Will Riley's title hopes benefit from Billam-Smith's Zuffa switch?

Viddal Riley looked like a man on top of the world almost a fortnight ago, arms aloft after victory at London's The O2 Arena.

The Hackney-born fighter's victory over Polish veteran Mateusz Masternak had earned him the European cruiserweight title.

More than that, success also teed up the star for a shot at the vacant IBF belt after his bout was granted eliminator status.

With victory secured, it seemed a foregone conclusion Riley may have found himself in an all-British affair for the crown.

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Riley wins European title in impressive display against veteran

Watch Riley vs. Masternak highlights

 

 

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Instead, with likely foe Chris Billam-Smith penning terms with Zuffa, 'The Rilest' now finds himself facing an unknown future.

Here, DAZN News considers what comes next for Riley in his quest to become world champion - and how he may get there.

Why is the IBF cruiserweight belt vacant?

For many, former IBF champion Jai Opetaia is the premier cruiserweight on the planet, a pound-for-pound dynamo in the ring.

Yet the Australian's decision to join up with Zuffa proved to be a bridge too far for the governing body when he made his debut.

Despite Opetaia's repeated beliefs that there was no conflict of interest, lack of recognition for his new home cost him his belt.

It subsequently positioned Riley or Masternak as heirs to the throne, turning their bout into a straight shoot-out for a title shot.

The Briton's success on the Derek Chisora-Deontay Wilder undercard seemingly primed him for the limelight there and then.

Why was Chris Billam-Smith linked to a title fight?

Formerly WBO champion before a unification fight loss to Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, Billam-Smith has not hidden his ambitions.

'The Gentleman' has made it clear that he wanted to set his sights on a shot at another title, and was often linked to Opetaia.

For whatever reason - and with fingers pointed from both camps - a defence never came between champion and challenger.

With Opetaia stripped after his Zuffa move however, the door seemed open for Billam-Smith as the IBF's top-ranked fighter.

Listed at number three beneath the freshly installed Riley at number two, a match between the pair felt like the logical move.

But this week, Billam-Smith made shockwaves when it was announced he would chase Opetaia in his own switch to Zuffa.

Given the Australian was stripped for contesting beneath the latter's banner, it seems unlikely the Briton will get a chance too.

Who could Riley fight for the vacant title?

That is a major question that 'The Rilest' now faces, as he seeks to become Britain's latest 200-pound world title ruler in style.

Fascinatingly, with Riley at two, both Billam-Smith and Opetaia currently occupy the third and fourth spots amid the IBF ranks.

It seems unlikely, bar a change of heart, the governing body will sanction either man, which would suggest looking further.

Fifth-place David Nyika, a Commonwealth gold medalist for New Zealand, suffered his only loss in a title bid versus Opetaia.

Floyd Masson sits sixth. Lenar Perez is perched in seventh. Both would surely jump at the bit to contest for a major belt.

Then there is Ramirez, due to defend his WBA and WBO belts against David Benavidez in May. Could he want undisputed?

There are hurdles to be crossed, and conversations to be had. But Riley will feel he has earned his shot, come what may.

How the chips fall from here remains to be seen. One thing is for certain - he will hope to have his opportunity sooner rather than later.

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