBC world cruiserweight title in a rematch from last May that Jack won in a controversial decision. The fight will be held at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA, and will be available on Prime Video PPV.
At the onset of the week, Badou Jack opened as a +114 underdog to win the fight. Norair Mikaeljan is a -152 favorite to defeat Jack.
Specifically, Badou Jack opened at +220 to win by points or decision. Jack is +480 to win the fight by knockout or TKO. The fight to end in a draw is a +1500 selection.
Meanwhile, Norair Mikaeljan is +160 to win the fight by points or decision. He is +300 to win the fight by knockout or TKO.
Finally, oddsmakers priced the fight at -215 to go the distance and +168 not to go all the way.
WBC World Cruiserweight Title Fight Overview
Mikaelyan, who stepped in on three weeks' notice to replace the injured Ryan Rozicki, has been on the wrong end of debatable decisions before.
The Armenian-born German fighter lost a controversial split decision to Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2017.
Hence, his efforts were grossly under-appreciated in a unanimous decision defeat to Mairis Briedis the following year.
Mikaelyan stopped Ilunga Junior Makabu in three rounds to capture the WBC cruiserweight crown in November 2023, but was stripped of the belt after a promotional dispute with Don King.
Correlate that this led to the WBC reinstating Jack, the champion in recess at the time, as the full champion.
When Mikaelyan stepped in as a replacement to face Jack in May, a saga spanning two years at cruiserweight seemed like it was finally concluding.
But now with the WBC's ruling, there will inevitably be even more holdups to unification bouts being made involving the WBC cruiserweight title.
Badou Jack Record and Form
Badou Jack, age 42, is a native of Stockholm, Sweden, now residing in Las Vegas.
Jack is best known for winning titles in three different weight classes. He was the WBC supermiddleweight champion from 2015 through 2017. Jack was the 2017 WBA lightweight champion. Finally, he was the WBC cruiserweight champion in 2023. Jack represented Gambia at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Overall, Jack has a career record of 29-3-3 with 17 knockout wins and one knockout loss.
He is riding a 7-bout winning streak and is ranked #11 in the world.
Known as “The Ripper,” Jack stands at six feet, one inch tall with a reach of 73 inches and fights from an orthodox stance.
Norair Mikaeljan Record and Form
Namely, Norair Mikaeljan, age 35, is ranked #13 in the world. His career record is 27-3 with 12 knockout wins. He has never been knocked out.
Mikaeljan stands 6 feet, 3.5 inches tall, with a reach of 75 inches, and fights from an orthodox stance.
He is a native of Armenia and resides in Miami, FL.
Mikaeljan is the former WBC world cruiserweight champion.
Initially, he defeated Jesse Bruan in a 4th-round TKO to claim the title.
He defended his title belt two times before the controversial loss to Jack on May 3.
Badou Jack vs. Norair Mikaeljan Best Bets
In this situation, Badou Jack is the superior value as a proven champion at an underdog price.
Mikaeljan is overpriced in this spot. There is indeed a case for him winning the first fight against Jack.
But that does not ensure success in a rematch, especially at this price.
Main Pick: Badou Jack
Over/Under Pick: Fight Ends Under the Total Rounds Total
Player Prop Picks: Badou Jack Wins by KO or TKO
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