Viddal Riley shares a clear message with Oleksandr Usyk as talks about returning to cruiserweight heat up.
European cruiserweight Viddal Riley has a message for Oleksandr Usyk as the former champ gears up to return to the crowded cruiserweight division — Riley is ready to take charge.
While everyone’s buzzing about the huge heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua coming up next month, Riley is focused on his own big moment. He’ll be defending his European cruiserweight title at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on November 14.
Riley’s boxing journey began when he was just three years old. He became well-known online for training social media star KSI for his matches against Joe Weller and Logan Paul. But Riley soon left the influencer scene to chase a professional career. Since his pro debut in 2018, he’s undefeated with a 14-0 record and holds the European Boxing Union cruiserweight title.
Before his upcoming fight with unbeaten Seydi Coupe, Riley sat down with SPORTbible to talk about the cruiserweight division and shared his thoughts on Usyk possibly coming back after dominating at heavyweight.
Usyk made history as cruiserweight’s first undisputed champ and then went on to become a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion. After a spectacular win over Rico Verhoeven in May, many thought he might retire, but now rumors say he’s returning to cruiserweight.
For Riley, that return is exciting but also makes things more complicated in an already stacked division. “It’s good for the division because it gets people talking,” Riley told SPORTbible, “but for me, it just creates more mess and uncertainty around the world titles. Honestly, I don’t get why he wants to do it. At 40, he’s done so much — he should just chill.”
Riley had been lined up to fight for the IBF cruiserweight title, but legal issues delayed that. A win on November 14 could put him next in line for the IBF belt or a big fight against the winner of the WBA, WBO, and WBC title clash in December.
But Usyk’s comeback could shake things up again, jumping straight into a title fight and possibly stealing Riley’s chance. “Would I be shocked? No, that’s boxing, it’s predictable,” Riley said. “I expect him to come back and say, ‘I’m the man again,’ and get a title shot.”
Riley also pointed out that age might be catching up to Usyk. Though still skilled, Riley has noticed signs of decline and thinks fighters like David Benavidez, known for their intensity and pace, could give Usyk trouble. But Riley admits it’s not his call.
When asked if he wants a fight with Usyk, Riley didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely, you’ve got to go for the goat. I believe in myself every single day — that’s what keeps me going, especially with all the doubters and critics.”
For now, Riley’s focus is on Coupe, who also has a perfect 14-0 record. Riley is confident his experience at higher levels sets him apart. “I know what it’s like to be in his shoes, trying to prove yourself. But I’m just the wrong guy for that right now,” he told SPORTbible.
Riley’s beaten other unbeaten fighters before and isn’t fazed by Coupe’s record. But he knows this fight matters a lot to Coupe, so he’ll be ready. “He’s got a big chance to change his life, and I respect that. I just have to be on point.”
The fight will be live on DAZN, starting at 7pm, with Riley’s ring walk scheduled for 10:23pm. It promises to be an exciting night for British boxing fans!