Viddal Riley has dismissed Jake Paul's call-out as "promotion" and expects him to instead fight either Nate Diaz or Canelo Alvarez.
YouTube star Paul picked up his sixth professional victory last weekend when he defeated UFC legend Anderson Silva by unanimous decision in Phoenix. There will likely be a whole host of tests that Paul is searching to take next including against UFC star Diaz who is eyeing a squared circle exploit.
Prior to his victory last weekend, Riley's promoter Ben Shalom claimed that he would hold talks with Paul over a potential showdown next after the outcome of the fight. Paul reacted to the news by suggesting he would be open to the clash and wants to prove he is capable of beating YouTube rival KSI - real name JJ Olatunji - by first ousting his former coach.
He said: "I think it would be super, super interesting. I talk about the possibility of fighting Viddal, I think it's super interesting, especially because he was KSI's trainer and the whole narrative between KSI and I. But KSI is never going to get into the ring with me. So I think it would be funny to prove to the world that I'm better than KSI and beat his trainer."
Riley has now issued a defiant response insisting he is currently focused on treading the traditional path in the boxing world. He told Mirror Fighting and reporters: "He has had a fight and he has won his fight but the most recent people he called out were Nate Diaz and Canelo. So now it is time to interview Canelo, I am old news. I just think it is great promotion. I don't have a personal problem with Jake and Logan the same.
"I spent a lot of time with these guys when I was coaching JJ. I have been in there space and I understand the mutual respect we have for each other. They understand the benefits of getting your name out there on social media, and having my name sprinkled out there can only be beneficial. But my focus is on the traditional path and what I have worked on since I was six-years-old and I will continue to do that."
Who wins if the pair meet - Jake Paul or Viddal Riley? Let us know in the comments section below
Riley is currently trying to follow the traditional path by starting a route to the British title after his two years out of action during the coronavirus pandemic. He no longer coaches YouTube star Olatunji and is focusing on his own career which has seen him pick up two wins already this year.
There is some big fights domestically at cruiserweight particularly within the BOXXER stable which include the likes of Richard Riakporhe, Luke Watkins and even fellow big-name star Tommy Fury. It is unclear if he would be interested in facing Paul further down the line but is currently only interested in keeping momentum.
BOXXER: Manchester sees Viddal Riley fight Ross McGuigan on Nov 12. Last remaining tickets on sale now at Boxxer.com
