Anees Taj has vowed to shatter Viddal Riley’s unbeaten reputation with a stunning knockout inside six rounds.
Riley is recognised as a rising threat in the stacked cruiserweight division after extending his perfect record with three victories in 2022, including two stoppages within the first three rounds.
He now turns his attention to Taj, who appeared in last year’s BOXXER Series tournament, with Riley hoping to start his 2023 campaign in style with another explosive win on Saturday’s Adam Azim bill, live on Sky Sports.
The pair clashed in Boxxer’s virtual head-to-head press conference as Taj claimed that in previous fights, Riley’s opponents “came to lose”.
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Viddal Riley showcased his knockout power with a crushing win over Ross McGuigan
“I can stop what he’s doing. It will be fun and games. It’s his toughest test so far and it’s mine so far,” said Taj.
“Someone turned up to lose [in his previous fights]. I am not coming to lose; I’m not turning up for the paper. On February 11, I can see what you can do, and you can see what I can do.
“I’ll knock you out in six. I am not coming for money; I’m not coming to lose. If you want a fair fight, I am happy to fight you. I am not worried about money.”
Riley responded in typical fiery fashion, saying that Taj isn’t his toughest opponent.
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Viddal Riley ruthlessly demolished Jone Volau
“I love it, he’s got intention and he has something in place that he thinks he can pull off. I don’t see it.
“If I don’t knock him out in round one, there are other rounds for the punishment to continue,” said Riley, who is unbeaten in seven bouts.
“I don’t think at this stage of my career my toughness is tested. My skill is too elite for it to be tested.
“He’s definitely in the top three [of my opponents], maybe even top two, because I know he is coming with intent. The mentality is strong.
“I know he has had time to prepare. He’s had the most notice out of my previous opponents.”
Full BOXXER card for Saturday February 11 on Sky Sports
10 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight Contest
Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes
10 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight Contest
Zak Chelli vs Anthony Sims
10 x 3 mins English Middleweight Championship
Tyler Denny vs Brad Pauls
8 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest
Caroline Dubois vs Feriche Mashaury
8 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest
Viddal Riley vs Anees Taj
8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest
Jeamie TKV vs Harry Armstrong
6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest
Hassan Azim vs Abdallah Luanja
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
Jordan Reynolds vs Mohamed Cherif Benchadi
4/6 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest
Razor Ali vs Hector Lozano
Boxing on Sky Sports is available to stream through NOW TV.
