Viddal Riley: A Rising Star in YouTube Boxing
Viddal Riley, a name that resonates in the realm of what some refer to as “YouTube boxing,” has become an emblematic figure of this niche sport, often criticized by boxing purists. He played a significant role in the genre’s rise by taking on the responsibilities of training popular internet personality KSI, also known as JJ Olatunji, for his early exhibition matches against Joe Weller and Logan Paul between 2018 and 2019. Those initial fights effectively set the stage for the historical clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul scheduled for December 19 in Miami.
Riley’s Impact on Boxing
Reflecting on his influence, Riley remarked in an interview with The Independent, “I recognize that until I’m gone, acknowledgment from people will be hard to come by. But when Leon [Willis] and I chose to prepare JJ for the fight against Weller, we instigated a transformation in boxing’s landscape that is undeniable.”
This assertion may read as boastful, yet Riley views it as a reality based on his journey.
Over the course of two years as KSI’s trainer, Riley transitioned from a boxer to a public figure, leveraging his association with the YouTube star to elevate his profile within the sport. Now, as the reigning British cruiserweight champion, the 28-year-old is not just a celebrated athlete but also a creator with an audience of 1.2 million on his YouTube channel. He has now embarked on a fresh chapter in his career.
New Beginnings and Challenges
Earlier this year, Riley opted to become a free agent, parting ways with Boxxer, and attracting interest from renowned promoters such as Queensberry, Matchroom, and Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. However, in December, Riley chose to sign with MF Pro, a new boxing promotion connected to KSI’s crossover boxing initiative, Misfits.
This choice was not made lightly. Riley acknowledged the potential backlash associated with Misfits, especially considering its recent connection to Andrew Tate, a polarizing figure known for his controversial statements on social media regarding women and his lifestyle, amid allegations of serious crimes he denies. Despite the backlash toward Misfits linked to Tate’s involvement, Riley is adamant about separating his brand identity from Misfits’ controversies, emphasizing, “Since I won’t be sharing the same fight cards, I believe it won’t affect me. If I were involved in those events, it could present issues.”
Tate is slated to fight influencer Chase DeMoor in Dubai on December 20, following Joshua and Paul’s bout. Riley, while supportive of the crossover industry, has been vocal about maintaining his distance from Tate, asserting, “I think as long as I stay out of the ring as a competitor, the link to Tate shouldn’t be seen as problematic.”
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Riley’s relationship with Misfits hasn’t hindered his reputation; instead, it has unexpectedly complemented it. He achieved a significant milestone this year by defeating former Olympian Cheavon Clarke to win the British cruiserweight title in a match held at his favourite venue, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, during the undercard of the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn event in April.
With humor, he quipped about the situation, saying, “This might be the only time Arsenal supporters cheer because Tottenham won during my title victory!”
Looking ahead, Riley has plans for a title defense in the early part of 2026, as he aims to solidify his standing in the sport.
His journey includes notable amateur victories over future champions Daniel Dubois and Chris Billam-Smith, with whom he shares a long-standing respect, having known Dubois since childhood. “Seeing him rise to heavyweight champion through adversity has been inspirational,” Riley said, expressing admiration for his peers.
As he sets his sights on greater accomplishments, Riley is conscious that the path may one day lead to a clash with either Billam-Smith or Dubois, stating, “I’m proud of their achievements, and boxing is unpredictable; if we find ourselves in the ring one day, it’s just the nature of our sport.”
