- Viddal Riley (14-0, 7 KOs) defends his EBU European cruiserweight title against mandatory challenger Seydi Coupe (14-0, 9 KOs) at the OVO Arena Wembley tonight, live on DAZN
- It is Riley's first headline show. Zelfa Barrett meets Gavin Gwynne for the WBA Intercontinental lightweight title on the undercard
- My view: Riley vs Coupe goes Riley's way on points, and Barrett edges a tough night against Gwynne
Riley vs Coupe: The Details
Right then, tonight is a big one for Viddal Riley. The Londoner tops the bill for the first time at the OVO Arena Wembley, defending his European cruiserweight title against Seydi Coupe. Riley vs Coupe is twelve rounds and it is live on DAZN, with the main card starting at 7pm UK time.
Both men are 14-0. Riley has seven knockouts, Coupe has nine. Coupe is the mandatory challenger, so Riley vs Coupe is the fight the EBU wanted, and fair play to Riley for taking it on his first night as the headliner.
How Riley And Coupe Got Here
Viddal Riley
Riley won this belt from Mateusz Masternak in April, which was a proper statement against a seasoned operator. He has gone English, British and then European champion, and he made a point of that this week, saying he did it the traditional way while suggesting Coupe has skipped a few levels. He wants a showstopping performance, and he has talked up a stoppage.
Seydi Coupe
Coupe is the unknown quantity for British fans. The Frenchman has more knockouts than Riley and he carries real hand speed. He was respectful at the press conference, calling Riley one of the best fighters around, but not the best. I like that. He has not come over to Wembley just to make up the numbers.
Barrett vs Gwynne On The Undercard
There is a proper domestic scrap underneath Riley vs Coupe. Zelfa Barrett (35-3, 18 KOs) meets Gavin Gwynne (19-4-2, 5 KOs) for the WBA Intercontinental lightweight title. Barrett is the sharper puncher. Gwynne is as honest and durable as they come. I fancy Barrett on points, but he will have to earn every round.
Riley vs Coupe Prediction
Let's not beat around the bush. Riley has the better footwork, the better jab and the better discipline, and those are the tools that win twelve-round fights. Coupe is dangerous early and Riley cannot get careless, but I think he boxes, controls the range and frustrates the Frenchman.
My prediction for Riley vs Coupe is Riley by unanimous decision. He talked about a stoppage, but Coupe is unbeaten for a reason and I think he hears the final bell. Win this, and Riley is knocking on the door of a world title shot at cruiserweight in 2027.