Riley vs Masternak Predictions: ‘Ril’ will prove that he’s for real

British cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley looks to add Mateusz Masternak’s European belt to his burgeoning collection this Saturday, April 4. The fight serves as chief support for Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight throwdown with Derek Chisora at the O2 Arena in London. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN.

Read on for my Riley vs Masternak predictions ahead of this title contest.

Riley vs Masternak Odds

Riley is a 2/7 favourite for this continental title tilt. Masternak is marketed at 13/5 to score an away win, while the draw is priced at 14/1.

Riley vs Masternak Fight Preview

It is time to retire the ‘social media sensation’ prefixes when it comes to Riley. The 28-year-old first came to attention as a YouTube star and trainer for influencers like KSI ahead of their crossover fights. But Riley is no Misfit. This kid can fight.

That much was proven last time out, when ‘The Rilest’ annexed the British cruiserweight belt from Cheavon Clarke. The defeated champion is an Olympian who boasts Commonwealth bronze and European silver medals. Riley boxed with focus, concentration and slickness to out-score a fighter with the finest schooling around. You don’t pull that off if you’re just a YouTuber.

You don’t beat Masternak by having a big following on social media, either. Generally, beating this man is a task worthy of world champions. Chris Billam-Smith stopped in eight rounds of a WBO cruiserweight title defence. He has also lost on points to ex-champs Yuniel Dorticos and Tony Bellew, alongside some early career defeats in less illustrious company.

Masternak has some good wins on the ledger too. He beat former world champion Jean-Marc Mormeck on the cards, stopped Armend Xhoxhaj in four, outscored decent Aussie Floyd Masson and beat the solid Joel Tambwe Djeko to win the vacant European strap.

Riley is a step-up on that opposition. But the Brit is growing accustomed to steps up. Mikael Lawal was supposed to be a stern test two years ago, but Riley widely out-pointed him. Clarke was backed by some to trip up Viddal, but that never came to fruition either.

Masternak is the perfect opponent for this stage of Riley’s development. He is seasoned, having spent 12 rounds with Bellew and Dorticos in good, hard fights. Masternak effectively retired Mormeck and threw a spanner in the works by inflicting a first defeat on the then-unbeaten Adam Balski. He’s a dangerman. A thorough test of the skills with the added bonus of the prestigious European cruiserweight championship on the line. This is Viddal’s time. Sh*t just got ‘Ril’.

Riley vs Masternak Full Card

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Riley vs Masternak Predictions

Masternak does not stop coming forward unless you do something to discourage him. Picking this guy off like he did with Clarke won’t work for Riley. He’ll need to sit down on his shots, maybe invite a few back. This is a fight where you need to get your hands dirty to prevail.

But I back Riley to do just that, while picking up a few tricks along the way. This is a good learning fight for the 28-year-old. The way to world titles is through men like Masternak. I reckon the Brit solves the Polish puzzle and wins at 2/7.

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