When I chatted with newly crowned British and Commonwealth champion George Liddard recently, I read out what the Racing Post had to say before previewing his last outing.
It was a fight considered 50/50 against Kieron Conway in October. Conway’s experience, they said, “is something that should get him over the line.”
“Liddard will be in uncharted waters if the fight goes far.” “Liddard’s explosive style may get the fans on their feet early on, but this may be a step too far at this stage of his career.” Liddard’s response? “How d’ya like me now?”
Liddard put on a career-best display, stopping Conway in ten rounds and proving he has the engine to come on strong in the championship rounds. It was not something that came as a surprise to the Billericay man.
“A lot of people thought it was going to be a step too far. But I knew what I was capable of. I showed that I am not just at the level, I am levels above that.”
The 23-year-old believes what worked in his favour was his unknown ceiling.
“I think Conway completely underestimated me. He had a few things to say in the build-up. I sometimes like to listen to them now, obviously knowing what I know and doing what I did.”
When speaking with Liddard, it is hard not to notice a cheeky personality who is always game for a laugh. But as you dig deeper with questions, it becomes clear there is a distinctly driven individual who enjoys nothing more than proving people wrong.
“I’m ready to go on to big things this year. The doubters motivate me and push me to go further than I ever have. 100 per cent the 12-round distance suits me. I could fight 15 rounds, 20 rounds if I needed to. Twelve rounds is not a problem come fight night.
“A lot of people have doubted my engine, but in fights where I did ten rounds, like against Assasi, where maybe I faded towards the end, but it was only my 10th or 11th fight.
“I’m a few fights on now, and every camp I’m getting fitter and fitter. Although I’m not sure if it was even a fitness thing, potentially a mental thing. But every time I get in the ring now, I know I’m willing and able to do more than 12.”
Liddard is excited about what 2026 will bring. His first outing of the year is a British and Commonwealth title defence against the experienced Tyler Denny this Saturday at the Copper Box Arena.
“Denny is stiff opposition, he is a former European champion so I am certainly not underestimating him. But I am faster, stronger, tougher, younger, hungrier and will do anything that it takes to win. I’m looking forward to getting the job done in devastating fashion.”
In terms of the rest of the year, Liddard wants to move quickly.
“I’ve made it clear I want to win a European title this year, but anyone can get it. I’m not shying away from anything. I’ll fight anyone. My team know that, so I leave it up to them.”
Fellow Essex boxer Conor Benn has recently been boxing at middleweight, and while Liddard would happily take the riches such a fight would bring, he considers it unrealistic.
“Me and Conor have gone back and forth for a laugh. He said he won’t talk to me because I’m not ranked in the top 10. He’s going to go back and handle business at welterweight, so that isn’t going to happen.
“But I did say to him I need a big-money fight, so I might have to start calling you out soon. We only have a laugh though. We’re in the same gym and he’s guided me at times and given me a lot of advice around big fights. He’s been around the gym a lot longer than I have.”
Liddard’s final message is one for the fans. He feels he let them down last time, though certainly not in terms of performance.
“The last fight at York Hall, I had to let a lot of people down. Through no fault of anyone’s, I appreciate Matchroom for giving me the opportunity to fight for the British and Commonwealth titles and to do it somewhere iconic. But I had to be so selective with who I gave tickets to.
“This time I am headlining at the Copper Box and I am just so excited. I am looking forward to putting on a show in front of more supporters than ever. The Liddard army will be coming in force on March 21st. We’re growing stronger every fight, and I can’t wait for a big turnout.”
