George Liddard targets European title as Dario Morello promises victory at Copper Box

George Liddard is confident he will continue his unbeaten rise when he faces Dario Morello for the EBU European middleweight title at London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

The British champion will headline close to the home of his beloved West Ham United as he looks to add the European title to his growing collection of honours.

Liddard enters the contest with a perfect 14-0 professional record and believes another victory can move him closer to the biggest fights in the middleweight division.

“Every test I've been given I've passed. Every time someone's been put to me, I've said yes. I've never said no to nobody,” Liddard said at the final press conference.

“I'm talking the talk, but I'll also walk the walk. That's what matters. It's all good saying these things, but you've actually got to do them.

“Let's go pick up this European title Saturday night and push on to world honours.”

The 24-year-old has faced increasingly experienced opposition during his recent run and expects Morello to provide another tough test.

“The story from my last probably three, four, five fights is 'experienced fighter takes on young hungry fighter',” Liddard added.

“Every single one of them has told me they're going to beat me. What's happened every time? I've proved them wrong. I'll do the same again Saturday night.”

Morello arrives in London determined to take the European title back to Italy.

The 33-year-old believes his experience will play a major role when the pair meet in Saturday's main event.

“It means everything. I worked a lot for this moment. I have worked all of my life for this moment,” Morello said.

“I want to take it. I have to take it. I am 33 years old. I am mature enough, I have trained enough and I want this title. I will take it.

“Inside the ring it is just me and him. We have to fight, and the best man will win.”

Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith believes victory could put Liddard on a path towards a world title opportunity in 2027.

“George Liddard is doing everything right and he's going down the route of taking fights, and that's what people want to see,” Smith said.

“Now it's about going out there, winning the European belt and then building up through the ranks into those international titles, those eliminators with the sanctioning bodies.”

The undercard will feature another significant middleweight contest as Jimmy Sains faces Tom Cowling for the vacant Commonwealth title.

Sains is looking to produce an improved performance after admitting he was disappointed with his last outing.

“It was a bad performance, but we've made a few adjustments in camp and this next fight will be the best of myself,” Sains said.

“This is where the boxing and the violence happens Saturday night. I'm looking forward to it.”

Cowling earned his opportunity after an impressive victory over previously unbeaten Aaron Bowen last November and believes he can claim his first major title.

“The Commonwealth title is a major title. It's always been a dream of mine to fight for a major title like this,” Cowling said.

“I respect Jimmy and his team. He's a good fighter and I know that I need to be on my game Saturday night to get the win.”

Elsewhere, Leli Buttigieg faces PA Gordon for the English middleweight title, while Tiah Mai Ayton challenges Ellie Hellewell for the Commonwealth featherweight title.

Louie Ward, Ioan Croft, Harley Burrows and Connor Mitchell will also feature on the card.

Pat McCormack has withdrawn from his scheduled bout after suffering a minor injury in training. The Olympic silver medallist is expected to return on a revised date.

Liddard vs Morello takes place at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, August 22 and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.