Viddal Riley defends European title as IBF world-title shot is delayed

Viddal Riley will defend his European cruiserweight title against unbeaten Frenchman Seydi Coupe at Wembley Arena on Saturday, with an IBF world-title opportunity in prospect. The London boxer, unbeaten in 14 professional fights, first became widely known through his work as YouTuber KSI’s trainer.

Riley, 29, says he does not want that association to overshadow a career that began in a boxing gym when he was six. He was a national champion at 11, won eight amateur titles, represented Team GB and captained England before turning professional.

“I didn’t do all that hard work from such a young age to just be known as a trainer of a famous person,” he told BBC Sport. He added that he could not disown that part of his story, but wanted to be known for more than it.

Riley trained KSI for fights against Joe Weller and Logan Paul. A trip to Las Vegas as KSI’s trainer also gave him a chance to spar with established professionals; he later signed with Mayweather Promotions. He went on to win English and British titles, then defeated Cheavon Clarke last year to become British cruiserweight champion.

His next step towards a world title came with victory over Mateusz Masternak, which secured him an IBF mandatory position. New Zealand’s David Nyika was lined up to fight Riley for the vacant belt, but the plans are caught up in former champion Jai Opetaia’s legal challenge to the IBF’s decision to strip him of the title.

Rather than wait, Riley is defending his European belt against Coupe, who is also unbeaten in 14 bouts. He says he is focused on Saturday and will not guess when a world-title fight might happen.

Riley has named former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk as a dream opponent, amid indications from Usyk’s team that he may return to cruiserweight. “Much respect to him — he’s a legend,” Riley said. “But to be able to step in the ring with him and battle, that will be sick.”