The WBC has formally ordered cruiserweight champion Badou Jack to run again his slender majority choice victory over former titlist Noel Mikaelian, giving the pair till July 1st to return to phrases and keep away from a handbag bid.
Their letter additionally confirmed Jean Pascal’s upcoming interim title bout in opposition to Michal Cieslak, with the winner anticipated to then face Yamil Peralta whereas Ryan Rozicki is on the mend.
Jack (29-3-3, 17 KO) ended a two-year layoff in opposition to Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KO), who himself stepped up on three weeks’ discover after practically 18 months on the sidelines. Mikaelian appeared to edge out a high-volume affair, however Jack in the end took dwelling a pair of 115-113s alongside the 114-114.
I had it 115-113 for Mikaelian, however I wouldn’t name it a theft; there was numerous chippy motion and it actually boiled down as to if you most popular Mikaelian’s fast flurries or Jack’s stable inside work. Probably not the stuff of “fast rematch,” particularly contemplating what an absolute trainwreck the WBC has turned this division into, however apparently Don King remains to be very persuasive.
I suppose it technically doesn’t delay potential unification, both, as that may’t proceed till Zurdo fights Yuniel Dorticos later this month.
