George Liddard faces Dario Morello for the vacant European middleweight title at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday. Also on the bill, Sains vs Cowling headlines for the vacant Commonwealth title.
As always, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promote Liddard vs Morello and Sains vs Cowling broadcast live on DAZN.
Currently undefeated in 14 professional fights, Liddard is closing in on a maiden world title shot. Indeed, he’s ranked at six with the IBF behind recently-crowned champion, Aaron McKenna.
That said, the 24-year-old most recently retained his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles in March, with a hard-fought points victory over Tyler Denny.
Now he tackles Italy’s Morello, who only has one defeat on his record to Luther Clay in 2019.
The 33-year-old is on a run of 11 straight victories since, but has been dropped in his last two outings.
Despite this, Morello climbed off the canvas to outpoint Faton Vukshinaj in November, securing the vacant EBU Silver middleweight strap.
Prediction: Given his form, Liddard should overcome Morello by decision.
Sains faces Cowling for Commonwealth belt
The undercard supporting George Liddard vs Dario Morello also features a strong night of action.
Jimmy Sains goes for the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title, which was relinquished by Liddard. Meanwhile, Tom Cowling stands in his way in the chief support bout on the Liddard vs Morello bill.
Previously, Sains retained his English middleweight crown, edging past Derrick Osaze by majority decision in March.
Similarly, Cowling climbed off the deck to stun Aaron Bowen and take the vacant Midlands Area middleweight belt in November.
Prediction: Given the gulf in class, Sains vs Cowling should be one-sided, with Sains stopping his Midlands-based opponent inside the distance.
Buttigieg vies for English title
Sains vacated the English title after his victory over Osaze. Now, Leli Buttigieg looks to profit on the Liddard vs Morello undercard when he tackles Paul Gordon.
Prediction: As both men are unbeaten, Buttigieg may need the full distance to see off Gordon.
Remaining Undercard
In addition, there’s plenty more on the Liddard vs Morello bill. Tiah Mai Ayton is one to keep an eye on. Notably, the 19-year-old can claim the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title by halting Ellie Hellewell. The pair meet over 10 rounds.
Elsewhere, Pat McCormack can get back to winning ways. In particular, he’ll be looking to stop Brian Maximiliano Albim Rios before the end of their eight-round welterweight showdown. Conah Walker knocked out McCormack in the final round in December.
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Also on the bill, middleweight prospect Ioan Croft is likely to outpoint Tomas Andres Reynoso. Elsewhere, Carlos Miguel Ronner could push Harley Burrows the full distance.
Elsewhere, Louie Ward, 21, can win his third straight professional bout on points against Jon Martinez in their super featherweight clash.
Finally, Connor Mitchell may need all four rounds to see off Caine Singh in their featherweight meeting.
