The young champion survives a grueling 12-round battle at the Copper Box Arena, setting his sights on future challenges.
Category: World News
George Liddard faced a formidable challenge on Saturday evening at the Copper Box Arena, successfully defending his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles against Tyler Denny. The fight, which showcased the grit and determination of both boxers, ended with Liddard winning by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 116-112.
At just 23 years old, Liddard improved his professional record to 14-0, with 8 knockouts, marking a notable milestone by going the full 12 rounds for the first time. Meanwhile, Denny, the seasoned 34-year-old former European champion, saw his record fall to 21-4-3 with 1 KO after a valiant effort.
The evening began with high anticipation, drawing a crowd of nearly 5,000 boxing fans eager to witness the matchup between youth and experience. From the opening bell, Liddard displayed his sharp jab and quick hands, pushing Denny onto the back foot early on. It seemed that Liddard might secure an easy victory, especially after he landed a series of right hands that visibly hurt Denny.
“He brought more than I expected, but I’m grateful for that,” Liddard remarked after the fight. “I’ve never been 12 rounds before. I’m on a path to the top. We didn’t get the KO, but that’s okay.”
Early rounds saw Liddard dominating the exchanges, landing combinations that had Denny struggling defensively. By the second round, Denny was clearly feeling the pressure, but he managed to regroup and began employing clinching tactics to disrupt Liddard’s rhythm. This strategy proved effective, allowing Denny to catch his breath and regain composure.
Round three was particularly intense, with Denny landing a sweeping left that got Liddard’s attention. The West Midlands fighter's resilience became apparent, and he began to find success with his own punches, especially during the middle rounds. Denny’s experience was evident, and he was able to frustrate Liddard with his scrappy style, making the contest more competitive than anticipated.
“Fitness won him the fight,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who lauded Liddard’s stamina and composure throughout the bout. “He had to work hard, especially late on, and that’s what made the difference.”
By the seventh round, Denny’s right eye began to swell, a sign of the toll the fight was taking on him. Nevertheless, he continued to press forward, landing a few solid shots that kept Liddard on his toes. The fight turned into a real test of will, with both men trading power punches, particularly evident during a thrilling exchange late into the penultimate round.
Round eight saw Liddard land a punishing body shot that visibly hurt Denny, causing him to retreat momentarily. Yet, Denny's tenacity shone through, and he managed to clinch and survive the onslaught, demonstrating his ability to withstand pressure.
Throughout the fight, Denny's tactics of clinching and crowding Liddard often disrupted the younger fighter's rhythm, forcing him to work hard for every point. The crowd was treated to a showcase of resilience from both fighters, but Liddard’s youth and strength began to tell, especially down the stretch.
“This is a learning experience for me,” Liddard added. “There was a lot to learn from this fight. I’m testing myself on the world stage, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
After the final bell rang, both fighters embraced, a gesture of mutual respect after a grueling battle that left fans on the edge of their seats. The unanimous decision victory for Liddard retained his titles and positioned him for future opportunities, including a potential fight against former WBO world champion Liam Smith.
“We actually agreed to fight Liam Smith here tonight, but he wanted more time to prepare,” Hearn noted, hinting at exciting prospects for Liddard’s next steps. “Liddard is on a fast track for bigger opportunities. He’s ranked No. 12 with the WBA and No. 15 with the IBF, and this win will surely boost his standing.”
The undercard featured several other notable performances, including Giorgio Visioli, who dominated Levi Giles to retain his English lightweight title by unanimous decision. Visioli’s impressive display showcased his hand speed and ring IQ, leading to a score of 99-90 across the judges’ cards.
Jimmy Sains also had a tough night, narrowly escaping with a majority decision against Derrick Osaze, who pushed him to the limit. Sains, now 12-0 with 10 KOs, had to dig deep to maintain his unbeaten record, showing resilience and skill throughout a challenging contest.
Meanwhile, Leli Buttigieg staged a remarkable comeback, knocking out Jake Goodwin with a devastating right hand that ended their English middleweight title eliminator. Buttigieg had been behind on the scorecards but demonstrated the heart and determination to secure a dramatic victory.
With such a packed card and thrilling bouts, the Copper Box Arena proved to be a hotbed for boxing talent, with the night highlighting the potential of the UK’s rising stars. Liddard’s victory over Denny solidified his status and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year for British boxing.
Fans will be watching closely to see what’s next for Liddard, who is eager to continue his ascent up the ranks and perhaps even fulfill his dream of headlining at the Olympic Stadium one day.