"Viddal Reily"

18 November 2024

13 mins

Box art.

Undefeated English cruiserweight Viddal Riley has a lot of tattoos. One is a tribute to the history of hip-hop, another suggests the world hit the jackpot when Riley was born on 7/7/97. Even a permanent typo like 'LEGASY' [sic] now stands for "Live eternal greatness and surpass yourself". What a way to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Director Femi Ladi's thirteen-minute documentary is therefore not just about Riley's ability to knock opponents to the canvas—it's about Riley's body as a canvas. The bond between the boxer and tattoo artist Justine is clear for all to see, just as important as the one between him and his trainer or cut man.

After the shitshow that was Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson, it's nice to hear from a boxer who doesn't make you want to stick a hot needle in your eye. He may lose his unbeaten record one day, but he'll never lose his love of tattoos.

UK

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