Viddal Riley

British boxer

76+1⁄2 in (194 cm)[1]StanceOrthodox Boxing recordTotal fights11Wins11Wins by KO6
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  England
European Junior Championships
Silver medal – second place 2013 Anapa Light-heavyweight
Websitehttps://isitril.com/

Viddal Ethan Danso Riley (born 7 July 1997) is an English professional boxer, rapper and internet personality. He is the current English cruiserweight champion.

He represented England at the EUBC European Junior Boxing Championships in Anapa, Russia in 2013, winning a silver medal. He is undefeated in his professional career of 11 bouts. He was previously promoted by Mayweather Promotions, but is now promoted by Boxxer. He is notable for being the trainer of KSI from 2017–2019.

Early life

Viddal Riley was born on 7 July 1997 in Hackney, London. He attended Northumberland Park Community School in the Northumberland Park area of Tottenham in the London Borough of Haringey, England.[2]

While he was still an amateur boxer, Riley had a day job as a personal trainer at a GymBox gym in Stratford, London.[3][4] It was here that he first met and trained several YouTube personalities, including KSI. The two fights between KSI and Logan Paul brought Riley huge publicity and exposure.[5]

Amateur career

Riley started his boxing career at six years old when he was introduced to the sport by his father Derrick Riley. As a young amateur, he trained at West Ham Boxing Club.[6] He went on to collect eight national championships, as well as winning a European Junior Silver Medal in Anapa, Russia. He also became a 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympian for Team GB.[7] Riley amassed an amateur record of 41–8 (19 KO's).[8]

Professional career

Early career

Riley first entered the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas in 2018 in preparation for KSI's second amateur fight with Logan Paul. There, he sparred the American NABF cruiserweight champion at the time, Andrew Tabiti. In doing so, he impressed Jeff Mayweather and Amer Abdallah, with whom he subsequently signed a deal to turn professional.[9]

Riley made his professional debut on 30 November 2018 at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico against Julio Manuel Gonzalez, beating Gonzalez by knockout in the first round.[10] He recorded another first-round knockout in his next fight, against Mitchell Spangler at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on 19 January 2019, on the undercard of the WBA welterweight championship bout between Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner.[11] Riley's third fight was a unanimous decision victory against Austine Nnamdi in Dubai on 3 May 2019, in which he headlined as the main event.[12]

In November 2019, fellow countryman Lawrence Okolie, who would later become WBO world cruiserweight champion, praised Riley, stating that Riley "is in the top 5 [people] I've sparred".[13]

Riley would next face Muhammad Abdullah in Las Vegas on 28 February 2020, achieving another unanimous decision victory to improve to 4–0.[14]

He had been scheduled to fight on the undercard of the WBA lightweight title fight between Gervonta Davis and Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019, in addition to fighting Rashad Coulter on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. in 2020, but he was forced to pull out of both fights due to a recurring back injury.[15]

In November 2021, Riley signed a multi-fight deal with the promotional company Boxxer.[16]

It was announced that Riley would make a debut in the United Kingdom as an undercard match of Amir Khan vs Kell Brook on 19 February 2022. On 11 February 2022 on Twitter, Riley had announced his opponent as Namibian boxer Willbeforce Shihepo.[17][18] Riley won the fight by unanimous decision to put his record at 5–0.

During his sixth professional bout on the undercard of Richard Riakporhe vs Fabio Turchi on 11 June, Riley produced a huge knockout victory over Jone Volau, fifty-one seconds into the first round.[19]

English cruiserweight title

Riley vs Quarless

Riley defeated the previously unbeaten boxer Nathan Quarless (10–0) for the vacant English cruiserweight championship as the co-feature to Caroline Dubois vs. Magali Rodriguez on 30 September 2023 at the York Hall in London.[20] Riley defeated Quarless via unanimous decision, winning all ten rounds.[21]

Riley vs Lawal

"We don't run from bullies. Never have never will".

- Viddal Riley, Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke – Press Conference.

On February 16, 2024, it was announced that Riley will defend his English cruiserweight championship against former British cruiserweight champion Mikael Lawal (17–1) on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke on 31 March at The O2 Arena in London.[22] A few days later, after the fight announcement, Boxxer announced that Riley had signed a long-term promotional deal.[23] During the build-up to the fight, Riley promised his fans to take a dangerous road to try to get a world title shot in the next few years.[24] At the press conference, Riley claimed that he had faced bigger punchers and labelled Lawal as a bully.[25] Riley defended his English cruiserweight title by unanimous decision, with two judges scoring the fight 99–91 and the other judge scoring it 98–92.[26][27] During the post-match interview with Riley, Isaac Chamberlain criticised Riley's performance against Lawal, claiming "that performance was dead," with both arguing when the contract gets signed.[28] Cheavon Clarke tried forcing himself into the conversation before all three were separated by security.[29]

Other ventures

Riley maintains a strong social media presence: he has a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers as of April 2021,[30] and releases original music independently on online streaming services Spotify and Apple Music.[31][32]

He is the founder and owner of RIL Athletics, his own clothing brand.[33]

Personal life

Riley is a supporter of his local football club Tottenham Hotspur F.C.[34]

He is cousins with grime artist Wretch 32.[citation needed]

Professional boxing record

11 fights 11 wins 0 losses
By knockout 6 0
By decision 5 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
11 Win 11–0 Mikael Lawal UD 10 31 Mar 2024 The O2 Arena, London, England Retained English cruiserweight title
10 Win 10–0 Nathan Quarless UD 10 30 Sep 2023 York Hall, London, England Won vacant English cruiserweight title
9 Win 9–0 Anees Taj TKO 4 (8), 2:31 16 Jun 2023 York Hall, London, England
8 Win 8–0 Anees Taj TKO 4 (8), 0:04 11 Feb 2023 The SSE Arena Wembley, London, England
7 Win 7–0 Ross McGuigan TKO 3 (6), 2:22 12 Nov 2022 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
6 Win 6–0 Jone Volau TKO 1 (6), 0:51 11 Jun 2022 The SSE Arena Wembley, London, England
5 Win 5–0 Willbeforce Shihepo PTS 6 19 Feb 2022 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
4 Win 4–0 Muhammad Abdullah UD 4 28 Feb 2020 Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Sunrise Manor, Nevada, US
3 Win 3–0 Austine Nnamdi UD 4 3 May 2019 FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
2 Win 2–0 Mitchell Spangler KO 1 (4), 0:33 19 Jan 2019 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US
1 Win 1–0 Julio Manuel Gonzalez KO 1 (4), 1:19 30 Nov 2018 Big Punch Arena, Tijuana, Mexico

Discography

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes with selected details
Title Details
Livin' Sports, Pt.2
  • Released: 3 October 2019
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download, streaming
Livin' Sports Pt.3
  • Released: 18 December 2020
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download, streaming

Extended plays

List of extended plays with selected details
Title Details
Livin' Sports
  • Released: 10 September 2018
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download, streaming
Ds.1[35]
  • Released: 25 February 2022
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download, streaming
Ds.2
  • Released: 1 April 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download, streaming
Ds.3 (Different Sports)
  • Released: 25 August 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download, streaming

As lead artist

Title Year Album
"Lionel Rich" 2019 Non-album singles
"Paddling Pools" Livin' Sports, Pt.2
"Ten Pins"
(with Randolph) 		Non-album singles
"Marimba Freestyle"
(with Randolph, Ninj & PB)
"R A N G E" 2020
"Rilist No.1" Livin' Sports Pt.3
"Chess Piece"
(with KayyKayy) 		Non-album singles
"Plugged In"
(as Viddal Riley with Fumez The Engineer)

As featured artist

Title Year Album
"Holy Water"
(Paul Bartolome featuring RIL) 		2019 Screaming Through The Radio
"Bad Habits"
(Benz featuring RIL & Nizzy Ninj) 		2020 Non-album singles
"LIT"
(Benz featuring RIL)
"Cruiserweight (.Ends. II)"
(SAMOSAMO featuring RIL) 		2022

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Ninj & Viddal Stuntin" 2020 Nizzy Ninj Rainy Summer 2

Music videos

List of music videos as lead and featured artist, showing directors
Title Year Director(s)
As lead artist
"Stay The Night"
(with T-Bone) 		2017 Braidefilms
"Paddling Pools" 2019 Josh Hall
"Marimba Freestyle"
(featuring Randolph, Ninj & Benz) 		DA
"Pointing" Tory T6
"Ride For Team"
(with PB & Natalie)
"Freestyle" 2020
"Chess Piece"
(with KayyKayy)
"Favours"
(featuring Jme)
"Plugged In"
(as Viddal Riley with Fumez The Engineer) 		Unknown
"LS3 Interlude"
As featured artist
"Bad Habits"
(Benz featuring RIL & Nizzy Ninj) 		2020 Tory T6

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2018 KSI: Can't Lose Himself Documentary [36]
Viddal Riley in video games Video games
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
TBD Undisputed Himself [37]

References

  1. ^ a b "BoxRec: Viddal Riley". boxrec.com. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  2. ^ "Ex Student, Viddal Riley Competes in the European Junior Boxing Championships | Duke's Aldridge Academy". www.dukesacademy.org.uk.
  3. ^ Dennen, John (8 April 2019). "Viddal Riley - how to build a prospect - Boxing News". www.boxingnewsonline.net. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  4. ^ Harry [@wroetoshaw] (10 November 2019). "GYMBOX STRATFORD TO THE FUCKING WORLD @IsitRIL" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 November 2019. Retrieved 17 October 2021 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ Horan, Matt (9 November 2019). "KSI vs Logan Paul 2: Trainer Viddal Riley reveals all about how he's turned KSI into a professional boxer". Sky Sports. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  6. ^ Whaley, Len (25 February 2015). "Six of the best for Hammers". Newham Recorder. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  7. ^ "MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS SIGNS UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHT PROSPECT AND INTERNET SENSATION VIDDAL RILEY! – Mayweather Promotions". mayweatherpromotions.com.
  8. ^ https://www.redmonkeycollective.com/viddal-riley
  9. ^ "Viddal Riley - training a Youtube star and turning pro with Jeff Mayweather - Boxing News". www.boxingnewsonline.net. 11 July 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  10. ^ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  11. ^ "BoxRec: Bout". boxrec.com. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  12. ^ "BoxRec: Viddal Riley vs. Austine Nnamdi". boxrec.com. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  13. ^ Lawrence Okolie (NEW MONEY FREESTLYE OUT NOW) [@Lawrence_tko] (11 November 2019). "@BrandonEfex @IFLTV @tommytntfury @KSIOlajidebt @IsitRIL Tbh @IsitRIL is in the top 5 ppl I've sparred" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 23 September 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021 – via Twitter.
  14. ^ "BoxRec: Viddal Riley vs. Muhammad Abdullah". boxrec.com. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  15. ^ "Why is Viddal Riley no longer fighting on Mike Tyson vs Roy Jones Jr undercard?". talkSPORT. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  16. ^ "BOXXER AND SKY SPORTS BOXING SIGN VIDDAL RILEY TO EXCLUSIVE LONG-TERM PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT". boxxer.com. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  17. ^ Viddal [@IsitRIL] (11 February 2022). "8 Days Til' Smoke 💨 | 14 Days Til' DS1: The Mixtape 🔥 https://t.co/OXlzHLkZvE" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2023 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ "Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook: A Look at the Full Fight Card Including Undercard". EssentiallySports. 12 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  19. ^ "Viddal Riley produces HUGE knockout in London homecoming". SkySports. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Caroline Dubois to fight for IBO lightweight title live on Sky Sports on September 30". Sky Sports.
  21. ^ "Viddal Riley dominates Nathan Quarless to become English champion while Callum Simpson clinches WBA Continental title". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  22. ^ "Viddal Riley to fight Mikael Lawal on Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke March 31 undercard live on Sky Sports". Sky Sports.
  23. ^ Staff, BoxingScene (20 February 2024). "Viddal Riley Inks Long-Term Promotional Deal with Boxxer". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  24. ^ Evans, John (25 March 2024). "Viddal Riley Dares to Take Hard Road Through Challenging Cruiserweight Division". BoxingScene. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  25. ^ "Viddal Riley and Mikael Lawal clash | 'You're going to sleep! We don't run from bullies'". Sky Sports. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  26. ^ "Viddal Riley defends English title against Mikael Lawal as Alen Babic and Callum Simpson take smashing stoppage wins". Sky Sports. 1 April 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  27. ^ Warrington, Declan (31 March 2024). "Willings Lasts The Course Against Whittaker, Wins For Riley, Simpson, And Babic". BoxingScene. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Chaos breaks out as Viddal Riley, Isaac Chamberlain and Chev Clarke clash at ringside". Sky Sports. 1 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  29. ^ Glinski, George (1 April 2024). "Chaos breaks out as Viddal Riley clashes with two rivals after latest win". talkSPORT. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
  30. ^ "VIDDAL - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  31. ^ "RIL". Spotify. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  32. ^ "RIL on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  33. ^ "Athletics Meets Fashion". RIL Athletics. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  34. ^ White, Garry (24 April 2019). "'My career is very different': Viddal Riley interview". www.boxingmonthly.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020.
  35. ^ "Ds.1 - EP by RIL on Apple Music". Apple Music. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  36. ^ Hale, James (10 August 2018). "KSI Releases Documentary 'Can't Lose' Ahead Of Logan Paul Boxing Match Up". Tubefilter. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
  37. ^ VIDDAL RILEY IS IN THE NEW ESBC BOXING GAME!!!. VIDDAL. 25 April 2021. Archived from the original on 8 August 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021 – via YouTube.