The First Round with Darren Barker

Viddal Riley: KSI, Mayweather & Millions! Why He Left It All To Pursue Boxing Dream.

The First Round with Darren Barker

Show Notes

Viddal Riley: From YouTube Corner to British Champion | First Round TV Most people know Viddal Riley as KSI’s boxing coach. But what they’ve missed is the fighter behind the trainer — an 8-time national champion who walked away from fame to chase real legacy in the sport. In this episode, Viddal joins Darren Barker to talk about: Coaching KSI, Bezinga & the Sidemen His childhood in the gym under his father’s watch Losing twice and being told: “Quit, or go pro” Signing with Floyd Mayweather Promotions and fighting in Vegas Why he had zero nerves before the biggest fight of his life What the British title means — and who he wants next

This isn’t a YouTuber story. This is a fighter’s journey — raw, grounded, and focused on greatness. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your boxing fix. 🔗 Watch the full video on YouTube: @FirstRoundTV 📲 Follow @firstroundtv | Hosted by Darren Barker Viddal Riley, KSI boxing, Floyd Mayweather, Jake Paul, Boxxer, Sky Sports Boxing, British Champion, Viddal Riley vs Aloys Jr, The Sidemen, Behzinga, Lawrence Okolie, Anthony Joshua, YouTube boxing, Viddal Riley interview, Darren Barker, First Round TV, Real boxer vs YouTuber, Cruiserweight, Mayweather Promotions

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Nov 13, 2025

🥊 A future champion sits down with a living legend. In this very special episode of First Round TV, Dalton Smith is interviewed by his idol, the undefeated world champion Joe Calzaghe. - This raw, honest, and emotional conversation spans generations of boxing: from the early struggles with their fathers in the gym, to title wins, self-doubt, legacy, and what it really takes to stay unbeaten. 📈 Joe opens up about the legendary Jeff Lacy fight, his secret to staying hungry, and why he walked away at 46-0. - 🔥 Dalton reveals his mindset going into his world title shot against Subriel Matías, his respect for Calzaghe, and the father-son bond that's powered his journey. If you love real boxing conversations – no trash talk, no fake drama – this one's for you. - 💼 SPONSOR This episode is powered by Manscaped – use code FIRSTROUND to get 15% off your entire order at https://uk.manscaped.com Stay calm, stay smooth, and leave the burns to the sun.

Oct 22, 2025

British heavyweight Fabio Wardley joins Darren Barker on First Round TV ahead of the biggest fight of his career — a world title eliminator against former WBO world champion Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena in London this Saturday. This isn’t just a fight. It’s a moment that could define Wardley’s legacy — and in this brutally honest conversation, he reveals the wild journey that brought him here: no amateur experience, no handouts, just pure graft. From office job to knocking people out on pay-per-view, Fabio Wardley’s rise through the heavyweight division is one of the most remarkable stories in British boxing. And now, with just days to go before he steps into the ring with Joseph Parker, he sits down to tell it all.

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Nigel Benn. World Champion. National Hero. Broken Man. In this powerful and emotional interview, boxing icon Nigel “The Dark Destroyer” Benn sits down with Darren Barker on First Round TV to reveal the brutal truth behind the knockout power, the rivalries, and the pain that followed him long after the final bell. From his legendary wars with Chris Eubank, Michael Watson, and Gerald McClellan, to his darkest battles with depression, trauma, suicidal thoughts, and family breakdown, this is the most honest Nigel Benn interview ever recorded.

Sep 28, 2025

This is Ricky Hatton’s final interview. Just four days before his passing, Ricky sat down with Darren Barker for what would become his last ever conversation on camera. With the blessing of Ricky’s family and team, we share this with the boxing world — not as an ending, but as a celebration of Ricky’s incredible life, his legacy, and his love for the fans who stood by him from day one. . Ricky speaks with the honesty, humour, and humility that made him the People’s Champion. He opens up about growing up on a council estate in Hattersley, discovering boxing as a way to deal with school bullies, and carrying a loyal fanbase from the pub coaches of Manchester all the way to Las Vegas. He relives the iconic night he beat Kostya Tszyu, the heartbreak of fighting Floyd Mayweather, the devastation of the Pacquiao knockout, and his proudest achievement — not belts, but the love of the people. . Ricky always said he didn’t want to be remembered as the best — just as one of the boys, one of the people. To millions, he will forever be remembered as exactly that. A world champion, a Manchester hero, and one of the most loved fighters British boxing has ever known. This is more than an interview. It is Ricky Hatton’s final message, in his own words. ❤️ Rest in peace, Ricky. The People’s Champion. Forever loved. If you’ve been impacted by any of the topics discussed in this interview, please don’t face it alone, speaking to someone is the best thing you can do! We’ve included links below to trusted charities and organisations that can offer support: Mind support line

Aug 28, 2025

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