Saturday night at London’s Copper Box Arena was all about grit, rising stars, and championship ambitions as George Liddard successfully defended his British and Commonwealth middleweight titles against the tough and experienced Tyler Denny. In a night packed with drama, upsets, and some real boxing artistry, fans were treated to a showcase of the UK’s best and brightest, with prospects Giorgio Visioli, Jimmy Sains, Emmanuel Buttigieg, and Taylor Bevan all making their mark on a stacked Matchroom Boxing card.
Let’s start at the top. George Liddard, just 23 years old and already a fan favorite, stepped into the ring with the kind of swagger only a true Hammers supporter could muster. Facing Tyler Denny—a former European champion with a reputation for spoiling the party—Liddard was tested like never before. The bout went the full 12-round distance, marking the first time Liddard had been extended that far as a professional. But if there were any doubts about his stamina or heart, he answered them emphatically. The judges were unanimous: 116-112, 116-112, and 116-112 in favor of Liddard, who improved his record to 14-0 with 8 knockouts. Denny, who battled valiantly throughout, dropped to 21-4-3 with 1 KO.
From the opening bell, it was clear that this was a meeting of youth versus experience. Liddard’s jab was sharp, forcing Denny onto the back foot early, but Denny, ever the wily veteran, found ways to frustrate the champion—clinching, crowding, and making the younger man work for every inch. The third round was particularly fiery, with Denny landing a sweeping left that got Liddard’s attention. As the rounds wore on, Denny’s resilience shone, even as his legs betrayed the wear and tear of a long career. At the end of the fifth, Denny raised his arm defiantly, a signal that he wasn’t going anywhere without a fight.
But Liddard’s fitness and composure proved decisive. He kept the action at range when he could, landing straight punches and making the most of his physical advantages. The later rounds saw both men dig deep, trading shots to the body and head, but it was Liddard who finished stronger, outworking Denny down the stretch. The final bell brought a warm embrace at center ring, a sign of mutual respect after a hard-fought battle. “Fitness won him the fight,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, who also praised Liddard’s championship experience and development at such a young age. Hearn added, “The championship experience shows just how far he can go ... Conway and Denny at 23 years of age, it’s all part of the development. He sold out York Hall, nearly 5,000 [fans] in here tonight, we can’t hold him back but must remember his age, giving people value for money and a great atmosphere, he deserves that support.”
The win puts Liddard on a fast track for bigger opportunities. Notably, Hearn revealed that former WBO 154-pound world champion Liam Smith (33-5-1, 20 KOs) had agreed in principle to face Liddard later this year, though the details are yet to be finalized. Liddard also has his sights set on winning the Lonsdale belt outright, which would require two more successful defenses. With an IBF trinket title also on the line, Liddard is set for a rankings boost come April, already sitting at No. 12 with the WBA and No. 15 in the IBF’s 160-pound standings.
The undercard was no less thrilling. English lightweight champion Giorgio Visioli put on a masterclass against Levi Giles, cruising to a wide unanimous decision—99-90, 100-89, and 99-90 on the judges’ cards. Visioli, now 11-0 with 6 knockouts, showcased his superior hand speed and ring IQ, picking Giles apart on the back foot and landing crisp shots throughout. Giles, gritty as ever, pressed forward with a high guard but struggled to land anything meaningful. DAZN commentator Barry Jones observed, “Visioli was winning the fight by threat of what he is capable of doing.” In the fourth, Visioli upped the tempo, landing a sharp left uppercut and following with a left to the chin. A knockdown in the fifth further cemented his dominance, and though the pace slowed in the latter rounds, Visioli remained firmly in control to the final bell.
In the English middleweight title bout, defending champion Jimmy Sains survived a spirited challenge from Derrick Osaze to emerge with a razor-thin majority decision: 95-95, 97-93, and 96-94. Sains, now 12-0 with 10 KOs, had to dig deep as Osaze started strong, pressing the action and landing several right hands in the early rounds. Sains responded with precise counters and found his rhythm in the middle rounds. The fight was up for grabs heading into the final round, but Sains’ quality shone through as Osaze’s energy faded. Sains managed to combat Osaze’s attacks and edge out the victory, keeping his unbeaten record intact.
Perhaps the night’s most dramatic moment came courtesy of Emmanuel Buttigieg, who staged a late knockout of Jake Goodwin in their middleweight clash. Buttigieg, 21 and undefeated at 12-0 (4 KOs), overcame adversity after being docked two points in successive rounds for repeatedly losing his mouthguard. Goodwin, sensing an upset, pressed hard and looked on track to claim a decision. But Buttigieg roared back in the eighth and ninth, landing a crushing right uppercut and following with a left hook that sent Goodwin crashing to the canvas. Referee Lee Avery waved it off as Goodwin staggered to his feet, handing Buttigieg a much-needed knockout win—and a lesson in perseverance.
The prelims saw super middleweight Taylor Bevan continue his knockout streak, stopping Martin Ezequiel Bulacio in the second round. Bevan, now 8-0 with all wins by knockout, dropped Bulacio with a stiff left to the body at 2:16, prompting referee Amy Pu to halt the contest.
All told, the Copper Box Arena played host to nearly 5,000 passionate fans, each treated to a night of boxing that delivered on every front—rising stars, championship drama, and a taste of what’s to come for British boxing. With Liddard’s star on the rise and a potential showdown with Liam Smith looming, the stage is set for even bigger nights ahead.