“Dark Horse” Noel Mikaelian gallops to the Stable of Mexican Boxing

The WBC new, and two time Cruiserweight Champion Noel Gervor Mikaelian has been presented the fabled Green and Gold Belt and Signet Ring, by World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman, at the Monument of the Boxer, in the heart of Tepito, which has produced boxing legends Raul “Raton” Macias and Ruben “Puas” Olivares,

Noel nicknamed “Dark Horse” won the title for the second time, at a canter this last December, defeating Badou Jack in a rematch. He narrowly lost their first fight, after coming in at short notice, after Ryan Rozicki had pulled out, due to a sparring injury.

Accompanied by his Manager Anthony Girges, the slim, yet powerful and towering Noel, who speaks Armenian, German, French, Russian and English, delighted the Tepetians by launching into Spanish, telling them it’s an absolute pleasure to come to Mexico. He previously came to the WBC’s Convention in Acapulco. And he told them he was very excited as well as honored to be in the Barrio of Tepito.

Asked what it’s like to be a Green and Gold Champion for the seccond time, Noel replied: “It’s absolutely great. I feel more confident. It’s like a double point”

Noel’s three career losses were to Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, Mairis Briedis and first time around to Badou Jack .All were close and highly competitive points defeats. Without bridling, Noel said of them: “I don’t see them as losses. They were just fights. I won them in the ring. I didn’t get the decisions. They are just paper losses. Champions focus upon moving on. Practically, I’m undefeated.”

During the first fight with Badou Jack, which Noel had come to on short notice, he told his corner he was beginning to get tired. And they duly urged him to get on with it, which he did. No such problems in the rematch, for which he had ample time to prepare for.

He said about the first Badou Jack encounter: “In the mid rounds, I felt I was tired and didn’t have the conditioning for the twelve rounds. But I said no regrets tomorrow, and I came back even stronger in the last rounds and so much stronger in our second fight.”

So, now Noel is WBC Champion, who does he want to fight next? He stresses:
“We are looking to unify the titles, so we looking to fight Jai Opetaia or one of the other champions. Boxing is ninety percent mental. I know I can defeat him and it’ll be the toughest contest for him. He wants a stay busy fight right now, which I don’t understand. A unification is what the fans want and what the division needs.

“I myself feel great, and in the heavier divisions, you mature later and I feel at my strongest. But, boxing is like a chess match. It’s even more mental than physical. Everyone has a good preparation, so you have to outsmart them and be clever.

“I’m proud to have achieved a goal which only a few have accomplished, especially with the WBC Belt, which is the most prestigious one, the one with the most history which the great Champions have won, like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. To become a WBC Champion is very special.”

Words of wisdom from Noel’s Manager Anthony Girges who accompanied him. He said: “We have a great Champion in Noel. We plan to keep the belt for a long time and become undisputed.”

He also advised that each of us has a purpose in life, the most important aspect is the mind and to make sure we are in a good place mentally. He suggested five to ten minutes for yourself daily and to pray And secondly, to reject negativity as we each have the power to look and project positively. Don’t let anyone steal that from you.

Father of three Anthony was presented with a mini belt and a baby grow for his youngest Zasmin. Actually she is a sturdy two year, so he suggested the baby grow double and serve as a bib?