Boxing
Riley happy to snub Opetaia in favour of cruiserweight title tilt
Okolie vs. Yoka: Subscribe to watch - Saturday
Viddal Riley would not pursue a fight with Jai Opetaia at Zuffa, with the star stating he is focused on his world title chances.
'The Rilest' earned the European cruiserweight title over Mateusz Masternak at London's The O2 Arena earlier this month.
Triumph there also secured Riley the nominal mandatory spot for the now-vacant IBF belt that was stripped from Opetaia.
The Australian remains ranked with the IBF, but speaking on a potential bout, the Briton insists he would look elsewhere.
DAZN FACE OFF: Wardley vs. Dubois
Watch explosive encounter here
"I wouldn't take the Opetaia fight next," he told Boxing Scene . "Because at the end of the day, he made his Zuffa decision.
"What I grew up watching, what I know and what is prestigious to me, are the belts like the IBF, the WBC and the WBA.
"If I'm in a position to go and win one of those belts I dreamed about having as a kid, I'll always pick that over something new.
"They'd like me back out in September. That is all I know right now. But we're in a good position. This is actually earned."
No sympathy from 'The Rilest' for stripped Opetaia
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
There's no sympathy from Viddal Riley for Jai Opetaia's latest IBF strip - and it's not hard to see why he feels that way too.
The Australian's decision to switch to Zuffa always came with the expectation he would lose his crown, despite his beliefs.
So it has proved to pass - and with the news Chris Billam-Smith has followed him there, Riley's path looks clearer to the belts.
The star appears set to enjoy the summer before he returns later this year, likely for his full-title shot close-up in the ring.
Whenever it is, you can bet the star will be ready to seize his opportunity with both hands and take it with his usual intent.
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
