LONDON — George Liddard has threatened to show a ‘dark side’ of himself in his maiden British title defense.

The 23-year-old won the famous Lonsdale belt, along with the Commonwealth middleweight strap, with an impressive stoppage of Kieron Conway back in October. There were doubts heading into that contest as to whether Liddard had enough to dethrone the experienced Conway, but he spitefully finished him in the 10th to silence his critics. Now Liddard has been matched with the veteran Tyler Denny in the first defense of his title this Saturday at the Copperbox Arena in London, England.

“Tyler is a good fighter who has been in with some good opposition,” said Liddard at Thursday’s press conference. “I just feel like I’m the better man and we’ll find out on Saturday night.”

Denny also kept things respectful when asked for his thoughts about his opponent this Saturday.

“Good fighter, someone I’ve got a lot of respect for. I think he’s a top fighter, he’ll have a good future, but Saturday won’t be his night.”

The young Liddard’s profile has risen since his emphatic finish of Conway at London’s York Hall. Due to Liddard’s rise, Saturday’s bout will now be in the much bigger Copperbox.

“I’m glad there’s loads of people there watching,” said Denny. “When I’m punching his head in there will be loads of ‘oohs and ahhs’ and that will spur me on. I feel like I’m better than ever.”

Denny then started to play down his opponent’s tough talk, and Liddard responded by saying: “I’ve got a very dark side to me. That will come out when I fight. I believe I’m better in every aspect. I’m ready for the win by any means necessary. If it has to be a 12-round war I’m prepared for that. If it got changed to 15 rounds tomorrow, I wouldn’t care. I think I win in style.”

Denny was then asked for his prediction for Saturday’s bout and replied: “I’m going to punch the fuck out of him”

Matchroom Boxing, the promoter of the card, will also host another event with two middleweights battling for a title this Saturday in Orlando, Florida. Carlos Adames will defend his WBC strap against Austin Williams, and Matchroom’s Frank Smith believes Liddard is not far off facing the winner.

“George wants to put himself in line for those fights in the next 12-18 months,” Smith said.