Badou Jack facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Badou Jack
Statistics
Nickname(s)	The Ripper
Rated at	Super-middleweight Light-heavyweight Cruiserweight
Height	6 ft 1 in
Reach	73 in
Born	(1983-10-31) 31 October 1983 (age 41) Stockholm, Sweden
Boxing record
Total fights	35
Wins	29
Wins by KO	17
Losses	3
Draws	3

Badou Jack (born October 31, 1983) is a professional boxer from Sweden. He has won world titles in three different weight classes. These include the WBC super-middleweight title (from 2015 to 2017), the WBA (Regular) light-heavyweight title (in 2017), and the WBC cruiserweight title (in 2023). When he was an amateur boxer, he represented Gambia at the 2008 Olympics. He competed in the middleweight division there.

Amateur Boxing Career

Badou Jack started his amateur boxing journey in 2001 when he was 18 years old. He had a great record of 150 wins and only 25 losses. He won Sweden's national championship five years in a row, from 2004 to 2008. He won four times in the middleweight class and once in the light heavyweight class.

In 2007, the Swedish Boxing Federation named Jack the "Boxer of the Year." In his last national championship in 2008, he beat another rising star, Erik Skoglund, in the finals. He first boxed for Sweden in the light-heavyweight division. Later, he switched to represent Gambia, which helped him qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games.

At the 2nd AIBA African 2008 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, he easily won all his matches. In the final, he completely defeated Herry Saliku Biembe from DR Congo. Jack qualified for the 2008 Olympics for Gambia in the middleweight division. He was also the person who carried his nation's flag at the Opening Ceremonies. He lost in the first round to Vijender Singh from India.

Professional Boxing Career

Super Middleweight Division

Early Fights

Jack began his professional boxing career in his home country of Sweden. He won his first fight on June 6, 2009, by a unanimous decision. This means all the judges agreed he won. His next four fights took place in Sweden and Finland. Jack won each of these fights by knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO). Two of these wins happened in the very first round.

Fighting in the United States

In 2009, Jack met Shannon Briggs, a former heavyweight champion, at a boxing event in Sweden. Jack was fighting at this event, and Briggs was a special guest. Jack later moved to the United States in 2010 to train with Briggs. In 2011, he signed with Lou DiBella and Warrior Boxing Promotions, bringing his perfect record of 5 wins and 0 losses to the US.

In 2011 and 2012, Jack fought and won six more times. Four of these wins were by TKO, and two were by decision. He defeated Adam Collins by TKO on December 16, 2011. He also won a unanimous decision over Grover Young in a six-round fight on March 7, 2012.

His biggest win during this time was against Alexander Brand on May 11, 2012. Brand was also undefeated with a record of 17 wins and 0 losses. Jack won this eight-round fight by a split decision, meaning the judges were not in full agreement.

Joining Mayweather Promotions

After his record grew to 11 wins and 0 losses, Floyd Mayweather noticed Jack during a sparring session. Mayweather was very impressed and quickly signed Jack to his company, Mayweather Promotions. On February 2, 2013, Jack defeated Jonel Tapia by knockout in the first round. Three weeks later, on February 23, 2013, he fought Don Mouton and won by unanimous decision. On May 4, 2013, Jack faced Michael Gbenga and won by TKO in round 3 with a body shot. Jack then fought Farah Ennis on July 19, 2013, winning by unanimous decision.

In his first fight for a title, Jack challenged Marco Antonio Periban for the NABF super middleweight championship on September 12, 2013. After 10 rounds, the fight was called a majority draw, meaning most judges scored it as a tie. In his next fight on December 6, 2013, he took on Rogelio Medina. He won this fight by TKO after knocking Medina down three times in round 6.

On February 28, 2014, Jack fought Derek Edwards and lost for the first time. He was stopped by TKO in the first round. Edwards knocked Jack down twice in the first round with a strong punch. This loss was a big surprise and was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing that year.

Jack got back to winning on August 30, 2014. He fought Jason Escalera in Las Vegas, Nevada, and won by unanimous decision.

Jack's next fight was on December 12, 2014, against Mexican boxer Francisco Sierra in San Antonio, Texas. Sierra gained a lot of weight between the weigh-in and the fight. Jack controlled the fight from the beginning. The fight ended in round 6 when Jack landed many punches that Sierra could not answer. The referee stopped the fight, giving Jack a TKO win.

Jack vs. Dirrell

On February 17, 2015, it was announced that Jack would challenge the undefeated Anthony Dirrell (27 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw) for his WBC super middleweight championship. Many people thought Jack had little chance to win. Dirrell himself said Jack was "nothing spectacular." The fight happened on April 24 in Chicago, Illinois. Jack surprised everyone by beating Dirrell with a majority decision. He took more control of the fight as it went on. After the fight, Jack said, "I was in great shape and I believed in myself. ... I knew they couldn't rob me. I thought I clearly won. It was a tough start to my career, but now, I'm a world champ."

Jack vs. Groves

On June 17, 2015, it was announced that Jack would defend his title for the first time against George Groves. This fight was Groves' third try for a world title. The fight was later moved to September 12. Jack was again seen as the underdog, meaning most people expected him to lose. But Jack surprised everyone again by defeating Groves. He knocked Groves down in the first round and stayed in control. He won by a split decision. Groves felt he had done enough to win. In October 2016, Jack said that Groves was the toughest opponent he had faced so far.

Jack vs. Bute

Jack was supposed to defend his title against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on April 30, 2016. However, Chavez Jr. pulled out due to an injury. Lucian Bute replaced him. The winner of this fight was supposed to fight the winner of another match later that year. The fight was first called a majority draw, meaning Jack kept his title. However, this draw was controversial because many thought Jack had clearly won.

On May 26, 2016, it was found that Bute had tested positive for a banned substance called ostarine after the fight. Ostarine is a performance-enhancing drug that can help with stamina and recovery. It has been on the banned list since 2008. Because of this, on April 24, 2017, the fight's outcome was changed to a disqualification (DQ) win for Jack.

Jack vs. DeGale

Showtime Boxing confirmed that a unification fight between Jack and IBF world champion James DeGale was set for January 14, 2017. A unification fight means two champions fight to become the undisputed champion. The vacant Ring magazine title was also on the line. The fight took place in Brooklyn, New York.

Jack kept his title after the fight was declared a majority draw. One judge scored it for DeGale, while two judges scored it a tie. Both boxers were knocked down during the fight. Jack's promoter, Floyd Mayweather Jr., complained about the result, saying Jack should have won. Jack's team later said he had become too big for the super-middleweight division. Jack landed more punches than DeGale in the fight.

Light Heavyweight Division

On January 16, 2017, the WBC ordered Jack to negotiate a mandatory defense against Callum Smith. However, on January 18, Jack officially gave up his WBC belt. He decided to move up to the light heavyweight division.

Jack vs. Cleverly

On June 19, Jack said his team was working on a deal for him to fight WBA (Regular) champion Nathan Cleverly. He expected the fight to be on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor event on August 26, 2017. Jack's goal in light heavyweight was to challenge WBC champion Adonis Stevenson after fighting Cleverly.

On August 9, it was confirmed that a deal had been made for Jack and Cleverly to fight. On August 12, the WBA allowed the fight to be for their light heavyweight title. Jack won the WBA title in his first fight at light heavyweight. He won by stopping Cleverly in round five. Jack put a lot of pressure on Cleverly in round four, causing Cleverly's nose to bleed. The referee stopped the fight in round five after Jack landed many punches on Cleverly. Jack landed more punches than Cleverly. After the fight, Jack said, "The plan was to finish him." Cleverly said he broke his nose in the third round. Jack also said, "You can’t leave it in the hands of the judges. You have to go for the kill," referring to his past fights that ended in draws. Cleverly announced his retirement from boxing the next day.

Jack was supposed to have a purse bid with Dmitry Bivol on September 25, but this was canceled. Jack gave up his title on September 23.

Jack vs. Stevenson

After Jack defeated Cleverly, he started calling out WBC and lineal titleholder Adonis Stevenson. Stevenson said he was ready for anyone. On September 8, 2017, Stevenson's promoter said they were talking about a fight between Stevenson and Eleider Álvarez. On November 8, there were rumors that Stevenson would pay Álvarez to step aside so he could fight Jack instead. On December 6, the WBC said they would look into Stevenson's title reign. A week later, the WBC allowed Stevenson to fight Jack. The fight was confirmed for May 19, 2018, in Canada.

Stevenson and Jack fought to a majority draw in a very close match. One judge scored the fight for Jack, while the other two judges scored it a tie. Stevenson was better in the early rounds, but Jack was busier and more accurate from round five onwards. In round ten, Stevenson hurt Jack with body shots. Stevenson kept the momentum in round eleven, but Jack finished the fight stronger. With the draw, Stevenson kept his WBC and lineal titles for the ninth time.

After the fight, Stevenson said he won because he hurt Jack's body. Jack said he thought he definitely won the fight. He wondered if the judges were "jealous of Floyd (Mayweather)." According to CompuBox Stats, Jack landed more punches than Stevenson. The fight was watched by many viewers on Showtime.

Jack vs. Browne

In November 2018, Jack said he would not fight again that year and would likely return in early 2019. Light heavyweight boxer Marcus Browne challenged Jack to a fight. Both boxers said they were ready to fight. A few days later, Jack said he was open to fighting WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.

On November 26, it was reported that a deal was close for Jack and Browne to fight on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner pay-per-view event on January 19, 2019. The fight was for the vacant WBA interim and WBC Silver light-heavyweight titles. Browne was excited to fight a big name.

Browne used his youth, speed, and power to win a clear twelve-round unanimous decision over Jack. Jack suffered a terrible cut on his forehead in round seven after an accidental clash of heads. Jack had his best round in the twelfth, but he could not hurt Browne enough to win. After the fight, Browne said he was "too slick, too sharp." Jack was taken to a hospital for his cut. After getting stitches, Jack congratulated Browne and said, "I am a warrior and will never quit. I dedicated this fight to the refugee children across the world who fight a much tougher fight than I did tonight. I will continue to fight for them until the end." Browne landed more punches than Jack.

Jack vs. Pascal

Jack was then scheduled for another world title fight on December 28, 2019, against champion Jean Pascal. The fight was for the WBA (Regular) and WBC Silver light-heavyweight titles. It took place in Atlanta, Georgia. This was the first time a world title was fought in Atlanta since 1998. Both boxers weighed 174½ pounds.

It was a very close and tough fight. Pascal started better, winning most of the early rounds and knocking Jack down in round 4. However, Jack fought his way back into the fight. He used his jab and body punches to hurt Pascal and win rounds. In the 12th and final round, Jack knocked Pascal down with a strong punch. Even with his success in the later rounds and the big knockdown in the 12th, Jack lost the close fight by a split decision. Many people thought the decision was controversial.

According to CompuBox Fight Stats, Jack landed more punches than Pascal. Because of the controversial result, both boxers were interested in a rematch in 2020. Pascal said the fight was close but he felt he did enough to win. Jack asked Pascal for a rematch, and Pascal agreed.

Jack vs. McKernan

While a rematch between Jack and Pascal was discussed, Jack instead fought Blake McKernan on November 28, 2020. This fight was on the undercard of the Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. event. McKernan usually fought at cruiserweight. It was first thought he would move down to light heavyweight to fight Jack. However, Jack decided to move up to fight McKernan at cruiserweight. Jack also said he might stay at cruiserweight in the future. He still wanted a second fight against Pascal. Jack said he would donate all his earnings from this fight to charity through the Badou Jack Foundation.

Jack had a very strong performance, winning the 8-round fight by a clear unanimous decision. All judges scored it 80-72 for Jack. Jack landed more than twice as many punches as McKernan.

Cancelled Jean Pascal Rematch

A rematch between Jack and Jean Pascal was confirmed for February 13, 2020, likely in May 2020. However, the rematch was put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack's team said his main goal was the rematch with Pascal, but Pascal wanted to wait until fans could attend. Jack took the fight against Blake McKernan to stay active.

In April 2021, the rematch was announced to take place on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Logan Paul on June 6, 2021. The fight was canceled on May 28 when it was found that Pascal had failed several drug tests. He tested positive for three different banned performance-enhancing drugs. Jack posted on Twitter that the fight was off, saying his team believed Pascal was "dirty" for their first fight. Jack stayed on the fight card and looked for a new opponent. Pascal said he was "shocked and embarrassed" and that it was a one-time mistake.

Jack vs. Colina

Undefeated Dervin Colina (15 wins, 0 losses) from Venezuela stepped in to fight Jack. On June 3, reports said Pascal had failed another drug test, testing positive for a fourth banned substance. Jack told reporters, "It just proves he’s a piece of sh-t, and he should be banned for life, in my opinion." Jack hoped their first fight would be changed to a "no-contest."

The difference in skill was clear very quickly. Colina had points taken away in the second and third rounds for holding too much. Jack knocked his opponent down three times in the fourth round. The referee stopped the fight, and Jack won by technical knockout in the fourth round.

Cruiserweight Division

Jack vs. Crossed

Jack faced Samuel Crossed on November 26, 2021, in Dubai. This was a "stay-busy" fight. Jack was expected to win easily. Jack won his second cruiserweight fight by knockout in the second round. The referee stopped the fight after Crossed was knocked down for the third time in the round.

Jack vs. Atiyo

Jack was scheduled to fight Hany Atiyo on May 14, 2022. However, the event was postponed to May 21, 2022, due to the death of the president of the United Arab Emirates. Jack was expected to win easily. He knocked Atiyo out in the first minute of the fight.

Jack vs. Rivera

Jack then fought undefeated Richard Rivera on August 20, 2022. He won the fight by split decision.

Jack vs. Makabu

Jack then challenged Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight title on February 26, 2023. He won the title by technical knockout in the twelfth round. On September 16, 2023, he was named "champion in recess." This happened after he showed interest in fighting for the WBC bridgerweight title.

Jack vs. Mikaelian I, II

After his bridgerweight fight did not happen, Jack was made the WBC cruiserweight champion again in December 2024. Jack defended his title against Noel Mikaelian on May 3, 2025, in Saudi Arabia.

After the fight, Mikaelian's promoter appealed the decision to the WBC. On June 2, 2025, the WBC ordered an immediate rematch between Jack and Mikaelian. A deal was reached on July 15, 2025, for the rematch.

Personal Life

Badou Jack's father is from Gambia, and his mother is from Sweden. He was raised in the religion of Islam and still follows it today. Jack now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States.

Jack is good friends with the Swedish actor Joel Kinnaman. He has helped Kinnaman get in shape for his movie roles, like in Robocop and Suicide Squad.

Professional Boxing Record

Professional record summary
35 fights	29 wins	3 losses
By knockout	17	1
By decision	11	2
By disqualification	1	0
Draws	3

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
35	Win	29–3–3	Noel Mikaelian	MD	12	3 May 2025	Anb Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia	Retained WBC cruiserweight title
34	Win	28–3–3	Ilunga Makabu	TKO	12 (12), 0:54	26 Feb 2023	Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia	Won WBC cruiserweight title
33	Win	27–3–3	Richard Rivera	SD	10	20 Aug 2022	King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
32	Win	26–3–3	Hany Atiyo	KO	1 (10), 0:45	21 May 2022	Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
31	Win	25–3–3	Samuel Crossed	KO	2 (10), 2:20	26 Nov 2021	Motospace Dubai Investment Park, Dubai, UAE
30	Win	24–3–3	Dervin Colina	TKO	4 (10), 2:46	6 Jun 2021	Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, US
29	Win	23–3–3	Blake McKernan	UD	8	28 Nov 2020	Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, US
28	Loss	22–3–3	Jean Pascal	SD	12	28 Dec 2019	State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, US	For WBA (Regular) and WBC Silver light-heavyweight titles
27	Loss	22–2–3	Marcus Browne	UD	12	19 Jan 2019	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US	For vacant WBA interim and WBC Silver light-heavyweight titles
26	Draw	22–1–3	Adonis Stevenson	MD	12	19 May 2018	Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada	For WBC light-heavyweight title
25	Win	22–1–2	Nathan Cleverly	TKO	5 (12), 2:47	26 Aug 2017	T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US	Won WBA (Regular) light-heavyweight title
24	Draw	21–1–2	James DeGale	MD	12	14 Jan 2017	Barclays Center, New York City, New York, US	Retained WBC super-middleweight title; For IBF, and vacant The Ring super-middleweight titles
23	Win	21–1–1	Lucian Bute	DQ	12	30 Apr 2016	DC Armory, Washington, DC, US	Retained WBC super-middleweight title; Originally an MD, later ruled a DQ after Bute failed a drug test
22	Win	20–1–1	George Groves	SD	12	12 Sep 2015	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
21	Win	19–1–1	Anthony Dirrell	MD	12	24 Apr 2015	UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, US	Won WBC super-middleweight title
20	Win	18–1–1	Francisco Sierra	TKO	6 (10), 1:58	12 Dec 2014	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, US
19	Win	17–1–1	Jason Escalera	UD	10	30 Aug 2014	Pearl Concert Theater, Paradise, Nevada, US
18	Loss	16–1–1	Derek Edwards	TKO	1 (10), 1:01	28 Feb 2014	Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, US
17	Win	16–0–1	Rogelio Medina	TKO	6 (10), 2:30	6 Dec 2013	Little Creek Casino Resort, Shelton, Washington, US
16	Draw	15–0–1	Marco Antonio Peribán	MD	10	12 Sep 2013	MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom, Paradise, Nevada, US	For WBC-NABF super-middleweight title
15	Win	15–0	Farah Ennis	UD	10	19 Jul 2013	The Joint, Paradise, Nevada, US
14	Win	14–0	Michael Gbenga	KO	3 (8), 2:26	4 May 2013	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US
13	Win	13–0	Don Mouton	UD	8	23 Feb 2013	Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan, US
12	Win	12–0	Jonel Tapia	KO	1 (8), 1:47	2 Feb 2013	Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, US
11	Win	11–0	Alexander Brand	SD	8	11 May 2012	Texas Station, North Las Vegas, Nevada, US
10	Win	10–0	Grover Young	UD	6	7 Mar 2012	B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, New York City, New York, US
9	Win	9–0	Adam Collins	TKO	1 (6), 2:28	25 Dec 2011	Mandalay Bay Islander Ballroom, Paradise, Nevada, US
8	Win	8–0	Eddie Caminero	TKO	5 (6), 1:47	21 Oct 2011	Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, US
7	Win	7–0	Timothy Hall Jr.	TKO	2 (4), 1:31	29 Jul 2011	Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, US
6	Win	6–0	Hajro Sujak	TKO	5 (6)	4 Jun 2011	Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
5	Win	5–0	Aliaksandr Paluyanau	TKO	3 (4)	10 Sep 2010	Baltiska hallen, Malmö, Sweden
4	Win	4–0	Aleksandrs Taputs	TKO	1 (4), 2:28	14 Nov 2009	Maapohjahalli, Vaasa, Finland
3	Win	3–0	Vadim Chromych	TKO	3 (4)	4 Sep 2009	Löfbergs Arena, Karlstad, Sweden
2	Win	2–0	Dmitry Gavrilov	KO	1 (4), 0:47	8 Aug 2009	Ulvila, Finland
1	Win	1–0	Maxim Nikonorov	UD	4	6 Jun 2009	Sporthall, Tidaholm, Sweden

Boxing Titles

Major World Titles

WBC Super Middleweight Champion (168 pounds)
WBA (Regular) Light Heavyweight Champion (175 pounds)
WBC Cruiserweight Champion (200 pounds)

Other Major World Titles

WBA (Regular) Light Heavyweight Champion (175 pounds)

Special Titles

WBC Cruiserweight Champion in Recess (This means he holds the title but is taking a break from defending it to pursue other fights.)