Viddal Riley vs Seydi Coupe

This looks like a good test between two unbeaten fighters, but I favour Riley clearly. His wins over Cheavon Clarke and Mateusz Masternak give him the stronger grounding against opponents who know how to make a fight awkward. His biggest advantage is that jab delivered while moving, making the opponent reset before he can get his own punches off.

Coupe can box. Against John Franck Mendy, he used his jab to prepare the right hand and blocked wide hooks before answering with his own left hook to head and body. That’s sound skills. The question is whether he can land those counters against Riley’s quicker feet. I reckon Riley can draw his lead, change position and make him start again. Riley must avoid getting too comfortable outside and giving away quiet rounds.

I’m picking Riley by unanimous decision. Coupe’s fundamentals should keep him competitive, but I expect Riley’s movement, timing and experience against better opposition to settle it.