Riley's rise from KSI's corner to world-title contention

From gym at six to European champion

Viddal Riley, 29, entered a boxing gym aged six and was national champion at 11. He collected eight amateur titles representing Team GB and captaining England before turning professional.

KSI's trainer became the story

Riley first gained mainstream attention training YouTuber KSI for his fights against Joe Weller and Logan Paul. He says he did not want to be known only as a famous person's trainer.

“I didn't do all that hard work from such a young age to just be known as a trainer of a famous person.”

Las Vegas trip led to Mayweather deal

When Riley went to Las Vegas as KSI's trainer, he brought his own boxing kit. Floyd Mayweather Sr wanted to build his social media presence. Riley impressed sparring partners and earned a Mayweather Promotions deal.

“I took it as an opportunity to showcase my abilities even though I was there as his trainer.”

Professional debut in Tijuana, 2018

Riley made his professional debut in Tijuana, Mexico in 2018. His first professional appearance in Britain would not come until his fifth fight, showing his early career path.

Building his own audience and career

Working with KSI taught Riley how to handle media attention. He built an audience of about one point two million YouTube subscribers. He developed his career with Boxxer, winning English and British titles.

“It got me accustomed to being in the limelight. Ready for the attention to be on me on a big stage.”

Joined MF Pro in December 2025

Riley joined MF Pro in December 2025, the professional venture affiliated with KSI's Misfits. He insisted the distinction be made clear that he was not joining Misfits Boxing, having worked hard to differentiate himself.

“Are you going to make this clear that I'm not joining Misfits Boxing?”

World title blocked by legal dispute

Victory over Mateusz Masternak secured an IBF mandatory position.New Zealand's David Nyika was lined up for the vacant title, but plans are held up by former champion Jai Opetaia's legal dispute with the governing body.

Defends European title Saturday at Wembley

Rather than wait for the world title, Riley defends his European cruiserweight title against unbeaten Frenchman Seydi Coupe on Saturday at Wembley Arena. Both fighters are unbeaten in fourteen professional fights.

“I'm just hyper-focused on Saturday. I can't go past Saturday.”

Dream opponent is Oleksandr Usyk

Riley will not predict when his world-title opportunity might arrive. One name persuades him to look beyond Saturday: Oleksandr Usyk, whose team say he is considering returning to cruiserweight, would be Riley's dream opponent.

“Much respect to him - he's a legend. But to be able to step in the ring with him and battle, that will be sick.”