Copyright yardbarker
Boxing continues to add to its infatuation with putting fights on pay-per-view (PPV). On Wednesday, Integrated Sports Media announced that the rematch between WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) and Noel Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs) will stream live on PPV for the suggested retail price of $29.99. The event, titled “Championing Mental Health 2: Rematch Season,” takes place on Saturday, December 13, at Ace * Mission Studios in Los Angeles, CA. Although the main event is intriguing and could lead to a unification with Jai Opetaia or Gilberto Ramirez in 2026, it just isn’t a PPV fight. I understand that, given the size of the venue (studio) and the fighters involved, you have to pay for the event, but this will be a hard sell. They should have found a way to get this on a streaming platform where the maximum number of fans could tune in. Also, $29.99? This feels more like a $9.99 to $14.99 event at best, but here we are. Per the press release: “Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via all major cable outlets, DIRECTV, and DISH in the United States, as well as leading digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, PPV.com, TrillerTV, and Fubo. “In the spirit of the event’s mission, $1 from every pay-per-view purchase will be donated directly to Championing Mental Health, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring resilience, and breaking stigmas around mental wellness through the power of sport and entertainment.” Below are some quotes from those running the event and information on one of the undercard fights currently scheduled for that night. “Partnering with Integrated Sports Media allows us to bring this world-class battle to an even wider audience, while spreading our message of mental health advocacy,” said Anthony Girges, Founder of CMH and 555 Media Agency. “Every purchase helps us fund mental-health initiatives, so this event truly goes beyond the ring.” Steve Bash, Promoter and President of Bash Boxing, added: “We’re thrilled that fight fans across the country will have an affordable, high-quality pay-per-view option to experience these amazing rematches while also supporting a meaningful cause.” The undercard will also feature the WBC International Light Flyweight Championship rematch between Gloria Munguilla (8-2) and Brook Sibrian (8-2, 4 KOs), alongside additional bouts to be announced.
