Jean Pascal will defend his light heavyweight title of the World Boxing Association (WBA) this Saturday, December 28th, against Badou Jack. The fight will take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be the scene for the dispute between two veterans seeking glory and staying in the high rankings of the division.

Canadian native Pascal surprised Marcus Browne in his most recent fight to capture the black and gold belt and now has a chance to make a good defense against the Swede. Pascal is 36 years old and has faced many great fighters of this era, so complicated challenges are nothing new for the talented veteran.

For his part, Jack will return to action after his last fight that was coincidentally against Browne, in which he suffered one of the most dramatic cuts of the year. A header caused a delicate and large wound on his forehead but he was able to fight until the end despite losing the decision.

“Mentally I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m hungrier and I feel like I did the first time I fought for the title. I’m always hungry, but I’m really excited for this fight. Sometimes losses make you better. My first loss was an accident, and I became better because of it. The loss to Marcus Browne, it wasn’t the fairest loss, but it’s made me even hungrier. I’m going to go out there and win the fight no matter what," Jack said.

“People have written Pascal off a couple of times and he always came back. He’s a throwback fighter who definitely knows how to fight. He brings it every time. He’s got more mileage than me, but I can’t overlook a guy like him. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win the fight. I feel 100% physically. The cut was cleared in March, and we’re way past that. I’ve been ready physically and this camp has proved that to me and my whole team.

“Pascal and I sparred before but it was a long time ago and sparring is way different than a real fight. I’ve fought bigger punchers, but you have to respect the power of anyone in the ring. Anything can happen. You can get caught by someone who’s not a puncher.

“I know that I have a lot left to give this sport. I feel like I’m young for my age. The break between fights and bouncing back from a loss have made me more motivated than ever. I’m ready to go in and give the best performance of my career.”

Pascal has a record of 34 wins, 6 losses, 1 draw and 20 knockouts. In the case of Jack, he has a record of 22 wins, 2 losses, 3 draws and 13 knockouts.