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Viddal Riley determined to prove himself a world champion in waiting in European title fight against Seydi Coupe
Viddal Riley puts the European title on the line against Seydi Coupe on Saturday; "I won't be disappointed if I don't stop him. I'll be disappointed if I don't batter him," Riley said; Victory should see Riley closing in on a world title shot
Friday 13 November 2026 18:11, UK
Viddal Riley will put himself on a path to a cruiserweight world title shot, if he can defend the European championship against Seydi Coupe on Saturday.
Only 14 fights into his pro career, Riley is already rated as the IBF's No. 2 contender for their world championship.
The Londoner wants to showcase himself as a world champion in waiting against Coupe.
"I think I'm the most well-rounded cruiserweight in the world," Riley told Sky Sports.
"I think we've trained for that because we want to cover every aspect of the game. We don't want to be lacking any area when it comes to movement, speed, IQ. All these things, I have them."
The IBF belt is currently vacant with Riley and New Zealand's David Nyika ranked one and two. Sooner or later a world title fight would surely lie ahead of Riley, if he's victorious.
"He's in the way. We can't worry about the other side of the door until we get past the doorman," Riley said of Coupe.
"I'm trying to get in the club, Seydi's asking for my ID at the door, I have to show him my ID or pull him out the way and get into the club."
It's a fight Riley is determined to dominate.
"I believe this will be a stoppage victory," the Londoner said. "You can't stop everybody, I'm aware of that as well. I won't be disappointed per se if I don't stop him. I'll be disappointed if I don't batter him.
"I just want to show for 12 rounds at least, it's not the level. We're completely different levels and I do, contrary to belief, possess good punch power."
