George Liddard to face Michel Soro for IBO world title at Matchroom's Monte-Carlo Showdown VII

George Liddard will challenge Michel Soro for the IBO middleweight world title when Matchroom Boxing returns to Monaco for Monte-Carlo Showdown VII on Saturday, December 12.

The unbeaten 24-year-old from Essex will headline the event at the Salle des Étoiles, live on DAZN, as he looks to add a world championship to his British, Commonwealth and European honours.

Liddard (15-0, 9 KOs) has enjoyed a strong rise through the middleweight division, most recently claiming the vacant European title with an eighth-round stoppage victory over Dario Morello in August.

The Tony Sims-trained fighter previously stopped Kieron Conway in the tenth round to win the British and Commonwealth titles in October 2025, before successfully defending them against Tyler Denny on points in March.

He now faces his most experienced opponent to date in Soro, who has spent more than 17 years competing professionally.

The Frenchman has shared the ring with the likes of Brian Castaño and Israil Madrimov, and claimed the IBO middleweight title in June with a ninth-round stoppage of Hassan Mwakinyo in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Liddard believes he is ready to take the next step in his career.

"These are the fights I have looked forward to throughout my career," Liddard said.

"I am putting everything on the line in such a prestigious place.

"This is 'The Monaco Job', and I'm coming back home to Britain with the win and that IBO strap."

Josh Padley will also have the opportunity to claim a major title when he faces Spain's Moussa Gholam for the WBA interim super-featherweight championship.

The Yorkshireman has continued his rise through the professional ranks and will now look to secure the biggest victory of his career in Monaco.

Elsewhere, British heavyweights David Adeleye and Leo Atang are both scheduled to feature on the card.

Adeleye is set for a quick turnaround following his Matchroom debut in Los Angeles on November 14, while 19-year-old Atang will return to international competition after his upcoming fight in Sheffield on October 24.

An all-British super-welterweight contest between Ishmael Davis and Junaid Bostan has also been confirmed.

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn believes the event will provide another significant opportunity for Britain's emerging fighters.

"Over the years we have been treated to the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Gennady Golovkin, Joe Cordina, Zhilei Zhang and Derek Chisora," Hearn said.

"Now George Liddard has a golden opportunity to etch his name into history when he takes on a very tough Michel Soro for the IBO crown.

"Josh Padley has enjoyed a remarkable rise too, and he now faces a career-defining night as he fights for an Interim World Title."

Monte-Carlo Showdown VII takes place on December 12, just one day after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury's scheduled heavyweight showdown in Cardiff.

The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, with remaining tickets available through Matchroom Boxing.