Viddal Riley returns on November 14 to defend European title against unbeaten challenger

Viddal Riley returns to the ring on November 14 to defend his European title against unbeaten Frenchman

The cruiserweights top an MF Pro bill at London's OVO Wembley Arena on November 14, live on DAZN.

A lightweight domestic dust-up between Zelfa Barrett and Gavin Gwynne will serve as chief support, with former Matchroom boxer Cameron Vuong's MF Pro debut also set to feature.

Riley (14-0) picked up the European title last time out in April with a near-shutout victory over Poland's Mateusz Masternak.

Days before they met in the ring, the fight had been upgraded to an IBF eliminator after Jai Opetaia was stripped of his world title.

Riley was then boosted up to No.2 in the IBF rankings following his victory and was expected to box No.1 contender David Nyika of New Zealand for the vacant belt in his next outing.

Those plans have since been put on hold after Opetaia filed a lawsuit against the IBF, alleging that the major sanctioning body had conspired against him and did not have sufficient grounds to strip him.

Keen to remain active, Riley has chosen to make a mandatory EBU defence against Coupe.

“It’s Main Event Season," said Riley via a press release.

“It’s taken 14 wins and three professional titles to make it here, and I look forward to owning the moment.

“I am defending what’s mine as the EBU European champion, and I will put on a statement performance to show why I’m mandatory for the IBF, ranked No.7 [by] Ring Magazine and top 10 in three of the major world governing bodies.”

Who is Seydi Coupe?

Coupe (14-0) sports an unblemished record, but hasn't fought anyone close to Riley's level.

He won the French cruiserweight title in July 2024 with a unanimous decision win over John Franck Mendy (10-4).

Nine months later, he picked up the EBU silver title by seeing off Thomas Faure (24-7-1) inside three rounds to position himself for a shot at the primary European title.

MF Pro founder Kalle Sauerland said of the fight: “The Rilist returns to headline a massive Saturday fight night on November 14, live only on DAZN – and the fight is a banger!

“Viddal could easily have waited patiently for his shot at the IBF world title.

"But off the back of his Mateusz Masternak masterclass, he wanted to keep the show on the road by taking on his mandatory challenger.

“Coupe is unbeaten and dangerous, but Viddal is a world-champion-in-waiting, and we’re expecting a big win.”