Badou Jack vs Norair Mikaeljan: Preview & Betting Tips

2025 closes with a compelling cruiserweight showdown as veteran Badou Jack rematches the surging Norair Mikaeljan on Saturday night.

Jack (29-3-3, 17 KO’s) has long been one of the sport’s most consistent craftsmen. A former world champion at super-middleweight and light heavyweight, he reinvented himself at cruiserweight with the same traits that carried him through a decade of elite-level competition; he has patience, sharp fundamentals, good body punching, and a remarkable ability to adjust within a fight.

Mikaeljan (27-3, 12 KO’s) on the other hand, enters this fight with the hunger and momentum of a man trying to force his breakthrough moment. His recent performances have highlighted better conditioning, improved timing, and good smart aggression.

Tale of the Tape 

Badou Jack – Odds 2.40 

Record: 29-3-3, 17 KO’s

Age: 42

Height: 6ft1

Reach: 74”

Weight: Cruiserweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Norair Mikaeljan – Odds 1.57

Record: 27-3, 12 KO’s

Age: 35

Height: 6ft3

Reach: 74”

Weight: Cruiserweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Badou Jack vs Norair Mikaeljan: Analysis

Even now in his late thirties, Badou Jack remains measured, composed, and intelligent. His performances rarely devolve into chaos. Instead, he chips away at opponents, sets traps, and forces mistakes. For a fighter whose career is built on discipline rather than explosive athleticism, that consistency has allowed him to age more gracefully than many of his contemporaries.

The challenge for Jack, however, is the natural decline that inevitably comes with time. He has absorbed punishment over the years, his tendency to start slowly and rally late has resulted in some grueling battles. 

While Mikaeljan does not possess the big wins or championship pedigree of his opponent, Mikaeljan has matured into a well-rounded boxer who combines disciplined movement with smart pressure. He fights with a chip on his shoulder, and that can be a powerful thing when he is the underdog and written off.

One of the key factors for Mikaeljan will be whether he can impose his physicality without falling into Jack’s traps. Jack thrives when opponents overcommit; it allows him to counter to the body, pivot off the centre, and drag the fight into exchanges that favour his cleaner technique and straight shots. Mikaeljan must apply pressure without becoming predictable. If he can force Jack backward, deny him rhythm, and create moments of controlled chaos, Mikaeljan’s chances improve considerably.

Jack vs Mikaeljan: Prediction & Betting Tips 

The likeliest pattern sees Jack starting cautiously, probing with the jab, and investing early to the body. Mikaeljan may take the initiative in the first few rounds, throwing the heavier shots and forcing Jack to work defensively. As the fight settles, Jack’s accuracy and composure could begin to tell, but only if he can withstand Mikaeljan’s physical pressure and avoid being bullied along the ropes. 

This is a tough fight to call, and partially because Jack has been one of my favourite fighters to watch even going back to his fight with James DeGale. Nevertheless, I’m going to lean towards Badou Jack to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 3.75 .