Abraham Perez vs Yankiel Rivera

This is a tough pick between two skilled flyweights. Perez likes to change the angle before he punches, while Rivera has quick hands and can make a man pay for reaching. I reckon the difference will be what happens after their first exchange. Perez is better at turning away and setting himself for the next one.

Rivera’s danger is his timing when an opponent comes straight at him. Perez cannot afford to admire his work or drift back into range. But I didn’t like how Rivera let Jonathan Gonzalez take charge of their fight, and Perez has since beaten Gonzalez by staying mobile, varying his attacks and keeping his head when it got close. That gives me a sounder reason than reputation to favour him.

I expect Rivera to have his moments. He’s too sharp to be shut out, and Perez will have to earn every clean opening. Over the course of the fight, though, I see Perez’s feet and steadier decision-making providing the difference. Perez on points.