VIDDAL RILEY set himself up to conquer the world after retaining his European cruiserweight title.
The Londoner – who is ranked No2 in the IBF rankings – could have sat on the sidelines and waited to be called for a shot at the vacant strap.
But he opted to roll the dice and remain active by defending the coveted EBU title he won against Mateusz Masternak, 39, in April.
Frenchman Seydi Coupe travelled from France to challenge for Riley’s blue and gold belt – only to be convincingly outclassed.
Tottenham’s Riley celebrated with a Spurs scarf draped around his neck, with his title around his waist.
Flanked by promoter and former YouTube boxing star KSI, the 29-year-old said: “I feel good to defend the belt.
“Winning a championship, then defending a championship, that means you’re a true champion. So tonight I became a true European champion.
“And it was a dominant display from you there. “Seydi, you’ve got long arms man!
“He’s got long arms, good footwork, so you have to really be smart, timing, fighting, I had to use a bit of everything today to get the victory.
“Big up Seydi for taking the opportunity man.”
The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It has already been a blockbuster year inside the ring, and it is not going to stop anytime soon!
All eyes are focused on the ‘Battle of Britain’ between and , with the pair set to finally settle their decade-long rivalry in December.
November
- Sat 28 – Agit Kabayel vs Nelson Hysa – DAZN
December
- Dec 5 – David Benavidez vs Michal Cieslak – DAZN
- Fri 11 – Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua – Netflix
- Sat 12 – Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith – DAZN
- Sat 19 – Anthony Cacace vs Nick Ball – DAZN
- Sat 24 – Jake Paul vs Cedric Doumbe
*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Riley started the fight in trademark style, pumping out his jab, bobbing, weaving and remaining out of trouble.
In round three, Coupe landed a big left hook which rocked Riley – potentially for the first time in his professional career.
It only proved to add caution to Riley’s boxing as he continued to jab and move his way through the rounds – landing the occasional body blow.
But the bout jumped into life in round eight when Riley decided to go to war with Coupe.
A right hook over the top landed for Riley but he was countered with just as much jeopardy.
Coupe snuck in a right uppercut and left hook after being given opportunities to land when he really should not have.
Riley ended the round looking like he was breathing heavily and bizarrely was still being advised by his corner to pour on the pressure.
At the end of the ninth, Riley landed a massive combination and could have possibly had the challenger out of there had there been more time on the clock.
The Londoner correctly but cautiously reverted back to type and boxed his way to the final bell as Coupe looked a beaten man.
There was no shock when Riley was awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109.
Promoter Kalle Sauerland has been critical of the IBF’s decision not to mandate Riley for the world title – and has threatened legal action to do so.
He said: “This should have been a world title fight tonight and the fact is they’ve got to get their stuff in order now, the IBF.
“We’ll have to let the lawyers loose but we’ll be in there Monday morning and making our case.
“It’s not my first rodeo so this man is going to take over this division, believe me.
“I’ve done a few cruiserweight champs in my time and this man is going to be an undisputed cruiserweight champion, trust me.”
