VIDDAL RILEY has aimed a dig at Tommy Fury by claiming his rival “made the right decision” by leaving traditional boxing for the crossover scene.
The 27-year-old.
Tommy Fury will take on Eddie Hall on June 13 Credit: PA
Viddal Riley holds both the British and European Cruiserweight titles Credit: PA
The younger brother of two-time heavyweight champion , Tommy has become one of the biggest names in crossover after wins over YouTube sensations and .
But he has since stepped away from chasing titles in the traditional professional ranks and instead moved towards the lucrative Misfits scene.
Riley, who like Fury built a big social media following before making his way through the boxing ranks, chose a different path.
The unbeaten cruiserweight has gone on to become British and European champion and believes Fury’s decision suited his own career.
Speaking on SunSport’s No Glove Lost show, Riley said: “I don’t blame him, because I think based on his ability, he made the right decision.
“It’s difficult to do what we do in the traditional world of boxing. People that are not even champions are very good fighters, difficult fighters.
“So, with Tommy’s ability, position, brand, name, everything that he brings to the table, because he does bring a lot to the table, he made the right decision.
AHEAD OF HUGE MISFITS BOUT
“And he chose the route that ultimately looks after his family.”
Riley admitted he was tempted to enter the crossover world himself after seeing how big the influencer boxing scene had become.
He said: “It crossed my mind. It definitely crossed my mind, once I got exposed to how big the social media influencer world is, and how lucrative it can be as well.
“But where I’ve been boxing my whole life and know that I have the ability to be in the position I am in today as a world-title contender, European champion, I know I made the right decision. It validated my decision.”
But Riley believes his own route will eventually take him to the same heights Fury has already experienced.
He added: “I just knew I had something to give. I knew I had something to give, and I could achieve something in the game.
“And ultimately, I will still end up in that position that Tommy shortcutted to.
“In terms of having the big fights and pay-per-views and everything. I had faith in myself that I could still make it there going this way, and yeah, it’s working out.”
Fury vs Hall - all the info
Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall meet in a blockbuster bout this SATURDAY.
The former Love Island star has only fought once since his huge win over KSI in October 2023.
Fury beat Bosnian Kenan Hanjalic last May, but ex-World Strongest Man winner, Hall, will pose a unique challenge.
The Beast’s boxing experience is limited to a single loss to Strongman rival Hafthor Bjornsson four years ago.
Now, he is hoping to pull off a huge shock against the undefeated Fury.
ALL THE INFO
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The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
returns to the ring in July to face Kristian Prenga ahead of a potential blockbuster bout against Tyson Fury later in the year.
will be hoping to make a comeback after his defeat to Terence Crawford, while Dave Allen will also be looking to get back to winning ways against Filip Hrgovic.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of , Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
June
- Sat 13 – Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall – DAZN
- Sat 13 – Antonio Vargas vs Jesse “Bam” Rodrigues – DAZN
- Sat 20 – Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi – DAZN
- Sat 27 – Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis – DAZN
July
- Sat 25 – Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga – DAZN
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Fury returns to the ring on Saturday night when he faces former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall in a huge main event at Manchester’s AO Arena.
Fury returned from over a year out in May when he beat Kenan Hanjalic on points in Budapest.
He now faces a unique challenge against Hall, who won World’s Strongest Man in 2017 and made his combat sports debut last year.
The Beast beat the Neffati brothers in a bizarre 2v1 bout and will look to cause a huge upset against Fury.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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