LONDON – George Liddard is involved in what his promoter Eddie Hearn described as a “mini-tournament” this Saturday at London’s Copperbox Arena.
Liddard will square off against Aaron Sutton, while Kieron Conway and Gerome Warburton will square off for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles. Hearn has said that the winners of both contests will face each other next.
It is expected that both Liddard and Conway will come through their respective contests but this is boxing, and anything can happen. Liddard first has to take care of his own contest in order to land a shot at the iconic Lonsdale belt, although Liddard admitted that he will have one eye on the contest between Conway and Warburton.
“You know, look, once I win Saturday night, that's the fight I want next, the winner of that,” Liddard told BoxingScene. “So, I'll have a look at it but let's get Saturday night done and then we'll have a little watch of it after.
“I think Conway wins it. I think Conway's probably the better fighter out of the two but, you know what I mean, there's a new boss in town and I'm coming to take over the domestic 160 division.”
The 19-1 (3 KOs) Sutton is the man standing in the way of Liddard landing the winner and biggest fight of his career to date. Liddard, 11-0 (6 KOs), has trained accordingly and shared the ring with Jimmy Sains, Sam Gilley and even light heavyweight Craig Richards to prepare for the contest.
“I've had great rounds with great fighters and I'm in unbelievable shape, I'm ready,” Liddard said. “I think I'm in the best shape of my career yet and I just look forward to doing a number on this guy Saturday night.”
Liddard had been delivering highlight reel knockouts but was taken the distance in his last contest, by Derrick Osaze in a competitive affair, that saw Liddard take a unanimous decision. Liddard, still only 22, admitted that he is thankful for the experience and the rounds banked.
“Yeah, look, I've never been past six before that fight and I got the 10 in,” he said. “Great experience. First time doing the ten rounds and it was some pace. I think it's added more levels to my game. I've proved now that I've got the heart and the desire to do the ten and further, to be honest. We've grafted even more this camp and I'm more than ready to do the rounds again. But listen, I'm in unbelievable shape and I don't see it going, the rounds.”