'Throwback' Liddard targets world title shot

Unbeaten George Liddard has set his sights on winning a world title within the next 18 months after retaining his British and Commonwealth middleweight belts.

Liddard, from Billericay in Essex, outpointed former European champion Tyler Denny at London’s Copper Box Arena, with the added bonus that it also won him the vacant IBF intercontinental title.

“We got the job done, it wasn’t always pretty, but these are the fights at a high level. I’ve got a W next to my name and that’s all that matters,” he told BBC Essex.

“I thought I’d catch him early, I’m sharp, but he weathered the storm and came back and gave me a good fight. I think we finished strong, which for a young 23-year-old who’s only had 13 fights previous to this, I think I showed a lot of heart which you can’t teach and you can’t buy.”

Liddard won the British and Commonwealth titles by stopping Kieron Conway last October and the fight with Denny was the first in which he has had to go a full 12 rounds.

But he proved his stamina again just hours later by completing the Brentwood half marathon.

“Running it might turn into a bit of a fast walk if I’m honest, so just putting that out there. I’ll be there though, I’m a man of my word,” he said following the fight.

Liddard now has the chance to win a Lonsdale belt outright by making two more successful British title defences.

But he added: “I’m in this game to do some big things and I ain’t gonna do that by stepping backwards or stepping sideways – I want to keep pushing on.

“I know I’m young but I believe I’ve got the potential to go on and be a world champion within the next 18 months.

“I think the middleweight landscape is very open right now. There’s good opportunities to be had.

“I’m not here to mess about. I’m here to try my luck, to roll the dice. I feel like I’m a throwback fighter like that. I’m not afraid to take a risk.”