Viddal Riley
Viddal Ethan Danso Riley, known professionally as Viddal Riley and by the ring name "The Rilest," is an English professional boxer who competes in the cruiserweight division.[1] Born on 7 July 1997 in Hackney, London, he stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall and fights in an orthodox stance.[1] As of November 2025, Riley maintains an undefeated professional record of 13 wins and 0 losses, with 7 of those victories coming by knockout.[2] Riley began his boxing journey at the age of six, training at West Ham ABC in London, where he compiled an impressive amateur record of 41 wins and 8 losses, including 19 knockouts.[3] During his amateur career, which spanned from 2013 to 2017, he secured multiple national titles, including five English championships, and earned a silver medal at the EUBC European Junior Boxing Championships.[4] He also represented Great Britain at the 2014 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, finishing fifth in the light heavyweight division.[5] Turning professional in 2018 under the guidance of trainers including Floyd Mayweather, Riley quickly rose through the ranks, winning the English cruiserweight title in 2023 before capturing the vacant British cruiserweight title via unanimous decision against Cheavon Clarke on 26 April 2025.[6] Previously signed with Boxxer, Riley announced his departure from the promotion in August 2025 and entered discussions with Matchroom Boxing, positioning him as a potential challenger for higher-profile bouts, such as against world champion Jai Opetaia.[7] Beyond the ring, Riley has built a notable reputation as a trainer, having coached YouTuber KSI (Olajide Olatunji) for several high-profile boxing matches between 2018 and 2023.[8]Background
Early life
Viddal Ethan Danso Riley was born on 7 July 1997 in Hackney, London, England.[9] He moved to Tottenham at the age of eight and grew up in the Northumberland Park area, attending Northumberland Park Community School.[10] Riley's upbringing in Tottenham was marked by the challenges of a working-class environment in a rough neighborhood, where he faced temptations associated with street life during his childhood and early teenage years.[11] He has described this period as "very difficult," influenced by the socio-economic hardships of North London.[12] His father, Derrick Riley, played a key role in guiding him away from such influences through strict parenting.[13] From a young age, Riley showed an early interest in sports, recalling picking up boxing gloves at three years old while watching matches on television with his father.[14] This familial encouragement helped foster his resilience amid the adversities of his formative years in Tottenham.Amateur career
Viddal Riley began his amateur boxing career at the age of six, training in local gyms in London, including the West Ham Amateur Boxing Club, where he was introduced to the sport by his father.[15][16][17] Throughout his amateur tenure from 2013 to 2017, Riley compiled an impressive record of 41 wins and 8 losses, with 19 knockouts, while competing primarily for West Ham ABC.[4][18] A standout achievement came in 2013 when Riley, representing Great Britain, secured a silver medal at the European Junior Boxing Championships in Anapa, Russia, competing in the light heavyweight division after advancing through the tournament with decisive victories.[17][8][19] In 2014, Riley represented Great Britain at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, finishing fifth in the light heavyweight division.[5] Later that year, he competed for Great Britain at the Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, in the light heavyweight division, where he received a bye in the preliminary round before losing in the round of 16.[20] Riley's participation extended to numerous national and international junior tournaments, where he captured five English championships and three GB titles, fostering his technical development as a versatile fighter in the light heavyweight division.[4][18]Professional boxing career
Early professional bouts
Viddal Riley launched his professional boxing career on November 30, 2018, securing a first-round knockout victory over Julio Manuel Gonzalez at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico.[2] This debut showcased his explosive power and technical precision, honed during his amateur days, as he overwhelmed the Mexican opponent with a devastating combination early in the bout.[21] Riley's second professional fight came on January 19, 2019, on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where he again stopped his opponent, Mitchell Spangler, in the opening round via knockout.[22] The 21-year-old prospect demonstrated his adaptability to the professional stage by maintaining aggressive pressure while navigating the longer three-minute rounds, a shift from the shorter amateur format.[23] His early bouts highlighted a blend of sharp jab work and finishing ability, contributing to back-to-back stoppages that signaled his potential in the cruiserweight division. Training at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas under coach Larry Wade, Riley focused on refining his defensive footwork and power punching to suit pro demands, such as sustained pacing over eight-round fights.[24] This preparation paid off in his third outing on May 3, 2019, when he outpointed Austine Nnamdi via unanimous decision over four rounds in Dubai, earning a main-event slot and extending his record to 3-0.[25] After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned strongly in 2020, defeating Muhammad Abdullah by unanimous decision in February, followed by three more wins in 2022—including a six-round unanimous points decision over Willbeforce Shihepo in February, a first-round TKO of Jone Volau in June, and a third-round stoppage of Ross McGuigan in November—to reach an undefeated 7-0 mark with four knockouts.[2] Riley continued building in 2023 with back-to-back stoppages of Anees Taj, winning the first by fourth-round TKO due to a doctor stoppage from a cut over Taj's eye on February 11 at Wembley Arena, and the rematch by fourth-round TKO when Taj's corner threw in the towel on June 16 at York Hall, improving to 9-0 with six knockouts.[2] These victories built momentum, emphasizing Riley's evolution into a versatile cruiserweight capable of both technical boxing and highlight-reel finishes.[21]English cruiserweight championship
Viddal Riley captured the English cruiserweight championship on September 30, 2023, defeating the previously undefeated Nathan Quarless by unanimous decision over 10 rounds at York Hall in London, with all three judges scoring the bout 100-90.[26] This victory marked Riley's 10th professional win and elevated his status in the domestic cruiserweight division, showcasing his technical prowess and control throughout the fight.[27] Riley made his first defense of the title on March 31, 2024, against Mikael Lawal at The O2 Arena in London, securing a unanimous decision victory over 10 rounds with scorecards reading 98-92, 99-91, and 99-91.[28] Despite sustaining a fractured rib early in the contest, Riley outboxed the more experienced Lawal, who entered with a 17-1 record, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline to retain his belt.[29] This performance improved Riley's record to 11-0 and solidified his reputation as a rising force in British boxing.[30] On December 14, 2024, Riley remained active as champion by stopping Dan Garber via second-round TKO at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, though the bout was contested at a catchweight outside official title parameters due to Garber's heavyweight frame.[31] The quick victory, following a second-round knockdown, extended Riley's undefeated streak to 12-0 and kept him sharp ahead of bigger challenges.[32] A planned second title defense against Isaac Chamberlain, scheduled for February 1, 2025, at Wembley Arena, was cancelled on January 20, 2025, after Chamberlain withdrew due to a training injury.[33] The postponement briefly stalled Riley's momentum but allowed him to maintain his undefeated record and growing profile during his English title reign from late 2023 to early 2025.[34]British cruiserweight championship
On April 26, 2025, Viddal Riley challenged for the vacant British cruiserweight title against Cheavon Clarke at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on the undercard of the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn event.[35][36] The 12-round bout saw Riley, entering with an undefeated record of 12-0 (7 KOs), utilize superior footwork and combination punching to control the pace against the 34-year-old Clarke (10-1, 7 KOs at the time).[30][37] Riley won by unanimous decision, with judges' scorecards reading 117-111, 116-112, and 115-113, securing his 13th professional victory and the Lonsdale Belt.[35][38] The fight marked a pivotal career advancement for Riley, elevating him from his prior English cruiserweight championship successes to the national level against a seasoned opponent who had previously challenged for European honors.[14][39] His training camp, spanning several weeks in the lead-up, focused on enhancing defensive responsibilities and counterpunching to neutralize Clarke's power, drawing on sparring sessions that simulated the rival's aggressive style.[37][40] Despite a slippery ring surface complicating footing for both fighters, Riley's disciplined approach prevented any significant damage while landing effective body shots in the later rounds.[35][30] In the immediate aftermath, Riley celebrated the win as a "dream come true" at his local stadium, solidifying his status as the British cruiserweight champion since April 2025.[36][41] The victory unified his regional accolades under the British Boxing Board of Control banner, with no immediate defenses scheduled but the board ordering a mandatory bout against contender Aloys Junior later in 2025 to maintain his reign.[39][42]Current rankings and future prospects
As of November 2025, Viddal Riley holds the position of 10th in The Ring magazine's cruiserweight rankings, 12th in both the IBF and WBC cruiserweight divisions, and remains unranked in the WBA and WBO.[3] His ascent in these rankings stems primarily from his undefeated professional record of 13-0, including seven knockouts, and his successful capture of the British cruiserweight title in April 2025 against previously unbeaten Cheavon Clarke via unanimous decision.[43] This victory, combined with prior quality wins over domestic contenders, has elevated his profile among sanctioning bodies, though his relative youth and limited exposure against top-10 international opponents have kept him outside the elite tier in some lists.[2] Looking ahead, Riley's immediate prospects include potential high-profile matchups that could propel him toward world title contention, such as a rumored clash with undefeated contender Aloys Junior, which he has expressed interest in pursuing on a major undercard.[44] Negotiations are also underway for him to sign with promoter Matchroom Boxing, which could position him as an opponent for unified cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia in a world title eliminator.[7] Other discussed bouts include cross-division tests against influencers like Jake Paul or light heavyweight Isaac Chamberlain, though Riley has emphasized prioritizing ranked cruiserweight fights to build momentum.[2] In interviews, Riley has outlined ambitious career goals, targeting a world title shot within 12 to 18 months from mid-2025, potentially by late 2026, while aspiring to stage a championship fight at his beloved Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.[45][46] His focus on European and world titles aligns with his current trajectory as British champion, provided he secures 1-2 more significant victories to solidify his top-10 status across all major organizations.[47]Other pursuits
Music career
Viddal Riley debuted as a rapper under the stage name RIL in 2018, blending themes from his boxing life with elements of grime and hip-hop to create introspective tracks about perseverance and ambition.[48] His music often draws influences from classic hip-hop artists like Nas and Lauryn Hill, incorporating UK jazz-rap fusions alongside US-inspired beats to reflect personal growth and the dual demands of athletic and artistic pursuits.[49][50] Riley's early projects include the mixtape Livin' Sports (2018), which featured collaborations such as "Subzero" with KSI and explored the grind of training and street life.[51] This was followed by Livin' Sports, Pt. 2 (2019), a 11-track release with contributions from artists like Leone.MON on "My Zone," emphasizing resilience amid challenges.[52] The series culminated in Livin' Sports Pt. 3 (2020), highlighted by the single "Favours" featuring JME, which addressed favors in the industry and personal loyalty.[53] Pre-2020 singles like "Pointing" (2019) and "Ride For Team" (2019) with PB and Natalie marked his initial forays into music videos produced for GRM Daily, often tying narratives of struggle and triumph to his boxing journey.[54][55] Transitioning to extended plays, Riley released the DS.1 EP in 2022, followed by DS.2 in 2023, as part of his "Different Sports" series that experiments with varied genres while maintaining core themes of versatility in career and life.[56] The DS.3 (Different Sports) EP (2023) included tracks like "De Nada" and "Otis," showcasing raw lyricism over minimalist production.[57] His most recent project, DS4: Different Sports EP (2024), continues this evolution with four tracks covering diverse styles, followed by singles such as "OWN YOUR DESTINY" (2025) and "SKULL HELLS MOTORCYCLE CLUB" (August 2025), further solidifying his independent output on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.[58][59] Notable collaborations extend beyond the mixtapes, including "BENZ" (2020) with BENZ and Nizzy Ninj, and "Chess Piece" (2020) with Kayykayy, where Riley's verses often highlight strategic mindset akin to ring tactics.[60][61] These guest spots with UK artists underscore his integration into the rap scene, with music videos frequently produced to visually link his boxing discipline to lyrical storytelling about overcoming odds. He occasionally promotes releases via social media to engage fans across his dual careers.[62]Training and coaching
Viddal Riley emerged as a prominent trainer in the boxing world through his work with YouTube personality KSI (Olajide Olatunji), serving as his head coach for the high-profile amateur bout against Logan Paul on August 25, 2018, at the Manchester Arena. Riley, then a 21-year-old professional boxer himself, prepared KSI during an intensive camp at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, where he focused on transforming the influencer's raw enthusiasm into structured boxing fundamentals, including footwork, defense, and stamina building. This collaboration marked Riley's entry into coaching high-visibility fighters, leveraging his own amateur pedigree—which included a silver medal at the 2013 European Junior Championships—to instill discipline in a novice competitor.[9] Riley continued in this role for KSI's professional rematch against Paul on November 9, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where KSI secured a split decision victory. The training regimen emphasized sparring sessions with professional boxers and input from Jeff Mayweather, uncle of Floyd Mayweather Jr., enhancing KSI's technical proficiency and contributing to the fight's approximately 2 million pay-per-view buys. Riley's approach, combining rigorous gym work with motivational tactics, was credited by observers for elevating KSI's performance from the chaotic first encounter to a more competitive outing, solidifying Riley's reputation as an effective mentor for crossover athletes transitioning from entertainment to combat sports. He also coached KSI for additional bouts, including victories against Swarmz and Faze Temperrr in August 2022 and against Joe Fournier in May 2023.[63][64][65] Following his tenure with KSI, Riley expanded his coaching to other digital creators, including training sessions with Sidemen member Behzinga (Ethan Payne) and participants in influencer boxing events, often at London-based facilities like GymBox where he previously worked as a personal trainer. Post-2020, he established a collaborative training affiliation with fellow boxer Leon Wills under the RILxWILLS banner, conducting group sessions and online content focused on boxing technique and fitness for aspiring fighters and fitness enthusiasts. This partnership allowed Riley to mentor a broader clientele while balancing his professional career, with sessions emphasizing practical drills derived from his experiences under elite coaches like those in the Mayweather camp.[9][66] Riley's coaching impact is evident in the improved showings of his mentees, such as KSI's progression to multiple wins in the influencer boxing circuit, which Riley later critiqued as stagnant post-2019 but acknowledged as foundational to the fighter's early success. His work has enhanced his standing in the UK boxing community, positioning him as a bridge between traditional pugilism and modern media-driven bouts, though he has expressed a desire to prioritize his own ring career over extensive coaching commitments. Participation in prominent events, including fighting on the undercard of Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook in February 2022, further integrated him into established training circles, where he sparred and networked with top-tier professionals.[67][8][68]Social media presence
Viddal Riley established his social media presence in the mid-2010s, launching his YouTube channel in 2015 and beginning to post boxing vlogs and training content around 2017, which documented his transition from amateur to professional boxing.[69] His content quickly resonated with audiences interested in fitness and combat sports, leading to steady growth; by 2021, the channel had surpassed 1.1 million subscribers, and as of 2025, it exceeds 1.2 million, with videos amassing millions of views through a blend of workout routines, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and motivational talks.[70][71] On Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Riley has cultivated followings of approximately 508,000 and 432,000 users, respectively, as of late 2025, where he shares a diverse mix of training footage, lifestyle posts, and teasers for his music projects to engage a broad audience.[71][72] Viral moments, such as exclusive clips of his sparring sessions with YouTuber KSI in 2018 and 2019, significantly amplified his reach, drawing in crossover fans from the influencer boxing scene and contributing to his follower surge into the hundreds of thousands across platforms.[73] These interactions highlighted Riley's coaching expertise and personality, fostering a loyal community known as "The RILIST."[74] Riley's digital footprint has enabled substantial monetization, including sponsorship deals with brands like Manscaped for grooming products and JD Sports for apparel, which he promotes through authentic content that intersects with his boxing endeavors, such as event previews and gear endorsements.[75] This online branding not only generates revenue but also enhances his marketability in professional boxing, attracting promotional opportunities and fan-driven support for his career milestones.[70]Personal life
Family and upbringing
Viddal Riley was born on 7 July 1997 in Hackney, London, and raised in the Northumberland Park area of Tottenham, where he attended Northumberland Park Community School. Growing up in what he has described as a "very difficult environment," Riley faced challenges typical of inner-city Tottenham, including social pressures that tested his resolve from a young age.[12] His parents played a pivotal role in shaping his discipline and athletic inclinations, enforcing strict rules that emphasized hard work and perseverance. Riley's father, Derrick Riley, introduced him to boxing at the age of six and served as both a parental figure and coach, fostering a strong emphasis on athletic dedication within the family dynamic.[9] His mother also influenced his personal style.[9] Riley has spoken about the loneliness stemming from the sacrifices required in his youth, such as isolating himself from peers to focus on training, which his parents' guidance helped him navigate.[12] No public details exist regarding siblings or extended family members' specific roles in his support system. As of 2025, Riley maintains a private personal life, with no confirmed reports of a spouse or children; he was previously noted as single.[9]Interests outside boxing
Viddal Riley has actively engaged in community initiatives aimed at supporting youth in London, particularly through boxing programs designed to steer young people away from street violence. In January 2025, he surprised participants at a Tottenham Hotspur Foundation boxing session in Walthamstow, where he led shadowboxing exercises alongside Spurs ambassador Ledley King and spoke to the group about how boxing provided him structure and kept him out of trouble during his youth.[10][76] This involvement highlights his commitment to Premier League Kicks, a program that uses sports to promote positive choices among at-risk youth in the local community.[77] Riley's philanthropic efforts include collaborations with charitable organizations to support vulnerable groups. In 2020, he partnered with Teenage Cancer Trust to launch a limited-edition t-shirt campaign, aiming to raise funds for young people affected by cancer through his apparel influence.[78][79] He has also participated in mentoring activities during foundation events, offering guidance on discipline and goal-setting to inspire the next generation of boxers.[80] Beyond community service, Riley pursues business ventures in the apparel sector to diversify his career. He founded RIL Athletics, a sportswear brand emphasizing high-quality athletic clothing tailored for athletes and everyday wear.[81][75] Riley maintains a focus on personal fitness routines that extend beyond boxing-specific training, incorporating core strength exercises like weighted plank rotations and ab roll-outs to support overall wellness.[82][83]Professional boxing record
Viddal Riley's professional boxing record as of November 15, 2025: 13 wins (7 KOs), 0 losses, 0 draws.[1]| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Rd., Time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Julio Manuel Gonzalez | KO | 1 (1:47) | 2018-11-30 | Tijuana, Mexico | Professional debut |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Mitchell Spangler | KO | 1 (2:00) | 2019-01-19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Austine Nnamdi | UD | 4 | 2019-05-03 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Muhammad Abdullah | UD | 4 | 2020-02-28 | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Willbeforce Shihepo | PTS | 6 | 2022-02-19 | Manchester, England | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | Jone Volau | TKO | 4 (2:15) | 2022-06-22 | London, England | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Ross McGuigan | TKO | 3 (1:45) | 2022-11-12 | Manchester, England | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Anees Taj | TKO | 4 | 2023-02-11 | London, England | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Anees Taj | TKO | 4 (1:30) | 2023-06-16 | London, England | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Nathan Quarless | UD | 10 | 2023-09-30 | London, England | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | Mikael Lawal | UD | 10 | 2024-03-31 | London, England | Won English cruiserweight title (vacant) |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Dan Garber | TKO | 2 (2:00) | 2024-12-14 | Liverpool, England | Retained English cruiserweight title |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Cheavon Clarke | UD | 12 | 2025-04-26 | London, England | Won vacant British cruiserweight title |
Media appearances
Discography
Viddal Riley, performing under the stage name RIL, has built a discography blending hip-hop with themes of sports, personal growth, and urban life, releasing projects independently since 2018. His output includes a series of mixtapes under the Livin' Sports banner, followed by the DS (Different Sports) EP series, with singles often promoting his boxing persona. As of November 2025, he has issued four mixtapes, four EPs, and numerous singles, accumulating millions of streams across platforms.[48][58][50]Mixtapes
Riley's mixtapes, primarily the Livin' Sports trilogy, showcase raw freestyles and collaborations reflecting his dual life as a boxer and rapper, released via self-distribution on digital platforms.| Title | Release Date | Label | Key Tracks and Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livin' Sports | September 6, 2018 | Self-released | 7 tracks; duration 26 minutes; highlights include "Livin' Sports News," a track blending boxing references with gritty lyricism.[51] |
| Livin' Sports Pt. 2 | October 3, 2019 | Self-released | 8 tracks; features introspective bars on ambition; standout "Pointing," which gained traction via GRM Daily video release.[54] |
| Livin' Sports Pt. 3 | December 18, 2020 | Self-released | 10 tracks; over 1 million streams total; key tracks "LS3 Intro" and "Forgiveness (Rilist No.1)," emphasizing resilience themes.[84][50][85] |
| Rainy Livin' | 2022 | Self-released | Compilation-style project with moody, reflective vibes; specific tracklist details sparse, but serves as a bridge to the DS series. |
Extended Plays (EPs)
The DS series represents Riley's evolution toward more polished production, with each installment exploring "different sports" as metaphors for life's challenges; all self-released and available on major streaming services.| Title | Release Date | Label | Key Tracks and Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS.1 | February 25, 2022 | Self-released | 5 tracks; debut in the series, focusing on momentum-building; includes title track "DS.1." |
| DS.2 | April 2023 | Self-released | 4 tracks; features "Manny," a high-energy single tying into Riley's ring career.[86][56] |
| DS.3 (Different Sports) | August 25, 2023 | Self-released | 4 tracks; highlights "Barefoot" (2:23), "Otis" (2:56), "De Nada" (2:56), and "ODB," with trap-influenced beats.[56][87] |
| DS4: Different Sports | August 16, 2024 | Self-released | 4 tracks; culminates the series with collaborative energy; key tracks "Ril & Rilo" feat. RiLo (3:16) and "Gimme Some More" (2:51).[88][58] |
Singles
As lead artist, Riley has released over a dozen singles, often as precursors to larger projects, with several achieving viral status through YouTube and TikTok; no major chart entries, but strong streaming performance in UK hip-hop circles. Representative examples include:- "Plugged In" (with Fumez The Engineer, December 23, 2020): Live session-style track, 3 minutes; marked his breakthrough collaboration.[89][90]
- "Chess Piece" (2022): Solo release emphasizing strategic mindset, featured in SinSquad videos.[91]
- "Paddling Pools" (2019): Over 1 million streams; official music video highlights playful yet aggressive flows.[50][92]
- "Favours" (feat. JME, 2020): High-profile feature with grime veteran JME; official video directed by an in-house team.[53]
- "Marimba Freestyle" (feat. Randolph, Ninj & PB, 2019): Energetic posse cut, showcasing rapid-fire delivery.[93]
- "Manny" (April 21, 2023): From DS.2 promotion; ties lyrics to boxing triumphs.[86]
- "Tryna Link Something" (2024): Post-DS4 single, explicit content on connections.[94]
- "Repping Time" (2024): Anthemic track repping his origins.[94]
- "SKULL HELLS MOTORCYCLE CLUB" (August 20, 2025): Recent single released independently.[95]
Guest Appearances and Music Videos
Riley frequently appears on tracks by UK drill and rap artists, adding boxing-inspired verses; his music videos, often self-produced or via GRM Daily, integrate training footage for crossover appeal. Notable guests:- "Bad Habits" (Benz feat. RIL & Nizzy Ninj, 2020): Collaborative single with trap elements.[96]
- "OWN YOUR DESTINY" (AGON feat. RIL, 2025): Latest feature on a motivational track, released early in the year.[97]