Kalle Sauerland threatens legal action if Viddal Riley is denied IBF title shot

Kalle Sauerland, promoter of Viddal Riley, has threatened legal action if the IBF does not hand his fighter a cruiserweight title shot after the Englishman retained his European title via unanimous decision over Seydi Coupe at Wembley Arena in London on Saturday.

Riley, 15-0 (7 KOs), is currently ranked No. 2 by the IBF, behind New Zealand's David Nyika, who occupies the No. 1 position.

The title itself is currently vacant.

"This should have been a world title fight tonight and the fact is they've got to get their stuff in order now, the IBF," said Sauerland.

"We'll have to let the lawyers loose, but we'll be in there Monday morning and making our case. It's not my first rodeo."

Former titleholder Jai Opetaia was stripped of the belt after contesting the Zuffa championship. He, too, is demanding answers from the IBF, having filed a lawsuit against the sanctioning body.

Opetaia is seeking reinstatement of his title and an injunction to prevent the IBF from crowning a new champion while the lawsuit proceeds.

Regardless, the 29-year-old Riley continues to impress after stepping up to the 12-round level last year. His 119-109, 116-112 and 117-111 victory over Coupe followed impressive decision wins over Cheavon Clarke and Mariusz Masternak.