George Liddard warns Dario Morello ahead of European title showdown at Copper Box Arena
Photo: Matchroom Boxing
George Liddard and Dario Morello came face-to-face for the first time ahead of their European middleweight title clash at London's Copper Box Arena, while Jimmy Sains, Tiah Mai Ayton and Pat McCormack also feature on a stacked undercard.
George Liddard has warned Dario Morello to enjoy holding the European middleweight title while he still can after the pair came face-to-face for the first time ahead of Saturday's showdown in London.
The undefeated British champion will take on the experienced Italian for the vacant EBU European middleweight title at the Copper Box Arena, with the winner taking a significant step towards the top level of the division.
The bout was originally scheduled to take place at York Hall but will now be staged just a short distance from West Ham United's home ground, giving lifelong supporter Liddard the opportunity to fight for European honours in familiar surroundings.
Liddard (14-0, 8 KOs) believes the contest is simply the next stage in his development and insisted he has never avoided a challenge during his rise through the ranks.
“For me, this challenge is the same as it has always been for me. It is another step towards greatness,” Liddard said.
“I have stepped up every single fight throughout my career. I have never shied away from anything or anyone.
“As soon as the European title was on the line, I was calling for a big fight. After the belt was vacated, Dario Morello was the man who stepped inside the ring with me, and he'll be the man who gets battered on Saturday night.”
Morello, however, is confident he can silence the home crowd and leave London with the vacant title.
“I dream about this day, this title and the chance to fight for it,” Morello said.
“Liddard is a solid man. He has good fundamentals and is physically strong. I understand him.
“On August 22, I will show you this.”
Jimmy Sains and Tom Cowling to fight for the Commonwealth title
Liddard has vacated his Commonwealth title, creating an opportunity for Jimmy Sains and Tom Cowling to compete for the vacant belt.
Sains (12-0, 4 KOs) will face Cowling (15-1, 4 KOs), who earned one of the biggest wins of his career when he defeated Aaron Bowen in Birmingham last November.
The reshuffle has also affected the English middleweight title picture.
With Sains relinquishing the belt, unbeaten teenager Leli Buttigieg (12-0, 4 KOs) will meet fellow undefeated fighter PA Gordon (9-0, 1 KO) for the vacant championship.
Tiah Mai Ayton targets first major title
Another of the standout fights on the card sees Tiah Mai Ayton challenge Ellie Hellewell for the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title.
Ayton (6-0, 5 KOs), who has previously been praised by Katie Taylor, will be looking to capture the first major title of her professional career.
Pat McCormack also returns to action as he continues his rebuilding process following his defeat to Conah Walker in Monte Carlo last December.
The Olympic silver medallist will take on Argentina's Brian Maximiliano as he attempts to reignite his rise through the welterweight rankings.
Connor Mitchell, Ioan Croft, Harley Burrows and Louie Ward are also scheduled to appear on what promises to be one of Matchroom's strongest domestic cards of the year.
Nick Dacres is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Combat Evolved, overseeing the platform’s editorial direction, original video content and coverage across MMA, boxing and the wider combat sports world.
Working across journalism, interviewing and videography, Nick has covered major promotions including the UFC, Cage Warriors and PFL, while producing original content with fighters ranging from rising prospects to established names at the highest level of the sport.
His work focuses heavily on telling the stories behind the fighters, combining in-depth interviews with access to training camps and behind-the-scenes environments to give audiences a closer look at the people behind the competition.
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