Khalil Coe vs. Jesse Hart: Three areas where major prospect can get past former world title challenger

Perhaps Eddie Hearn said it best about Khalil Coe vs. Jesse Hart, calling it a “bad blood match for New Jersey against Philadelphia,” respectively.

Coe vs. Hart will serve as an intriguing co-main event to Raymond Muratalla putting his IBF lightweight world title on the line against Cuban standout Andy Cruz at Bleau Live Arena in Las Vegas, and live on DAZN, on Saturday night.

Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs) redeemed himself from a devastating ninth-round TKO loss to Manuel Gallegos in November 2024 by stopping the Mexican fighter after five rounds in their May rematch. Meanwhile, Hart (31-3, 25 KOs), a two-time super middleweight title challenger, last defeated Daniel Aduku via fifth-round TKO in April 2024.

Will Coe dominate once again? Or will Hart stop him in an upset? DAZN News examines who has the edge heading into this light heavyweight bout slated for 10 rounds.

Boxing Styles

Active in the pocket, Khalil Coe operates with plenty of spring in his step and smooth movement. Coe has a penchant for firing away with heavy-handed punches after slipping out of harm’s way.

His busy, slick style will be up against Jesse Hart who stands upright, maximizing his 6-foot-3-inch frame behind the jab and power shots that hope to follow.

If there’s a knock to the veteran Hart, it might be that he sometimes buckles under pressure as evidenced in his pair of failed bids against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez and loss to Joe Smith Jr. — all three via points.

Coe certainly has the footwork, movement and hand speed to apply pressure in a collapsing pocket, too.

Edge: Coe

Power

Both Coe and Hart have power. Coe counts eight of his 10 victories by knockout in comparison to Hart’s 25 stoppages in 31 wins.

If there is a push here, it points to Coe’s ability to manufacture offense with creativity toward explosive results. The New Jersey native can generate this pop by changing levels and catching opponents off guard or via relying on his slick boxing and pot-shotting ability as he did in his rebounding sequel with Gallegos.

As long as Coe does not get mired into a careless slugfest, he should have the edge here too.

Edge: Coe

Mental Warfare

Some would argue that this is Hart’s final chance at 36-years-old to make a dent and push. And they would be right.

Plus, he has been out of the ring for close to two years. That is plenty to overcome in addition to devising a way to defeat Coe, who is seven years his junior, and wiser coming off his avenging win.

Things are looking up for ‘Big Steppa’ now that he has his confidence back.

Edge: Coe

Who has the edge in Coe vs. Hart?

Coe’s first pro loss raised plenty of questions as he tasted the canvas four times en route to being stopped. However, Coe showed fortitude in not only bouncing back but doing so in rousing fashion, thoroughly administering a beating on Gallegos in their rematch.

Against an older fighter in Hart, Coe once again has the grand stage to shine and up his standing at light heavyweight. DAZN News likes his chances of doing both, giving Coe the 3-0 edge.