Badou Jack Vs. Noel Mikaelian Breakdown

Pre-Fight

“To me, I am levels above this guy. He is making excuses, saying he had three-and-a-half weeks, but I had four-and-a-half weeks, so what is the difference? I want to fight the big fights. Since he was champion-in-recess, I said, let me fight him. Things happen. But now we are back,” Jack said

“There was not much to take away from that figh. It was a short notice, short preparation [fight]. Not a real professional training camp. It was a risk that I took. I won the fight, I didn’t get the decision and that’s why we get the rematch. But, it’s all in the past. I don’t even focus on that anymore. My focus is now on the rematch on Dec. 13. It’s not even worth talking about [the first fight],” Mikaelian said

The Approach

The first fight’s stats suggested Mikaelian was the more active fighter, throwing nearly double the punches, but Jack’s punches were more accurate. Jack’s primary tactical goal will be to control the distance and enforce his strength in close quarters to nullify Mikaelian’s high-volume output.

Jack will likely use his jab as a range finder and to set the pace. He’ll look to draw a shot from Mikaelian, then step back or pivot to counter with his powerful right hand. The clinch was where Jack gained an advantage in the first fight, frustrating Mikaelian. He will aim to make the fight gritty and physical, forcing exchanges on the ropes or in the center.

Mikaelian’s strategy will revolve around high-volume pressure and ensuring his output is seen as effective aggression by the judges. The emphasis will be on snapping his jab to the head and body to set up cleaner, more scoring right-hand leads. He must either avoid the prolonged clinch by stepping out quickly or, when tied up, actively work to land short punches or pivot to escape rather than allowing Jack to lean on him and score