Riley vs Lawal Predictions: Viddal is more boxer than YouTuber

S**t is about to get real for Viddal Riley, as the YouTuber-turned-prospect takes on Mikael Lawal in the biggest fight of his young career. The 26-year-old won the English cruiserweight title last time out and now he takes another big step up on Sunday March 31 at the O2 Arena. Here are my Riley vs Lawal predictions ahead of this exciting cruiserweight encounter.

Riley was an amateur boxer before social media fame beckoned. He broke into the professional sport while training a number of YouTubers for the burgeoning influencer boxing scene, including KSI. But rather than follow his online brethren into that world, Riley has instead embarked on a traditional pro journey.

Riley’s online infamy has meant that he has enjoyed a higher profile and more fan support than your average up-and-comer. But that should be applauded, not derided. If he’s media-savvy enough to market himself, then good luck to him. But he certainly won’t be able to hide behind his 1.2 million YouTube subscribers on Sunday.

Lawal is as legitimate as it gets. There is no hint of Riley and his team looking to pad his record, this is a stiff test on a big stage. Lawal is a former British champion and at 28, this is certainly not a case of targeting a man on the slide. The Nigeria-born cruiser lost to the excellent Isaac Chamberlain last time out but has won all 17 of his remaining fights. This is a proper fight.

That is by design. Despite his beginnings, Riley has gone about his work like a true professional since turning over in 2017. Six of his 10 opponents had winning records while his second and third foes were debutants with ambitions of their own, rather than journeymen. There has been a real effort from Riley to prove how seriously he is taking this.

That effort paid off last time out, when the Hackney-born star won the English title with a unanimous decision over unbeaten Nathan Quarless. After dominating the Liverpudlian last September, winning every round, Riley feels the time is right to step up against a big name in Lawal.

I happen to concur with Viddal. I think he is ready for this move up in class. He’ll have to work incredibly hard for it, but I’m picking Riley to move out of the looming YouTube shadow for good and secure a decision win here. This pick is 5/4 and I think that represents value for money. Lawal is a good fighter, but Riley is showing all the tools needed to be an even better one.

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