The British middleweight division is poised for a significant domestic confrontation. Following weeks of anticipation, confirmation is solidifying that undefeated mandatory challenger George Liddard will step into the ring to face the reigning British Champion, Kieron Conway, for the prestigious Lonsdale Belt.
The date is set for October 11th, with the Steel City of Sheffield, a location steeped in boxing history, playing host to this pivotal encounter. The fight is scheduled to feature on a Matchroom Boxing promotion, promising a high-profile platform for both athletes.
Kieron Conway, holding a record of 23-3-1 with 7 knockouts, captured the British title in impressive fashion recently, halting Gerome Warburton in the fourth round. That victory culminated a strong period for the 29-year-old champion, who had previously overcome credible domestic rivals such as Linus Udofia and Ryan Kelly, demonstrating his class within the division.
Standing opposite him will be the formidable George Liddard. The 23-year-old prospect boasts a perfect professional record of 12 wins with no losses, securing 7 of those victories by knockout. Liddard earned his mandatory challenger status in emphatic style, delivering what many considered a career-best performance by stopping Aaron Sutton in the fifth round after dropping him three times. That performance underscored Liddard`s power and readiness to challenge for top domestic honours.
The collision course between the champion and the mandatory challenger was effectively set on the same night they both secured their latest wins. For Liddard, it meant becoming the rightful next opponent for the Lonsdale Belt holder; for Conway, it meant securing the title he would need to defend against the hungry contender.
The official administrative steps are now being taken. Reports from the British Boxing Board of Control indicate the fight has been approved for October. While the request from promoter Eddie Hearn was reportedly framed as a `voluntary defence contest`, this administrative detail doesn`t detract from the mandatory nature of Liddard`s challenge, ensuring the fight holds full significance as a compulsory title defence required by the division`s rankings.
This matchup presents a classic dynamic: the established (though recently crowned) champion defending against a younger, undefeated mandatory challenger. Conway brings experience and proven durability at a high level, while Liddard offers youthful aggression, power, and the momentum of an unblemished record.
Beyond the main event, the proposed Sheffield card is rumoured to include other notable bouts. Promoter teasers have suggested a potential heavyweight attraction featuring Dave Allen, possibly against Jeamie TKV. Should that fight come to fruition, speculation is it could be contested for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, adding further national prestige to the event for the Sheffield faithful.
As October 11th draws nearer, anticipation will undoubtedly grow for this significant domestic battle in Sheffield. The British Middleweight Title is on the line, and both George Liddard and Kieron Conway have demonstrated they are more than capable of delivering a compelling fight for the Lonsdale Belt.
