VIDDAL RILEY – the social media sensation who found fame coaching KSI for his mega-money boxing career – went 5-0 on Saturday night.
On his UK debut the 24-year-old Hackney cruiserweight – a bonafide and decorated amateur – beat Willbeforce Shihepo on the Amir Khan vs Kell Brook undercard.
Riley, who has also released rap songs on the back of his YouTuber training exploits, made a dream start to his British bow and never let his rival off the hook.
The scoring referee called the one-sided six-round shutout: 60-53.
He said: “It feels so good to finally fight in the UK so I want to thank everyone for making it happen.
“I did get close to stopping him but he is a tough man.
“I have also been out of the ring, through injuries and covid, for two years so it was nice to box all six rounds.
“I just want to get really busy now.”
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After two minutes of jabbing and probing at the veteran, Riley detonated a perfect right uppercut that flattened Shihepo.
The multi-talented ace produced a lovely pull-and-counter that sunk the Namibian to the canvas for a count of eight.
The Black Mamba got back to his feet and battled on by Riley was into his groove and connecting at will.
The Manchester crowd was ‘ooh and aahing’ in the second when Riley was unloading rasping combinations into his body and guard.
Shihepo was almost tumbling again when a right hook from Riley found his vulnerable whiskers.
In the third Riley almost gave star student KSI the KO win he had requested.
But battle-worn Shihepo wanted to earn every penny of his purse and refused to duck out, despite taking a beating.
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The novelty of watching Shihepo get tagged wore off by the fifth but Riley did not get sloppy his search for a stoppage.
But when Riley’s corner urged him to let his hands go he did step on the gas and punish his opponent, leaving blood oozing from his nose and mouth.
The tough African did hear the final bell, though, shipping abuse until the final blow of the battle.
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