Noel Mikaelian exclusive – ‘I’m definitely looking toward unification fights in the division’

Noel Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs) wants to unify titles at cruiserweight, but he will first have to defeat reigning WBC champion Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) for that to be possible.

The bout headlines a Bash Boxing card at the Ace*Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. Fight fans in the United States can catch the action live as a pay-per-view (PPV) through Integrated Sports Media, who will distribute it via all major cable outlets, DIRECTV, and DISH, as well as digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, PPV.com, TrillerTV, and Fubo. The rest of the world will be able to do so through PPV.com.

Big Fight Weekend got to speak with Mikaelian ahead of his Dec. 13 rematch. Below is what he had to say.

Noel Mikaelian speaks to Big Fight Weekend in exclusive interview

The first time Noel Mikaelian fought Badou Jack

The first clash between the pair took place earlier this year in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez vs. William Scull. Although one judge had the action a draw, the other two saw Jack winning 115-113. Despite losing, Mikaelian does not dwell on the result.

“There was not much to take away from that fight,” he says to Big Fight Weekend. “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].”

Noel Mikaelian’s training camp for the rematch

Jack was initially scheduled to fight Canada’s Ryan Rozicki earlier this year. Mikaelian stepped in on less than a month’s notice when the Canadian suffered an injury and withdrew from the bout. As a result, he had a shorter training camp than usual. This time, however, things have gone back to normal.

“This time it was like my previous fights. I had a professional camp with my own coach in Miami. I have time for endurance training and for cardio and also to cut the weight. Last time I had only two and a half weeks to cut a lot of weight. I don’t even want to mention the number I was cutting. This time I’m already getting there. It’s much more comfortable to cut that weight now. I have time for sparring sessions and it is a professional camp. An appropriate camp for [a] 12-round world championship fight.”

Fighters go through a lot during the weight cutting process. Mikaelian will tell you that himself.

“The weight cut is not a joke. I mean, you start first with your diet and change your diet. You try to do whatever to leave out all the sugar, sodium, salt, and all the cheating [on your diet] and everything. During the training process you lose fat and all the excess. In the last couple of days you water cut and that’s one of the hardest processes for the weight cut. The more time you have the better because your body has to adjust. It is not a joke, especially if you are doing very, very quick.”

Noel Mikaelian’s future should he defeat Badou Jack

Mikaelian may be 35, but he still sees a future for himself in boxing. He also just really loves the sport.

“I’m definitely looking toward unification fights in the division with either [Gilberto] ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez or Jai Opetaia. Once we succeed with that maybe move up a division.”

“There’s a financial aspect [in continuing to box], but I just love doing it. I love training it and I’m doing it since a young age. Sometimes when I’m not training, off-season and [out of shape], I even get mad that I’m not doing it and miss it. It’s kind of like my breath. If you started at a young age, you kind of get used to it and you need it. Your body needs it. It’s a good stress relief and keeps you away from different distractions. I always loved combat sports and boxing is such a beautiful sport. Such an art. I love to do it.”