GEORGE LIDDARD has moved beyond the disappointment of West Ham’s opening match loss to secure the European middleweight championship.
He is now looking forward to a potential bout in London against WBO middleweight titleholder Denzel Bentley.
Liddard arrived at the Copper Box Arena, near the London Stadium, only to learn that his beloved Hammers were trailing to Charlton.
The first match of West Ham’s long-awaited Championship return after 14 years ended in a surprising 2-1 loss to their London rivals.
However, Liddard brought joy to West Ham supporters by defeating Italian fighter Dario Morello in the eighth round.
He recounted, “Honestly, I was in the lobby at Stratford when someone came up to me and said, ‘They’re leading 1-0, seven minutes in.’
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“I couldn’t believe it. I thought, it can’t be a bad day for both of us, so I had to do something to improve it.
“Let’s hope we don’t find ourselves lingering in the Championship for another year; it’s been a tough start, hasn’t it?
“But I really hope I brought some cheer to the West Ham fans who were there.”
Liddard has now achieved the domestic trifecta, adding the European title to his British and Commonwealth titles.
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World champion Bentley, also a West Ham supporter, was present ringside in East London cheering for fellow gym mate P.A. Gordon, who ended in a draw against Leli Buttigieg.
However, Bentley left the venue before Liddard had the chance to suggest a fight in London after his victory over Morello.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is keen to arrange this match within the coming year.
Hearn stated, “I would be confident in having him face Denzel Bentley next. I truly believe he’s ready for that challenge.
“At the same time, we’re only going to improve. I’ve noticed some of Bentley’s interviews. He’s doing what any fighter would do in his position—he’s secured the WBO middleweight title and is now looking to maximize his earnings.
“He’s likely targeting bigger matches and more prominent names than George Liddard for now. Yet, this is a significant domestic matchup for London, featuring the WBO middleweight champion against the British, Commonwealth, and European middleweight champion, both hailing from the same city. This is about history and legacy. If the financials are right for Denzel, I believe he’ll accept the fight.
“However, I can understand why he may be hesitant to grant this young contender a shot. He might be focusing on fighters like Canelo, who present life-altering financial opportunities.
“So, we’ll see, but I genuinely believe this is a must-make fight for 2026, likely taking place in the first half of 2027.”
