BRITISH cruiserweight Viddal Riley is a man on a mission.
The Hackney-born boxer, 23, will appear on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Saturday night taking on Rashad Coulter.
It’s the latest chapter of the 6ft 1in brawler’s blossoming career, which gained momentum after he trained YouTuber KSI for his two exhibition bouts against Logan Paul.
His skills in the ring got him noticed by Mayweather Promotions, and he is now trained by Floyd’s dad Jeff.
Should the 4-0 prospect dispose of Coulter, he will continue on the path he started when he was a small boy.
AMATEUR HOUR
As a six-year-old growing up in East London, Riley took advantage of his surroundings in the borough of Haringey and took up boxing in one of the many local gyms.
It was his father, Derrick, who introduced his son to the sport, and he showed his prowess as he powered through the amateur ranks.
In ten years he won numerous titles, including eight national championships, and a European Junior Silver Medal.
While in 2014, he became a 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympian for Team GB.
His amateur record was 41-8 – with 19 knockouts.
MAYWEATHER ENDORSED
In 2018, Riley went pro after making ends meet by being a personal trainer.
He was signed to Floyd Mayweather’s Mayweather Promotions, with CEO Leonard Ellerbe waxing lyrical about his new discovery’s ability.
“We’re very excited to add this young man to our roster,” Ellerbe said
“He knows he’s in great hands in terms of guiding his career in the right direction, and he has the whole UK supporting him.
“Viddal Riley is the whole package across the board and his charisma will take him far. We look forward to what his future holds & we welcome him to Mayweather Promotions’ team with pleasure.”
Riley was equally as chuffed.
“Signing to Mayweather Promotions is the biggest mark in my career thus far,” Riley revealed.
“I am now attached to the biggest name in boxing. I look to make similar history once I reach the heights of my career with the help of Mayweather Promotions and my team.
“My future goal in boxing is to become a fighter who can sell out arenas and generate huge PPV numbers like the legend, Floyd Mayweather.
“If you’re not aware of the name yet, it’s Viddal Riley. Expect entertainment in multiple forms and ring IQ beyond my years.”
YOU MAY HAVE SEEN HIM BEFORE
If Riley’s face looks familiar, you may have seen him under the guise of YouTube sensation KSI’s trainer.
Viddal became the internet personality’s head coach ahead of his fights against Logan Paul.
Over 40million KSI fans would’ve seen Riley push the YouTuber to the limits of his physical capabilities.
And KSI believes he has a future champion in his corner.
“From the first time I met him I knew he was something special,” KSI revealed.
“He’s helped me become the beast I am today in boxing. I meant what I said after the Joe Weller fight that Viddal would become a world champion.
“Now that he’s signed with Mayweather Promotions, for me, that accolade is now set in stone. Get ready for Viddal Riley!”
