Badou Jack vs Mikaeljan: Predictions & Betting Tips

The spotlight in boxing betting on Saturday, December 13, 2025 is in Los Angeles, where WBC cruiserweight champion Badou “The Ripper” Jack (29–3–3, 17 KOs) defends his title against German-Armenian contender Norair Mikaeljan (27–3, 12 KOs) in what should be an exciting rematch.

Jack won a majority decision against Mikaeljan in May to retain his WBC cruiserweight title. Jack, a two-division world champion known for his patience, body punching, and late-round surges, faces a rugged, disciplined challenger in Mikaeljan, whose high guard, tight fundamentals, and steady pressure have made him a difficult puzzle for years.

This matchup pits Jack’s veteran craft and timing against Mikaeljan’s physicality and work rate. Fans should expect a tactical, grinding fight: Jack’s selective counters and body work versus Mikaeljan’s forward march and disciplined jab.

Jack vs. Mikaeljan Fight Preview

Badou Jack, now 42, continues to defy age with a style built on efficiency and ring IQ. At 6’1” with a 73-inch reach, Jack excels at controlling tempo, slipping inside to land thudding body shots, and turning fights in the championship rounds.

His 2023 stoppage of Ilunga Makabu to win the WBC cruiserweight title showcased his trademark patience and late-fight dominance.

Jack’s biggest vulnerability remains slow starts and susceptibility to volume punchers who can bank early rounds before his rhythm settles in.

Norair Mikaeljan, 35, brings a compact, disciplined approach. At 6’0” with a 75-inch reach, he uses a tight guard, steady jab, and physical strength to wear opponents down.

His 2023 victory over Ryan Rozicki for the WBC silver belt highlighted his durability and ability to neutralize power punchers with fundamentals and pressure. Mikaeljan isn’t flashy, but he’s consistent, tough, and difficult to discourage. His challenge will be matching Jack’s timing and preventing the champion from dictating pace in the middle rounds.

This matchup becomes a test of Jack’s experience and precision versus Mikaeljan’s pressure and durability — a classic veteran-champion vs. hungry-contender dynamic.

Jack vs. Mikaeljan Predictions

Boxing betting odds lean toward Mikaeljan as a slight favorite. Expect Mikaeljan to start fast, using his jab and physicality to push Jack backward and force exchanges along the ropes. Jack typically gives away early rounds while downloading data, but once he finds his rhythm, his body work and counter right hand become increasingly effective.

Mikaeljan’s best path is to maintain steady pressure, avoid getting picked apart at mid-range, and keep the fight at a pace that forces Jack to work every minute. But Jack’s experience in big moments — and his ability to close strong — gives him the edge over 12 rounds.

The prediction leans toward Jack by unanimous decision, with Mikaeljan making the fight competitive early before Jack’s accuracy and late-round control secure the cards.

Jack vs. Mikaeljan Betting Tips

• Moneyline: Mikaeljan enters as the modest favorite in boxing odds, with Jack offering underdog value for bettors who believe he can take this fight the distance.
• Method of Victory: Jack by decision is the most reliable angle. His KO rate at cruiserweight is respectable, but Mikaeljan has shown elite durability and rarely gets hurt clean.
• Props: The fight to go the distance is the most likely scenario for this fight. Jack by late stoppage is a long-shot play but not impossible if Mikaeljan fades.
• Rounds & Totals: The fight going the distance is heavily favored. Both men are durable, defensively responsible, and historically strong in long fights. Over 10.5 rounds seems like a good choice.

Jack vs. Mikaeljan Key Stats & Tale of the Tape

• Badou Jack: 29–3–3 (17 KOs), age 42, height 6’1”, reach 73”, orthodox. Two-division world champion known for body punching, timing, and late-round surges.
• Norair Mikaeljan: 27–3 (12 KOs), age 35, height 6’0”, reach 75”, orthodox. High-guard pressure fighter with durability, fundamentals, and steady output.
• Records & Form: Jack riding momentum from his WBC title win; Mikaeljan enters off strong performances and a silver-belt run.
• Physical Edge: Mikaeljan owns a slight reach advantage and youth; Jack counters with superior experience and accuracy.
• Venue & Broadcast: Los Angeles, California — Amazon Prime PPV

The tale of the tape highlights a compelling contrast: Jack’s veteran craft and precision against Mikaeljan’s pressure and physicality. It’s a stylistic chess match, but the edges tilt toward Jack’s ability to control pace and finish strong over 12 rounds.