Matchroom’s desire to sign Viddal Riley is dependent on the cruiserweight’s ambitions in boxing, according to Eddie Hearn.
Riley, 28, and Matchroom have spoken about the possibility of a promotional agreement since his departure from Boxxer earlier in 2025.
Hearn recognises both his potential and his popularity as a fighter – he has even been spoken of as a potential opponent for Australia’s Jai Opetaia, the IBF champion co-promoted by Matchroom and widely considered the finest cruiserweight in the world – but it is that popularity that means that he has options outside of professional boxing.
Riley would prove a popular addition to the divisive Misfits platform, and Hearn – whose Matchroom stable, for all of its strengths beyond the UK, perhaps lacks presence in the British fight market – told BoxingScene: “We had some early discussions. They approached us.
“He terminated his contract or he was a free agent with Boxxer. We talked about a path. I don’t think we’ll be working with him. But that could change.
“It all depends, really, on how serious Viddal is. He’s got this Misfits following and YouTube following as well, but he’s also proved himself as a very good fighter. So it depends what route he wants to go. If he wants to be a serious fighter, then I’m very interested.
“I think he could get an offer from that world as well, and I’m not really interested in that.”
