Yesterday, in the stunning setting of the O2 Arena, located in the Greenwich Peninsula, the European cruiserweight title bout took place. In the ring was reigning champion Mateusz Masternak (50-7-0), facing 28-year-old English contender Viddal Riley (14-0-0). The fight was won on points by the challenger, who was crowned the new champion.
The event, promoted by MF Pro (Kalle Sauerland) and Queensberry Promotions (Frank Warren), was broadcast live on DAZN pay-per-view. As Kalle & Nisse Sauerland had announced on X on March 10, the fight carried additional significance: besides the European title, it was an IBF world ranking eliminator in the cruiserweight division, whose title is currently vacant.
This situation arose after former champion Jai Opetaia chose to fight for the newly created “Zuffa Title,” which the IBF does not recognize. In the lead-up, DAZN News listed Riley as the favorite, giving him 2-to-1 odds both in punching impact and likelihood of victory.
The fight
Riley entered the ring first, with the crowd fully behind him.
Round 1
A long feeling-out phase. Masternak and Riley alternated at center ring. “The Rilest” tried to press the action, but “Master” kept a solid guard. Riley, however, moved at twice the speed and looked more proactive. (10-9 Riley)
Round 2
A tactical round. Riley worked behind the jab and targeted the body. Few punches landed. (20-18 Riley)
Round 3
Low tempo. Riley controlled the action, while Masternak did some work to the body. Few exchanges, but the challenger looked physically superior. (30-27 Riley)
Round 4
Riley landed isolated shots to body and head. Masternak stayed there but struggled to let his hands go. A dull round. (40-36 Riley)
Round 5
Riley worked the body with both hands. Masternak shelled up but couldn’t find the timing or energy to respond. Riley was landing, though top-level champions are a different story. Late in the round, Masternak absorbed a heavy right hand well. (50-45 Riley)
Round 6
Masternak looked stiff and uninspired. Riley boxed smoothly, showing sharp defensive reflexes and light footwork. (60-54 Riley)
Round 7
Masternak moved toward the ropes. Riley attacked the body, while the Polish fighter stayed too slow. Riley now boxed comfortably. (70-63 Riley)
Round 8
Riley added power to his fluidity, working with both hands. Masternak looked disjointed, and the challenger fully controlled the fight. The champion appeared tired. (80-72 Riley)
Round 9
Riley bounced lightly on his toes. Masternak kept a high guard and threw occasional single shots, trying to cut off the ring but absorbing counters. (90-81 Riley)
Round 10
Masternak was too slow. Riley seemed to be playing with him. The Polish fighter barely threw punches and focused on damage control. (100-90 Riley)
Round 11
Masternak showed all the wear of a long career—no ideas, no sharpness, no real desire to win. It felt like one fight too many. (110-99 Riley)
Round 12
To retain the title, Masternak needed a knockout. He tried to mount attacks but couldn’t be dangerous. He showed some aggression and even landed a good uppercut, but it wasn’t enough. He had nothing left. The final bell confirmed that he had effectively lost every round. It marked an inglorious end for a once-great ring warrior. (120-108 Riley)
At this stage, given his age and this defeat, Masternak is unlikely to fight again for major titles. Whether he continues as a high-level gatekeeper will depend on purses and motivation.
On the other hand, Viddal Riley—often underrated because of his parallel career as a rapper—has significantly boosted his credibility as a boxer. He possesses tactical intelligence, a sharp jab, and excellent counterpunching timing. For him, the dream of greater glory now feels within reach—starting with a climb up the IBF world rankings.